Labour steps up campaign against cutting housing benefit for people out of work for 12 months

Following Ed Miliband's challenge to David Cameron at PMQs – Labour is stepping up its campaign against cutting housing benefit for people out of work for 12 months.

Today Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Douglas Alexander wrote to thousands of Labour Party members urging them to join the campaign.

Tomorrow he will hold a summit with representatives of housing organisations and charities to hear their views and he has also spoken to Lib Dems MPs in the last few days.

Douglas Alexander MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, responding to David Cameron's response to Ed Miliband at PMQs, said;
"David Cameron further raised the stakes and divided his coalition today by confirming his policy to punish those who can't find work by cutting the cash they get to help with housing costs.

"Although he is clearly not listening to the Lib Dems we are ready to work with all sides of the House to defeat these unfair plans.

"Ed Miliband told David Cameron it was time to listen – now I'm telling Lib Dem MPs it's time to talk and work together to force the government to think again."