A Tory councillor has accused the National Housing
Federation and "socialist politicians" of ignoring the ‘successes’ of
the government's controversial bedroom tax. Harry Phibbs, cabinet member for
community engagement at Hammersmith & Fulham Council, has claimed that
people such as NHF chief David Orr are "always happy to tour TV and radio
studios to repeat the message" that tenants affected by the bedroom tax
are unable to downsize due to the lengthy waiting list for smaller properties
to become available. Phibbs claims that the view is "seldom
challenged" by BBC interviewers. He says that the view is "entirely
false" and "ignores the point that one and two bedroom social housing
properties do not need to be empty". He adds: "There are a huge
number available despite being (over) occupied. That is because those living in
them would be delighted to swap." Read more on 24dash.
