BARONESS Royall of Blaisdon, Labour leader in the House of Lords, is to attend a series of meetings in the Forest, to highlight the problems of the so-called 'Bedroom Tax'.

Three meetings, which have been organised by the Labour Party and the Unite trade union, take place this Friday, May 2, at Regents Hall, Lydney (10am - 11.30am), The Main Place, Coleford (noon - 2.00pm), and The Miners' Welfare Hall, Cinderford (2.30pm - 4.30pm).

Bruce Hogan, secretary of the Forest of Dean Labour Party commented: "The most vulnerable in the Forest are facing a dilemma of trying to move from their family home into smaller accommodation, which is largely unavailable, or face losing vital housing benefit."

He added: "This policy is forcing many into real poverty."

Brett Sparkes, South West Community Co-ordinator for the Unite Union, said: "The Bedroom Tax is one of this government's cruellest policies. It sees some of the most vulnerable have money deducted from their housing benefit if they are deemed to live in a house too big for them.

"Unite Community is working with people from across our communities to put pressure on politicians and make their voice heard. Labour have committed to getting rid of the Bedroom Tax if they are elected next year, and that is very welcome, but for many another year is simply too long."

The organisers say: 408 families have been directly affected, with another 801 families potentially looking for a one bedroom property - when there were only 44 available last year. They also point out that two years ago there were no food banks in the Forest, and now there are three.