Barry Sheerman

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Barry Sheerman
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    • Coronavirus: How you and your business can help

      Posted at 2:30 pm by thomascritchley, on Apr 22, 2020

      Since the outbreak of Covid-19, and the vast changes that it has made to each of our lives, it has been wonderful to see so many acts of selflessness, altruism and compassion across our communities – and Huddersfield has been no exception. From the sacrifice of our frontline NHS and social care staff, to the dedication of our charity workers and the bravery of those who are performing essential work, everyone across Huddersfield has really risen to the challenge. 

      Over the last several weeks, many local businesspeople and those within the community have told me that they would like to help and contribute to national efforts in the battle against Covid-19, but they were unsure how they could best communicate this to the Government. 

      All businesses owners who are able and would like to offer support at this time, please follow this link and complete the online form which relays to the Government what you are able to contribute. You will need your company number to do so. 

      The list below is what support is needed from businesses:

      • medical testing equipment
      • medical equipment design
      • protective equipment for healthcare workers, such as masks, gowns and sanitiser
      • hotel rooms
      • transport and logistics, for moving goods or people
      • manufacturing equipment
      • warehouse or office space, for medical use or storage
      • expertise or support on IT, manufacturing, construction, project management, procurement or engineering
      • social care or childcare


      Our National Health Service, our care sectors and other organisations which provide essential services are in need of various equipment, materials and services; business contributions are a key a part of the battle against Covid-19. 

      I know that many businesses want to offer material help and I hope that this provides the means to do so. If you have any further questions or if the online form does not enable you to contribute what you want, please do get in touch with me at barry.sheerman.mp@parliament.uk.

      Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments
    • Coronavirus, businesses and work

      Posted at 5:32 pm by thomascritchley, on Apr 7, 2020

      The Government has announced several support packages so far aimed at supporting financially vulnerable businesses, employees and individuals.  

      Businesses

      • The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme – a scheme that makes £330bn available in government backed loans (up to £5 million per business).
      • Small Business Grant Funding – a one-off grant of £10,000 to eligible businesses in England paying little or no business rates because of relief schemes.
      • Statutory Sick Pay Rebate – small and medium-sized businesses will be able to claim SSP for staff sickness absences due to coronavirus.
      • Support for Businesses Paying Tax – all businesses and self-employed people in financial distress, and with outstanding tax liabilities, may be eligible to receive support with their tax affairs through HMRC’s Time To Pay service.
      • VAT Deferral – VAT payments due between 20 March and 30 June 2020 will be deferred.

      Retail, hospitality and leisure

      • Business Rates Holiday for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure – businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors in England will not have to pay business rates for the 2020-21 tax year.
      • Cash Grant for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure – a cash grant of up to £25,000 per property for businesses in the retail, hospitality or leisure sector in England.

      Employees

      • The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – HMRC will pay employers a grant worth 80% of a furloughed employee’s usual wage costs (up to £2,500 a month) to prevent lay-offs.

      Self-employed workers

      • The Self-Employed Income Support Scheme – the scheme will provide a grant to self-employed individuals or partnerships, worth 80% of their profits up to a cap of £2,500 per month.
      • Support for Businesses Paying Tax – all businesses and self-employed people in financial distress, and with outstanding tax liabilities, may be eligible to receive support with their tax affairs through HMRC’s Time To Pay service
      • Deferral of Self-Assessment payment – self-assessment payments due to HMRC by 31 July 2020 may be deferred until January 2021.

      For more information and eligibility criteria for all of these schemes, please see the government website which also has details for how to contact their business support team.

      If you fall between the cracks of these schemes and think you are not eligible for any government support, please contact me at barry.sheerman.mp@parliament.uk and I will do my best to assist you.

