Valleys MPs hand in 8,000 name Bedroom Tax petition (From Campaign Series)

Valleys MPs hand in 8,000 name Bedroom Tax petition

12:45pm Thursday 21st March 2013 in News

THREE Valleys MPs handed in a petition to the Prime Minister opposing the Bedroom Tax.

Signed by over 8,000 people from across the Caerphilly Borough, the petition will be delivered by Islwyn MP Chris Evans, Caerphilly MP Wayne David and MP for Merthyr and Rhymney Dai Havard.

Caerphilly Labour launched the petition in February calling on the UK government to change its Welfare Reform Act and withdraw the cuts to Housing benefit - the so-called Bedroom Tax. As things stand, the Bedroom Tax is to be introduced on 1 April.

Wayne David raised the case of Blackwood couple Mr and Mrs Goodwin in Prime Minister’s Questions three weeks ago, asking the Prime Minister what justification there could be for Mr and Mrs Goodwin, who are both registered blind, to have to pay the Bedroom Tax.

Mr David said, “The Bedroom Tax is a disgraceful attack upon some of least well off and vulnerable people in our society. Government figures show that Wales will be particularly hard hit, especially areas like the Caerphilly Borough. It is clear that people with disabilities are amongst those who will be affected most.

“This petition has been signed by people throughout the length and breadth of the Caerphilly Borough. It has been organised by Caerphilly Labour and has signatures from over 8,000 people. Many of those who have signed will be directly affected by the Bedroom Tax, but many recognise that it is unfair - even though they will not be hit themselves. Even at this late stage, we are calling on the Government to withdraw this unfair welfare change”.