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Today Birmingham City Council in partnership with Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid have opened a new domestic abuse hub that will provide support to those experiencing and fleeing domestic violence.

The centre will take a holistic approach to supporting women suffering from abuse that will include a range of both prevention and crisis support services. It has been designed to be more than just a physical place for women to take shelter. The hub will act as a specialist environment that will provide advice, information and support to women at risk of domestic abuse, who are as a result, at risk of homelessness. Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid working in partnership with the Council’s Housing Options team will ensure a tailored, specialist response leading to improved outcomes for women and children.

The pilot has been co-funded by the Council and Women’s Aid and is expected to see up to 25 new cases a day.

Councillor Sharon Thompson, Cabinet Member for homes and neighbourhoods said, “I’m really proud to be involved in the launch of this new centre that will provide a safe haven, expert support and the start of the end to the suffering of women and their children right across this city.

“We can’t continue putting plasters on major issues like domestic violence and homelessness, hoping that they just go away. They need to be faced head on with innovation, the right support and the right expertise. That’s why we joined with our partner, Women’s Aid, so that we can come together and put in place the best response to domestic violence and the risk of homelessness”

“In Birmingham, we’ve seen the number of people experiencing homelessness skyrocket over the last five years and until we start to address these underlying causes, we’ll never eradicate homelessness from our city. Domestic violence is one of the leading causes for homelessness. By putting this specialist care and support in place, it means that those who are at risk of homelessness are identified and supported at an earlier stage meaning that they are less likely to become homeless.”

In June of last year, Birmingham launched both its homelessness and domestic abuse prevention strategies which identified domestic violence as accounting for 20% of all of its homeless cases. The strategies were both led by more than 30 organisations from across the public, private and third sectors.

Maureen Connolly, Chief Executive at Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid said, “This collaboration is a significant advance in the way we approach domestic violence in Birmingham. By understanding and responding to its impact upon women and children, the multi-disciplinary team offers a service, focused upon the needs of women and children affected by domestic violence. It takes into account all factors, in particular the risks that might lead to the need to leave behind everything they have, including their homes; belongings; family; friends; pets; as well as their employment and schools with a view to become safe.

“Our job is to be empathetic, informative and honest, offer a prevention approach as well as to support women and children through changes to make them free from the fear of abuse.”

While today marks the official opening of the hub, it has been operational on a trial basis for two months and feedback has been well received by women using this service.

One woman commented, “I finally feel like I’ve made a massive step in the right direction and I can soon leave all the terrible experiences in the past to move on to a new life. This service is supportive and life-changing. It’s given me an awesome sense of relief.”

For an appointment at the Hub, please call the home options number on 0808 169 9604. For emergency help, the 24 hour Women’s Aid helpline number is 0808 200 0247.

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More than two-thirds of people who faced being denied social security benefits were found to be entitled to that support – prompting calls by the SNP for a fresh review of the DWP assessment and appeals process. 
 
Official government figures show that 70% of people who faced the possibility of losing their entitlement, and took this decision to hearing, had their cases overturned.
 
There were 51,256 appeal disposals in the quarter up to December 2018 and 41,171 (80 per cent) were cleared at hearing. Of those cases cleared at hearing, 70 per cent were found in favour of the claimant – an increase of 5% on last year.
 
Controversial new benefits introduced by the DWP - Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - have driven the overall increase in the overturn rate.

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In January Simon Collyer ABC founder appeared on BBC Look East, News at Ten, and on the Sadie 9 show on BBC Essex Radio, discussing his findings regarding Bus Gates.

In the autumn of 2017, Simon drove through a Bus Gate both ways in the autumn of 2017, Hythe Station Road, Colchester. He did not know what a Bus Gate was at the time. The legislation was only enacted in April 2016 (this happened December 2017). Simon won his first case as there were no lights in the dark wintery evening but he lost his second case driving to the same location to collect a wheel rim during the day: PCN ES50931932. That matter is being appealed.

In researching this matter, Simon found that Bus Gates had not been included in documents downloadable from the YouGov website. This includes the Official Highway Code and Know Your Road Signs. The Official Highway Code is the ‘Bible’ for Driving instructors teaching students.

