A CAMPAIGN against the 'bedroom tax' has ben launched by Labour politicians following a meeting in Glasgow.

Representatives from housing associations and housing campaigners met to discuss opposition to the new rules to take effect within weeks that will reduce housing benefit for social housing tenants deemed to have a spare room.

Following the meeting, Shadow Scottish Secretary, Margaret Curran, said the focus would be to pressure the UK Government to scrap the tax, but also to encourage he Scottish Government to do more to help those affected.

There are fears the benefit changes will lead to a rise in homelessness and an increase in rent arrears.

Ms Curran said: "We are firmly opposed to this cruel tax.

"Around 100,000 people will be hit, 40,000 are likely to face rent arrears and thousands could end up homeless. This is an urgent crisis."

Last week the Evening Times reported the impact across Glasgow, with 17,000 homes set to lose out.

Now politicians in East Renfrewshire have said hundreds there will be affected and families will have to leave the area as there is not enough smaller properties available for rent.

Jim Murphy, MP for East Renfrewshire, said: "This revelation that more than 500 local families will be affected reveals the flaws in the Government's plans.

"The Government's answer is that people should move to smaller homes.

"But in East Renfrewshire, the council and housing associations just don't have enough alternative homes."

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk