News
Haverfordwest: Demonstration planned to seek Crabb’s resignation as Mencap patron
PEMBROKESHIRE People’s Assembly Against Austerity are organising a demonstration outside Stephen Crabb’s office on Saturday, April 2.
Organisers have said they plan for the demonstration to take place between 1100HRS and 1300HRS in Market Street, Haverfordwest.
Activists will be demanding that Mr. Crabb recognises what they view as “public opinion” and resigns as Pembrokeshire Mencap’s patron.
Stephen Crabb recently voted to cut ESA by £30 for some disabled people.
Despite not going forward with the announced cuts to PIP and announcing there will be no further welfare cuts, Mr Crabb has stood by the cut to ESA appearing to suggest that placing claimants on the lower JSA rate would be to their benefit, but failing to take account of the purpose of ESA to support those with additional support needs for finding work.
Organisers say the reason for the demo is that as there has been no statement from Stephen Crabb’s office, nor Mencap Pembrokeshire indicating that Crabb is to resign as Mencap patron. They say that they have no other option but to press ahead with the demonstration.
An online petition calling for Mr Crabb to resign as patron of Mencap Pembs is close to reaching 12,000 signatures
Jim Scott, who started the petition told The Herald: “There is now overwhelming pressure from all quarters for Crabb to resign this post. The Mencap Facebook page has been inundated with comments requesting that Crabb be removed as their patron.
“A great many people have written and emailed Mencap locally as well as nationally.
“Many people have even said that they will be withholding their donations until this matter is resolved.
“The petition continues to grow.
“Public pressure as well as the efforts of DPAC (Disabled People Against Cuts) has already forced four MP’s to resign their patronages of other disability charities.
“It is just a matter of time now. Mr Crabb simply cannot and will-not get away with voting in Westminster for cuts such as the ESA cut which is a ‘done-deal’ now for Mr Crabb and cannot be ‘undone’ .
“Yet then masquerade as some kind of champion for disabled people while back in Pembrokshire, his game is up! These cuts have already caused widespread poverty, destitution, homelessness and many suicides among our most vulnerable and deserving members of society. Crabb, and all other ESA voting MP’s simply have to go.”
Romayne Phoenix, National Co-Chair of The People’s Assembly said: “With Iain Duncan Smith’s resignation and the government forced to backtrack on Osborne’s disastrous budget, there are many more British people now recognising the hypocrisy of having Tory patrons of these disability charities & charities which focus on care.
“The pressure is on – and Crabb’s appointment looks to have been a mistake made in a hurry that the `Tories will regret for a long time.”
Natalie Bennett – Green Party leader has publically signed the petition. Bennett was joined in by Alice Hooker Stroud – Wales Green Party leader, Chris Overton – Withybush Hospital campaigner and Kay Dearing of SOS (Save our Sixth Forms Pembrokeshire).
Organisers say that organisations who have been invited to Saturdays demonstration include, National People’s Assembly Against Austerity, DPAC (Disabled People Against cuts) and other local disability groups, Wales Green Party, Plaid Cymru, The Labour Party, The Green Party, The Lib-Dems, Plaid for Pride, Welsh Green Pride, TUSC and others.
Last week Stephen Crabb MP posted on his Facebook page following an act of criminal damage to his office in Haverfordwest.
He wrote: “A few days ago my constituency office was vandalised in response to my recent vote to approve changes to the Employment Support Allowance (ESA). This was not an isolated attack as other MPs offices were targeted by individuals involved in a social media campaign.
“I’m disappointed that some individuals choose to do this instead of making an appointment to see me to discuss their concerns. Sadly all these individuals achieved on Saturday was to create an inconvenience to my office staff, local residents, and the Police. There are lots of ways to communicate to convey concerns but criminal damage just isn’t an option.
“There has been a lot of miscommunication about this vote which I want to put right. A decision was taken by MPs to change the benefit awarded to a specific group of people who receive Employment Support Allowance. These people are in the Work Related Activity Group (WRAG) and they do have a disability or illness but are considered able to work with support in the future.
