LOCAL politicians have welcomed Labour's pledge to scrap the controversial bedroom tax.

Rebecca Evans, AM for Mid and West Wales, welcomed Ed Miliband’s pledge to abolish the Coalition’s “vicious and iniquitous bedroom tax” if Labour is returned to power at the next election.

Mrs Evans said: “The bedroom tax is proven to be unfair and unworkable. Quite simply, there just are not enough smaller properties for people to move to.

“The policy has plunged thousands of people into rent arrears, and is hitting disabled people and their families particularly hard.”

She added: "Amazingly, despite admitting that the bedroom tax could have a disproportionate effect on rural communities, the UK Government didn't undertake a specific rural impact assessment to fully investigate the problems it may pose.

“I am delighted that Ed Miliband has announced that Labour will scrap the policy. Of course, it is by no means a done deal. Labour will need to win the general election for the policy to be consigned to the history books.”

Plaid Cymru in Carmarthenshire has now called on Carmarthenshire County Council to now commit to a ‘no-eviction’ policy for those in financial difficulties because of the housing benefit changes.

Local MP Jonathan Edwards welcomed the u-turn and said that Labour politicians now need to put their money with their mouths are to demonstrate they truly believe the policy is toxic.

Mr Edwards said: “Finally, after six months of people suffering from this policy, Labour has realised the policy needs to go.

“Now’s the time for Labour politicians to put their money where their mouths are and give a cast-iron guarantee that nobody will face eviction because of the bedroom tax.”