Even Stormont knows downsizing is stupid. In 2013, the British government introduced “social sector size criteria” – deductions in housing benefit for people in property judged too large for their needs. The policy applies to pensioners if their partner is below pension age. Critics swiftly dubbed it “the bedroom tax”, a jibe by which it has become universally known. Sinn Féin refused to rubber-stamp it over into Northern Ireland’s parallel welfare system. After a two-year stand-off with the DUP, both parties reached a deal with London to mitigate deductions for the majority of claimants. This remains the only case of any financial significance where Stormont has used its devolved welfare powers.

While targeting social housing tenants was considered particularly cruel, the central failing of the bedroom tax also applies to owner-occupiers: there is nowhere for them to downsize to. Suitable properties are not available, or are so scarce they sell for a premium, making it pointless to move.

The Irish Government is considering a relaxation of planning laws to allow small........

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