Today's Guardian front page sees a huge piece of signal sending by the Government.
The story, from a pre arranged interview with housing minister Caroline Flint, has them talking tough again about people on benefits. This time its those who are also in social housing who need to be taken to task. The suggestion is that if you are a tenant in "council housing" you tenancy will be conditional on your actively seeking work.
Hmmm.
Leaving aside the fact that if you are on Job Seekers Allowance the government tells you to actively seek work anyway, what does this mean?
As far as I can see it means the government is finding a way to send another signal about benefits and welfare to two groups - those for whom the decision about whether working makes them better off is a marginal one, and that great tranche of Daily Mail readers who love nothing better than to assume everyone on benefits is involved in a sort of con.
But let's think about what Ms Fint has said in a bit more detail. She must know that there is less and less actual council housing around because government rules means that many estates are being transferred to other housing providers - housing associations and the like. These are independent bodies, some charities some not, running social housing. Are they to become agents of the state and police whether their tenants are "actively seeking work"? The core business of a housing association is to provide decent housing, to manage the estate, to collect rent, to carry out repairs. Housing officers are not benefit enforcers and shouldn't be.
But let's think about the justification here. It may be that people feel that those in accomodation which is in effect subsidised by the state in one way or another, should have an obligation to seek work so that they are paying back part of that subsidy. I don't agree but its a workable argument. But we are not talking about those in the private rented sector are we? And housing benefit is a state subsidy too.
Caroline Flint, in my Guardian story, argues that estates in which few people work actually make it less likely that others will get jobs. It affects aspirations she says (and I suspect there is truth in that). But the other thing that affects aspirations, and the likelihood of getting work, is the stigmatisation of particular areas. If you talk as if people from x estate are less likely to get a job, that will become the reality. Postcode discrimination can and does happen and we shouldn't be feeding it with ill informed comment.
There is obviously nothing wrong in social housing providers showing a broader interest in the welfare of their tenants. And there is nothing wrong in suggesting that services like job centres should be made more local and more accessible. And of course people need the transport infrastructure to get to jobs.
But in my view the Guardian story was intended to send loud warning signals. Perhaps the government ought to concentrate on helping people into work rather than frightening them and talking tough.
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
Are there any women out there?
The front page of todays Daily Post has a story about tunnel tolls, a big issue for people travelling between Liverpool and the Wirral.
The story is illustrated by a picture of six councillors who, as part of a meeting at Merseytravel, voted for the tolls.
The story is about the tolls - but the picture raised another issue for me.
This is a picture of six men. The quotes from non pictured councillors on Merseytravel are also from men. And in fact I know that the councillor membership of Merseytravel is heavily male dominated.
Now I don't have anything against the individuals who serve on Merseytravel - and I know that some of those from Liverpool work really hard.
But given that Merseytravel is about public transport. And given that research has shown that a public transport user is more likely to be female, surely we need a bit more representation.
Councillors are not elected onto Merseytravel directly. They are nominated within their individual councils,usually via political group elections, and sent there as representatives. Perhaps those councils, or those political groups, who are not selecting any women need to have a hard think about that.
The story is illustrated by a picture of six councillors who, as part of a meeting at Merseytravel, voted for the tolls.
The story is about the tolls - but the picture raised another issue for me.
This is a picture of six men. The quotes from non pictured councillors on Merseytravel are also from men. And in fact I know that the councillor membership of Merseytravel is heavily male dominated.
Now I don't have anything against the individuals who serve on Merseytravel - and I know that some of those from Liverpool work really hard.
But given that Merseytravel is about public transport. And given that research has shown that a public transport user is more likely to be female, surely we need a bit more representation.
Councillors are not elected onto Merseytravel directly. They are nominated within their individual councils,usually via political group elections, and sent there as representatives. Perhaps those councils, or those political groups, who are not selecting any women need to have a hard think about that.
Saturday, 2 February 2008
Knotty Ash - and sunshine
Off to Knotty Ash this morning to help colleagues with their campaigning. A dog free session - and after yesterday what a relief that the sun came out!
Friday, 1 February 2008
South Liverpool youth festival needs bands
Acts wanted for HUB
The UK's biggest urban youth festival has launched a search for the best bands to star in one of the highlights of Liverpool's European Capital of Culture celebrations.
HUB - the biggest free festival of its kind - annually takes place at Otterspool Promenade, Liverpool - and is expected to attract up to 20,000 people on 17-18 May.
And event organisers are inviting the best musicians from indie to funk, rock to soul, hip-hop to metal to send in a demo which could see them starring on its live music stage.
Successful bands will earn themselves a slot at the festival, joining confirmed headliner Shlomo, one of the world's finest human beatboxers.
Susan Whitehead, Event organiser from the Liverpool Culture Company, said: "Whether you're rappers or rockers, speed metallers or soul divas, we want to hear from you. Judges will be looking for acts with heaps of energy, style and passion. Only the best talent will be selected to play at what promises to be a wicked weekend."
