Petition launched to protest unpopular Bedroom Tax

Mar 1 2013 by Sandy Clarke, Irvine Herald

A petition has been launched in protest at the Tories’ unpopular Bedroom Tax.

Over 3700 homes across North Ayrshire are set to be hit by the tax.

Housing benefit will be reduced by 14 per cent for homes with one spare room, and 25 per cent for homes with two or more spare rooms.

Critics of the bedroom tax have dubbed it “David Cameron’s Poll Tax”, in reference to the unpopular tax introduced by Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s.

Now, North Ayrshire MP Katy Clark has launched a petition against the tax, which she calls “unfair”.

The Labour MP said: “Very few people who will be affected will be able to move to smaller properties as the council and local housing associations simply do not have enough stock and is a particular shortage of one bedroom properties.”

“Through no fault of their own thousands of my constituents will be forced into debt and as the situation currently stands could face eviction.

“The ludicrousness of the bedroom tax could then see those evicted placed in a property too large, due to the lack of appropriate houses, only for the process to start all over again.”

The MP launched her petition in Kilwinning last Thursday, receiving significant support from local residents who are concerned about how the tax will affect their lives.

Ms Clark added: “I have opposed the bedroom tax from day one and I am determined to help my constituents in any way I can.”

To sign the petition online, visit www.katyclark.org.uk