On 3 February, the House of Commons will vote on whether to support the introduction of a series of caps on the amount that payday and home credit lenders can charge for credit.
The motion has gained widespread cross-party support from MPs who recognise that the Government has a duty to intervene in the high-cost credit market, which is uncompetitive and often exploitative.
If enough MPs turn up on 3 February and vote for the motion, it will send a clear message to the Government that they need to act.
You can support this action by emailing your MP like I have using the End Legal Loan Sharking website.
My message to Ben Bradshaw reads as follows:
Dear Ben
I’m writing to ask you to help tackle legal loan sharking by using your vote on Thursday 3 February to send a message to the Government that they should cap the cost of credit to protect the poorest consumers in Britain.In 2008 alone, the high-cost market was worth £7.5bn, this is money extracted from low and middle income communities. This market can charge £82 in interest and collection charges for every £100 lent.
Recent research shows there has been a fourfold increase in the numbers of people borrowing from payday loan companies – charging interest rates of up to 2700% - since the start of the recession. 70% of payday loan users have a household income of below the mean UK average of £24,492.For more facts around high cost lending please see http://www.endlegalloansharks.org.uk/facts
A small group of companies dominate the market for home credit services, meaning little competition to keep rates affordable or offer an alternative to those for whom mainstream banks and building societies are out of reach. But you can change this.
On Thursday 3 February there will be a vote in parliament calling for a series of caps to be introduced on the market for unsecured lending, seeking to intervene where there is a lack of competition and clear evidence of consumer detriment. Crucially these will be calculated on the total cost of credit (rather than annual percentage rates) to make sure that the caps set do not distort the market or that lenders avoid them by applying high administration fees or repayment charges. Similar caps have been introduced in many other countries including America, Canada, Belgium, France and Germany. It is an effective and practical policy that could make a big difference to the finances of thousands of people in Britain.
If you would like more information about this motion, which has substantial backbench support across parliament, ahead of the vote please do contact the proposers – Stella Creasy and Justin Tomlinson.
As your constituent I hope you will vote yes for this motion to show action can and should be taken on this aspect of consumer credit. I would be grateful to know if you plan to attend parliament on this date and vote for this motion – or if you plan to vote against it. I look forward to your response
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Citizens Advice Bureaux
Some very worrying statistics have emerged from the Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau.
· In terms of recorded debt related enquiries, 40.6% (228) of enquiries were for overdrafts, credit card debt & unsecured loans; these were 52.3% (207) exactly a year ago.
· Client enquiries relating to welfare benefits rose again to reach an all time high of 489, an increase of 58.2% on the 309 enquiries recorded in the same month of 2009.
· Disability living allowance benefits made up around 31.3% of all welfare enquiries in November and numbers are now above September’s two year high.
· There were a record high of 122 Bankruptcy & Debt Relief Orders enquiries (21.7% of all debt enquiries) in November, more than double the numbers recorded a year ago (51 and12.9%) and 6 times higher than recorded numbers in November 2008 (20 and 7.3%)
Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau data
Debt enquiries have increased significantly in November 2010 and are now standing at a 20 month high whilst welfare benefits enquiries have also reached an all time high.
Month to month comparisons show that for November 2010, enquiries on overdrafts, loans and credit cards have picked up significantly whilst enquiries on bankruptcy and Debt relief orders have more than doubled on last month to reach their peak since CAB data monitoring begun in October 2008.
· There were 589 client enquiries relating to debt in November 2010 alone (+61.8% on the 364 enquiries recorded in October), a 37.9% increase on figures recorded a year ago (427).
Debt enquiries have increased significantly in November 2010 and are now standing at a 20 month high whilst welfare benefits enquiries have also reached an all time high.
Month to month comparisons show that for November 2010, enquiries on overdrafts, loans and credit cards have picked up significantly whilst enquiries on bankruptcy and Debt relief orders have more than doubled on last month to reach their peak since CAB data monitoring begun in October 2008.
· There were 589 client enquiries relating to debt in November 2010 alone (+61.8% on the 364 enquiries recorded in October), a 37.9% increase on figures recorded a year ago (427).
· In terms of recorded debt related enquiries, 40.6% (228) of enquiries were for overdrafts, credit card debt & unsecured loans; these were 52.3% (207) exactly a year ago.
· Client enquiries relating to welfare benefits rose again to reach an all time high of 489, an increase of 58.2% on the 309 enquiries recorded in the same month of 2009.
· Disability living allowance benefits made up around 31.3% of all welfare enquiries in November and numbers are now above September’s two year high.
· There were a record high of 122 Bankruptcy & Debt Relief Orders enquiries (21.7% of all debt enquiries) in November, more than double the numbers recorded a year ago (51 and12.9%) and 6 times higher than recorded numbers in November 2008 (20 and 7.3%)
So a quick reminder about Exeter CAB and what they do...
At Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau we can help you sort out your money, legal and other problems.
We can give you free, confidential, impartial and independent information and advice on a wide range of subjects.
And it’s not just advice. We campaign for change using your experiences to influence local and national policymakers and service providers to improve policies and services which aren’t working.
We can give you free, confidential, impartial and independent information and advice on a wide range of subjects.
And it’s not just advice. We campaign for change using your experiences to influence local and national policymakers and service providers to improve policies and services which aren’t working.
And to contact Exeter CAB:
Wat Tyler House, King William Street, Exeter EX4 6PD
Advice and enquiries:0844 4994101
To cancel an appointment:01392 208120
To cancel an appointment:01392 208120
Opening Times...
Self Help
Self Help
Monday 10.00 - 15.30
Tuesday 10.00 - 15.30
Wednesday 10.00 - 13.00
Thursday 10.00 - 15.30
Friday 10.00 - 15.30
Face to Face
Monday 10.00 - 12.30
Tuesday 10.00 - 15.30
Wednesday Not Available
Thursday 10.00 - 12.30
Friday 10.00 - 12.30
Tel Advice
Monday 14.00 - 16.30
Tuesday 14.00 - 16.30
Wednesday 10.00 - 13.00
Thursday 14.00 - 16.30
Friday 14.00 - 16.30
Thursday, 6 January 2011
RUBBISH - Some of my thoughts
There has been a lot of anger and vitriol poured out in the press - both locally and nationally - over the situation in Exeter regarding the build-up of rubbish, so much so that I sent a letter of to the Express and Echo. A scattergun response to many points raised, they published it today.
Council information was unambiguous
I do feel sorry for those people whose back lanes are littered with black rubbish bins - I am fortunate to have space for an under-used standard grey/black refuse bin and large, often full, green recycling one - but who is to blame for leaving them there in the first place?
Surely the instructions to households using black bags are the same as those using bins - to put them out after 6.30pm the night before a collections and return them to the property if the collection is missed?
Many residents complain when students ignore these simple instructions, yet this seems to be the cause of many of the problems.
And yes the treacherous weather conditions did mean that collections were missed. Yet when I checked the Council's website, the information given was clear and unambiguous. Learning from the period of similar conditions at the beginning of the year, to avoid confusion the day of the expected collection would be maintained and no additional collections were to made.
You criticise Cllr Rob Hannaford for appearing to do nothing over the period but I have seen a press statement date 22 Dec 2010 which states: "...if a collection has not been made, our advice is to takeback the bin or bags and then put it out on your next scheduled collection date..." I may be wrong, but I don't think I saw this published in your paper?
Many like Kim Osborne ["E&E" Letters 04 Jan 11] will think we all deserve a rebate for missed refuse collections. Now a Band D property pays £124.84 , so that works out £2.40 per week for ALL Exeter City Council services.
I haven't the time to analyse the Council's budget to calculate income and the budget figure for refuse collections but even despite the misfortunes suffered over the past few weeks, still good value.
Yours
paul bull
Some of these comments obviously touched a raw nerve at the E&E as they following was printed below my letter.
Editor's note: Actually, Mr Bull, in our edition of December 23, we said residents whose collections were cancelled "were told they would have to wait for their next scheduled collection." (Counting cost of winter onslaught, Pages 6 & 7).
We had published precisely the same advice, issued by Hazel Ball, director for community and environment, earlier in the week. We quoted her as saying: "If a grey waste collection was missed we are asking residents to recycle as much as possible. Double wrap any meat waste, compost vegetable peelings, and double-bag any excess waste, storing it sensibly until the next scheduled collection." (Fight to get region on move again, December 21, Pages 6 & 7).
We also quoted Cllr Hannaford, before the snow hit, as saying: "If we are unable to collect people's bins, then we would ask them to be patient and hold on to that rubbish until their scheduled collection." (What to do if refuse collection hit by bad weather, December 17, Page 8).
So why then do they attack Cllr Rob Hannaford for doing nothing?
