Comments for Community Links blog

Comment on Benefit fraud – Cameron’s bluster vs Duncan Smith’s nuance by IngridK

IngridK — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:15:22 +0000

It’s not helped by the attitude that working itself is the fraud while claiming benefits is the OK thing. The old adverts claimed “we know where benefit fraud is being committed” and showed people at cash-in-hand or casual labour. Nope. The fraud was being committed at the benefits office.

But it’s right as well that people who want to get ahead but aren’t sure if it will all work out are awfully tempted to break the rules a bit. I’m far more sympathetic to the claimants who are trying to work than to the system that makes that difficult and financially risky.

But I’m not sympathetic to fraudsters who are milking housing benefit in particular.

Comment on Benefit fraud crackdown – we’ve heard this all before by Ann Taplin

Ann Taplin — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:07:07 +0000

I myself claim Incapsity, housing and council Tax benefits and I had a jobcentre interview a few months ago. I did not find it truamatic, and the advisor sympathised with my illness. Just updating my records and suggesting other benefits that I could claim. I agree that some people are being reported to fraud line through pettiness of neighbours. It is so easy to report out of spite. Perhaps if case unfounded then the person reporting should also be investigated. The main problem is that the report could be founded on lies but still needs to be looked into. This is a waste of time and money. The Gov. need to rethink the system. People on Benefits are treated like second class. I can’t help being ill and there is no cure as yet for my illness. Up until 4 years ago I had worked all of my adult life, paying taxes and NI, never claiming anything. Now when I need it to survive I am made to feel guilty. No win situation.

Comment on Benefit fraud crackdown – we’ve heard this all before by Maeve McGoldrick

Maeve McGoldrick — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:13:47 +0000

Figures on expenditure for benefit fraud vs. tax evasion http://www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2010/07/01/benefit-fraud-is-624-times-more-serious-than-tax-evasion/

Comment on Benefit fraud crackdown – we’ve heard this all before by Government criticised for “bullying the vulnerable” | Liberal Conspiracy

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:51:45 +0000

[...] plans to pay private companies to snoop on benefit claimants have been criticised by East London-based charity Community Links: Government’s latest wearily predictable spate of bullying the most vulnerable in society for [...]

Comment on Olympics must live up to their promise of a rejuvenated east London by Mo Farah’s victory shows how the Olympics how it’s done « Community Links blog

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:20:30 +0000

[...] claim him as an east Londoner), might be the exception in a borough where most have found it hard to get jobs or get involved in the games. In Newham – the youngest and most diverse borough in the UK – Mo the young, black [...]

Comment on A Big Society… and four economy sized societies by Exploring the Big Society « Simon Lewis's Blog

Exploring the Big Society « Simon Lewis's Blog — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:24:15 +0000

[...] a bad word to say about David, and this, combined with his expertise around social action makes his reflections here all the more compelling; Arriving for work at Community Links in Canning Town this morning I passed [...]

Comment on The impact of the emergency budget on Newham by Will Horwitz

Will Horwitz — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:09:30 +0000

Good question Dave, but I’m afraid I don’t know the answer – if anyone out there does please let us know.

However, as an indication of how far there is to go before the Olynpics make a dent in the figure, a recent report from the London Assembly found that only 4% of the construction staff were previously unemployed and living in the local area.

Also, as you know, the new Westfield development promises to create 8,500 new jobs, and I know our back-to-work scheme is eagerly awaiting details on how people can apply. Something to keep an eye on.

Comment on A Big Society… and four economy sized societies by Only Marketing Jobs » Exploring the Big Society

Only Marketing Jobs » Exploring the Big Society — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:05:28 +0000

Comment on A Big Society… and four economy sized societies by Exploring The Big Society | OliBarrett.com

Exploring The Big Society | OliBarrett.com — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:50:53 +0000

[...] a bad word to say about David, and this, combined with his expertise around social action makes his reflections here all the more [...]

Comment on The impact of the emergency budget on Newham by Dave Lee

Dave Lee — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:52:03 +0000

Brilliant and informative breakdown of the issues, thank you.

I have a question, though. What impact will the Olympic Games have on that figure of 43 jobs per 100 in Newham? Is there a projection?

Keep up the good work,

Dave