NEWS UP-DATE
February 2015
Dated events
Social Evenings - held on the last Wednesday of every month at the premises of Orthoptic
Supplies, 176 Belasis Avenue, Billingham TS23 1EY, at 19.00.
Regular events
Drop-In - held at Greens Lane Methodist Church, Greens Lane, Hartburn, Stockton on Tees,
Cleveland. TS18 5HP
We meet here 1pm - 4pm every Tuesday, (Thursdays are now cancelled).
At the Drop-in there are therapists to administer alternative therapies for those of you who
would like to try them. If you're not this adventurous then why not come along and join us for
tea, biscuits and conversation instead, we’d love to meet you
NEWS UP-DATE
Message from the Treasurer
I have submitted our wish tokens to the Gazette. The Group collected 6,868 tokens, thank you
to everybody who contributed
Since we started our 1,000,000 pennies fund raising campaign at the beginning of last year, we
have raised over 455,000 pennies
If any body has any fund raising ideas please contact me by email or leave a message on
01642-617864, and I will get back to you
Just a reminder that subs of £5.00 are now overdue. If you are unsure whether you have paid
subs leave a message on the answer machine 01642-617864, and I will get back to you
We currently have over £9,500 in the bank, which is sufficient to run the Drop in and our other
activities for over 18 months.
David Henderson
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www.bbc.co.uk 15 February 2015
Q&A: Universal credit and the benefits overhaul
The introduction of the government's flagship universal credit payment marks the biggest
overhaul of the benefits system since the 1940s.
Potentially, the change will affect nearly eight million people.
There is cross-party support for the theory behind the benefit, but its delivery has been delayed
and criticised.
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith says the new benefit is £600m under budget
and is being carefully rolled out "stage-by-stage" - with the aim of being offered in all job centres
by 2016.
So how will the changes eventually affect you?
What is the idea behind this?
The overhaul of the welfare system has been driven by Mr Duncan Smith, who argues that too
many people are trapped on benefits.
He says the changes are designed to make work pay - instead of people seeing their income
drop when they move off benefits and into low-paid work.
The move is also a bid to simplify the system by merging a string of working-age benefits and
tax credits into one single payment, called universal credit.
This is supposed to reduce the amount of fraud and error that hits the benefits system
amounting to billions of pounds a year.
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How will it work?
Six working-age benefits will be merged into one.
So, those receiving income-based jobseeker's allowance, income-related employment and
support allowance, income support, child tax credit, working tax credit and housing benefit will
receive a single universal credit payment.
This will mean big changes to the way those benefits are paid at the moment.
Universal credit will be paid once a month, rather than fortnightly or weekly, and will go directly
into a bank account. If both you and your partner each receive these benefits, then this will
change to a single payment for the household.
In addition, if you receive help in paying your rent at present, this money goes directly to your
landlord. Under universal credit, you will receive the money as part of your benefit payment and
you will then have to pay your landlord.
Will it require more money management from people?
Yes. Mr Duncan Smith says that this - and monthly payments - are much more aligned with how
people receive wages, so it is preparing people for the world of work.
An online system will be used to make an initial claim, and then to check payments and to
organise budgets.
So everything is on the computer?
Yes, it is all online. If you do not have access to the internet then you will have to go to the local
library, although your local council and jobcentre may be able to help you.
This online system is one of the big question marks over the shift to universal credit.
Questions are being asked about whether the IT system is able to cope with millions of claims
once the system is fully up and running.
The National Audit Office said that IT glitches had already affected the national introduction of
the scheme.
Its report, published in September 2013, said there were "early setbacks" and that the
Department for Work and Pensions had "weak control of the programme, and had been unable
to assess the value of the systems it spent over £300m to develop".
Two months later, the Commons Public Accounts Committee said the implementation of
universal credit had been "extraordinarily poor", with much of the £425m expenditure to then
likely to be written off.
It said that oversight of the universal credit scheme had been "alarmingly weak", warning signs
were missed, and there was a "fortress culture" among officials.
Ministers said there was new leadership in place and controls had been strengthened.
How will businesses be affected?
Employers are going to have to keep the UK tax authority fully up-to-date with staff earnings
through a computer system called real time information.
This will be used to assess how much people are being paid, and so how much universal credit
they are entitled to.
Previously, an agency worker may have worked for fewer than 16 hours one week, and so been
able to sign on. The following week they may work more than 16 hours and receive no
jobseeker's allowance, then have to make a fresh claim if they fall below the 16 hours the week
after that.
Under universal credit, their benefit should be altered automatically as earnings go up and down
- a change it is hoped will be beneficial.
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Who are the other winners and losers?
In monetary terms, the government estimates 3.1 million households will be entitled to more
benefits as a result of universal credit, while 2.8 million households will be entitled to less.