Councillor Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council and Deputy Chairman of Liverpool Culture Company, added: "This is a fantastic opportunity for bands and artists to perform live, in an incredible atmosphere, in front of thousands of people at one of the biggest and best urban youth festivals in the country.''
Bands have until Monday 25 February to apply with a biography, a completed artists' contact form and a demo. A panel of music industry professionals will judge all applications and choose their favourites to play at the event. Successful bands/artists will be notified by Monday 10 March.
Application forms can be downloaded from www.liverpool08.com/hub or requested by emailing marketing@liverpool08.com. (Please type 'HUB' in the subject field of your email.)
The HUB festival, now into its sixth year, was established by Liverpool Culture Company during the city's successful '08 culture bid. It celebrates a vibrant mix of urban art, music and extreme sports including skateboarding, BMX, in-line skating, breakdancing and body popping.
The UK's biggest urban youth festival has launched a search for the best bands to star in one of the highlights of Liverpool's European Capital of Culture celebrations.
HUB - the biggest free festival of its kind - annually takes place at Otterspool Promenade, Liverpool - and is expected to attract up to 20,000 people on 17-18 May.
And event organisers are inviting the best musicians from indie to funk, rock to soul, hip-hop to metal to send in a demo which could see them starring on its live music stage.
Successful bands will earn themselves a slot at the festival, joining confirmed headliner Shlomo, one of the world's finest human beatboxers.
Susan Whitehead, Event organiser from the Liverpool Culture Company, said: "Whether you're rappers or rockers, speed metallers or soul divas, we want to hear from you. Judges will be looking for acts with heaps of energy, style and passion. Only the best talent will be selected to play at what promises to be a wicked weekend."
Councillor Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council and Deputy Chairman of Liverpool Culture Company, added: "This is a fantastic opportunity for bands and artists to perform live, in an incredible atmosphere, in front of thousands of people at one of the biggest and best urban youth festivals in the country.''
Bands have until Monday 25 February to apply with a biography, a completed artists' contact form and a demo. A panel of music industry professionals will judge all applications and choose their favourites to play at the event. Successful bands/artists will be notified by Monday 10 March.
Application forms can be downloaded from www.liverpool08.com/hub or requested by emailing marketing@liverpool08.com. (Please type 'HUB' in the subject field of your email.)
The HUB festival, now into its sixth year, was established by Liverpool Culture Company during the city's successful '08 culture bid. It celebrates a vibrant mix of urban art, music and extreme sports including skateboarding, BMX, in-line skating, breakdancing and body popping.
Climate change events in Liverpool
A plug for events being organised by Liverpool Friends of the Earth this month.
There is one next Saturday (the 9th) an another the following Saturday at the FACT Centre.
Details posted below. Do come along to one or both if you can.
SATURDAY 9 FEBRUARY from 11am…
Join The Big Ask On-Line March! In and around FACT
Join Jude Law, KT Tunstall and your mates in a virtual march to act on climate change! A free filming session to place your own mini-blog on Friends of the Earth's climate website.
Have your say – log on – see yourself! See www.thebigask.com
A crew from tenantspin (www..tenantspin.org) FACT's and Arena Housing's pioneering community TV station will be around the FACT building from 11am – 1pm and 2 – 3.30pm collecting interviews with members of the public for the Big Ask which will then be uploaded to the mini-blog.
SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY at 2pm…
Film Focus: Liverpool's Response to Climate Change
A special showing of Crude Awakening (tickets £3.50*)
in FACT Screen 3
Followed by 'speed dating' chat sessions in the Bar.
How are local communities, businesses, and our City's Capital of Culture activities aiming to keep the emissions down? Hosted by Frank Kennedy of Friends of the Earth NW. Speakers from a business, a community group and the City itself will mix it with the rest of us until 4.30pm. Extra time if needed (no penalties!)
Before and after – spot yourself on film! The Big Ask web footage from last Saturday will be projected in the bar.
*FACT box office: 0151 707 4450
There is one next Saturday (the 9th) an another the following Saturday at the FACT Centre.
Details posted below. Do come along to one or both if you can.
SATURDAY 9 FEBRUARY from 11am…
Join The Big Ask On-Line March! In and around FACT
Join Jude Law, KT Tunstall and your mates in a virtual march to act on climate change! A free filming session to place your own mini-blog on Friends of the Earth's climate website.
Have your say – log on – see yourself! See www.thebigask.com
A crew from tenantspin (www..tenantspin.org) FACT's and Arena Housing's pioneering community TV station will be around the FACT building from 11am – 1pm and 2 – 3.30pm collecting interviews with members of the public for the Big Ask which will then be uploaded to the mini-blog.
SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY at 2pm…
Film Focus: Liverpool's Response to Climate Change
A special showing of Crude Awakening (tickets £3.50*)
in FACT Screen 3
Followed by 'speed dating' chat sessions in the Bar.