      Useful Links

      Employment Issues

      ACAS employment advice: Helpline 0300 123 1100 / https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus

      Coronavirus support for employees, benefit claimants and businesses: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-support-for-employees-benefit-claimants-and-businesses

      Health & Safety Executive: https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/coronavirus.htm

      Support for businesses: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses

      Lay-offs and short-time working: https://www.gov.uk/lay-offs-short-timeworking

      Businesses

      Coronavirus Business Advice – including business closures, stay at home FAQs, self-employment income support scheme, and more: https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-advice/

      Claim for wage costs through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – a guide for employers.  includes information relating to people on zero hours contracts: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

      Competitions and Markets Authority – report concerns about business practices, including shops raising prices: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/cma-covid-19-response

      Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme: https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme/

      Coronavirus Financial Support: https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/

      Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-job-retention-scheme/

      Federation of Small Businesses: https://www.fsb.org.uk/campaign/covid19.html

      HMRC Tax helpline to support businesses affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) – news article: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tax-helpline-to-support-businesses-affected-by-coronavirus-covid-19 leads to helpline: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/coronavirus-covid-19-helpline

      Information on support for self-employed individuals: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-gives-support-to-millions-of-self-employed-individuals

      Information Commissioner: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/data-protection-and-coronavirus/

      Coronavirus: what IPSE (Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed) is doing and advice for freelancers and the self-employed: https://www.ipse.co.uk/ipse-news/news-listing/coronavirus-ipse-activity-and-advice-freelancers.html and IPSA Coronavirus hub: https://www.ipse.co.uk/coronavirus-hub.html

      Royal Mail: https://www.royalmail.com/coronavirus?iid=HP_M2_2_CORONAVIRUS

      TUC: https://www.tuc.org.uk/resource/covid-19-coronavirus-guidance-unions

      Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments
    • Coronavirus, banks and bills

      Posted at 4:59 pm by thomascritchley, on Apr 7, 2020

      I know many of my constituents are concerned about how they will pay their monthly outgoings during the COVID-19 pandemic; below are some links that may help. If you find that these websites do not address your questions and concerns, please do contact me at barry.sheerman.mp@parliament.uk and I will do my best to assist you.

      Mortgage holidays

      The mortgage payment holiday allows you to postpone or reduce your mortgage payments for three months. The first step is to contact your bank; please do not cancel your payments without telling them, as these will be classified as missed payments and may show up in your credit history. Check if you have insurance that will cover your mortgage payments if you cannot pay them (for example, mortgage payment protection insurance or through your current account). Some mortgage providers are introducing other support for customers whose income is affected by the coronavirus outbreak. These may include no fees for late payments and switching to a lower interest rate. This website has more information about mortgages.

      Renters

      There is a ban on evictions for 3 months, which the government says they will extend if necessary. If you cannot pay your rent, discuss this with your landlord in the first instance. If they will not or cannot be flexible with rent payments and you have no other source of help, please do write to me. This website has more information for people who are struggling to pay their rent.

      Bills

      Speak to your energy supplier if you’re struggling financially or in arrears with gas or electricity bills. You could get support including:

      • reduced bills or debt repayments
      • a temporary break in your bills or debt arrangements

      If you have a pre-payment meters they may be able to, for example:

      • arrange for someone else to top up your meter
      • add credit to your account automatically
      • send you a pre-loaded top up card

      You may need to leave your meter box unlocked if you need someone else to top it up. Disconnections of pre-payment meters are suspended. Get in contact with your providers to check what options are available to you.

                      Useful links

      Energy, gas and bills

      British Gas: https://www.britishgas.co.uk/covid19

      Ebico: https://ebico.org.uk/ebico-news/coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak-announcement/

      E.on: https://www.eonenergy.com/coronavirus-update.html

      O2: https://www.o2.co.uk/covid-19

      Ofgem: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-and-your-energy-supply

