Family values

Much has been said about the overhaul of the benefits system and in particular the “bedroom tax”. Such a policy has many consequences, some more obvious than others. One such consequence, not considered by the policy makers, is the effect it could have on parents who have separated, particularly a parent who is trying to have contact with his or her children.

In circumstances where parents separate, generally the children live with one parent while retaining contact with the other. Contact is usually granted or agreed on a residential and non-residential basis. One of the fundamental issues considered by a court in deciding whether to grant residential and or non-residential contact is the suitability of the accommodation of the person making the application. It is generally seen as a prerequisite of residential contact that the child has suitable accommodation while enjoying contact with his or her parent. That generally means a separate bedroom.

The government’s policy therefore discriminates directly against parents who wish to exercise contact with their children and live in properties with two or more bedrooms.

In order to comply with the policy, one parent may have to move away from the area in order to relocate to a smaller property or face the option of staying put and enduring a reduction in benefit income.

Either scenario is detrimental to the health and wellbeing of children.

It seems clear to members of the Family Law Association that the bedroom tax is ill conceived and has the propensity to have far reaching consequences which have not been thought through properly by the government. The association is deeply concerned about the effect of the policy on families and their right to a family life.

It is hoped the government will reconsider this futile policy.

Sally Swinney

Family Law Association Scotland

High Street

Peebles