How are local communities, businesses, and our City's Capital of Culture activities aiming to keep the emissions down? Hosted by Frank Kennedy of Friends of the Earth NW. Speakers from a business, a community group and the City itself will mix it with the rest of us until 4.30pm. Extra time if needed (no penalties!)
Before and after – spot yourself on film! The Big Ask web footage from last Saturday will be projected in the bar.
*FACT box office: 0151 707 4450
Vulnerable children to be forced home??
A story in the Independent today says the Home Office is talking about forcibly deporting asylum seekers who are under 18.
In other words, forcibly putting children on planes to go back to war zones.
We are not talking about a family group here - but children who are on their own. One of the most vulerable groups there can be.
I am at a loss as to why the government is looking at this. Unaccompanied refugee minors are a tiny proportion of those seeking asylum.
I remember when I worked at the Refugee Council the very special needs and very difficult problems faced by some of this small group.
I've pasted below some comments from the story in the Independent.
Let's hope the Government thinks again about this
But Lisa Nandy, policy adviser for the Children's Society, warned: "This will cause great distress and suffering to many who have fled torture, war and poverty and runs contrary to the Government's aspiration to keep these children safe."
Dame Mary Marsh, chief executive of the children's charity, the NSPCC, said: "The Government appears to be turning its back on children who have been separated from their families and who may have suffered trauma or persecution."
She added: "The majority of these children will be alone, frightened and unable to speak English and therefore powerless to explain why their safety depends on remaining in the UK. Donna Covey, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: "The Government should not try to force any child to return against their wishes where their safety and welfare cannot be guaranteed. These are not children who come here seeking a better life, with their families waiting for them in peaceful homes. Many of them are children from war zones."
In other words, forcibly putting children on planes to go back to war zones.
We are not talking about a family group here - but children who are on their own. One of the most vulerable groups there can be.
I am at a loss as to why the government is looking at this. Unaccompanied refugee minors are a tiny proportion of those seeking asylum.
I remember when I worked at the Refugee Council the very special needs and very difficult problems faced by some of this small group.
I've pasted below some comments from the story in the Independent.
Let's hope the Government thinks again about this
But Lisa Nandy, policy adviser for the Children's Society, warned: "This will cause great distress and suffering to many who have fled torture, war and poverty and runs contrary to the Government's aspiration to keep these children safe."
Dame Mary Marsh, chief executive of the children's charity, the NSPCC, said: "The Government appears to be turning its back on children who have been separated from their families and who may have suffered trauma or persecution."
She added: "The majority of these children will be alone, frightened and unable to speak English and therefore powerless to explain why their safety depends on remaining in the UK. Donna Covey, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: "The Government should not try to force any child to return against their wishes where their safety and welfare cannot be guaranteed. These are not children who come here seeking a better life, with their families waiting for them in peaceful homes. Many of them are children from war zones."
Standing in
Helped out at one of the councillors surgeries this week.
It's a while since I have done this. when I lost my seat in May I went from doing two surgeries a week to doing none.
At the time I had wondered about the efficiency of doing so many and of choosing those times. As more and more people prefer to get in touch by phone, letter and (increasingly) e mail, I had wondered whether there was in fact a decreasing demand for face to face surgeries. I actually started an analysis of the types of issues, numbers of people etc. I wanted to survey the best times, the best venues and the best frequency for surgeries. As a councillor you need to make sure that what you are doing is genuinely meeting needs rather than just following a pattern.
This week's experience showed that although fewer people use sugeries and there is less demand, there will always be a need.
Some people simply prefer to come at an advertised time and talk face to face. Others (and this was very clear this week) want to show documents.
It feels a little wrong to say that I found listening to people's problems satisfying, but helping out this week, meeting people, taking up issues, suggesting solutions etc reminded me of what I had enjoyed about being a councillor. Not all problems can be solved, and it's upsetting when that happens, but some can and that is really rewarding.
It's a while since I have done this. when I lost my seat in May I went from doing two surgeries a week to doing none.
At the time I had wondered about the efficiency of doing so many and of choosing those times. As more and more people prefer to get in touch by phone, letter and (increasingly) e mail, I had wondered whether there was in fact a decreasing demand for face to face surgeries. I actually started an analysis of the types of issues, numbers of people etc. I wanted to survey the best times, the best venues and the best frequency for surgeries. As a councillor you need to make sure that what you are doing is genuinely meeting needs rather than just following a pattern.
This week's experience showed that although fewer people use sugeries and there is less demand, there will always be a need.
Some people simply prefer to come at an advertised time and talk face to face. Others (and this was very clear this week) want to show documents.
It feels a little wrong to say that I found listening to people's problems satisfying, but helping out this week, meeting people, taking up issues, suggesting solutions etc reminded me of what I had enjoyed about being a councillor. Not all problems can be solved, and it's upsetting when that happens, but some can and that is really rewarding.
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