      Shell Energy: https://www.shellenergy.co.uk/service

      Three Mobile: http://www.three.co.uk/stay-connected

      United Utilities: https://www.unitedutilities.com/Coronavirus-update/

      Vodafone: https://www.vodafone.co.uk/mobile/coronavirus-advice

      Yorkshire Water: https://www.yorkshirewater.com/coronavirus/

      Banks, Building Societies and Money

      Bank of Scotland: https://www.bankofscotland.co.uk/helpcentre/coronavirus.html

      Barclays: https://www.barclays.co.uk/coronavirus/

      Bradford and Bingley: https://www.bbg.co.uk/personal-support

      Co-op Bank: https://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/news/2020/coronavirus-support-personal-customers

      Help Musicians Coronavirus Hardship Fund: https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/news/latest-news/help-musicians-launches-5m-coronavirus-financial-hardship-fu

      HSBC: https://www.hsbc.co.uk/help/coronavirus/

      Lloyds: https://www.lloydsbank.com/help-guidance/coronavirus.html

      Money Advice Service: https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en

      More Than Insurance: https://www.morethan.com/coronavirus/

      Natwest: https://personal.natwest.com/personal/support-centre/coronavirus.html

      PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/uk/smarthelp/article/paypal%E2%80%99s-response-to-the-coronavirus-(covid-19)-pandemic-&-faqs-faq4003?Z3JncnB0=

      Royal Bank of Scotland: https://personal.rbs.co.uk/personal/support-centre/coronavirus.html

      Santander: https://www.santander.co.uk/personal/coronavirus?icid=php-Hero-Coronavirus-0320

      TSB: https://www.tsb.co.uk/coronavirus/

      Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments
    • Coronavirus and domestic abuse

      Posted at 3:59 pm by thomascritchley, on Apr 7, 2020

      When the ‘lockdown’ was announced on 23 March, campaigners against domestic abuse were quick to point out the negative impact this could have on vulnerable women. They were right. The National Domestic Abuse helpline has seen a 25% increase in calls in two weeks, and visits to their website are up 150% in comparison to last month. For many women, home is not a safe place.

       Sandra Horley, chief executive of Refuge, explains that many perpetrators already use isolation as a tool of control. The lockdown measures have restricted women’s ability to escape, instead meaning they are spending concentrated periods of time with perpetrators, potentially escalating the threat of domestic abuse.

      I agree with the government that domestic abuse is unacceptable in any situation, no matter what stresses you are under. The lockdown is no excuse for abuse and we must provide comprehensive support to everyone facing domestic violence at this time.

      Domestic abuse is more that physical violence. It can also include economic, online, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as coercive control. If you believe you are being abused, there is help and support available for you. You can find a list of emergency numbers, charities and services here. This website has advice for employers and survivors alike during the COVID-19 pandemic.

      The government’s response so far has acknowledged the increase in domestic abuse and the need to help the people (mainly women) experiencing it. However, a group of charities and service providers in this area wrote to the Prime Minister on 3 April to highlight the need for further action. They called for:

      • Funding for the specialist support sector
      • Crisis response planning which involves abuse experts
      • Stronger public messaging about abuse
      • Equal protection for migrant survivors

      I have written to Victoria Atkins (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Safeguarding) and Liz Truss (Secretary of State for Women and Equalities) to add my voice to these demands, urging the government to increase funding for local organisations in particular. In my constituency, charities such as Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership do incredibly important work supporting vulnerable women, and their local knowledge gives them a special expertise.  

      I am heartened by how people are looking out for each other at this time – and I urge you to be extra vigilant for signs of domestic abuse in your colleagues, friends, neighbours and family. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline website has advice for how to support survivors.

      I will continue to push the government for an urgent response to the points raise by domestic abuse charities. These policies aren’t abstract; women’s lives depend on them and we must get them right.

      Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments
    • Charities and coronavirus

      Posted at 1:58 pm by thomascritchley, on Apr 1, 2020

      In the past week, I have been focused on Huddersfield’s many charities and third sector organisations which provide crucial support to many vulnerable people across my constituency and the country more widely. The Covid-19 outbreak is going to have a profound impact on many sectors and industries – charities will not be exempt from the immense disruption and uncertainty that this international challenge has generated.

