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From: The Socialist issue 925, 16 November 2016: It's Socialism or Trumpism - build a socialist alternative to defeat the right

Search site for keywords: Bedroom tax - Tax - Cuts - Children - Poverty - Domestic violence - Sanctions - Disabled - Carers - State - Women - Socialist - Welfare - Labour - Government - Jeremy Corbyn - Media

Court win against bedroom tax not enough

Disabled rights campaigners outside the Supreme Court hearing on seven bedroom tax cases, 9.11.16, photo by Amalia (Click to enlarge)

Amalia, Socialist Party disabled people and carers' group

Top judges have ruled against part of the Tories' hated 'bedroom tax' benefit cap.

Campaigners against benefit cuts and sanctions gathered outside the Supreme Court on 9 November for the ruling in relation to seven bedroom tax cases.

This was about people who are disabled, and their carers - but also single mums and children fleeing domestic violence.

The court decided in favour of two cases concerning severe disabilities. As campaigners put it, "some justice was done".

But unfortunately the victims of domestic violence were left without any exemption by the state in relation to the bedroom tax.

A campaigner from 'Single Mothers' Self-Defence' argued this is also about children's safety. In combination with the other attacks on welfare, these women are driven into poverty. Poverty means they are not safe, and can't protect their children who are often taken away from them.

After the ruling, campaigners raised their placards and talked to the media, emphasising that the struggle continues until all justice is done, and that this government has blood on its hands.

Deaths

They chanted slogans such as "axe the bedroom tax!" and "no more deaths from benefit cuts!" Some held a banner with the names of people who have died as a result of benefit sanctions.

This small victory does not mean the bedroom tax is illegal. The judiciary exists to defend the bosses' system, not challenge it.

Jeremy Corbyn has spoken against the bedroom tax and benefit cap. But he must demand Labour councils refuse to implement them. To really fight the cuts means kicking out the Blairites who back them.

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Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.