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bedroom tax in northern ireland
inside housing reporting that -
‘A deal to pave the way for the introduction of the bedroom tax in Northern Ireland is due to be announced ‘within weeks’, senior political sources have said.
Inside Housing reported in August that a behind closed doors deal had been reached with the Treasury that existing tenants should be exempt from the penalty.
Sources within first minister Peter Robinson’s office have said a deal is ‘close to being announced’, after months of negotiations with the UK Treasury.
The Northern Irish Government has the power to decide its own package of welfare reforms, but will have to foot the bill if it deviates from Westminster policy.
A welfare reform bill is awaiting consent from the executive before being bought before the assembly.’
Although it adds that ‘a spokesperson for the Department for Social Development said it was not aware of a deal to exempt existing tenants.’