“The overwhelming majority of people in this group say they want to work, and so I think it is right that we do all we can to help them get back into work. The changes mean that this group will now access the same level of benefit as those on Job Seekers Allowance, but will be given better tailored support to help them into employment. It doesn’t affect anyone who is already claiming ESA, they will receive the exactly the same amount of benefit as they do now.
“The truth is that not all disabilities prevent people from working. A great many disabled people get enormous fulfilment from being in work. They would be extremely offended not to be considered equal in the job market, and this benefit change means that more people will be able to take these important steps from being benefit-dependent to the workplace.
“Of course we absolutely continue to protect those who are ‘too ill to work’. There is no question about that. Those with the most severe health conditions and disabilities will quite rightly continue to get a higher rate of benefit and support. And despite the political banter from Labour, the disability budget is actually going to be rising by more than £1 billion over the next 5 years which means that more money is being spent in real terms on support for disabled people than at any point under the previous Labour government.”
HOMEOWNERS living on privately managed estates in Wales are set to gain new legal protections under changes being introduced as part of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, the Welsh Government has said.
In a written statement published on Thursday (Dec 18), the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant MS, provided an update on how the legislation will be implemented in Wales, with a particular focus on estate management charges paid by freehold homeowners.
Until now, homeowners on privately managed estates have often faced unclear or high bills for maintenance and services, with limited ability to obtain information or challenge costs. Once fully implemented, Part 5 of the Act is intended to address those concerns.
New powers for homeowners
Under the reforms, homeowners will be given the right to challenge the reasonableness of estate management charges for the first time. Estate managers will also be required to provide clearer information about the services being paid for through those charges.
In cases where estate management has failed, homeowners will be able to apply to a tribunal for a substitute manager to be appointed. The Act will also require estate managers to publish details of any administration charges in advance, where payment is expected.
Jayne Bryant said the changes would bring “significant new rights and protections” for homeowners affected by estate management fees.
Welsh and UK consultations
Responsibility for introducing the necessary secondary legislation is shared between the Welsh and UK Governments. While many of the powers rest with UK Ministers, Welsh Ministers are responsible for rules relating to the publication of administration charges in Wales.
The Welsh Government has confirmed it is working alongside UK counterparts to ensure both consultations are launched at the same time, allowing homeowners and stakeholders to consider the full set of proposals together.
Homeowners are being encouraged to respond to both the Welsh Government consultation on administration charges and the UK Government consultation on the wider estate management regime.
The consultations are now open and form part of the process to bring the new protections into force.
FLOOD warnings and alerts have been issued across large parts of Wales as persistent heavy rain causes river levels to rise, with parts of the country facing an increased risk of flooding on Thursday (Dec 18).
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has confirmed that four flood warnings are currently in place, meaning immediate action is required, while a further 16 flood alerts have been issued where flooding is possible.
A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued by the Met Office, covering much of Wales from 10:00am on Thursday until 7:00pm, with disruption expected in some areas.
NRW said the warnings follow prolonged wet weather, with further heavy rainfall forecast to move across the country during the day.
The Met Office said: “An area of heavy rain will move northeast across the warning area during Thursday morning and afternoon before clearing to the east through the evening.
“Given recent very wet weather, there is potential for some disruption to travel and possible flooding.
“Much of the warning area will see 15–25mm of rain but some places could see 40–50mm, with the highest totals falling over high ground of south Wales.”
Forecasters have also warned that strong winds could worsen conditions, particularly along the coast.
“There is a chance of 60–70mph gusts along the exposed south coast, and perhaps 40–50mph some way inland,” the Met Office added.
Flood warnings in force
NRW has confirmed flood warnings are currently active at the following locations:
- River Towy at Carmarthen Quay, Carmarthen
- River Ritec at Tenby
- River Towy affecting isolated properties between Llandeilo and Abergwili
- River Rhyd Hir at Riverside Terrace, Pwllheli
Residents in these areas are being urged to take immediate action to protect property and personal safety.
