Rachel Reeves MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting ahead of a 10-Minute Rule Bill in Parliament on the Bedroom Tax being applied to Safe and Sanctuary Rooms, said:

“Forcing the victims of domestic violence to pay the Bedroom Tax on ‘panic rooms’ shows just how this cruel and out of touch David Cameron’s government really is. Victims of domestic violence join the hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people hit by this disastrous policy.

"We support this attempt to bring in an exemption for the victims of domestic violence, but it’s obvious that the Bedroom Tax needs to be scrapped entirely. Ministers should abolish the Bedroom Tax now - if they don’t, a Labour government will.”

Ends

Editor’s Note:

Alison Seabeck, Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View, will today deliver a 10 Minute Rule Bill speech calling on the Government exempt Safe and Sanctuary rooms from the bedroom tax. Safe and Sanctuary rooms provide victims with safety from violence and harm and often have reinforced doors and windows, alarms, fire proofing and a direct line to the local police. All these features provide extra safety for victims of domestic violence and their children.