5^th Aug 2014

In what is viewed as a major about turn, the Liberal Democrats are calling for reform in the "bedroom tax".

Danny Alexander the Chief Secretary to the Treasury. is championing the change that would mean disabled adults should not be included and that no one should have their housing benefit cut due to the tax. unless a smaller home is offered as an alternative. 

This is seen within Westminster as just falling short of stipulating that the "bedroom tax" is kicked out. Their stance comes after a DWP analysis which states that over 50% of the half a million tenants eligible to penalised by the tax, are behind with their rent. Only 5% of these tenants have found a smaller home.

In a piece that appeared in the Daily Mirror, Mr Alexander challenged their Coalition partners that it was “clearly time to take stock and change our approach” on the policy.
 
He said: “As a Liberal Democrat I want everyone to have the opportunity to have a secure and decent home.
 
“We brought in changes to how housing benefit is calculated in the social housing sector with the best of intentions.
 
“However, a recent report shows people are having to cut back on household essentials despite the help offered through Discretionary Housing Payments.
 
“Therefore, we have reviewed our position so only those already in the social rented sector who turn down suitable smaller homes will see a reduction in their benefit. These commitments will be in the Lib Dem manifesto and we will push for it as Government policy right away.
 
“This change, combined with a commitment to build 300,000 houses a year in the next Parliament, will build on the progress we have already made to address Britain’s housing problem.”
 
The Tories however dismissed the Lib Dems about turn and said that their party would not be swayed, as it remains fully committed to the change and that the government must stick with their policies to reduce the benefits bill.

Labour will be testing the Liberal Democrats commitment to throw out the policy in a new Commons' vote, at the same time they accused Nick Clegg of “unbelievable hypocrisy”.
 
Shadow work and pensions secretary Rachel Reeves said: “The Lib Dems voted for the bedroom tax. There wouldn't be a bedroom tax if it wasn't for the Lib Dems. And in February when Labour tabled a bill to scrap the bedroom tax, the Lib Dems were nowhere to be seen.”