THOUSANDS of people across the region could lose out because of planned changes to housing benefit, it has been claimed.
New figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions show that more than 4,000 residents across Cheshire West and Chester (CWaC) could be affected due to the changes planned by the Coalition Government.
Community leaders and residents have expressed concern the most vulnerable in society could be made to suffer as a result of any changes.
CWaC Cllr Reggie Jones, Blacon, said: “London mayor Boris Johnson had it right in terms of housing benefit welfare when he said he doesn’t want to see a massive exodus from London and people being forced to lose their homes. For me, that is the real fear. People who lose out on housing benefits will be forced out of their homes and have to look for cheaper accommodation.
“I am very sceptical of housing benefit reform because it is on the premise that people on benefits are defrauding the system are which just isn't true.
“I recognise there are people who make benefits a lifestyle choice and it is right that we target those people. However the current Government is taking a blanket view on wasters and that is just not right. I believe figures suggest that the majority of people on benefits do so for a short period, not long term.”
He added: “There are vulnerable people, people with disabilities, who are unable to work for whatever reason, who may be affected by these welfare changes. That to me is unfair and inequitable, and I think that the proof of this will start to materialise over time as more and more people become affected.”
The figures suggest 770,000 people across the UK will lose an average of £9 per week, including about 2,000 in nearby Flintshire and a similar number in Wrexham, with the county having a noticeably high number of over 65s who are at risk of receiving reduced housing benefits.
Kathryn Smith, spokesman for Chester-based Muir Group Housing Association, said: “All landlords will feel the impact of the spending review and proposed Government cuts. We know there are going to be some changes. We are in the process of reviewing the proposed cuts to see what effects they might have.”
Residents out and about in Chester city centre this weekend also had mixed opinions about the cuts.
Dr Rani Chandy, of Chester, said: “I am concerned about the proposed cuts for certain people who rely on them. Benefits should be given to people who require them and not to people who might abuse the system.”
Clive Jones, 52, of Wrexham, said: “As a former landlord, I am well aware of the process. I am all for the Conservatives tidying up on things but I get the impression there is an underlying motive. I think they may be trying to force the poor people out and keep the rich people in."