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Published on Wednesday, 22 February 2012 14:29

MPs struck another blow to vulnerable social housing tenants yesterday, as they overturned Lord Best’s amendment protecting at risk groups from the bedroom tax on under-occupation. MPs voted by a margin of 316 to 263 – a majority of 53 - to reject the Lords' compromise amendment to the Welfare Reform Bill. The bill remains at the ‘ping-pong’ stage, and will now be sent back to the House of Lords for further consideration.

Community Housing Cymru, which represents the Welsh social housing sector, will continue to work with members and partner organisations to ensure that peers and MPs are aware of the devastating effect this tax will have on thousands of people across Wales.

Jen Barfoot, chief executive of Tai Calon Community Housing, said, “We are very worried about the affect the bill will have on the lives of our tenants. Many of them will be forced to find some of their rent from their benefits because they have more bedrooms than they need according to the government’s definition.”