In Plain English
AI-generatedMay contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
This bill would ensure that rooms used as safe spaces or sanctuary rooms in social housing are not counted as bedrooms when applying the under-occupancy penalty (the so-called 'bedroom tax'). It would protect people who need a dedicated safe room from being penalised under these rules.
Key Points
- Exempts safe/sanctuary rooms from counting towards the under-occupancy penalty for social housing tenants.
- Aims to safeguard victims of domestic abuse who require a dedicated safe room from penalty when determining housing costs or benefits.
- May require changes to how rooms are counted in benefit and housing rules to implement the exemption.
Who is affected?
Tenants in social housing who have a safe or sanctuary roomVictims of domestic abuse and their families who use sanctuary roomsHousing associations and local authorities managing social housingClaimants under housing benefit or Universal Credit with social housing costs
Generated 21 February 2026
