Exeter rally against the 'Bedroom Tax'

A protest rally took place in Exeter's Bedford Square today against Government plans for what has been dubbed by its opponents as the ‘Bedroom Tax’. The protest was one of hundreds taking place all over the UK urging the Coalition Government to rethink its controversial plans, which are expected to affect 660,000 people when it comes into effect next month. Protesters argue that the policy will hit the poor, vulnerable and disabled the hardest.

Exeter Labour Party say: "743 families in Exeter, mostly disabled, will be affected by the Bedroom Tax. It is a policy that penalises the disabled, single parents, families of those recently deceased, foster parents and some of the most vulnerable in our society. We encouraged our members to attend the protest in Exeter today to show their opposition to the Coalition Government's Bedroom Tax."

Rob Crew, Labour City Councillor for Alphington and an organiser of the city centre protest, told The Exeter Daily, "We are gathered here today to show the Government the strength of feeling against the Bedroom Tax. We want them to know the people say 'no'.

"We are asking people to sign an online petition, or to write to their MPs and councillors to let David Cameron know how they feel about the Bedroom Tax. The Government are moving in a backwards direction on this, but we need people to push them all the way and get rid of it altogether."

Under the Government's welfare reforms, those deemed to have a spare bedroom in their council or housing association home will have their housing benefit claims reduced by £40 to £80.

More than 17,000 people signed up to join the 1pm rallies across the UK via social media.

The National Housing Federation, which represents housing associations, estimates that more than 800 households in Exeter will be affected by the rules.