Flood alerts issued
In addition, flood alerts — meaning flooding is possible — have been issued for the Lower Severn catchment in Powys, along with other areas shown on NRW’s live flood monitoring maps.
NRW is advising people to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads and footpaths, and keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings.
The Herald understands that river levels will continue to be closely monitored throughout the day as rainfall moves through Wales.
Members of the public can check the latest flood warnings and alerts on the Natural Resources Wales website or by signing up for flood alerts direct to their phone.
Flood alerts and warnings across Wales on Thursday (Pic: NRW).
CPS have a week do decide if they wish to pursue a re-trial, judge confirms
THE JURY has been discharged in the trial of a Milford Haven man accused of historic child sex offences after telling the court it was unable to reach a verdict, even by majority.
Thomas Kirk, aged 50, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, is charged with the oral rape and sexual assault of a child, with the offences alleged to have taken place in Pembrokeshire between 2007 and 2009, when the complainant was aged between thirteen and fifteen. He denies the charges.
On Thursday (Dec 18), the jury returned to Swansea Crown Court and was asked whether it had reached a verdict on either count upon which at least ten jurors were agreed.
The foreman replied: “No.”
Judge Paul Thomas KC then asked whether there was any realistic likelihood that further deliberations would lead to a verdict being reached.
The foreman replied: “No, your honour.”
Judge Thomas KC said that in those circumstances he would discharge the jury and give the prosecution seven days to decide whether it would seek a retrial.
Addressing the jurors, the judge said they should not think they had failed or let anyone down.
“These things happen,” he said. “It’s one of the strengths of the jury system that people hold different views.”
He thanked the jury for their service and wished them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
The court heard that the prosecution will now consider its position, with a further hearing expected next week to determine whether a retrial will take place.
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chizy
March 28, 2016 at 1:14 pm
Oh dear, the stratospheric rise to the top is experiencing some turbulence.
And what with his council house upbringing and Thatcher inspired views from such a tender age, I would like to say that I feel for him. But I can’t because I don’t.
And anyway, what’s Labour got to do with it? Your party is in office,your party proposed the cuts,you voted for it,you got ‘promoted’ for being a good egg,even more public opinion goes against you,you backtrack,pretend it was someone else and it didn’t really happen.
Patronising your constituents is not cool Stephen, they are way more clever that you think. People of Pembrokeshire will always recognise a wrong ‘un, like all decent minded people they don’t like being punished for not voting Tory.
Lisa
March 30, 2016 at 7:07 pm
I am exceedingly concerned by the lack of knowledge about living with disability shown in the above article by Mr Crabb.
The UK chose to be a country that supported the rights of disabled people to live, independently, in the community. Calling people ‘benefit dependent’ is erroneous. For people living with disabilities, the Government chose to support them through Disability Living Allowance and the ‘Sickness’ benefits to cover the £550 per week average costs for a disabled person to live and work in the community – rather than in residential homes. The Government has scrapped: DLA, sickness benefits (which have been replaced by smaller PIP and ESA), the Independent Living Fund – these weren’t ‘dependencies’ – these were payments that helped to keep 41% of disabled people in work. They’ve closed specialist remploy factories, got rid of disability access workers and disability access to work scheme funding.
So all these things that kept disabled people employed are gone. Instead you’re going to ‘incentivise’ people by making further cuts to their income after the bedroom tax and sanctions. Who will get their money cut? You could have Parkinsons, or a brain tumour or a learning disability or arthritis. It’ll be the luck of the WCA test.
Disabled people now are not going to think ‘we’re alright, he’ll bring it in for the newly disabled or those who reapply through job loss’. It’s cruel and unfair. Changes to health and social care are supposed to go by the ‘nothing about me without me’ consultation, discussion and planning. When you are making cuts that charities think are reprehensible and you are cutting the ability of the disabled to work, you do not get to call them ‘benefit dependent’ to justify your intolerant behaviour.