Let's get behind SNP and Labour plans to tackle bedroom tax

I have to admit, I never saw this coming given the animosity between the SNP and Labour during yesterday's budget debate. SNP MSPs all highlighted that the Scottish Government was limited in what it could do to tackle the impact of the "Spare Room subsidy", whilst the Labour benches outlined ways in which the rules might be circumvented. But in the end Labour made a surprise U-turn and voted to backed the budget, which aims to mitigate the impact of welfare reform. Both Labour and the SNP have been vocal about the bedroom tax and its devastating impact. They have always been on the same side when it comes to welfare reform.  Yet each time they came face to face in the Chamber or in public debates, they would have a go at each other for not doing enough (Labour to SNP) or not being vocal enough, soon enough (SNP to Labour). Today thousands of people may be considering the news that both parties will try to jointly identify a way around the DWP's rules about Discretionary Housing Payments with a tiny bit of hope. That means that the weight of expectation is substantial. I'd encourage the sector to make the most of this new partnership by bringing our expertise to the table. Let's support SNP and Labour in their efforts to axe the bedroom tax.