PYJAMA and dressing-gown clad protestors rallied at the Forest of Dean District Council offices in Coleford last Thursday morning – demanding that the council agree that people hit by the new so-called 'Bedroom Tax' would not be evicted from their homes if they are thought to be under occupying the property – mostly from their having having a spare bedroom.

The protest was organised by FABTAG, 'Foresters Anti-Bedroom Tax Action Group,' who arrived at the council offices armed with placards, hula hoops, soft toys and circus equipment.

A FABTAG spokesperson said: "As children and entire families will see the effects of the Bedroom Tax first hand, the action was family-friendly and peaceful.

"We wanted to raise awareness of the Bedroom Tax as well as, in a reasonable and friendly manner, calling on our council to set everyone's mind at rest and guarantee there will be no evictions as a result of non-payment of Bedroom Tax."

Gathering outside the offices, the colourful group of banner-waving adults and teddy-carrying children were initially refused access to the council offices as staff blocked entry to the foyer where the protestors had intended to hold a "pyjama party".

But after protestations that they were Council Tax payers, they were eventually allowed to wait inside while a statement that they had demanded from the Council was generated.

However, the statement, when it did arrive, displeased the protestors who branded it 'a sham'.

The council statement read: "The new rule is due to be implemented as part of other welfare reforms brought in by the Government this April. Housing benefit entitlements will still be calculated on the actual rent payable but will no longer cover rent for that proportion of the property that is surplus to the tenant's needs.

"The council is no longer a residential landlord so if tenants in the social rented sector have difficulties managing on their new benefit level they need to discuss this with their Housing Association."

The 'Bedroom Tax' has been brought in by central Government in an effort to reduce the money that they have to pay out in Housing Benefit, by under occupation, and reducing benefits accordingly.

With Housing Benefit creating a shortfall people could be faced with the choice of moving out of their homes

But advice organisations and charities have warned that the implementation of the new regulations could cause distress and could result in many tenants being forced to move to a new home against their wishes.