Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Cotton Exchange project
This October artists are coming to the North West from Gujarat in India - weaver Shamji Vishram Siju and textile artist LOkesh Ghai.
The artists want to meet you. There will be free events organised led by young people who went and met the artists in India earlier this year:
“We were invited into the homes and studios of local artist and artisans. Each visit came with its own adventure, as two cultures came together under one roof.”
Gallery of Costume, Platt Hall, Rushome, Manchester M14 5LL
Friends and Family events: Saturdays 6th and 13th October, 1-4pm
Closing event: Wednesday 17 October, 5.00pm- 8.00pm
Monday, September 24, 2012
Combine learning with having fun!!!
The Prince's Trust Team based in Fallowfield South Manchester are currently recruiting for their next Team programme which starts on October 1st.
It is a 12 week personal development programme aimed at equipping young people between the ages of 16-25 with the skills to help them progress into the employment market or make a successful return to education.
If you are aware of any young people who want to develop experience and skills that are helpful for the world of work do please pass on our details.
We can be contacted on 07590734137 or 0161 257 3963
or via email to
Natalie.Shannon@themanchestercollege.ac.uk
Glen.Hobbs@themanchestercollege.ac.uk
Hema.Govindji@themanchestercollege.ac.uk
Please read the attached information leaflet.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Welfare Reform - The Labour way
Over the last two weeks I have chaired two Policy Forums on the hot topic of welfare reform. The first at the North West Regional Labour Party Conference with Kate Green MP, Vice Chair of the NPF as well as Cllr Anne Duffield, Shadow Cabinet member for Trafford. And the second at the Blackley and Broughton Constituency Labour Party again with Cllr Anne Duffield. Both were well attended with 60 or so delegates at each one and drew out lively discussions and debate.
A number of key messages were common in both Forums;
1) The Labour Party needs to raise its political game on this, standing up for the most vulnerable while developing an alternative credible welfare vision.
2) Labour councils need to work together with housing providers to highlight the implications for tenants, looking at measures to mitigate some of the damage (“a challenge to say the least”)
3) A future Labour government needs to regulate rents to bring down the housing benefit bill and use revenue savings to increase the supply of affordable homes (build more houses).
4) Legislate to curtail the loan sharks introducing a maximum Annual Percentage Rate on credit.
5) Make work pay through a living wage and fair taxation.
As a Manchester councillor I have already seen a marked change in some of the issues being presented to me at advice bureaus and through correspondence. The re-assessment regime targeted at those constituents on disability benefits is throwing up some surprising and unjustified results. I would be amongst the first to support reform that made the welfare state active, providing a helping hand into work, training and education opportunities.. The evidence presented to me so far is a reformed system that has a nasty edge shaped by ideological dogma in pursuit of at least £18 billion of cuts.
Unfortunately “we ain't seen nothing yet” with the impending bedroom tax,(effecting 14,000 tenants in Manchester) localised and cut council tax benefit (50,000 Manchester residents) and the introduction of the Universal Credit.(64,000 Manchester residents)
In my ward alone 208 Tenants will be affected by the bedroom tax, many facing a reduction in income by as much as £25 per week. On top of this they face cuts in council tax benefits and having payments provided directly on a monthly basis rather than to housing providers on a fortnightly basis. When faced with a choice between providing for the family or paying bills, many will put their loved ones first creating a deteriorating cycle of debt.
Please do email me with your ideas on welfare reform or get in touch if you need support.
A number of key messages were common in both Forums;
1) The Labour Party needs to raise its political game on this, standing up for the most vulnerable while developing an alternative credible welfare vision.
2) Labour councils need to work together with housing providers to highlight the implications for tenants, looking at measures to mitigate some of the damage (“a challenge to say the least”)
3) A future Labour government needs to regulate rents to bring down the housing benefit bill and use revenue savings to increase the supply of affordable homes (build more houses).
4) Legislate to curtail the loan sharks introducing a maximum Annual Percentage Rate on credit.
5) Make work pay through a living wage and fair taxation.
As a Manchester councillor I have already seen a marked change in some of the issues being presented to me at advice bureaus and through correspondence. The re-assessment regime targeted at those constituents on disability benefits is throwing up some surprising and unjustified results. I would be amongst the first to support reform that made the welfare state active, providing a helping hand into work, training and education opportunities.. The evidence presented to me so far is a reformed system that has a nasty edge shaped by ideological dogma in pursuit of at least £18 billion of cuts.
Unfortunately “we ain't seen nothing yet” with the impending bedroom tax,(effecting 14,000 tenants in Manchester) localised and cut council tax benefit (50,000 Manchester residents) and the introduction of the Universal Credit.(64,000 Manchester residents)
In my ward alone 208 Tenants will be affected by the bedroom tax, many facing a reduction in income by as much as £25 per week. On top of this they face cuts in council tax benefits and having payments provided directly on a monthly basis rather than to housing providers on a fortnightly basis. When faced with a choice between providing for the family or paying bills, many will put their loved ones first creating a deteriorating cycle of debt.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
The Bedroom Tax, The Nasty Party is back
Just received the latest update in regards to those Fallowfield Tenants that will be effected by the so called "bedroom tax".
208 City South Tenants will be at the sharp end of these Tory led government welfare reforms. 148 losing £14 a week in benefits and 65 losing 25%.
Due to the shortage of affordable housing moving, downsizing and swapping will be a challenge to say the least. As Labour Councillors we will do all we can to mitigate the damage, it is clear that the Nasty Party of Politics is back with bells on.
208 City South Tenants will be at the sharp end of these Tory led government welfare reforms. 148 losing £14 a week in benefits and 65 losing 25%.
Due to the shortage of affordable housing moving, downsizing and swapping will be a challenge to say the least. As Labour Councillors we will do all we can to mitigate the damage, it is clear that the Nasty Party of Politics is back with bells on.