Nobody will lose out during the initial transition assuming their circumstances stayed the same,
the government says.
Across all households, ministers have said there will be an average gain of £16 per month.
In its initial estimate of the new system, the Institute for Fiscal Studies said that the poorest are
likely to do better, especially couples with children. However, the second earner in a family is
likely to lose out in the long-term in many cases.
Some charities argue that, because of a broad-brush approach that universal credit takes, those
with more complex benefit claims may lose out, such as some people with disabilities who go to
work.
Those without a bank account, or who do not have internet access, will have to seek advice to
prepare for the new way this benefit is run and paid.
Are there any other concerns?
Labour says that it welcomes the principle behind the changes but it has raised concerns about
the implementation of the scheme.
Some unions have also spoken out, with the Unite union claiming it creates a division between
a "deserving" and an "undeserving poor" - a division that it does not recognise.
When will all this happen?
The changes started on a very limited basis in April 2013 with new claimants, who are single,
who live in a small number of postcode areas in Ashton-under-Lyne in Tameside, Greater
Manchester.
Trials in three more areas - Oldham, Wigan and Warrington - were due to start at the same
time, but were delayed. However, they were completed in April 2014.
The government aims to see universal credit - phased in across England, Scotland and Wales
from February 2015 - offered in some way by all job centres in Britain by the spring of 2016.
More claimants will gradually move on to universal credit as and when they have a significant
change of circumstances, such as starting a new job or when a child is born.
Then by the end of 2017, the rest of all those eligible in England, Scotland and Wales will be
moved on to universal credit, although Mr Duncan Smith has suggested that deadline may be
missed.
The Northern Ireland Assembly has also agreed to introduce universal credit.
Is this the only change to the welfare system?
No, there have been a whole host of benefits changes, ranging from a cap on the amount of
benefits than can be claimed, to changes in the way housing benefit and disability allowances
are calculated.
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www.bbc.co.uk
19 February 2015
Universal credit changes 'raise domestic abuse fears'
The government's flagship welfare scheme could leave women vulnerable to domestic abuse, a
parliamentary watchdog says.
The Joint Committee on Human Rights said the universal credit benefit could expose women to
abuse that sees men limit their partners' access to money.
The benefit is paid to couples through a joint account, with other options for those concerned
about access.
The government said it was committed to supporting those affected by abuse.
Universal credit, which began being rolled out nationally on Monday, combines six working-age
benefits, including JSA, tax credits and housing benefit, into one payment.
Concerns
The committee said it shared fears raised by women's groups that the system would "reduce the
financial autonomy of women" and could leave domestic violence victims vulnerable to further
abuse.
A new domestic abuse offence of "coercive and controlling behaviour"', which can include the
abuser preventing their victim from having access to money, was announced by the Home
Office last year.
In its report, the cross-party group of MPs and peers recommended the government reviewed
the payment of universal credit to couples.
They suggested that the government should test different payment methods, "such as automatic
split payment to each partner in varying proportions - so as to assess which best protects the
financial autonomy of women in couples - thereby strengthening their position should domestic
violence occur".
The committee also recommended that relevant officials were given domestic abuse training.
Dr Hywel Francis MP, committee chairman, said: "Barely a week goes by without a news story
regarding domestic violence, rape, sexual abuse or some form of violence against women.
"We commend the government for the commitment it has shown to tackling these crimes but
emphasise that the work to prevent these crimes must not let up."
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said there were domestic abuse experts in
Jobcentres.
"With universal credit, we are improving protections by giving people extra time to focus on
getting their families back on track before encouraging them to look for work," he said.
www.bbc.co.uk 10 February 2015
Warning over drug-driving law and prescribed medication
People who have been prescribed powerful anxiety or pain relief drugs are being warned about
a new drug-driving law.
As well as outlawing driving while under the influence of illegal drugs, new legislation will
include some prescription medicines.
But prescribed doses do not exceed the limits for legal drugs, so most patients should still be
safe to drive.
Those who are unsure are advised to seek the advice of a pharmacist.
The new law, to be introduced 2 March 2015 in England and Wales, aims to catch those who
put the lives of others at risk while driving under the influence of drugs.
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It sets very low levels for eight well known illegal drugs, including cannabis and cocaine, but
also includes eight prescription drugs, where the levels have been set much higher.
Most of them, including Temazepan and Diazepam, are used for treating conditions such as
anxiety.
But the list also includes methadone, a heroin substitute and pain medication, and morphine, a
powerful opiate also used for pain relief.
Robert Goodwill MP, Road Safety Minister, says as long as they stay within prescribed levels,
most people will still be able to get behind the wheel of a car.
"If you are taking your medicine as directed and your driving is not impaired, then you are not
breaking the law and there is no need to worry," he said.
