THOUSANDS of people in Hull struggling to pay the so-called "bedroom tax" could avoid eviction for rent arrears.
City councillors have agreed to review the authority's housing policies after the subsidy cut for tenants deemed to have spare bedrooms came into force earlier this month.
Housing portfolio holder Councillor John Black has already said the council will only resort to evictions due to rent arrears as a last resort.
Now, the full council has unanimously backed a move to review its tenancy policies in a bid to help people who cannot pay their rent.
Councillors have also ordered officials to examine whether they can reclassify smaller box bedrooms in some council properties.
If agreed, it could reduce the recognised number of bedrooms in some homes.
Many of the 4,700 households in Hull hit by the Government subsidy cut are now facing having to pay part of their rent for the first time.
Councillor Dean Kirk, who was suspended from Hull's ruling Labour group after voting against its annual budget proposals, moved an initial motion at yesterday's full council meeting asking for support for a no-eviction policy.
However, he subsequently agreed to an amendment from Cllr Black requesting the policy review.
Cllr Kirk said: "I put forward the motion out of frustration.
"There are many residents in my ward who are affected by this but there is not a lot of advice or help I can give them.
"By accepting the amendment, we can still look at our policies and give some kind of reassurance that this is a priority for the council.
"What is important to remember is, as well as the 'bedroom tax', people are having to pay more in council tax and in rent.
"All these increase have been brought about by the current Government.
"It is a sad state of affairs.
"All the focus has been on bedrooms and properties but this is about the human beings who live in them.
"I'm afraid some people in this Government seem to forget about the human cost to all this.
"The benefit reforms have been absolutely horrific. They are a direct attack on the working poor and will undoubtedly create more homeless people in Hull.
"I think the 'bedroom tax' should be abolished and I believe it is the duty of the council and the people of Hull to keep fighting it."
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