      I joined hundreds of colleagues in signing Stephen Doughty MP’s open letter to the Chancellor this week. Stephen stated: “Without an immediate injection of money, many charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises of all sizes will soon close. Funds are running out. Crucially, the NCVO predicts that there will be a loss in the sector of £4.3bn in income over the coming 12 weeks. The figure could be far higher.”

      From the Forget Me Not Hospice to the Welcome Centre, charities in my constituency do a huge amount to support the people of Yorkshire, often through highly challenging and distressing moments of their lives. I am proud to say that I have worked with many of them for a long time and met many exceptional people as a result. But Covid-19 is threatening these charities and putting their capacity to continue to operate in the long-term at risk.

      This week, I have asked third sector workers to write to me with their experiences of how their work is being affected by the outbreak. I also want to know how Covid-19 is impacting the fundraising, profile and general operation of these groups. If you do have any personal experience of this, please email me at barry.sheerman.office@parliament.uk.

      It is my belief that the Government has a central role to play in supporting charities and third sector workers and the financial support offered to businesses should not be at the expense of a bailout for the third sector, should the situation worsen. Many in our communities rely on the work that a third sector organisation does and the challenges that Covid-19 pose will lead to a chain reaction which will profoundly and adversely impact those who rely on them. It is our duty to mitigate the damage done to our country’s charities and I will continue to do all I can to represent the views of Huddersfield’s charities.

      The Welcome Centre runs a foodbank service which will be used by many individuals and families adversely affected by the coronavirus crisis in the coming weeks.

      Forget Me Not hospice does amazing work supporting children with life-shortening conditions and their families.

      The Laura Crane Trust supports children and young people with cancer, many of whom are in the ‘extremely vulnerable’ category for COVID-19.

      Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments
    • Supermarkets and coronavirus

      Posted at 12:31 pm by thomascritchley, on Mar 26, 2020

      In the last few days, I have received many emails from constituents about the difficulties they have had in buying the food they need. I want to thank those who took the time to get in touch and assure you that I am in communication with local supermarkets, raising your concerns and working towards solutions.

      In the meantime, I have pulled together information from many of the main supermarkets about their response to the COVID19 outbreak, including set-aside hours for the vulnerable and NHS workers, product restrictions and new opening times. You can find the table below.

      I know many of you have been unable to book online delivery slots, which is particularly worrying for those who are self-isolating. If you are vulnerable, Sainsbury’s are introducing a scheme to reserve delivery slots for you – you can find out more information here or by calling 0800 328 1700, and register as vulnerable here which will place you on the supermarket’s priority list. Please pass on this information to any vulnerable people you know who may not have access to the internet.

      Vulnerable people include:

      • Organ transplant recipients
      • People with certain cancers
      • People with severe respiratory conditions
      • People on immunosuppression therapies
      • People with diseases that significantly increase the risk of infection s
      • Pregnant women with significant heart disease

      The NHS is directly contacting people with these conditions to provide further advice. Those in these group will get a phone number to ring if they need support accessing food or medicine.

      If you think you fall into one of the categories of extremely vulnerable people listed above and you have not received a letter by Sunday 29 March or been contacted by your GP, you should discuss your concerns with your GP or hospital clinician.

      I hope that the information about supermarkets below is useful, and that you and your families are all keeping well at this difficult time. As ever, please do get in touch with me at barry.sheerman.mp@parliament.uk if you need any assistance over the coming days and weeks. Together, we will weather this.  

