An Angus dad has hit out at the so-called ‘bedroom tax’ following a dispute over a £50 bill with the local authority.
Robert Patterson, of Glenisla Drive in Arbroath, is being charged £7.24 per week because he has an extra room in his flat.
The bill has now run up to just over £50 but, despite receiving red letters from Angus Council, he is refusing to pay up “on principle”.
Mr Patterson has access with his daughter three times a week and said the extra room is not empty and is used when she stays over.
He said: “I can’t afford to pay the excess money and won’t on principle. The room is not empty it is used by my daughter when she stays over.
“If I downsize to a one-bedroom, she won’t have anywhere to sleep. They can chase me for money all they want but I won’t be paying them. It’s just a joke.”
Mr Patterson is also angry after his home was infested with woodworm.
He claimed the council came out but only fixed half of the problem and have never returned, despite repeated calls.
A spokesman for Angus Council said: “Under the terms of the UK Government’s welfare reform legislation, most specifically the rules set out by the Department for Work and Pensions child access arrangements, Mr Patterson is under-occupying the flat and, therefore, his housing benefits were reduced.
“Mr Patterson is eligible for discretionary housing payment, which we will be discussing with him. However, as this is a temporary resolution, we will also discuss other housing options with him.
“We will also use this opportunity to confirm with Mr Patterson that a further inspection had been carried out by the timber preservation contractor, who confirmed that the initial treatment was successful and no further work is required.”