Reform of the bedroom tax
In The Independent - letter
Originally published by East Midlands Liberal Democrats
We, the undersigned Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidates and activists have championed reform of the bedroom tax in the Liberal Democrat manifesto.
Andrew George MP's Affordable Housing Bill, which the right-wing Conservatives refused to support, proposes removing all under-occupancy charges in social housing for the most vulnerable and those most in need. This includes protecting those with disabilities, those who have carers, joint custody of their children or families in the Army.
We are also pleased to support revoking the under-occupancy charge (the bedroom tax), so it will only apply to new tenancies going forward.
The under-occupancy levy was introduced in private rented sector in the early 2000s, and it is logical to apply this to new tenancies for social housing, but not where people would be left without food or shelter.
Kelly-Marie Blundell
Parliamentary Candidate for Guildford and others (full list here)
East Midland Members
Kate Smith - PPC Amber Valley, Derbys
Matan Duveen - Bassetlaw
Leon Duveen - PPC for Bassetlaw & Sherwood
Jennie Coggles - Bassetlaw and Sherwood
Michael Mullaney - PPC Bosworth