North Lanarkshire Council has confirmed its stance on tenants in rent arrears due to the introduction of the UK Government's bedroom tax policy.

At a meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee last week, Councillors voted through key decisions about those who find themselves in arrears because of the welfare changes.

They confirmed that anyone who was in arrears solely due to the introduction of the bedroom tax, or under-occupancy charge, in April will not face eviction proceedings in this financial year. However, tenants who are in difficulty must make contact with the council to discuss their situation and fill in applications for any other funding that might help them, such as discretionary housing payments.

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For tenants who were in arrears prior to April 2013, they will be dealt with as normal and will have to come to a suitable arrangement with the council about those arrears.

Councillor Jim Smith, depute leader of North Lanarkshire Council, commented: "We know that the introduction of this legislation has left many of our tenants worried and facing real financial hardship.

"No council in Scotland is doing as much as we are to combat the effects of this horrendous UK Government legislation.

"We have already allocated the maximum amount possible to top up the discretionary housing payment fund, and in total we have invested more than £6 million to help alleviate the worst of the pressure but we have to act within the law.

"We have written several times to people affected to offer help and support, and nearly 3000 tenants have taken up that offer."

(JP/CD)