A Labour shadow minister has visited Bermondsey’s Citizens Advice Bureau.

Helen Goodman MP, shadow minister for welfare reform, joined Bermondsey & Old Southwark parliamentary candidate Cllr Neil Coyle this week for a visit to the CAB at the Blue.

The shadow minister and the prospective parliamentary candidate spoke to members of CAB staff and discussed the impact of welfare changes, including the so-called bedroom tax (or spare room subsidy).

Cllr Coyle said: “It is shocking that such hardship exists at the heart of our community. We heard stories about carers who were hit with the bedroom tax when their elderly relatives died and parents nearly being evicted when their children go to university.

“The Liberal Democrats have repeatedly voted to keep the bedroom tax.

“If Labour don’t win in May, then during the next Parliament, more people are going to be affected by this cruel tax.

“Labour has pledged to abolish the bedroom tax and I will do everything possible to make it happen.”

Helen Goodman MP added: “If Labour don’t win and the bedroom tax isn’t abolished, it will cost those affected £3,500 during the next Parliament. The Citizens Advice Bureau does a tremendous job, but is faced with thousands of cases where people have been hit by unfair welfare reforms.

“Bermondsey and Old Southwark is a key marginal seat – voters here can make a difference not just for themselves but for the half a million families across Britain paying this cruel tax.”

This month the Green Party and the Conservative Party have named their parliamentary candidates for Bermondsey & Old Southwark at the 7 May general election.