Council information was unambiguous
I do feel sorry for those people whose back lanes are littered with black rubbish bins - I am fortunate to have space for an under-used standard grey/black refuse bin and large, often full, green recycling one - but who is to blame for leaving them there in the first place?
Surely the instructions to households using black bags are the same as those using bins - to put them out after 6.30pm the night before a collections and return them to the property if the collection is missed?
Many residents complain when students ignore these simple instructions, yet this seems to be the cause of many of the problems.
And yes the treacherous weather conditions did mean that collections were missed. Yet when I checked the Council's website, the information given was clear and unambiguous. Learning from the period of similar conditions at the beginning of the year, to avoid confusion the day of the expected collection would be maintained and no additional collections were to made.
You criticise Cllr Rob Hannaford for appearing to do nothing over the period but I have seen a press statement date 22 Dec 2010 which states: "...if a collection has not been made, our advice is to takeback the bin or bags and then put it out on your next scheduled collection date..." I may be wrong, but I don't think I saw this published in your paper?
Many like Kim Osborne ["E&E" Letters 04 Jan 11] will think we all deserve a rebate for missed refuse collections. Now a Band D property pays £124.84 , so that works out £2.40 per week for ALL Exeter City Council services.
I haven't the time to analyse the Council's budget to calculate income and the budget figure for refuse collections but even despite the misfortunes suffered over the past few weeks, still good value.
Yours
paul bull
Some of these comments obviously touched a raw nerve at the E&E as they following was printed below my letter.
Editor's note: Actually, Mr Bull, in our edition of December 23, we said residents whose collections were cancelled "were told they would have to wait for their next scheduled collection." (Counting cost of winter onslaught, Pages 6 & 7).
We had published precisely the same advice, issued by Hazel Ball, director for community and environment, earlier in the week. We quoted her as saying: "If a grey waste collection was missed we are asking residents to recycle as much as possible. Double wrap any meat waste, compost vegetable peelings, and double-bag any excess waste, storing it sensibly until the next scheduled collection." (Fight to get region on move again, December 21, Pages 6 & 7).
We also quoted Cllr Hannaford, before the snow hit, as saying: "If we are unable to collect people's bins, then we would ask them to be patient and hold on to that rubbish until their scheduled collection." (What to do if refuse collection hit by bad weather, December 17, Page 8).
So why then do they attack Cllr Rob Hannaford for doing nothing?
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
RUBBISH - Playing catch-up
Here's the latest from Exeter City Council on their plans to deal with the build-up of refuse.
Exeter City Council PR 911 04/01/2011 [For Immediate Release]
COUNCIL CATCHING UP WITH SNOW-AFFECTED REFUSE COLLECTIONS
Exeter City Council has announced that it is doing everything practicable to clear a backlog of refuse and recycling collections caused by the pre-Christmas snow and ice. The Council has drafted in extra crews and vehicles to clear the backlogand has assured the public that all black (household waste) collections that were cancelled before Christmas will be carried out by the middle of next week.
Cllr Rob Hannaford, Lead Councillor for Environment and Leisure, said:"We are doing everything that is practicable to catch up. But let's not forget that these were exceptional circumstances - the coldest December for over 100 years and the most snow for nearly 50 years - and Exeter is not the only authority in Devon and the whole of the country that is playing catch-up!
"Before Christmas we had to put safety first. Many roads were snowbound and we could not risk putting 26-ton trucks on them. Two of our workers broke bones slipping on the ice and we had to consider the risk not only to them but to the public.
"We could not collect on any of the Bank Holidays because the waste transfer stations that we use were not open and it is illegal to store refuse in our trucks overnight. Before Christmas we advised those that were effected by cancellations to take back their bins and bags and wait for the next scheduled collection. Some of the build-up of waste bags inside-alleys in Polsloe has been caused by people not heeding this information, which was widely publicised on our website and in the local media.
"The Council is making good progress catching up and will look to clear all collections that were cancelled because of the snow by the middle of next week. In the meantime it will be talking to Devon County Council to see if they can change the planning and other permissions regarding opening hours of its waste transfer stations in emergency situations.The Council is also looking at how it can further enhance how it communicates to its residents any changes to refuse collections in such exceptional circumstances. The Council will also build upon successful work done with the University of Exeter on communicating refuse and recyling arrangements to the student population and will be taking enforcement action in areas where there are chronic problems with waste being presented at the wrong time, such as in Exeter's back alleys.
