A COUPLE who suffered heartache and sleepless nights after discovering they would be badly hit by the so-called “bedroom tax” have now found they will not have to pay towards their rent.

Pete Bailey-Hague, from Ulleskelf, has multiple sclerosis, is blind, and suffers from sleep apnoea, which means he requires constant monitoring and medical machinery to ensure his airways remain open.

As previously reported, Selby District Council and specialist firm Keepmoat had adapted their home for Pete’s needs, and the couple live on a very tight budget because of Pete’s condition.

They were then horrified to learn they would have to pay towards their rent as the house was classed as having four bedrooms.

However, the couple have since received a letter from the council informing them that an application they made for discretionary housing payment had been accepted, and their rent shortfall would be covered by this benefit until March next year.

Dawn said: “I cannot begin to tell you how we were feeling and how low we were with the impending charges. Like so many people, we survived on a very limited budget due to Pete’s dIsabilities.

“We have just been told that after much heartache and sleepless nights from worry, we have been allowed the housing discretionary payment to make up the shortfall that we were meant to pay for under-occupancy.”

The letter was a welcome relief for the couple, who rely on benefits, and have both been unable to work since Pete’s disability worsened, but who worked and paid taxes for years before his illness became so severe.

The couple have passed on their thanks to the council, and said they hoped theirs would not be the only case to end this way.

Dawn said: “A great weight has been lifted from our shoulders. We really hope that people in a similar dilemma to ours can get the help too.”