Hundreds of households across Lichfield and Burntwood have been hit by welfare reforms.
A new report has revealed that 449 residents have been impacted by the bedroom tax, while 12 have been affected by a cap on household benefits.
The figures will be discussed by the Lichfield District Board at a meeting on Tuesday (November 19).
The report has been drawn up by the Bromford Group’s head of neighbourhood Julie Walker and outlines a number of measures that are being introduced to help residents cope with the changes.
As well as improved financial advice for local people, Wade Street Church has also hosted an information event for Bromford housing residents who are under-occupying their homes or living in over-crowded properties.
“The event was used to promote mutual exchanges,” the report said, before admitting that just 30 of the 500 households invited attended the event.
The introduction of the bedroom tax caused controversy in Lichfield and Burntwood when a report by the local authority prior to welfare reforms being introduced suggested people affected should consider “moving to a smaller home” or “taking in a lodger”.
Burntwood Labour councillor Sue Woodward described the changes as “appalling”.
“It may be your family home that holds lots of memories of children who have flown the nest,” she told LichfieldLive.
“Now, to be told that you should take a stranger in to meet a shortfall in housing benefit I think is just appalling.”
