As well as pressing for greater investment in social housing, Bridget is determined to protect the most vulnerable members of society from the coalition government’s cuts to housing benefits. In an article for Progress, an independent presure group, Bridget stressed the need for reform of the benefits system but said that the cuts risked pushing low income families, pensioners and carers into poverty, debt and unemployment.You can read Bridget’s article by clicking here.

Bridget believes the issue of housing benefit is a huge concern for her constituents. Figures from 2007 showed that half of housing benefit recipients in Sunderland were over 60 meaning pensioners will be hit hardest by the coalition government’s cuts.

Bridget also raised the issue in a question to Steve Webb MP, a Minister in the Department for Work and Pensions, in the House of Commons. To read Bridget’s question and the answer she received click here.