Who is the Department for Transport minister, none other than ‘Failing Chris Grayling’ formerly of the DWP?

Legal action is being taken against the Department for Transport over this matter. How can the public obey the law if they are not told about it? 

One Bus Gate in Manchester has taken over a thousand fines per day in excess of 20m in fines. Colchester Hythe Station road 18,000 fines and 58,000 fines plus, from one notorious Bus Gate in Chelmsford, Essex. People on benefits get accused of expecting money for nothing. Councils doing this are in another league!! 

Councils are using parking tickets as creative ways to bring in revenue as council spending has been slashed by 40%, however, those who cannot pay are been given aggressive visits by bailiff’s who threaten to take the little they have and who can also experience the fear of going to Court. Many Claimants, of course, are unable to stay 'mobile' as benefits are being slashed.

For many, a car is a route to work and for those on state pensions a necessity as opposed to a luxury in rural areas. Everyone it seems wants your money and alas those on welfare don't have anything much to spare. 

ABC Comment, have you say below:

Almost three years after the referendum, Brexit is still dominating the headlines. With only 8 days to go until Brexit, a constitutional crisis unfolded this week when John Bercow barred Theresa May from holding another vote on her Brexit deal, unless the deal is considerably different from the ones she has previously proposed.

The latest votes and delays continue to push people and business to the brink of their patience and financial means. Uncertainty in business affects jobs and communities that rely on one or two major industries or employers. Today, FairMoney unveils nationally representative research looking into people’s personal finances and how they have been affected by Brexit.

Key stats

• A fifth of Brits – 10.5 million - believe that they are in the worst financial position that they have ever been in
• Over half of Brits - 53% - said that their average disposable income per week is less than £0
• 22 million Brits - 43% of the population - don’t understand how Brexit will affect household bills
• 42% of Brits – 22 million - would care more about Brexit negotiations if it affected their house bills
• 30 million Brits - 59% - believe that Brexit will increase the price of food and produce in supermarkets
• 57% of Brits – 29.5 million - believe that Brexit will make European goods in supermarkets considerably more expensive
• Over half of Brits - 54% - believe that Brexit will have a negative impact on the cost of holidays

It is clear that individuals in the UK think the cost of many of their regular expenditures will increase after Brexit. 31 million Brits said they believe that Brexit will increase the price of food and produce in supermarkets and 28 million think that it will have a negative impact on the cost of their holidays. The effect of this could be monumental as 53% of Brits say that their average disposable income per week is less than £0.

Dr Roger Gewolb, Executive Chairman of FairMoney commented on the research, “The Brexit limbo is negatively affecting Brits and their financial situation. Many of us just need some degree of certainty so we can adequately plan for the future. The research that FairMoney is publishing today shows a bleak picture of personal financial situation, and I urge politicians from all sides to come together for the good of our bank balances.”

There are scams-a-plenty currently. This may be affecting the good citizens of North Lanarkshire, but this scheme could operate anywhere? Always ask for references and follow them up. Speak to your local council. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

Workmen claim they can access council grants

Householders are being warned to beware of roofing companies calling at their door claiming to be able to access grant funding from North Lanarkshire Council to replace the roofs of their homes.

Cases have been reported to our Trading Standards team in the last week, including addresses in the Holehills and Golfhill areas of Airdrie, where a business has been telling householders they are working on behalf of the council and can secure government funding for roofing works. 

North Lanarkshire Council advice for householders is:

• First and foremost it is your home and you do not have to answer the door to anyone.
• Always ask for a written quote. If a business won't give you this, then go no further. Tell them to leave.
• Make sure you get your right to cancel in writing. You should be given a 14 day cooling off period unless you sign away this right.
• Don't let any work commence before you are completely satisfied the work is necessary. Don't take the company's word that the repairs are needed - get further quotes from recommended traders.
• Make background checks on the company. Search for the company on the internet or ask a friend or relative to help do so. Does the address check out, what about the phone numbers?
• Check with the council's Private Sector team on 01698 274179 to see if any works suggested to you might be grant eligible before signing anything.

