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Over half of bedroom tax victims forced into debt

More than half of families hit by the government's controversial bedroom tax have been pushed into debt, new research has revealed.

A survey of 51 English housing associations by the National Housing Federation (NHF), found that 51% (32,432) of residents affected by the widely condemned under-occupancy policy have been unable to pay their rent between April and June. 

Party leaders urged to reject benefit claimant 'stereotypes'

A new campaign has kicked off with a letter to the UK's political party leaders urging them to reject misleading stereotypes of benefit claimants and instead focus on the needs of ordinary families on welfare.

Launched today by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), the 'People Like Us' campaign claims that the current debate about social security is failing ordinary families. 

Labour pledges £50m to battle ‘bedroom tax’

Labour will pledge to find £50 million in Scotland’s budget in order to negate the impact of the so-called “bedroom tax” in Scotland, its finance spokesman has said.

Iain Gray, newly appointed in the post, used an interview with The Scotsman to call on the SNP government to find the cash, saying they could easily raise the money. 

Horror at ‘bedroom tax’ suicide bid

Shocked staff at a Fife centre looked on in horror as a man said to be desperate for help over the ‘bedroom tax’ pulled out a knife and tried to cut himself.

According to one person, who asked not to be named, the apparent suicide bid ended in “blood everywhere — all over the walls and counters”. 

UN to investigate bedroom tax

A United Nations representative is to take part in a meeting to hear how the bedroom tax is affecting the UK's social housing tenants.

Raquel Rolnik, the UN's special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, will hear from groups from all over Britain at the Anti-Bedroom Tax and Benefit Justice Federation meeting in Manchester next week.