CUTS to the benefits dubbed 'Bedroom Tax Two' and which will see younger renters in social housing lose up to a quarter of their assistance are "necessary" the Scottish Tories have said.
Amid fury from councils and housing associations that the planned changes will spark a major spike in arrears and fuel homeless, the Tories have said the new system illustrated the difficulties in creating a welfare system "that is fair to everyone".
But anti-poverty campaigners have joined those condemning the plans, claiming they are ideologically driven from Westminster and will force people in their 30s out of living alone.
The Herald revealed this week how the DWP will from early 2019 only pay social tenants the so-called Local Housing Allowance (LHA).
But single tenants under 35 with no children will see their benefits limited to the ‘shared accommodation rate’ (SAR) which is much lower than the average for one-bedroom properties. It means that a younger tenant in Glasgow who would normally be entitled to £92.06 under the current system, will receive £68.28 in housing benefit.
It has sparked fears it will undermine Scottish Government plans to build 50,000 new affordable homes, increase homelessness, and weaken public sector finances across Scotland,
But a spokesman for the Scottish Tories said: “Reforms in benefits are necessary and challenging, which is why the UK Government has taken them on.
“It’s been made clear on a number of occasions that where there are concerns, they will be taken on board.
“As the SNP is gradually finding out, creating a welfare system that is fair to everyone is anything but easy.”
Social landlords across the country, both councils and housing associations, have already begun assessing the numbers of under-35s currently residing in their properties to gauge the scale of the impact in 2019.
Carla McCormack, policy and parliamentary with Poverty Alliance, said: "This is yet another ideologically driven cut from the UK government designed in a way that will cause the most harm to young people.
"We have seen support for young people undermined repeatedly by this government and for many this will mark the end of their ability to live independently.
"The Scottish Government and local authorities must now work together to consider the best way to mitigate against this."
SNP MP Mhairi Black added: ''It shouldn't surprise anyone that the Tories are still determined to assault the most vulnerable in society with a Bedroom Tax Two.
"These new cuts are a clear indication that Westminster has not turned its back on austerity and even more cuts to come and once again the victims will be those least able to cope.
''This government keeps turning its back on those who deserve support and help but the SNP will continue to be the only effective opposition at Westminster - and we will continue to be a thorn in the side of the Tories.''
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