Campaign group Defend Council Housing (DCH) announced plans yesterday to fight proposals to transfer publicly owned housing stock to private housing associations.

The group said that as the government continues its attacks on rents, tenancies and benefits, councils in Salford, Durham, Gloucester, Northampton, Lewisham and Lambeth were among those proposing to transfer housing stock to housing associations next year.

"Tenants, trade unions, councillors and campaigners against stock transfer are asked to come to the DCH national meeting 11-4.30pm Saturday 11 January at Manchester Friends Meeting House to build support for campaigns against privatisation and organise next steps in the fight to defend secure tenancies and low rents."

The group has also launched a massive campaign against the hated bedroom tax.

Seventy MPs have signed a Commons early day motion calling for suspension of the bedroom tax.

They said the "unjust" tax discriminates against the disabled, sick, carers, parents and grandparents, the low-paid and poorest in society.

The motion also points out that the policy won't reduce homelessness and calls on the government to suspend the policy pending a full review.

n Local anti-tax groups meet on January 18 at Birmingham Paragon Hotel. Contact
benefitjustice@gmail.com for more details.