Bedroom tax scandal: ‘Tories want to take our homes’

Poor people in social housing are resisting the Tories’ bedroom tax.

“I’m frightened because I don’t want to leave my home,” Liz Kitching from Leeds told Socialist Worker, “But I’m part of a campaign and that collective feeling gives me the confidence to stand up.”

More than 600,000 people will lose money for having “too many” bedrooms. Many will fall behind on their rent and face eviction.

Meanwhile chancellor George Osborne opposes a mansion tax on the rich.

“If this was really about money they’d tax the rich,” Liz added.

Leeds tenants have met to organise against the bedroom tax.

“The government always targets the poor,” said Sharon Fawcett, another Leeds tenant. “By the time I’ve fed myself and paid the bills there’s nothing left. All they’re bothered about is the rich.”

Like two thirds of those affected by the cut, Sharon is disabled.

“People should stick together and make it clear we’re not moving,” she said. “They can’t evict everybody.”