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US ECONOMY - The U.S. added 145,000 jobs in December,a fine finish to a year of steady gains. The labor market has not yet run out of breath.

The Labor Department report suggests that the economy ended 2019 on solid footing. The unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, and average hourly earnings rose by 0.1 percent.

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HOMELESSNESS - Welcoming the publication of responses to a consultation on improving temporary accommodation standards, Scottish Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said:

“While temporary accommodation can offer an important emergency safety net for anyone who finds themselves homeless with nowhere else to go, it should be a purely temporary measure.

“These consultation responses support Scottish Government proposals to prevent anyone from living in unsuitable temporary accommodation for longer than seven days. From May 2021, this new legislation, a UK first, will ensure people are moved into a more appropriate, permanent home as soon as possible.

“The consultation also demonstrated strong support for a set of legally enforcable standards, which people with experience of homelessness told us would help improve safety and standards by raising problems or issues temporary accomodation.

“This year we will build on the advisory standards we have already introduced and use these consultation responses as we work with partners to develop a legally enforceable standards framework.

“We will continue to support local authorities to deliver our progressive legislation as part of our £50 million plan to eradicate homelessness in Scotland.”

Background

A national consultation on improving Temporary Accommodation Standards was undertaken between 22 May and 14 August 2019.

The majority of responses agreed the Scottish Government should create standards for temporary accommodation based on advisory standards published by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and Shelter Scotland. Official Scottish Government advisory standards based on those created by CIH and Shelter were incorporated into the homlessness Code of Guidance in November 2019.

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FOOD BANKS - The SNP has called on the Tory government to “wake up” to the crisis of growing foodbank use – as it was revealed that almost 600,000 food parcels were handed out in Scotland over 18 months.
 
Charities have slammed Westminster cuts, with data revealing that between April 2018 and September 2019, 278,258 emergency food parcels were distributed by independent foodbanks in Scotland – with a further 318,214 parcels distributed by the Trussell Trust.
 
A group of front-line organisations, including Oxfam Scotland and the Child Poverty Action Group, is now calling on the UK government to remove the unfair two-child limit and benefit cap, increase the National Living Wage, uprate all benefits in line with inflation, and ban zero-hours contracts – all measures backed by SNP MPs.
 
In stark contrast to Westminster austerity, the SNP government has been working to develop a social security system with dignity and fairness at its heart – introducing a raft of benefits to provide much needed financial support to low income families, including a brand new benefit which will provide eligible families with £10 a week for every child under 16 by 2022.

Image: Shona Robison MSP 

Shona Robison MSP said:
 
“While food banks do an excellent job of providing support for those who need it, the fact that they even exist is a damning indictment of Tory policies which are actively driving people into desperate situations.
 
“The blame for this national scandal lies solely with the Tory party – and the grim reality of cuts to benefits, delayed social security payments, and placing sanctions on vulnerable people at every opportunity.   
 
“Time and time again, the SNP has challenged the Tories’ agenda of austerity and attempted to restore the safety net of social security, but with the majority of welfare spending still firmly in the hands of right-wing Tories, it’s up to the UK government to urgently reverse the damage done to the most disadvantaged in Scotland.
 
“The Tory government needs to wake up to the cost of this crisis and stop shunning responsibility, before more families and children are pushed into the poverty.”

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ROYAL NEWS - The Royal Family was said to be "hurt" and "deeply disappointed" on Wednesday night after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex "stepped back" as senior members without consulting the Queen, the Prince of Wales or the Duke of Cambridge according to Victoria Ward of the Telegraph.

Being associated with an organisation willing to give Iain Duncan Smith a knighthood some would argue would be reason enough in itself to hand in your resignation. The Royal Family are certainly not in step with public opinion on this matter. 

The Queen, who has already had to ask the Duke of York to stand down from public duties over his relationship with paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein.

At least the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not have to sign-on and start trying to survive on Universal Credit.

One must ask the inevitable question, whose next…?

We wish the couple well, and we are sure they can find a new direction and a happier life.  

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PUBLIC DEBT - Data gathered by LearnBonds.com indicates that the United States public debt hit a record high of $23.2 trillion in 2019. The data shows an increase of more than $1.2 trillion within a year.

US Public Debt Continues to Soar.

The debt showed a spike from July 2019 when it hit $22.02 billion. The rising national debt coincides with the dropped tax revenue in the wake of increased federal spending.

