Colchester News
Sir Bob challenges "bedroom tax"
4:49pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012
SIR Bob Russell voted against his own Government over plans to introduce a “bedroom tax” on under-used council houses.
The Colchester MP was among nine Liberal Democrats in Parliament to vote against the coalition policy.
Tenants with spare rooms will be offered smaller accommodation or be docked benefits if they refused to move.
It is designed to help shorten the list of people waiting for social housing and cut the benefits budget.
Sir Bob backed calls from the House of Lords to soften the policy, but it was passed in its original form in the Commons on Tuesday.
He said: “I think people should have a positive incentive, not a negative financial one, as this clearly is."
Full story and interview in Thursday's Gazette.