On Friday 5th September Parliament debated and voted on the second reading of the Affordable Homes Bill, a Private Members' Bill put forward by Liberal Democrat MP Andrew George.

I have been contacted by many Lewisham Deptford residents who are struggling to cope with the hated bedroom tax, which was introduced by the Coalition Government. In London alone 48.989 people have been affected by this unfair policy. Unfortunately Mr George's bill would not abolish the tax, but if passed it would protect the most vulnerable people, such as those with disabilities and people for whom the local council in unable to find suitable alternative accommodation.

The Labour Party has been clear and consistent in its opposition to the bedroom tax from the outset. It is an unfair and unworkable policy that causes misery to thousands of people by forcing them out of their homes.

Up to now the Liberal Democrats had repeatedly backed the Tories over this policy, but on Friday many of them voted with Labour. I was in the House to vote for the bill and the results were as follows:

Closure Motion (to stop the bill being talked out on Friday):
Aye: 304
No: 237

Second Reading (to progress to the next stage):
Aye: 306
No: 231

In spit of Conservative attempts to talk the bill out or to derail parliamentary process, the bill will now proceed to the committee stage. Labour will now seek to amend and strengthen the bill and we remain committed to scrapping the bedroom tax entirely if we win next year's general election. 

Advice Lewisham has opened a new information hub in New Cross to help and support people looking for basic advice.

Clients have access to free computer facilities at the hub and trained staff are on hand to offer assistance to those seeking help with their benefits entitlement, debt problems and housing.  

Drop-in sessions are held every Friday from 10.00am-12.00pm and again from 1.00-3.00pm at Hatfield Skills and Training Centre, 49A Hatfield Close, New Cross SE14 5DW (pedestrian access from New Cross Road next to All Saints Church). 

The Home Heat Helpline is a free, not-for-profit phone line set up to help energy customers who are having difficulties with their fuel bills and problems keeping warm

Recent research has shown that nearly half of those who are eligible for help do not apply, either because they do not realise that help is available or they do not think they are eligible.  In addition, many people do not think about having work done until the weather turns cold.  Taking action now will help you keep warmer and save money when winter arrives.

Energy UK and the Home Heat Helpline are urging people to start planning for winter now by following these five simple steps:

1. Call the Home Heat helpline - find out what help you might be eligible for and how to save money on your energy bill.
2. Apply for your Warm Home Discount - all major energy suppliers give a £135 reduction to customers who are struggling with their bills and are in receipt of certain benefits or on a low income.  See gov.uk for further details.
3. Get a free home energy check - every supplier will be able to offer help and advice on what you can do today to save money next winter, and most will do it for free.  Make sure you talk to your energy supplier about your own home and circumstances.
4. Fix the leaks - summer is the perfect time to install insulation in your home to ensure you stay warm in winter.  Companies offer to do this for free or at heavily subsidised rates for certain customers; the Home Heat Helpline can help you find out if you might qualify for assistance.
5. Spring clean your boiler - use the warmer weather to make sure your boiler is as efficient as it can be.  If your boiler is more than 15 years old it might be time to think about a replacement,  Boilers account for around 55% of a household's annual energy bill, so it's worth considering.

For more information, visit www.homeheathelpline.org.uk or call free on 0800 33 66 99.

Lewisham Homes are offering grants worth a total of £60,000 to residents who wish to improve their area.

Residents can compete for £5,000 grants for projects which would benefit people living in Lewisham Homes properties, offer improvements to the community and environment and increase safety in the area.  

Previous winning projects have helped revitalise green spaces and communal gardens, improved the security of block stairwells and hosted community events.

A panel of residents, partners and community involvement officers will decide which projects should receive funding.

The deadline for applications is April 19th and support sessions will be running until this date.  You can download an application form at www.lewishamhomes.org.uk, call the Lewisham Homes Community Involvement Team on 020 8613 7660 or email getinvolved@lewishamhomes.org.uk for more information.

This week Shelter launched a campaign to encourage people to respond to the GLA's consultation on a London Rental Standard.  

The proposed voluntary accreditation scheme for landlords could improve conditions for thousands of London renters.  With more than one in four Londoners living in private rented accommodation and more and more families entering the sector every year, the London Rental Standard could be a timely intervention.

For more information on Shelter's campaign and to respond to the Mayor's consultation via their website visit http://homesforlondon.org.uk/.