Commons column: Anniversary marked with scrap pledge

This month marked the one year anniversary of the introduction of the Bedroom tax and to mark that dubious landmark I’ve pledged it should be scrapped.

I’m sure most Chad readers will have heard about it because it has hit 1,178 people in Ashfield and over half a million nationally.

People care because it forces some of the most vulnerable people into more debt and into situations where they find themselves relying on food banks.

Sometimes in life it is easy to see when something is right or wrong and on this occasion it couldn’t be any clearer.

We can’t afford another year of this cruel and costly tax on bedrooms which is why I hope ministers hold their hands up and just admit they got this one horribly wrong.

In a previous column I promised to keep residents from Huthwaite in the loop after a problem developed when scaffolding contractors began working on a number of houses in the area.

Lots of people told me they were fed up with the scaffolding, which had been up for weeks and weeks.

After numerous phone calls and messages, Nottinghamshire County Council informed me this week that they’ve managed to resolve the situation, which is good news for everyone concerned.

I’m told that by the end of the week it should either be down or changed so that a pedestrian walkway is provided.

If the work stops then they will have to apply for a licence here or at any other location, whilst other scaffolds in the area will be down in two weeks time.

Please do let me know if they’ve don’t stick to their word.

PLEA – While I was out door-knocking in Huthwaite the other day and I came across a lovely couple who have lost their cat, Casper.

He’s medium sized and black with a white patch under his chin, so if you live in the area please keep your eyes peeled and call Elaine & David Griffiths on 07790670005 if you see anything.

Finally, I’d like to use this opportunity to wish everyone in Ashfield a peaceful Easter and for those of you that have a couple of days off over the next few days I hope you have a lovely time with friends and family.

My office will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday but normal service will resume on Tuesday 22nd of April. I

f you need my help please just drop me an e-mail – [email protected] or call the usual number 01623 720 39