Universal Dis-credit

If a manual was ever written on how not to roll out a new benefit it would tell the sorry tale of Universal Credit.

Complaints to the government are so high that they don’t count them ‘owing to the volume!’

If you take out the politics of callous cuts, ludicrous sanctions targeted at those least able to take the burden the principle was sound enough. So rather than a complex range of benefits administered by various departments and agencies of government there would be a single straight forward benefit.

Campaigning citizens

It was a pleasure to meet volunteers taking part in the National Citizenship Service programme in Oldham.

Members of the group were highlighting campaigns they felt passionately about including homelessness and rough sleeping, mental health and wellbeing as well as tuition fees.

It’s great to see such active campaigners in Oldham – well done to all involved!

Freehold station safety

Residents around the Freehold Metrolink site have long complained of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage being carried out by young people using the platform to gain height advantage over passing cars and homes.