      Weekday opening hoursNHS workers slot?Vulnerable & elderly people slot?Product restrictionsOnline deliveryMore info
      Aldi8am-8pm – find your localSun 9.30-10am/4 of any one itemYesHere
      Asda24hr stores closed between 12am and 6am – find your localMon, Wed, Fri 8-9am/3 of any one itemYesHere
      CoopMost open 7am-8pm – find your localMon-Sat 8-9am; Sun 10-11amMon-Sat 8-9am; Sun 10-11am2 of in-demand itemsYes – max 20 productsHere
      LidlMostly unchanged – find your local//4 of in-demand itemsNoHere
      MorrisonsMostly unchanged – find your localMon – Sat, 7-8amMon – Sat, 9-10amCleaning products restrictedYes (app is down; use website)Here
      Sainsbury’s8am – 8pm – find your localEvery day 7.30-8amMon, Wed, Fri 8-9am3 of any one item (2 of in-demand items)Yes (priority slots for vulnerable customers, see here)Here
      Tesco6am – 10pm for large stores- find your localOne hour before usual opening time on SundayMon, Wed, Fri 9-10am3 of any one item (2 of in-demand items)YesHere
      WaitroseVaries by store – find your localHard to find product set aside; priority checkoutFirst hour of opening in each store3 of groceries; 2 of toilet rollYesHere
      Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments
    • Coronavirus: information and links

      Posted at 3:04 pm by thomascritchley, on Mar 16, 2020

      With an increasing number of coronavirus cases being reported in West Yorkshire, I urge all my constituents to take precautions to protect themselves and the vulnerable people they interact with.

      On Thursday 12th March, the Government announced they were moving from the contain phase to the delay phase. Whilst the contain phase focused on limiting the spread of the virus, the delay phase is focused on reducing the amount of people ill at the same time; a huge spike in cases would overstrain the NHS.

      Much of the advice from the previous phase remains relevant: wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, use a tissue for coughs and self-isolate if you experience symptoms of the virus, namely a dry cough fever and breathing difficulties. It may well be wise to avoid large gatherings and, if you are particularly at risk because of age or underlying health conditions, avoid leaving the house if you can help it.

      Do be looking out for each other and supporting your neighbours who are more at risk, perhaps by offering to go shopping for them or by phoning them if they are self-isolating and potentially lonely. I have great faith that we will pull together as a community and get through the worst of this, however long it takes.

      Whilst I have unfortunately had to postpone advice services and surgeries, I will continue to monitor my email, so do get in contact with me at barry.sheerman.mp@parliament.uk if I can be of any help at this time – or if you need simply pointing in the direction of the right services.

      I have pulled together some information and support links below.

      Diagnosis and self-isolating

      The NHS are no longer testing everyone with coronavirus symptoms. The current advice, if you suspect you have the virus, is to self-isolate (do not go to a GP surgery or a hospital). Phone the NHS helpline service (111) if you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, your condition gets worse or your symptoms do not get better after 7 days.

      NHS information on symptoms and self-isolating is available here, with a BBC guide to the practicalities of self-isolation here.

      Advice on how to protect your mental health when self-isolating can be found here.  

      Work

      If you have any of the symptoms, do not go into work. The Prime Minister has stated that workers will get statutory sick pay from the first day off work, not the fourth, to support people who have to self-isolate. Citizens Advice has more information on making claims.

      If you currently receive Universal Credit or may need to make a claim as a result of not being able to work, please see the Department for Work and Pensions information here. The page also includes information about sick pay for gig workers and the support available for businesses and employers.

      If you have travel plans, check the government guidance on foreign travel, which is here, and here is some information about travel rights.  

      Government

      Information about the current number of cases and the Government’s response can be found here.

      Help

      I know many people want to help others at this difficult time. Whilst you might not be able to visit someone who is self-isolating, you could offer to leave groceries on their doorstep, buy them medicines, post their letters or phone them to chat.

      I was impressed by this template, which you can print, fill out and drop through neighbours doors as an offer of help.

      Here is a site which allows you to set up local support groups to coordinate volunteers and a local response to coronavirus. �v

      Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments
    • Fairtrade

      Posted at 11:48 am by thomascritchley, on Feb 28, 2020

      This week, I attended a reception in Parliament to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, hearing the ways that about women cocoa farmers in West Africa and the ways that Fairtrade benefits them.

