MONMOUTH Labour has unanimously agreed a Motion calling for the National Labour Party to oppose the Under- Occupancy Charge (commonly known as the bedroom tax). The policy was introduced last month.
This charge has led to a reduction in living standards for people living in Social Housing and who claim Housing Benefit. This is because they are considered to be "under-occupying" their property.
The reduction to the benefit people will receive is 14% if they have 1 spare bedroom, and if a person has 2 spare bedrooms,then it is 25%. The reason for this is to steer those people considered to be "under-occupying" social housing in order to downsize, thereby freeing up family homes.
Chepstow Town Councillor, Dale Rooke tabled the Motion. He said that "this policy is causing untold misery on the poorest of our societies. Many are choosing to go hungry instead of going into arrears with their rent."
The Motion calls for ALL Labour MP's, AM's and town and county councillors to comprehensively condemn, and actively oppose the "bedroom tax". Representatives should work together in order to demonstrate the detrimental effect of this policy.
The Chair of Monmouth Labour Party, Amanda Peters, added that "the implementation of the "bedroom tax" is having a serious effect upon the health and living standards of the most vulnerable in our communities. Disabled, divorced parents and parents with children that have flown the nest are all suffering."
The Motion will now be submitted to the 2013 Labour Party Conference. If accepted, it may become Campaign Policy for the 2015 General Election.
