North Devon MP responds to NDCLP letter regarding the bedroom tax

Dear Peter,

Following a recent meeting of North Devon Labour Party members where we discussed Housing Policy – I was asked to write to you to seek your views on the Bedroom Tax.
Given the recent Court of Appeal ruling (which I appreciate is the subject of further appeal to the Supreme Court) which judged the policy to be discriminatory – isn’t it time for you and your Conservative colleagues to recognise that not only is the ‘tax’ unfair but it has clearly failed to meet its own stated objectives.

Can I ask you how many properties in North Devon have been vacated in line with the policy’s stated objective to free up larger properties by encouraging those who no longer need more rooms to move?
Isn’t it true that the DWP’s own evaluation found that the policy is not working, with just one in nine affected tenants being able to find a smaller property?
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I look forward to your response.
Yours Sincerely
 
Mark Cann
 
Mark Cann
Vice Chair, North Devon Labour Party


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