The debate of lowering national debt has dominated political space with both Democrats and Republicans proposing solutions to lower the debt. However, all signs indicate that the debt will significantly rise in the coming years. The report says:

“Based on the current growth rates, it is projected that the debt might reach $28.7 trillion by 2029, driven by mandatory spending initiatives like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. "

Interestingly, the US national debt is almost three times higher compared to China’s, which has $8.3 trillion. Globally, Japan has the second-highest national debt at $11.3 trillion.

ABC Notes: In the American system one billion is 1,000,000,000 and a trillion is 1,000,000,000,000 so one trillion is one thousand times one billion. In the British system one billion is 1,000,000,000,000 and one trillion is 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 so one trillion is one million times one billion.

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UNIVERSAL CREDIT - MSP outrage at new barriers to universal credit appeals process.

The SNP has accused the UK Tory government of trying to block MSPs from supporting Universal Credit claimants through the appeals process.

SNP MSP Linda Fabiani has hit out at new changes imposed by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) that requires claimants to sign a waiver form explaining why they have approached a politician for support – rather than going directly to the Job Centre.

The new changes also require claimants to state exactly what they have discussed with their elected representative before information can be disclosed regarding an appeal.

Previous figures have shown that 55% of people who were denied Universal Credit support by the DWP had their decisions overturned in court.

Image: SNP MSP Linda Fabiani. 

Commenting, SNP MSP Linda Fabiani said:

“The Tories are making it difficult for constituents to approach their MSPs for support and making MSPs jump through hoops to help their constituents – it’s a disgrace and an insult to devolution.

“The Universal Credit system is fundamentally flawed and needs to be halted. With so many loopholes and barriers put in place to stop claimants receiving the support they are entitled to, it’s no wonder people come to their MSP for support.

“Neither the DWP, nor Boris Johnson’s Tory government, has the right to stop people approaching their elected representatives for help and support – that’s what we’re here to do.

“This is just the latest extension of the hostile environment introduced by this right-wing Tory government designed to lock people out from receiving the financial support they are entitled to. 

“Our MPs at Westminster will continue to push for this system to be kyboshed.”

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PETITION - Mona Kamal has started this petition which has attracted 239,132 signatures amd it aiming for 300,000. Donations are pouring in and you may want to add your signature. 

You can add your signature here: https://www.change.org/p/uk-government-and-parliament-we-object-to-iain-duncan-smith-receiving-a-knighthood?signed=true

The Disability News Service has quite a lot to say about this: https://dpac.uk.net/2020/01/dns-news-for-2nd-january-2020/

Together we can stop this appauling award being made to someone who has caused so much harm and suffering.  

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OMBUDSMAN DECISIONS -

North East Lincolnshire Council (19 000 823)

Summary: Mr X complains he has to pay towards his Council Tax although he is on benefits. The Council’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme allows a maximum 75% reduction for working age claimants. The Ombudsman cannot question the Council’s properly held policy.

North Yorkshire County Council (19 007 214)

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint that the Council does not have a complaints procedure. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Maidstone Borough Council (19 008 050)

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr A’s complaint that the Council has applied an empty property premium to his council tax liability. This is because Mr A may appeal to a tribunal and it would be reasonable for him to do so.

North Somerset Council (19 007 555)

Summary: Mr X complains that the Council wrongly held him liable for council tax on a property. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because he could appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

Preston City Council (19 000 896)

Summary: The Ombudsman found fault by the Council on Mr E’s complaint that it wrongly refused to refund overpaid council tax from 1993-1998 following a re-banding of his former home by the Valuation Office. It failed to keep records before 1999 despite sending estimated demand notices of the chargeable amount he had to pay which could change. This caused avoidable injustice as it did not have the records to show what he overpaid. The agreed action, including a refund of £810.93, remedies the injustice caused.

South Oxfordshire District Council (19 007 323)

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about the council tax banding of her property. This is because there is not enough evidence of fault by the Council. Also, council tax bands are a matter for the Valuation Office Agency, with a right of appeal to a valuation tribunal.

Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council (19 007 498)

Summary: Ms X complains about the Council’s decision to recover an overpayment of benefit. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because she appealed to a tribunal.

Spelthorne Borough Council (19 007 780)

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to charge full council tax on a property the complainant has never lived in. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Birmingham City Council (19 003 251)

Summary: Miss B complained that the Council sent council tax demands, a court summons and a court order to the wrong address so she was unaware of the debt until she had contact from the bailiff. The Council also wrongly advised her that it could apply a discount to the bill. The Council has acknowledged it should have identified that Miss B was not living at that address and has deducted the court costs and returned the account from the bailiffs. It should also deduct £150 from the amount due in recognition of the distress it caused her and further frustration and confusion when it gave her wrong advice.

