The motion, which was moved by Labour Councillors Terry Loughran and James McColgan, was passed by 12 votes to 6. The SNP opposed the motion as it called on the SNP Government to take action now to mitigate the effects of this unfair and unworkable policy rather than wait until the holy grail of independence is achieved.
It is well known that SNP Councillors are tightly controlled by party headquarters in Edinburgh so it came as no surprise when they opposed our motion. I have no doubts that new Leader Chris McEleny was acting under orders from central command.
The full text of Labour's motion is:
"This Council believes that the so-called ‘Bedroom Tax’ is both unfair and unworkable and calls on the UK Government to abolish it as soon as possible.
The Council also calls upon the Scottish Government to introduce emergency legislation to protect the tenants of Councils and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) from eviction for ‘Bedroom Tax’ arrears. In addition the Council calls upon the Scottish Government to provide financial assistance to Councils and RSLs to allow them to deliver a no evictions policy in relation to ‘Bedroom Tax’ arrears."
The SNP Group submitted a rather feeble motion to the same meeting, which sought to instruct the Chief Executive to write to the local housing associations to ask them to adopt a no evictions policy for arrears arising from the 'bedroom tax'. Like their colleagues in the Scottish Parliament the local SNP talk a good game but when it comes to taking action they are left wanting.
The Council decided to note the SNP motion by 12 votes to 7.
The Council decided to note the SNP motion by 12 votes to 7.
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