PPC John Erskine for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross Slams John Thurso Over Bedroom Tax Vote

3rd January 2015

John Erskine, Scottish Labour candidate for the upcoming General Election, has slammed the local Liberal Democratic MP John Thurso for voting in favour of keeping the unfair and unworkable Bedroom Tax.

The vote was held after a debate called for by the Labour Party. If the Labour motion had been successful the vote would have scrapped the cut to housing benefit which affects 998 people in Caithness, Sutherland and East Ross. However Labours motion was defeated by 298 to 266 thanks to the votes from Liberal Democrat MPs including Lord Thurso.

John Erskine said:"John Thurso has had the chance to help the 998 local people affected by this vile tax. Instead he chose to vote with his Tory-led Government in favour of the tax. "

"If he and his Liberal Democrats colleagues had voted with Labour MPs, the Bedroom Tax would be scrapped."

"A Labour Government will scrap the Bedroom Tax which is hurting not helping. We must protect the most vulnerable, not the millionaires which is the current Coalition policy. A Labour Government will tax mansions to fully fund the NHS, make bankers pay for a job guarantee scheme to help young people into work and introduce a 50p tax rate for the highest earners. We can builder a fairer and more equal community. Anything but a vote for Labour next May will give this Tory Government another five years in office. Local people deserve better than this."

Libdems do not agree with Labour's proposals and on their web site set out the reasons why. These can be seen at -
http://www.libdemvoice.org/lib-dem-mps-were-right-not-to-play-labours-silly-games-over-the-bedroom-tax-43825.html