The ?Bedroom Tax' is a policy which Jon Cruddas MP, along with his fellow Labour MPs, has been in strong opposition to since its introduction back in 2013. Since then Jon has been campaigning against the socially damaging policy across Dagenham and Rainham in the hope of highlighting its unjust impact on the local area.
Last week there was a vote on the Bedroom Tax in parliament. The Liberal Democrats have repeatedly joined the Tories to keep the Bedroom Tax in place and have previously resisted any attempt to protect people from it. Yet last week the Liberal Democrats joined Labour in voting against their own policy in Parliament.
The ?tax' which penalises council tenants who are deemed to have more rooms than needed, has hit local communities hard, with over 1,216 constituents in Dagenham and Rainham being affected. These statistics are provided by the National Housing Federation. Many of those who have been hit by the tax; and those who will be hit by it in the future, are families already struggling to make ends meet. Jon Cruddas has confirmed that many of those contacting his office are vulnerable constituents, such as those with disabilities, carers, families of soldiers and foster parents.
Many local constituents have voiced their concerns over this matter, and thanks to the recent action in parliament Dagenham and Rainham is one step closer in the fight to overturn the ?Bedroom Tax'.
Jon Cruddas commented: "Despite the clear evidence that the Bedroom Tax is causing misery, hardship and forcing thousands to rely on food banks, the Lib Dems and Tories have voted again and again in favour of it. If this government won't ditch the Bedroom Tax, then the next Labour government will."
"Thanks to the support of Labour MPs the vote in parliament last week was won. Unfortunately the vote will not abolish the bedroom tax, but it is a step in the right direction and a glimmer of hope for many that have been hit by the tax in the local area."