Tower Hamlets Councillors unite to condemn ‘bedroom tax’

The government’s so-called ‘bedroom tax’ has inspired a rare show of unity among Independent and Labour councillors in Tower Hamlets.

The two groups voted together at a recent meeting to condemn the tax, which will see housing benefit claimants with unoccupied rooms having their benefits cut.

Thousands of people across east London are expected to be affected by the measure, which came into force in April.

Tower Hamlets’ Labour group’s deputy spokesperson for housing Cllr John Pierce said: “The ‘bedroom tax’ will affect some of the most vulnerable in our society.

“With the public outcry it is only right that the Council looks at all the options to support residents.”

Councillors passed a motion calling to lobby the government on the issue, and support families affected.