      Fairtrade is a movement for change that works directly with businesses, consumers and campaigners to secure a better deal for farmers and workers. It is about doing trade differently, empowering farmers and workers and challenging unfair trading practices. There are around 2 million child slaves across Ghana and the Ivory Coast who are forced to work on the cocoa plantations, while many farmers there earn less than $2 per day. This is appalling, especially given that in 2001 the world’s major chocolate manufacturers signed the Harkin-Engel Protocol which stated that child labour and trafficking would be prohibited in the cocoa industry after 2008. Across these two countries, there are 82 Fairtrade-certified organisations which pay over 130,000 workers a living wage, ensuring there is no slavery in the supply chains of their products and investing in communities to prevent children being forced into slavery by poverty. With its vision of empowerment and sustainability, Fairtrade is improving the lives of over 1.6 million farmers and workers worldwide.    

      Meeting with Rosine, a cocoa farmer from the Ivory Coast

      The Fairtrade mark is well known; in this country, 9 out of 10 people recognise it and 26% of people frequently choose Fairtrade products. The mark is a trusted sign that the companies, farmers and workers have met certain standards, ensuring environmental, social and economic benefits for the producers and their communities. A firm supporter of co-ops and mutuals, I have long believed that companies should acknowledge their environmental and social – not just their economic – impact, ensuring they give back to all involved in producing a product. Fairtrade is a guarantee of fairness and accountability.

      From tea and coffee to chocolate and bananas, our supermarkets offer a wide range of Fairtrade products – so why not try a new one next time you’re shopping? Choosing Fairtrade is a way we can all contribute to a fairer world.

      Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments | Tagged co-ops and mutuals, fairtrade, fairtrade fortnight, harkin engel protocol
    • 12 years of education for every girl

      Posted at 10:47 am by thomascritchley, on Feb 21, 2020

      Two weeks ago, I asked the Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, for a debate on women’s right to education worldwide. 131 million girls do not go to school. This is a tragedy – not just for these girls but also for our global community. Can you imagine how much faster we will be able to eliminate global poverty if we can mobilise everyone’s ideas and talents? Educating girls is about seeing the whole world benefit from more diverse and holistic responses to the challenges we face through enabling each girl to reach her potential.

      A report by the Global Partnership for Education, which is partially funded by UK aid, draws attention to the myriad of ways in which education benefits women, their communities and the global economy. These benefits include:

      • Doubling of expected earnings in adulthood (one additional school year can increase women’s earnings by up to 20%)
      • Reducing a women’s risk of contracting HIV
      • Reducing the mortality rate of a women’s children.
      • Hugely reducing risk of child marriage
      • Addition of $28 trillion to global GDP (if women had the same role in the labour market as men)

      Ensuring all girls and boys complete 12 years of free, equitable and quality education is one of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Their goals, of which there are 17 in total, form an urgent call for cooperative action by all countries to end poverty, reduce inequality and improve health, education and environmental management. Adopted by all member states in 2015, the UN annually reports the progress made towards each goal.

      There is much to be positive about; more and more girls are going to school. In the Global Partnership for Education’s target countries, 75% of girls finished primary school in 2016 compared to 57% in 2002. Additionally, 50% of girls completed lower-secondary school in 2016 compared to 35% in 2002.

      I was pleased to see the Prime Minister commit to more aid for girls’ education – in August last year, Johnson promised £90 million for education in conflict zones, with a further £515 million announced a month later to get over 12 million children into school. In January, I submitted parliamentary questions to the Department for International Development to find out more about how this money was being spent; the list of evidence-based projects it funds is certainly heartening to read.

      Yet it is not enough. In the same speech that Boris Johnson announced the extra funding, he also stated: ‘On current estimates it will take another eighty years to achieve the equality of opportunity we said we would deliver within fifteen.’ We cannot afford to wait another three generations; for the sake of these girls, their communities and the world, change must come sooner.

      The trend of girls dropping out of secondary school continues. We need to better understand the multiple barriers behind these statistics – factors range from distance from school, through cultural norms, to early marriage – before we can combat them.

