From Z2K — Justice for vulnerable debtors
Hidden amidst the drama of the Scottish independence referendum,
last week saw the welcome news that the Department for Communities &
Local Government had agreed to look again at its outrageous decision to
end funding for the Local Welfare Assistance schemes that replaced the
Discretionary Social Fund Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants. The
move followed an application for Judicial Review of ministers’ decision
by Christian Jump, a disabled Cheshire resident, who was represented by
Doughty Street Chambers and Public Law Solicitors, and backed by the
Child Poverty Action Group.
The Discretionary Social Fund had many problems, but like many
others, Z2K always feared that the devolution of responsibility to local
authorities would make those problems even worse. The last Labour
Government consulted on very similar proposals to those implemented by
the Coalition last year, but backed off after intense lobbying by
anti-poverty campaigners. It was little surprise to see them resurface
when the Coalition took office. But even the most cynical observers were
shocked by the Government sneaking out news of the £178 million cut in
the fine print of the local government funding settlement over Christmas
break....
Continue reading on z2k's website....
Self-help support vs ravages of 'welfare reform'. Never attend anywhere official alone!
This blog currently focuses on national policy matters that impact upon KUWG members.
Kilburn Unemployed Workers Group as a group focuses primarily on combating benefits injustices locally through advocacy in individuals' benefit claims, and demonstrations that emphasise that there is hope when we come together. We are more angry than frightened.
Showing posts with label local welfare assistance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label local welfare assistance. Show all posts
Monday, 29 September 2014
Monday, 3 February 2014
'Local Welfare Assistance'
 |
| 'Local Welfare Assistance': see your local council |
Photo taken in Wembley JCP at about 12:30 today. This was later confirmed by staff in Brent Civic Centre: they provided the following number: 020 8937 5796.
This has previously been decreed by welfare reform legislation. A major question is whether the councils will keep these funds in their coffers to build up interest while people in urgent need are left to starve in the same way that Primary Care Trusts have previously snatched moneys that should have gone to fund respite breaks for carers devoting more than 50 hours per week to the care of a family member, in order to pay for shortfalls in their services? Central Government giving councils the liberty to formulate their own policies regarding how crisis money should be spent under 'Local Welfare Assistance' increases this danger considerably.
See also: http://www.insidehousing.co.uk/regulation/government-scraps-fund-for-crisis-loans/7001474.article
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