Coalition tax cuts benefit for too much living space

But the Labour politician says the Affordable Homes Bill doesn’t go far enough, and only scrapping the benefit cut - known as the bedroom tax - completely will protect the most vulnerable.

The Bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat MP, Andrew George, was backed by 306 MP’s to 231 at a second reading.

Speaking this week, Sir Alan told Chad: “I have spoken to many people in Mansfield who have told me that they are struggling to cope with the dreaded bedroom tax, introduced by the Conservative and Liberal Government.

“In the East Midlands alone over 32,364 people have been affected. This is a policy that unfairly hits hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people, such as those with disabilities or who are carers, and it threatens to cost more than it saves, which is why the Government should abolish it.”

Sir Alan criticised the Liberal Democrats for refusing to join forces with Labour politicians during previous attempts to get the bedroom tax axed.

But he praised LibDem MPs who voted against their own party during the parliamentary vote on 5th September.

He added: “Unfortunately this vote will not abolish the bedroom tax, but it is a step in the right direction and a glimmer of hope for many.

“I remain clear and consistent in my opposition to the bedroom tax. It is an unfair and unworkable policy that causes misery to hundreds of thousands of people.”