Rally raises alarm over bedroom tax

CAMPAIGNERS against the controversial bedroom tax will meet a United Nations expert on housing rights during an official visit to Manchester on Saturday.

Raquel Rolnik will hear from groups from across the UK at the meeting at Friends’ Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, at 3pm.

It will include first-hand stories, insights and analysis of the current situation in the UK.

The Size Criteria — commonly known as bedroom tax — affects those of working age in receipt of housing benefit and living in social accommodation which guidelines deem too big for their needs.

If they do not downsize they have to pay 14 per cent of their rent for one extra bedroom and 25 per cent for two or more bedrooms.

Many Oldhamers faced downsizing to a new home, taking on second jobs and even splitting up their family because of the controversial Government welfare reforms brought in during April, with around 2,526 tenants affected.
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