HOUSING provider Helena Homes has backed moves to scrap the ‘bedroom tax’ but has warned tenants not to expect a change in the law “any time soon.”

MPs voted in favour of a private members bill by Liberal Democrat Andrew George to amend the tax.

The bill would exempt tenants who have not received a reasonable offer of alternative accommodation from landlords from paying the tax, as well as disabled tenants whose homes have been adapted.

If the bill succeeds, commentators say it would be would mean the effective abolition of the ‘bedroom tax.’

More than 3,000 Helena tenants were affected by the introduction of the tax with the housing association having helped many stay in their homes or move to smaller properties when they became available.

Liz Haworth, Executive Director for Business Transformation at Helena, said that although they were encouraged by a vote in Westminster to kill off the charge, those tenants affected still had to pay it and there was only a small chance that legislation would reach the next stage of approval before the parliamentary deadline.

Liz said: “We have lobbied hard against the Government’s so-called Bedroom Tax and seen first-hand how it has pushed tenants into debt in what are already tough economic times. Any moves to repeal the charge are welcome.

“Sadly though, there is only a small chance that this private member’s bill will clear all the hurdles it needs to before running out of parliamentary time and so we will continue to advise and support those affected and encourage anyone who is struggling to pay the subsidy to contact us for help.

“We have helped hundreds and hundreds of people put their finances in order or downsize to smaller properties.

“Welfare Reform, including the new Universal Credit benefits system, pose great challenges for us and our customers but we will continue to work together to overcome them.”

St Helens South and Whiston MP Shaun Woodward has also recently lent his support to scrapping the tax, stating the MPs’ vote signalled the “beginning of the end” for the charge.

Anyone who is Helena tenant and who is switched to Universal Credit should call the Housing association immediately on 01704 637383 for help and advice.