      Furthermore, we must remember that access to education does not necessarily mean into quality education. The UN reports that many developing countries still lack basic infrastructure and facilities to provide effective learning environments. Investment in electricity, basic drinking water and technology is essential, as is high-quality training for the teachers themselves.

      As former chair of the Education and Skills select committee, I have witnessed first-hand the difference that high-quality, inspiring education can make to people’s lives. I will continue to call for girls’ education to be at the top of the international development agenda, because educating every single child will transform our world for the better. 

      Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments | Tagged education, education for girls, women in stem
    • Homelessness in the UK

      Posted at 11:12 am by thomascritchley, on Feb 7, 2020

      Last week in Parliament, there was a lot of attention paid to homelessness – and rightly so. Homelessness charity Shelter estimated that 281,000 people in the UK were homeless in 2019, which equates to 1 in every 250 of us. After a decade of austerity, the numbers of rough sleepers in England have more than doubled. This is both tragic and preventable.

      Along with Crisis, Shelter and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ending Homelessness*, I believe there are two main steps that can be taken to reduce homelessness dramatically. The first is to build more social rent properties and the second is to restore the Local Housing Allowance rates to at least the 30th percentile of local market rates.

      Firstly, social housing. Social rent is set at around half of local market rent, making it much more affordable than typical rent in the private rented sector and providing vital stability to financially vulnerable families. Despite its importance, the delivery of social housing has plummeted in recent years. Whilst 40,000 social homes were built in 2009/10, Shelter reports that in 2018/19 only 6,287 were built (in Kirklees, it was just 58). Furthermore, including the number of social rent homes sold last year, there was actually a net loss of around 20,000 social properties across the country.

      Why is this important? Given that there are other housing schemes such as affordable rent and affordable home ownership, it doesn’t sound like the reduction in one kind of property should be an issue. Yet it is. This is because affordable rent, set at 80% of local market rent, is not actually affordable for most people. Social housing is the only form of housing to offer genuine affordability and stability that families need, which is why it has to be at the centre of any solution to the national housing crisis. To end homelessness, we must provide enough genuinely affordable homes for people on the lowest incomes by building 100 000 social homes a year in England for the next 15 years. Recently, I have been particularly impressed by the Norwich Goldsmith Street social houses, which won the Stirling Prize; social housing can and should be well-designed, of high quality and pleasant to live in.

      Secondly, the Local Housing Allowance. LHA is the way that housing benefit is calculated for people who are privately renting. Since 2011, LHA rates have been subject to several cuts and they have been frozen since 2016. Crisis’ 2018 survey of local authorities found that 91% of councils had seen homelessness rates increase in their area since the freeze, with 59% stating that this increase was ‘significant’.

      I welcomed the Government’s announcement that they will end the freeze in April 2020. However, the proposals for a 1.7% increase do not go far enough in restoring rates to a sustainable level for renters. Shelter’s research shows that current LHA rates do not cover the cheapest third of rents in the private rental sector in 97% of England. Given that Government policy states the LHA should be covering local rents up to the 30th percentile, a major boost in benefit levels is needed so it can do its job.  

      This all matters for two reasons. Firstly, I believe access to housing for vulnerable people, such as women fleeing domestic abuse, is not a favour but a right. Secondly, it makes economic sense. Crisis states that restoring the housing benefit to cover the cheapest third of rents will lift 35,000 children out of poverty and bring financial benefits of £2.1 billion over three years from reduced costs from homelessness services and from reducing the use of temporary accommodation.

      As Parliamentarians, we have a duty and an opportunity to improve access to housing for those who need it most. That is why I will be working with Homeless Link and various other housing initiatives going forwards to ensure homelessness remains high on the Government’s agenda.

      …

      *I would like to thank Crisis and Shelter for the excellent and informative briefings they shared with me ahead of Wednesday’s homelessness debate.

      Posted in Uncategorised | 0 Comments | Tagged crisis, homelessness, shelter, social housing, uk
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