Edinburgh Council tenant Margaret has been denied an exemption for bedroom tax by City of Edinburgh Council despite being clearly entitled – she has overnight carers stay every night.  She wrote to the CEC as early as February applying for an exemption.  Instead of granting the exemption the Council have been phoning her up threatening…Read moreRead more

Check out our links page for further information. The Jobcentre adviser has no power to just tell you that you have to create a Universal Jobmatch account. Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty have supported several unemployed claimants who have successfully declined to create a Universal Jobmatch account, without suffering any sanctions. You can only be forced…Read moreRead more

May Day in Edinburgh saw anti workfare demonstrators touring companies and charities using unpaid forced labour.  Starting with an excursion into the giant Homebase at St Leonards the protestors from Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty went on to visit no fewer than 7 exploiting employers. At Homebase demonstrators roamed the store putting up stickers – THIS EMPLOYER USES FORCED UNPAID…Read moreRead more

DISCRETIONARY HOUSING PAYMENTS Everyone hit by the Bedroom Tax should apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment – if awarded this tops up your Housing Benefit.  It is normally reviewed regularly.  The application form can be downloaded from the url below in the Council site or ask for one at the local council office. http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/3839/discretionary_housing_payments_form Don’t…Read moreRead more

NO TO THE BEDROOM TAX – DEMO IN EDINBURGH  Saturday 30 March. Meet 12 noon St Andrews Square, march at 12.45pm to Scottish Parliament.  See “Bedroom Tax that broke the Cameron Back Protest (Edinburgh)” on Facebook THE BEDROOM TAX – DEFEND YOUR HOME From 1st April the bedroom tax will hit many tenants in social housing…Read moreRead more