Tenants in Angus who have had their housing benefit reduced due to the introduction of the 'bedroom tax', are being encouraged to apply for a discretionary housing payment.

The local authority's finance spokesperson, Councillor Alex King, said: "Additional funds have been given to the council to help lessen the impact of the recently introduced welfare reforms on residents.

"Additional funds are now available to assist tenants who have had their housing benefit cut as a result of the under occupancy rules applied by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) - there is no reason for anyone on housing benefit to go into arrears with their rent.

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"I urge any tenants who have had their housing benefit cut by the DWP to apply to Angus Council for a discretionary housing payment, even if they have previously been refused one. Entitlement to a discretionary housing payment isn't automatic but we will help everyone who is eligible.

"While these additional funds offer welcome relief for tenants and landlords, it is a clumsy solution to a more fundamental problem and is still only a short term fix for affected tenants."

The additional funds which have been given to Angus Council by the DWP and the Scottish Government will be used to top-up the discretionary housing payment scheme, while the remaining funds will be held in a new Welfare Reform Fund within the Council.

(JP/CD)