London Borough of Haringey (19 006 217)

Summary: We will not investigate Ms Q’s complaint about the Council’s handling of her council tax and council tax support. This is because she has, and could have, appealed to the Valuation Tribunal.

London Borough of Waltham Forest (19 006 848)

Summary: The Ombudsman cannot investigate this complaint about a housing benefit and council tax benefit/support overpayment. This is because the matter has been considered in court and by the tribunal.

Bristol City Council (19 007 051)

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr B’s complaint about the way the Council dealt with non-domestic rates for two properties he occupies. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Harrogate Borough Council (19 007 229)

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about delays with the Council charging council tax for newly built properties. This is because it is unlikely he will find fault by the Council and the complainant has not been caused injustice. In addition, he cannot investigate the VOA

Bristol City Council (18 013 055)

Summary: The complainant says the Council failed to properly manage his council tax account and ensure he knew about arrears owed on the account. The complaint says the Council wrongly added enforcement costs to his council tax bill. The Council says it followed the correct procedures and issued bills, reminders and notices and sent them to the property and after tracing the complainant to his current address. The Council says it incurred enforcement costs because the complainant did not leave a forwarding address and so it had to trace him. It recognises it did not respond to an email for a year. The Ombudsman finds the Council acted without fault or caused a significant injustice in following up the council tax owed on the property.

London Borough of Harrow (19 006 710)

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to respond to a request for a paper council tax bill. This is because the Council has issued a paper bill and there is insufficient evidence of injustice.

Manchester City Council (19 006 802)

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s decision to pay the complainant’s council tax support into the council tax account. This is because there is insufficient evidence of fault by the Council.

Breckland District Council (18 017 163)

Summary: Miss K complains the Council has not taken account of payments she made for council tax. She says it has not made reasonable adjustments to help her claim a council tax reduction and other discounts. The Ombudsman found no fault by the Council.

St Albans City Council (19 001 859)

Summary: Ms X complains about the way the Council dealt with her request for a discount on her council tax. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because there was a right of appeal to a Valuation Tribunal.

Fareham Borough Council (19 006 685)

Summary: Ms X complains that the Council has failed to properly explain a calculation of a rebate for council tax following a banding review. The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint because there is no evidence of fault.

London Borough of Harrow (19 006 373)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s handling of Mr Q’s council tax and council tax support. We are unlikely to add anything to the Council’s investigation, and further investigation is unlikely to lead to a different outcome.

London Borough of Brent (19 007 275)

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s failure to reinstate the complainant’s council tax support. This is because the complainant is satisfied with the response she has had from the Council.

Preston City Council (18 011 334)

Summary: Mrs X complains the Council did not properly consider information she said proved she had a tenant occupying her business premises. She said this meant she was unfairly billed for business rates. She feels the Council racially discriminated against her. The Ombudsman does not find the Council at fault.

London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (19 003 550)

Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the Council’s alleged failure to advise Mr Q about applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment. This is because the complaint is late. And Mr Q or Organisation B (acting on Mr Q’s behalf) could have asked for a review of the suitability of the temporary accommodation sooner.

Redcar & Cleveland Council (19 005 582)

Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate Mr and Mrs B’s complaint about liability for council tax. If Mr and Mrs B dispute their liability to pay council tax at a previous property, it is reasonable to expect them to use their right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. And further consideration of a complaint about the information the Council has provided is unlikely to find fault by the Council.

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TRAINING PLACES - The Department for the Economy and accountancy giant PwC, have launched a new Assured Skills Academy offering 20 high quality training places for people with a degree and an ambition to future proof their skill set.

Applications are open now for the Academy, which will see participants receive nine weeks of industry-relevant pre-employment training in data analytics at Belfast Met.

Speaking about the opportunities available, Heather Cousins, Deputy Secretary at the Department for the Economy, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for people with a degree to gain the skills they need to compete for jobs in the growing professional services industry where data skills are critical to many roles.

“Participants who successfully complete the Academy will gain industry recognised qualifications and be guaranteed a job interview with PwC. I urge anyone with an interest in entering this exciting sector to apply.”

She added: “This new Academy is a result of the announcement in November last year of more than 600 Assured Skills training places for potential roles at PwC, with support from the Department, and is further evidence of the strength of the local professional services sector.”

