RESPONDING to the Government's under-occupation charge – commonly known as the 'bedroom tax' – local housing organisation Two Rivers have developed a series of initiatives, aiming to help their tenants to manage their options.

The charge, which applies to anyone receiving benefits under pension age, is a widely criticised move, intended to make tenants move to smaller properties if they are deemed to be under occupying their home. This is calculated by the number of spare bedrooms that they have, with those with one spare bedroom seeing a deduction of 14 per cent of their benefits, while two spare bedrooms incurs a cut of 25 per cent of their benefits.

In a statement, Two Rivers said that the charge had affected around 350 of their tenants, and commented: 'One option is for tenants to move to a smaller house, but this is a daunting prospect. That's why Two Rivers Housing is supporting its tenants throughout the whole process, from helping them find a suitable property, providing moving advice, and sharing some of the costs.'

Rachel Smith, Head of Housing at Two Rivers, said: "We don't have a limitless supply of one or two bedroom houses, and moving won't be the answer for everyone, but we can share our expertise and help those tenants who do want to move when properties are available.

"We understand the expense of moving house, which is exacerbated when you're already on a low or reduced income. Our contribution towards some of the costs should hopefully mean one less thing for our tenants to worry about."

To date, eight families who are Two Rivers tenants have been helped by the organisation's scheme, and have managed to make their move to a smaller home.

Two Rivers is currently looking into building more one an two bedroom homes in an effort to help their tenants who are hit by the penalties associated with the charge.

One tenant, Beverley Jones from Sedbury, was supported by the organisation when she moved eight doors down her street from a three to a two bedroom house. She said: "It was great that my daughter and I could still stay in the community that I have been in for the past 25 years. I have arthritis and Two Rivers have made sure the house was suitable for me by putting up handrails where I needed them."

Tenants of Two Rivers who wish to discuss a transfer have been asked to speak to a neighbourhood housing advisor. They also have two welfare advisors, Rebecca James and Gwyn Yarlett, who are also available to help with both the under occupation charge, and the imminent introduction of the Government's new Universal Credit benefits scheme.

Customer Services is available on 0800 316 0897.