Welfare Reform

Depth_Charge

Hi

People borrowing money for food according to Whch...

Also, some other interesting stats in there

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22417334

Depth_Charge

Hi

Big investment for Credit Unions.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22432888

I think the powers that be are hoping that the Credit Unions can make an impact as well as acting as safety net where the welfare reform programme is concerned.

Sounds & looks good on paper however can they compete with the Payday Loan people who will no doubt see the credit unions as a competitor for the loot.

I think Credit Unions are a good thing and I personally have a limited involvment with a couple of them but its a hard call at the moment as many are already in the mire and arguably it is much easier to hook up to a payday loan as things stand.

The budgeting side with the Credit Unions is a positive side however they need to get it right and perhaps not drift towards what they are supposed to stand against.

There are some really good people involved in Credit Unions, many give their time for free.

Its just my take

Growurown

I am a member of my local credit union and find it very useful tool to help me manage my money in conjunction with my bank account. However I don't think it will stop people from going to Payday Loans or other lenders who charge huge interest rates. At least credit unions are responsible lenders and won't lend more than the borrower can afford to repay.

Growurown

A sad story in the news today, a woman commits suicide due to money worries over the bedroom tax.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-22500009

Depth_Charge

Growurown wrote: »

A sad story in the news today, a woman commits suicide due to money worries over the bedroom tax.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-22500009

Hi

Awful news

DC

Depth_Charge

Hi

Interesting 'take' on disability assessments according to recent BBC article


Disability assessments 'unfair' says ex-worker

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22546036

Growurown

Depth_Charge wrote: »

Hi

Interesting 'take' on disability assessments according to recent BBC article


Disability assessments 'unfair' says ex-worker

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22546036

I listened to this doctor interviewed on Radio 4 and I could hear he was struggling to keep his composure - he was so upset. I agree with him that this system is cruel. I understand that there are people who will try to con the system and yes they should be challenged. However I am seeing people put back onto JSA from disability who are now expected to look for work with absolutely no hope of ever getting a job. For example one gentleman I am helping is in his early sixties and was on disability for nearly 15 years and is now expected to look for work. He walks with two sticks has arthritis in his hands and has to use two hands to work the mouse on the computer. He's never used a computer before. What sort of job can a person with his difficulties get? and there are many more just like him.

Depth_Charge

Growurown wrote: »

I listened to this doctor interviewed on Radio 4 and I could hear he was struggling to keep his composure - he was so upset. I agree with him that this system is cruel. I understand that there are people who will try to con the system and yes they should be challenged. However I am seeing people put back onto JSA from disability who are now expected to look for work with absolutely no hope of ever getting a job. For example one gentleman I am helping is in his early sixties and was on disability for nearly 15 years and is now expected to look for work. He walks with two sticks has arthritis in his hands and has to use two hands to work the mouse on the computer. He's never used a computer before. What sort of job can a person with his difficulties get? and there are many more just like him.

Hi

Yes, I listened to him also

I agree with what you have put here.

Also seeing similar cases as you

I cant see anything else other than a gradual increase in enquires or likely worse.

Best Regards and keep up the good work Growurown

My opinions

Growurown

Depth_Charge wrote: »

Hi

Yes, I listened to him also

I agree with what you have put here.

Also seeing similar cases as you

I cant see anything else other than a gradual increase in enquires or likely worse.

Best Regards and keep up the good work Growurown

My opinions

Thank you for your comments:)

I feel so sorry for some of the people I come into contact with. They are trying so hard and really want to work. One person was asked to pay £53 to pay for an ECDL level 2 qualification and said that now they are having to pay the bedroom tax they just can't find that sort of money. It used to be that if you weren't much good academically you could do some sort of manual job but now you have to have a CSCS card. One person said to me that the authorities seem to be putting barriers in their way and making it harder to get work if you aren't the brainy kind that is. I have to say I found it difficult to disagree with him.

Depth_Charge

Hi

Well, wadda yer know?

Nice to see the PDL people helping!

Thought they might.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/bedroom-tax-payday-loan-firms-1926746

My take