Statement re bedroom tax demonstration

The Green Party issues the following statement in response to today's anti-bedroom tax march through Birkenhead.


The Green Party has opposed the bedroom tax from the start and actively campaigns with AntiBedroom Tax groups calling for its immediate abolition

The Labour Party's pledge to abolish the bedroom tax if it wins the election in 2015 should be backed by a nationwide campaign calling for immediate abolition and by guidance to local councils on how to minimise its impact now.

Wirral Council should follow up its welcome decision not to challenge tenants who have won appeals -- a decision taken under pressure from Green  councillor Pat Cleary and ABT campaigners --, by not sending representatives to lower tribunal hearings. This would save taxpayers' money and greatly assist hard-pressed tenants.