I am a mother who cherishes the 50% shared custody of my children. To me and my children, their bedrooms in our home aren't considered spare. They are much-needed. However, the government begs to differ. The current policy dictates that my children’s bedrooms are 'excess' because I do not claim universal credit benefits for them. The outdated policy only allows housing benefit payments to cover the cost of accommodation with the minimum number of bedrooms deemed to be needed by the Department of Work and Pensions and takes no account of either local housing supply or other needs, such as joint custody or additional rooms required for caring for disabled children.

This is the harsh reality of the Bedroom Tax. It’s an issue that affects countless individuals and families who are deemed to have a surplus room. Since introduced in 2013, the Bedroom Tax, or "Under-occupancy Penalty," has affected more than 660,000 people, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 

It’s not only reducing our quality of life, but it’s attacking our personal freedom and comfort. The pressures financially on families like mine are immense. Many find themselves having to downsize, move away from their communities, or take up more work – causing needless stress and turmoil.

I speak from personal experience, and I speak on behalf of the thousands who are unjustly penalised for having what the government has termed 'spare bedrooms.'

I’ve challenge this yet the response didn’t take my 2 children into account at all despite letters from officials and photos of their little rooms full of all their toys, clothes and most importantly the beds they sleep in. 

Now is the time to question this tax that disproportionately affects the general public.

In 2023 SIR KEIR STARMER had been challenged to commit to scrapping the “bedroom tax” should the Labour Party take power. A fact that has been ignored since he took office. 

Your signature can make a difference. It can put the necessary pressure on policymakers and open room for discussions that question the fairness and effectiveness of the Bedroom Tax. 

Let's work together to protest against and ultimately put an end to the Bedroom Tax. Please sign this petition.