1.5k in cutstarget group

OVER 1,500 housing benefits recipients in Londonderry are under the age of 25, the target group of new cost-saving housing benefits cuts introduced at the start of the year which will force many to leave their homes to live in shared bedsits and digs, it has been revealed.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Jul 2012, 12:59 BST

Housing Minister Nelson McCausland has revealed there are currently 1,538 Housing Benefit claimants under the age of 25 within the Housing Executive’s Waterside, Waterloo Place and Collon Terrace District Office areas.

Two months ago he said over 700 people in Londonderry are affected by the cost-saving housing benefits cuts.

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New and existing housing benefit claimants in the city may be forced out of their homes by Whitehall’s cost-cutting extension of the Shared Accommodation Rate (SAR) from the under 25s to the under 35s.

The age threshold for application of the shared accommodation rate increased from 25 to 35 from January 1, 2012.

Previously, people over 25 could apply for help to pay rent on a one-bedroom flat. Now you have to be over 35 to get this benefit and anyone under that age can only apply for a shared room benefit.

Housing Minister Nelson McCausland said 779 existing housing benefit cases in Londonderry are affected be the cuts.