Campaigners march in bid to axe the tax
People of all ages marched through Worksop Town Centre on Saturday in protest against the controversial Bedroom Tax.
Labour councillors gathered at Worksop Town Hall before moving through town to speak to people about the changes to Housing Benefit - to come into effect from 1st April.
Under the plans, people in social housing deemed to under-occupy their homes will see their housing benefit cut by 14 or 25 per cent.
More than 300 people showed their support on the day - signing the Axe The Tax petition to force the Government to make a U-turn. Bassetlaw Council leader Coun Simon Greaves said he was overwhelmed by the strength of feeling shown on the day.
“We had a great turnout on Saturday and I am very grateful to everyone who showed up to support the cause,” he said.
“This is a tax on the most vulnerable people in our society and if we don’t stand up for them then it’s a poor show.”
Coun Greaves said people were eager to sign the petition - particularly after reading about the plight of Whitwell man Richard Rourke in the Guardian. The disabled 46-year-old, of Bakestone Moor, has mounted a High Court challenge over the tax which could see him become homeless - less than a year after losing his wife Claire. Said Coun Greaves: “We really had a great response - people were approaching us directly to say how outraged they were by the Bedroom Tax.”
“They had read the story about Mr Rourke and wanted to show their support for the cause.”
There will be another Axe the Tax march at 10am in Retford Market Square on Saturday 23rd March followed by further public meetings overthe coming weeks.
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Weather for Dinnington
Wednesday 22 May 2013
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