"We advise anyone who is unsure about the effects of their medication or how the new
legislation may affect them, to seek the advice of their doctor or pharmacist.
"There will also be a medical defence if a driver has been taking medication as directed and is
found to be over the limit but not impaired.
"Drivers who are taking prescribed medication at high doses [are advised] to carry evidence
with them, such as prescriptions slips, when driving in order to minimise any inconvenience
should they be asked to take a test by the police."
Get advice
Prof David Taylor, a spokesman for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and a member of the
Department for Transport advisory panel on drug-driving said "Don't stop taking your medicines,
prescribed or otherwise, if you are worried about this new law.
"Instead, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for information about how your medicines might affect
your ability to drive.
"They'll be happy to give you the advice you need to stay safe."
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Prescription drugs covered by the new law
Clonazepam is prescribed to treat seizures or panic disorders
Diazepam is used for anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms or muscle spasms
Flunitrazepam (also known as Rohypnol) is a sedative originally used in hospitals for deep
sedation in the 1970s
Lorazepam is used to treat convulsions or seizures caused by epilepsy
Oxazepam is used to relieve anxiety, including anxiety caused by alcohol withdrawal
Temazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause insomnia
problems
Methadone is used in the treatment of heroin addiction and for pain relief
Morphine or opiates treat moderate to severe pain
Ed Morrow, campaigns officer for road safety charity Brake said the organisation strongly welcomed the
new drug-diving law.
"This much-needed progressive move by government will make it much easier for police to deal
with illegal drug-drivers," he said.
"We are confident that the necessary measures are in place to ensure drivers who take
prescription medication are not unfairly penalised.
"However, many prescription medications can have a negative effect on your ability to drive
safely, and there is a worrying lack of awareness of this among the public."
DISCLAIMER
Articles in this Bulletin are meant for the sole purpose of information only and do not
necessarily reflect the views of the committee.
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YOUR JOKES
FIFTY SHADES OF GREY - (a husband's
point of view)
The missus bought a Paperback,
down Shepton Mallet way,
I had a look inside her bag;
T'was "Fifty Shades of Grey.
She struggled back upon her feet;
A couple minutes later;
She put her teeth back in and said
I am a dominater !!
Well I just left her to it,
And at ten I went to bed.
An hour later she appeared;
The sight filled me with dread...
Now if you knew our Mabel,
You'd see just why I spluttered,
I'd spent two months in traction
For the last complaint I'd uttered.
In her left she held a rope;
And in her right a whip!
She threw them down upon the floor,
And then began to strip.
She stood there nude and naked
Bent forward just a bit
I went to hold her, sensual like
and stood on her left tit!
Well fifty years or so ago;
I might have had a peek;
But Mabel hasn't weathered well;
She's eighty four next week!!
Mabel screamed, her teeth shot out;
My God what had I done!?
She moaned and groaned then shouted out:
"Step on the other one!!
Watching Mabel bump and grind;
Could not have been much grimmer.
And things then went from bad to worse;
She toppled off her Zimmer!
Well readers, I can tell no more;
Of what occurred that day.
Suffice to say my jet black hair,
Turned fifty shades of grey.
********************
Grandma and Grandpa were visiting their kids overnight.
When Grandpa found a bottle of Viagra in his son's medicine cabinet, he asked about using one
of the pills.
The son said, "I don't think you should take one Dad; they're very strong and very expensive."
"How much?" asked Grandpa.
"£10 a pill," Answered the son.
"I don't care," said Grandpa, "I'd still like to try one, and before we leave in the morning, I'll put
the money under the pillow."
Later the next morning, the son found £110 under the pillow.
He called Grandpa and said,"I told you each pill was £10, not £110.
"I know," said Grandpa. "The hundred is from Grandma!"
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MEMBERS QUIZ JUST FOR FUN
Answers to last month’s quiz as always are at the bottom of the page.
FROM THE FOLLOWING SONG TITLES, NAME THE PERFORMERS?
1/
Walking in the sunshine
(1981)
................................................
2/
Jambalaya (On the Bayou)
(1974)
................................................
3/
Dead ringer for love
(1981)
................................................
4/
Ring My Bell
(1971)
................................................
5/
Saturday nights all right for fighting (1973)
................................................
6/
Hanging on the telephone
................................................
7/
I feel love
8/
It must be love
(1981)
................................................
9/
Just can’t get enough
(1981)
................................................
(1972)
...............................................
10/ Lookin’ through the windows
(1978)
(1977,1982)
................................................
Answers to last month’s quiz:
1/ Hermans Hermits 2/ The Kinks 3/ Dusty Springfield 4/ Jim Reeves 5/ Acker Bilk
6/ Amen Corner 7/ Jonathan King 8/ Cliff Richard
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