In the latest newsletter from GM Poverty Action, Action for Children’s Imran Hussain writes about the continuing Universal Credit fight and Jo Evans from GMCA raises the issue of gambling related harm. There is an article about Manchester Credit Union as they celebrate their 30th anniversary and brief information about the Census 2021.
Leaders of voluntary sector organisations in Gorton and Levenshulme have shared their experiences and views of working at a neighbourhood level during the Covid-19 crisis in a new Macc publication, No Going Back - Gorton and Levenshulme:
Rishi Sunak's first proper Budget as Chancellor broke from tradition, with most of the big announcements being made in the press from last weekend.
You can read NAVCA’s response (disappointment) to this budget here 'All aboard the Budget Bus' written by Clare Mills, Head of Communications and External Affairs.
In the latest newsletter GM Poverty Action share information about two online events they are holding to explore the findings and recommendations in their report – Strengthening the role of local welfare assistance.
There are also details about a GM Living Wage event to discuss the Greater Manchester Living Wage City Region campaign. GMPA is recruiting to two new roles: a Fundraising Officer and a Policy Officer.
In the latest newsletter GM Poverty Action thank the Principal Partner organisations who are already supporting them in 2021 and GM Living Wage Campaign coordinator John Hacking invites you to join him as they commit ourselves to the goal of making Greater Manchester a Real Living Wage City Region.
Have you experienced challenges as a tenant in the private rental sector?
Do you have ideas to improve tenant-landlord relations, or to protect tenants' rights?
Want to make a change?
Led by theatre facilitator Katy Rubin, these drop-in workshops will lead to an opportunity to participate in a community theatre project to support and strengthen tenants' rights.
The impact of Covid-19 plus a growing population and inflation leaves a £50m hole in the Council’s budget for 2021/22. They’re facing tough options for cuts and savings including:
In GM Poverty Action’s first issue of 2021, Councillor Paula Wakefield from Wigan Council writes about the importance of socio-economic duty and there is information about forthcoming training courses and the Inequalities Commission survey. There is also an article by Groundwork about fuel poverty and what they can do to help households in Greater Manchester and a number of other short pieces.
The government used to operate a crisis support scheme called the Discretionary Social Fund. This supported vulnerable people to live independently in their homes, and people facing a sudden financial crisis. It was an important and necessary part of the social security safety net, preventing people from falling into hardship and alleviating pressure on other parts of the welfare system.
Last year, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) held a consultation on a proposed franchising scheme. This would bring buses under local control as part of an integrated transport network. In June, GMCA received the results of the consultation but decided, before a final decision could be made, that the impact of Covid-19 on the bus market and the proposed franchising scheme should be considered.