ABC Comments, have your say below:

A letter we have recieved from Colchester United is pointing out a new training scheme for young people. If you know anyone likely to be interested PLEASE pass this information on:

The Education Team at Colchester United Football in the Community are now able to offer an excellent opportunity for young people aged between 16-18 and who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). This is a FREE 12 week course packed full with innovative work based learning.

Young people who are NEET are at risk from social pressures which they are not equipped to manage. It is no surprise that any 18 year old who is NEET is at higher risk of committing crime, anti-social behaviour and suicide. We need your assistance to help our local young people turn an important corner and prevent ‘lifetime scarring’.

Whilst I understand that your current students cannot qualify for a place on the traineeship, I wanted to make contact with you to help us signpost any young people who may now fit the criteria of being classed as NEET.

It is possible that you may have students who never enrolled or have left your 6^th form (assuming you have a 6^th Form) and you are aware that they are now unemployed and wondering where to go next in terms of increasing their chances of employment.

In addition, you may have year 11 students who have not made plans for the next stage in the pathway leading to further Education, Employment or Training.

We hope with your assistance we can direct these young people to Colchester United FITC and allow us to help develop their work-based skills in order for them to take the next step in their Education, Employment or Training.

I have attached an information sheet about the Traineeship Programme. Please can I also draw your attention to two websites (Colchester United and the English Football League Trust) where the students can apply for a place;

https://www.cu-fc.com/fitc/fitc-traineeships/

http://www.efltrust.com/projects/traineeships/

If there was any opportunity through communication with ex-students and parents via newsletters or your website then we would be grateful for your support.  If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact me on the phone number below.

Mark Harris
Community Development Officer
Colchester United Football Club, Colchester United Football in the Community,

Shrub End Community and Sports Centre, Boadicea Way, Colchester, C02 9BG

Registered Charity Number: 1159381

Tel: 01206 755160   Fax: 01206 755149

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  Web: www.cu-fc.com/club/fitc

ABC Note: Do you know of anyone who might be interested. If so they can apply via the two websites? 

Colchester United Football Club is a professional association football club based in the town of Colchester, Essex, England. The team competes in League Two, the fourth tier of the English football league system.

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With over 70 years’ experience in the financial industry, Creditfix has helped over 92,000 people with their debt so far. The organization offers advice on a range of subjects relating to debt, including financial debt management, visas and bankruptcy.

According to Creditfix a shocking number of UK adults don’t know how to manage their finances in a responsible manner, according to new research.

A survey of 1,000 UK adults, carried out by Creditfix, the UK’s largest personal insolvency practice, found that only 34% of Brits admit they feel ‘in control’ of their finances. An overwhelming number (57%) said they couldn’t even confirm the amount of money in their bank account at that current time.

The research also reveals that only 1 in 5 (20%) British adults log their outgoings each month to keep track of their finances, while 14% admitted that they would only check their bank account twice a month.  

When quizzed on the reasons why Brits didn’t keep a closer eye on their finances, almost 1 in 3 (31%) said they didn’t have time to log their outgoings each month, while 15% simply stated they preferred not to look at their bank account so often.

Taylor Flynn, marketing manager at Creditfix comments: “It’s worrying to see just how few British adults feel in control of their finances. It’s understandable of course, but it is concerning.

“There are simple ways to manage finances and thanks to apps and technology advances, there are more things available than ever before that can be used to make this easier. Setting a realistic weekly budget will allow Brits to monitor how much they can spend to avoid going into any unwanted debt. By scheduling monthly bills, this will help to control any outgoings as it can be monitored effectively. Creating a monthly log to track spending on items such as bills, food shops and social activities is also helpful and doesn’t need to take endless amounts of time. This will make life easier in the long run and can prevent debt and financial difficulty along the way.”

Creditfix Limited is one of the largest personal insolvency practices in the UK, servicing Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The full list of areas that Credit Fix can give advice on can be found at www.creditfix.co.uk.

For more information on Creditfix visit their website: 

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We came across Stashbee which is a new type of storage service. If you have spare space you can earn money from it. If you need space it could be a cheaper option. 

This is what they have to say:

What is Stashbee and why do people love using our service?

