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Published on Wednesday, 15 February 2012 10:23

Government plans to cut the housing benefit of tenants with a spare bedroom has been defeated in the House of Lords. Peers backed Lord Best’s amendment by a small majority of 10 votes to overturn a move to cut the payments.  The bill will now to go back before MPs, who disagree with the Lords.  Community Housing Cymru emailed all Welsh Peers, ahead of the vote, to urge them to attend the debate and to back the amendment.  Amanda Oliver, Head of Policy at CHC, will be interviewed for ITV Wales tonight.

In a statement, the Department for Work and Pensions said: "The House of Commons has made its position clear on amendments which would result in additional spending, and the government will seek to overturn the size criteria amendment when the bill returns for further consideration by the Commons.

"The majority of the public agree with the government's welfare reforms and we look forward to delivering on these radical proposals that will make our welfare system better and fairer."

For further info click here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17026301