MORE than 1,000 high-rise flats in Nottingham have been classed as one-bedroom homes so there is no chance of tenants being hit by the so-called "bedroom tax".
In addition, 112 properties have had smaller bedrooms designated as studies to avoid the housing benefit changes which come in on April 1.
Tenants face losing £11 a week in housing benefit if their home has one spare bedroom and £20 for two.
The reduction, imposed by the Government, is designed to prevent under-occupancy.
People outside Southchurch Court in Clifton who spoke to the Post said they were pleased with the council's move.
Janet Rose, 42, a garden centre worker, said: "I have a second bedroom because I do respite care for my severely autistic grandson, so it's nice that I'm not being doubly penalised for doing the work as I don't get paid for it.
"If I didn't do it the council would have to pay for someone to do it so I'm saving them money.
"Having to find the extra £14 a week would have made it a struggle financially."
Mark Hubbard, 26, said: "It's a weight off my shoulders as I wanted to keep the spare room for when my three-year-old son comes to stay over. I pay £69 a week rent so it would have been a lot to pay on top.
"I wouldn't mind my son staying in my room now but obviously if I were to get into a relationship it wouldn't be fair on my partner.
"I did consider asking the council to move me into a one-bedroom flat to avoid the extra cost so it's good news."
Nottingham City Homes said the decision to classify the 1,019 high-rise flats it runs as "one bedroom" would also make it easier to let properties on higher floors in the future.
Gill Moy, director of housing at Nottingham City Homes, added: "Together with the city council we are constantly looking at our housing stock, how we allocate it and the needs of our tenants and prospective tenants – making sure we have the right home for the right people.
"We have also identified bedrooms which are less than 50 square feet – we consider it reasonable to not include those when determining the number of bedrooms on a property."
A Nottingham City Council spokesman added: "It is more important than ever that we let our stock properly.
"For example, very small rooms can't realistically be used as bedrooms.
"This decision has clarified the classification of our housing stock so that we can let it efficiently and appropriately."
