TENANTS are trapped with no way out, only increased hardship, because of the 'bedroom tax', a conference will hear today.

A study of social landlords in Scotland, including many of Glasgow's big housing associations, found government help to be insufficient and lack of available smaller properties leaving tens of thousands with a cut in benefits.

Almost every housing association is expecting an increase in rent arrears as a result of the 'bedroom tax' and fear it will impact on the quality of services delivered to tenants.

The Scottish Federation of Housing Association is hosting a two-day conference in Glasgow with speakers from the Scottish Government and housing experts on the impact of the welfare reforms and efforts by landlords and Scottish Government to help.

Research by SFHA found that since the changes on April 1, more than two thirds of housing associations have been inundated with requests for help.

The UK Department of Work and Pensions has allocated £10million to Scottish councils for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) to give to people in need but with the shortfall expected to be more than £50m it will not help all those who need it.

The report concluded the aim was reducing the budget and not improving access to housing.

It stated: "The so-called 'bedroom tax' is frequently described as 'unfair' and 'arbitrary' by respondents.

"This underlines that it is in reality a blunt instrument to rein in benefits spending.

"For most tenants receiving DHPs, this temporary assistance merely postpones financial hardship, with no guarantees for success upon re-applying."

The study found that tenants affected will have to find on average an extra £11 a week for rent to make up the benefit shortfall.

Tenants on housing benefit deemed to be under-occupying by one bedroom face a 14% cut in benefits while those with two or more 'spare' rooms will have a 25% cut applied.

The majority are under-occupying by one room and UK ministers and DWP officials have said they should move to a smaller home to continue to receive the full payment.

However, the research shows one-bedroom properties make up just 26% of the overall social housing stock and only 12% of those become available for let each year.

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk