The Welfare Reform Bill returns to Parliament this week and this may be the last
opportunity to kill or seriously change this unpleasant measure.
To mention just 2 of the proposals:
- The new benefits cap will heavily penalise larger families and those living in parts of the country with higher rents.
- The plans to introduce a penalty for under occupancy will mean that any tenants deemed to have one or more spare bedrooms will see benefits slashed.
Congratulations to the National Housing Federation for organising a National Welfare Week of Action starting today. There are a lot of proposed activities during the week.
Each day has its own theme and many of the activities are aimed at lobbying MPs. See here for more information.
David Orr, the Federation’s Chief Executive, said: ‘The very people the government should be helping during these tough economic times: the disabled, foster carers and families – are exactly the people who will be hammered by these measures. Hard up families will be left with a stark choice if these proposals go ahead: either move out of your home to a cheaper area or stay put and live in hardship or debt.’
‘We believe these reforms will be hugely damaging to community life and will see people priced out of their homes, away from local schools, and their support networks. With time running out to influence ministers, this week is the chance for anyone who is concerned about these proposals to stand up and be counted.’
Red Brick would urge our readers to spread the word and join in wherever possible.