16 March 2013 Last updated at 18:32

Housing benefit change protests held

Protests have taken place across the country, including Manchester.

Thousands have been demonstrating in a series of cities against government plans to cut housing benefit for those considered to have too much space.

Protests against the plan – labelled the “bedroom tax” by Labour – have been held in 52 towns and cities, including Manchester and London.

Organisers said between 12,000 and 13,000 people turned out.

The government’s welfare changes are due to come in in April and are expected to affect 660,000 people.

Those deemed to have a spare room in their council or housing association home will have their housing benefit claims reduced by £40-£80.

The protests’ national organiser, Éoin Clarke, said: “This is a cruel policy that primarily hits single parents, and the adult disabled.

“Even children deemed disabled but not ‘severely’ so, are affected. Carers, the terminally-ill, battered wives and husbands are all affected.