Not surprised to hear that the rumour is not true! I found it hard to believe that the Government could be so stupid as to exempt Government Ministers from the charge. It would have been the perfect gift for those opposing the charge.
The Government have exempted all council tenants, as I understand it, regardless of their ability to pay which I see as very unfair to many people in a worse financial situation who rent from private landlords or have a mortgage on their property but who don't have an exemption. Many people feel the Government can't be trusted to do the right thing.