A Liverpool housing association which helped create smaller homes for families who can’t afford the ‘bedroom tax’ is up for a national award.

Cobalt Housing knocked down walls in over 80 houses to convert them from three to two-bedroom homes after it noticed a drop in demand for three-bedroom properties in Croxteth, Norris Green and Fazakerly.

This innovative approach to overcoming the problem has seen Cobalt, part of Symphony Housing Group, shortlisted in the ‘Outstanding Approach to Repairs and Maintenance’ category at the UK Housing Awards 2016.

Alan Rogers, Cobalt managing director, says: “We’re really proud to have made it to the finals of the awards, which recognise excellence in housing nationally.

“Welfare reform and the bedroom tax was the key driver for us to develop a new and innovative approach to making sure we are providing decent homes of the right size that people can afford to live in.

Alan adds: “Customers are telling us they’re really happy with the converted properties and we are planning to make the same changes to over 100 more.”

The UK Housing Awards take place in London on 26 April.

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