Dobson and Crow rolled out again...as Government targets social tenants earning £60,000

Published by 24publishing for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Local Government

The Government is set to launch a consultation on its so-called 'pay to stay' model where couples in both council and housing association homes earning more than £60,000 will be asked to pay higher rents.

Ministers want to plough the income raised through the measure back into new supply.

Previously, the Government suggested an income limit of £100,000. However, reports over the weekend say that such a cap "would affect only around 6,000 households", and add that ministers are now looking at "a lower limit for next month’s consultation".

The reports, once again, highlight both union leader Bob Crow and Frank Dobson, the Labour MP, who have both been criticised for living in 'subsidised housing' despite reportedly earning more than £100,000 a year.

Reports suggest the lower £60,000 threshold would affect 34,000 households and government officials believe it could raise £21.6m a year.

It's understood Conservative strategists have identified perceived abuse of social housing as a "key issue among working class voters", and are hoping the lower £60,000 cap will "trigger a political row similar to that over cuts in welfare benefits".

Last week Hammersmith and Fulham Council said it was rolling out plans that would see couples earning over £40,000 a year in social housing pay higher rents.