Claire McNally, PwC’s Head of Capability and Development in its Operate division, said: “We are very keen to bring on board graduates from a range of backgrounds and disciplines. No experience in data analytics is required in order to apply – the Assured Skills Academy provides extensive and high quality training through Belfast Met and puts participants on a very strong footing to compete for a job with PwC.

“This is an exciting time for the company, with unprecedented growth in Northern Ireland and we look forward to welcoming new people to our company in the near future.”

Academy participants will receive training in a range of data analytics techniques, including data architecture modelling, excel, SQL, Introduction to python, Human Skills and Introduction to power bi.

Image: Belfast Metropolitan College.

Belfast Metropolitan College is a further and higher education institution in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The college offers both vocational education and academic qualifications. With over 37,000 enrolments and an annual budget in the region of £60 million, it is Northern Ireland's largest college

Damian Duffy of Belfast Met said: “Belfast Met is a leading provider of pre-employment training that is industry-relevant and equips participants with hard and soft skills that will help them operate in the business world. We look forward to welcoming Academy participants onto this exciting course over the next five years.”

As well as industry-relevant training, Academy participants will receive a training allowance of £150 per week, travel expenses and may also be eligible for childcare allowance.

ABC Note: Applications are now open – more information and details of how to apply available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/assured-skills

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LEGAL - Fancy helping the London Legal Support Trust and the National Pro Bono Centre. They gve a rang of events you can take part in.

The Great Legal Bake 10^th – 14^th February

We are calling out for star bakers to make desserts and not legal aid deserts. Taking part is simple – all you need to do is get a team of bakers together and sell your fabulous creations in the office (or to family and friends). If you love baking, or eating cake, sign up today.

Brighton Marathon 19^th April

We have 3 spaces for the Brighton Marathon! If you’d like to take part in this fabulous race in support of access to justice please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The London Legal Walk Monday 8^th June

The largest fundraising event in the legal calendar returns on Monday 8^th June. This fun 10km sponsored walk attracted 15,000 walkers last year, raising an amazing £890,000 for justice. With 117 teams already signing up, we need your help to hit our target of £1 million in 2020! Fill in the short registration form and start recruiting walkers when you are ready.

Sponsored Legal Walks in the South East July – September

We also organise Legal Walks throughout the South East to raise funds for local advice agencies. This year our sponsored 10k walks will be taking place after work hours in Guildford, Eastbourne, Hastings, Southampton, Reading, Brighton, Chichester, Hackney and Oxford. Sign your team up here.

ASICS London 10k Sunday 5^th July

We have secured 20 places for the ASICS London 10k! This wonderful event has an iconic route passing the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament, and welcomes runners of all levels, whether you are aiming for a personal best or this is your first run. If you can commit to raising £200 for justice, sign up here.

London Legal Walkies Saturday 5^th September

The furriest fundraiser in the legal calendar returns in September! Get your four-legged friends involved with raising funds for frontline free legal advice services and join us for a 5k stroll in Greenwich Park followed by a trip to a pooch-friendly pub. Sign up here.

London to Brighton Cycle Sunday 13^th September

Brand new to the LLST events calendar for 2020 is the iconic 55-mile bike ride from London to Brighton! We have 15 places available for this challenging yet achievable cycle, so if you prefer a two-wheeled adventure to running and want to help fund frontline free legal advice services, this one is for you. Enter our ballot here.

Royal Parks Half Marathon  Sunday 11^th October

Four of London's eight Royal Parks - Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James's Park and Kensington Gardens – provide the stunning scenery for this 13.1-mile route across the capital. We have been lucky enough to secure 10 highly sought-after places and will be holding a ballot with winners announced in May. Register your interest now by clicking here.

Walk the Thames Saturday 17^th October

Whether you’re a keen runner or an avid walker, join us for a marathon or half-marathon along the River Thames in October to raise funds for the most vulnerable people in society. Last year our walkers and runners raised £23,000 for access to justice. For more information, please click here.

Great Legal Quiz Wednesday 25^th November

Get quizzical and test your trivia brains in aid of access to justice when the Great Legal Quiz returns in November! Simply gather a team, choose a venue and we will provide the questions. Sign up now.

Looking for something else?
We try to organise a wide range of events for all supporters of access to justice to get involved with, but if there’s something else you’d like to organise yourself or you have an event you are already signed up to and you would like to raise funds for LLST, we’d be thrilled to hear from you. Every year we are delighted to receive donations from individual pursuits and activities, and we’d love to help promote your efforts. Just contact us to let us know your plans.

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