Patricia Anne, a full-time carer from Berkshire, tells us how she has been hit by the bedroom tax

I found Patricia on Facebook, consoling another woman who said she was depressed, and that her life was “basically over”, after her benefits were cut and she was hit by the bedroom tax, despite being too ill to walk let alone work. Sometimes only the people who have experienced something similar are the ones ready to understand. This is something we need to change. Here Trisha tells us her own story:

 

In my mid fifties I had an okay job as a bridal consultant. Then, my father sadly died and I had to become a full-time carer to my now 90-year-old mum and leave my job. I visit my mum daily to care for her, helping her with meals and chores.

I receive £62 per week for caring for my mother, saving the local authorities and government thousands. I also get £80 every two weeks top up. Minus £12 in council tax and I was left with approximately £91 a week.

Three years ago my girls’ dad died and I had to move into a small 2-bedroom flat. My youngest of 20 was living at home, but left to go to New Zealand travelling, where she met her partner. On her return, after a while she moved in with him. My daughters and my grandson often stay over night, as does my mum—for a small change of scenery.

I have now been hit by the bedroom tax, which is £20 a week out of my £91. I thought that at my age I was safe and secure in my own home, but now, due to this, I am scared and may be forced to move out. But a) there are no 1-bedroom places available, b) it’s much needed company having my family stay over occasionally and c) what if one of my girls needs to return home, or my mum were to need more closely looking after?

I did not foresee having to claim benefits but life doesn’t always go to plan. Not everyone is a benefit ‘scrounger’. I worked from the age of 15, so I have paid my dues to society. Benefits should always be there as a safety net for these uncontrollable occurrences in life.

 

Our Questions for Trisha

 

1) If you were forced to move out would that mean being further from your mum?

Maybe as there are no 1-bedroom properties. It would not be sustainable to move from near my mum, in case of emergencies.

 

2) Do you worry for your own future, and how you will be looked after when you get old?

Yes I worry as the older you get it seems you become a burden.

 

3) How does it make you feel to be punished by the government now after having done everything right and worked all your life?

After having worked since 15 I am totally disillusioned by this government. Private sector carers would cost thousands, yet I am punished.

 

4) What would you say to people who voted for more cuts and/or support the bedroom tax, to try and change their minds?

I would say spend a day in my shoes and see how hard it is to sustain yourself daily. If life’s traumas ever happen to you, you will know the truth then.