Tag: Baroness Scott of Needham Market

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Scott of Needham Market on 2014-05-07.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to increase the tax-free allowance given to individuals who rent out a room in their property.

Lord Deighton

The Government currently has no plans to increase the threshold for rent a room relief.

As with all aspects of the tax system, the Government keeps all tax reliefs under review, and any decisions on changes will be taken as part of the annual Budget process in the context of the wider public finances.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Scott of Needham Market on 2014-06-11.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress has been made on reaching a decision over proposals to increase rent arrear deductions from 5 per cent to 40 per cent under Universal Credit.

Lord Freud

We recently consulted on the proposal to increase the rate of rent arrears deductions in Universal Credit. We are currently considering the consultation responses.

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Scott of Needham Market on 2014-06-11.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what analysis has been made of the ability of Universal Credit recipients to meet other essential needs after rent arrears have been deducted at the proposed level of 40 per cent.

Lord Freud

Deductions from Universal Credit are made after considering the claimant’s individual circumstances and ability to afford the deductions. The maximum that can be deducted for all deductions, including rent arrears, is an amount equivalent to 40 per cent of the claimant’s Universal Credit Standard Allowance. The only exceptions to this rule are deductions for normal consumption of utilities and in cases where a sanction or penalty is being applied or a (Universal Credit) advance is being recovered. Where appropriate the rate of deduction can be reduced.