Campaigners opposed to the so-called bedroom tax have secured a commitment from Fife Council that officers will not pursue tenants with bedroom tax only arrears.
Council leader David Ross has given an assurance that provided tenants have no other mounting arrears, their account will show a “static balance”.
He said it was council policy not to pursue people in this situation.
Maureen Closs of the Fife Anti-Bedroom Tax Campaign said the group had been arguing with the council for some time in a bid to get the arrears written off.
“Apparently under the law it’s not possible but it was very good news to hear from Councillor Ross that there is this solution,” she said.
“We know there are many tenants who have never been in arrears in their lives before the bedroom tax came in and who are worried sick that they may lose their houses.
“We want to get the message out to people that they shold not be sent texts, letters or phone calls from the council harassing them to pay and we would urge anyone in this situation to come to us to have these actions stopped.”
Generally, the only arrears people will have for the tax, properly known as the spare room subsidy, will date back to 2013/14 because the Scottish Government now covers payments on behalf of tenants.
Maureen can be contacted on 01592 200597.