• Space has never been at such a premium, and we live in an era where people have more belongings than ever before. Stashbee aims to reinvent the way we store stuff for the sharing economy generation.
• Our easy-to-use platform connects individuals & businesses who have spare space (garages, spare rooms, parking spaces, warehouses) with those who need it (private and business storage, parking, warehousing). Think of it as Airbnb for storage.
• For our guests, we offer secure, vetted, local spaces at affordable prices. Meanwhile we empower our hosts with an easy way to earn additional income.

 What are the advantages

• It’s safe and secure as we carry out ID verification on guests and hosts through an independent third-party verification specialist, Onfido
• Guests' belongings are insured through Guardhog underwritten by Hiscox
• We provide all of the payment processing so guest and hosts don’t have to worry about handling cash
• Hosts earn passive income i.e. people can get cash with little effort from space they’re not using.
• Stashbee guarantees payments so there aren’t any surprises if there are any issues with payment from guests
• On some spaces we provide a free photoshoot to increase the chances of selling the space

 How much on average can a user make from renting out their space space per year?

• Basement - £2,690 per year
• Garage - £1,640 per year
• Lock-up - £1,420 per year
• Loft - £1,390 per year
• Outhouse - £1,440 per year
• Parking Space - £1,210 per year
• Shed - £1,050 per year
• Spare room - £1,570 per year

 What are the admin fees?

• 20% + VAT which includes insurance for guests’ belongings, ID checking for guests and hosts, payment processing, guaranteed payments, marketing and for photo shoots on certain spaces

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The UK employment rate was estimated at 76.1%, higher than for a year earlier (75.3%) and the highest figure on record.

The UK unemployment rate was estimated at 3.9%; it has not been lower since November 1974 to January 1975.

The UK economic inactivity rate was estimated at 20.7%, lower than for a year earlier (21.2%) and the lowest figure on record.

Excluding bonuses, average weekly earnings for employees in Great Britain were estimated to have increased by 3.4%, before adjusting for inflation, and by 1.4%, after adjusting for inflation, compared with a year earlier.

Including bonuses, average weekly earnings for employees in Great Britain were estimated to have increased by 3.4%, before adjusting for inflation, and by 1.5%, after adjusting for inflation, compared with a year earlier.

Image courtesy of the ONS:Unemployment rates Jan - March 1971 to November 2018. 

Unemployment measures people without a job who have been actively seeking work within the last four weeks and are available to start work within the next two weeks. The unemployment rate is the proportion of all employed and unemployed people (not the proportion of the total population) who are unemployed.

The unemployment rates for men and women aged 16 years and over have been generally falling since late 2013.

For November 2018 to January 2019, the unemployment rate:

• for everyone aged 16 years and over was estimated at 3.9%; it has not been lower since November 1974 to January 1975
• for men was estimated at 4.0%; it has not been lower since April to June 1975
• for women was estimated at 3.8%, the lowest since comparable records began in 1971

For November 2018 to January 2019 an estimated 1.34 million people were unemployed, 112,000 fewer than for a year earlier. There have not been fewer unemployed people in the UK since October to December 1975.

ABC Note: Many people are still not able to get jobs and why have wages fallen if so many people are bidding to get work. Figures are compiled from a survey and if you have one hours work you are in full time employment.

Responding to the reports that hundreds of people face eviction after controversial landlord Fergus Wilson decided to sell his entire property portfolio, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Housing, Communities and Local Government Tim Farron said:

"As the Conservative Government fails to get a grip of the UK’s housing crisis, more people unable to afford a home of their own end up stuck in the private rented sector.
 
“The decision of property tycoon Fergus Wilson to sell his entire property portfolio, leaving hundreds of families facing eviction, shows the risks for vulnerable people having to rent in the private sector. Liberal Democrats demand better for tenants.
 
“That is why Liberal Democrats would not only incentivise private landlords to offer longer-term tenancies, but embark on an ambitious delivery of 100,000 new social homes for rent being built every year. Social housing is incredibly important as it provides affordable accommodation for those on low incomes and is a vital safety net for vulnerable groups.

"By failing to act, the Government is ignoring the right of every person to live in an affordable and secure home.”

Image: Landlord Fergus Wilson

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