Lib Dems welcome bedroom-tax ruling

It followed legal challenges by a victim of domestic violence, who has a panic room in her home, and the grandparents of a disabled 15-year-old who requires overnight care. The Department for Work and Pensions has said it will appeal the decision in the Supreme Court.

Berwick Liberal Democrats, led by General Election candidate Julie Pörksen, have been vociferous in their opposition to the ‘spare room subsidy’ since its inception, creating a national Lib Dem policy on social housing to combat the negative impact of the bedroom tax.

Ms Pörksen said: “Humanity and common sense have won today. The Court of Appeal has actually treated the tenants as real people who have different needs, unlike the Government to whom they seem to be just a number. Many more tenants should now see their own situation reviewed as a result of this judgement.

“The bedroom tax is one of the most unjust and impractical policies, which does not work for so many households, and it has especially bad effects in rural areas with a limited social-housing market.

“I am concerned that Conservative plans to sell off social housing will just make it even more difficult for people to rent affordable homes in the future.

“Until the precedent set by this court ruling helps reduce the bedroom tax for more tenants, I urge all councils to promote and use their discretionary funds in order to help those who most need support.”