Walsall councillors stand up against new bedroom tax
Angry councillors in Walsall have called for the controversial bedroom tax to be scrapped.
They have vowed to write to Government ministers about it, fearing the tax, which came into force earlier this month, could destroy neighbourhoods.
A notice of motion demanding the authority express their "anger and dismay" at the housing benefit reform introduced this month was agreed by councillors.
It followed an hour-long heated debate over the new bedroom tax at a meeting of full council last night, where cross party support was given to condemn its introduction.
Despite two rival amendments to the notice being put forward and voted down, the original Labour-led statement of intent was supported. It saw the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in Walsall express their opposition towards the coalition government.
The motion put forward through Labour leader Tim Oliver and fellow councillors Ann Young and Eileen Russell stated: "The impact of the 'bedroom tax' will continue to fall disproportionately on less well-off residents and families across the borough of Walsall, who in many cases have no option but to face a further reduction in living standards."
Liberal democrats group leader Ian Shires, who put forward an amendment calling for more social housing, said: "We are all agreed the bedroom tax is a waste of time, it is the worst piece of legislation we have seen in a long time."
Deputy council leader Adrian Andrew said: "We need to show a united front that we are opposed to this bedroom tax."
Labour councillor Rose Burley said: "The people of this borough want this tax stopped."
Figures showed more than 700 residents across Walsall, Wolverhampton and Sandwell had asked to downsize ahead of reforms.
