Labour "shambles" on Bedroom Tax

The Scottish National Party have accused Labour of being in a “shambles” over the Bedroom Tax and have said only a Yes vote next year will ensure it is scrapped in Scotland.

Labour chose to debate the Bedroom Tax in an opposition day debate in the House of Commons, following 10 missed opportunities to do so since the SNP first raised the subject on their opposition day in February.

Commenting following the debate, SNP spokesperson for Work and Pensions Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

“We have had nothing but confusion, contradictions and a lack of commitment from Labour. It took Ed Miliband six months after the Bedroom Tax was first introduced to pledge Labour would scrap it, and even since then there has been confusion amongst Labour politicians on their party policy.

"In contrast the SNP Government is doing all it can to help mitigate the impact of this divisive policy and Nicola Sturgeon pledged that our funding for Discretionary Housing Payments will continue next year with another £20 million to help victims of Westminster’s Bedroom Tax.

"One of the most significant gains of independence is that Scotland will have full control over its welfare system. That means only with a Yes vote will we finally be able to get rid of the unjust bedroom tax and have a welfare state that reflects the views and votes of the people of Scotland."