ENDS
For more informationcontact Steve Upsher, Media Relations Officer, on 01392 265103, or Robert Norley, Head of Environmental Health Services, on 01392 265170.
[#RL-911:634297595822218750#]
Exeter City Council PR 911 04/01/2011 [For Immediate Release]
COUNCIL CATCHING UP WITH SNOW-AFFECTED REFUSE COLLECTIONS
Exeter City Council has announced that it is doing everything practicable to clear a backlog of refuse and recycling collections caused by the pre-Christmas snow and ice. The Council has drafted in extra crews and vehicles to clear the backlogand has assured the public that all black (household waste) collections that were cancelled before Christmas will be carried out by the middle of next week.
Cllr Rob Hannaford, Lead Councillor for Environment and Leisure, said:"We are doing everything that is practicable to catch up. But let's not forget that these were exceptional circumstances - the coldest December for over 100 years and the most snow for nearly 50 years - and Exeter is not the only authority in Devon and the whole of the country that is playing catch-up!
"Before Christmas we had to put safety first. Many roads were snowbound and we could not risk putting 26-ton trucks on them. Two of our workers broke bones slipping on the ice and we had to consider the risk not only to them but to the public.
"We could not collect on any of the Bank Holidays because the waste transfer stations that we use were not open and it is illegal to store refuse in our trucks overnight. Before Christmas we advised those that were effected by cancellations to take back their bins and bags and wait for the next scheduled collection. Some of the build-up of waste bags inside-alleys in Polsloe has been caused by people not heeding this information, which was widely publicised on our website and in the local media.
"The Council is making good progress catching up and will look to clear all collections that were cancelled because of the snow by the middle of next week. In the meantime it will be talking to Devon County Council to see if they can change the planning and other permissions regarding opening hours of its waste transfer stations in emergency situations.The Council is also looking at how it can further enhance how it communicates to its residents any changes to refuse collections in such exceptional circumstances. The Council will also build upon successful work done with the University of Exeter on communicating refuse and recyling arrangements to the student population and will be taking enforcement action in areas where there are chronic problems with waste being presented at the wrong time, such as in Exeter's back alleys.
ENDS
For more informationcontact Steve Upsher, Media Relations Officer, on 01392 265103, or Robert Norley, Head of Environmental Health Services, on 01392 265170.
[#RL-911:634297595822218750#]
Saturday, 25 December 2010
ADVANCED WARNING - Road Closures
I've been advised of a road closure in the Cowick Ward from Tuesday 4th January 2011 with an anticipated finish date of Friday 18th March.
BROADWAY will be closed for Utility Works to be carried out weekdays between the hours of 07:30 and 18:00
The alternative, signed, route for vehicles will be via COWICK HILL - BROADWAY and vice versa
The Devon County Council website advises that there may be SEVERE delays.
The actual notice for the Temporary Prohibition of Through Traffic can be viewed here.
BROADWAY will be closed for Utility Works to be carried out weekdays between the hours of 07:30 and 18:00
The alternative, signed, route for vehicles will be via COWICK HILL - BROADWAY and vice versa
The Devon County Council website advises that there may be SEVERE delays.
The actual notice for the Temporary Prohibition of Through Traffic can be viewed here.
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
RUBBISH - What to do over the coming days
I've just received from Cllr Rob Hannaford an Exeter City Council news release which covers how to deal with uncollected and missed refuse.
Exeter City Council PR 908 22/12/2010 [For Immediate Release]
DISRUPTION TO CITY COUNCIL SERVICES (WEDNESDAY)
Refuse trucks were back on Exeter's main roads today (Wednesday 22December) but some waste and recycling collections will now have to waituntil after Christmas, the City Council has said.
After two days of being unable to operate, the Council's refuse crews were able to make collections on most main routes in the city. However many side roads remain covered in compacted snow and ice and collections that were unable to be made will now take place on the next scheduled date.
Information on collection dates over the Christmas and New Year period is available at http://www.exeter.gov.uk/ and is in the winter edition ofthe Exeter Citizen.
Cllr Rob Hannaford, Lead Councillor for Environment and Leisure, said:"We would ask the public to be patient and bear with us during this difficult period. These have been exceptional weather conditions and safety - not only to our crews but to the public in general - has to be our priority. We have already had a number of casualties with ourwork force slipping on icy surfaces, with one breaking an ankle and theo ther a finger. There are parts of Exeter that are still trecherous!
"Refuse vehicles will be back out again tomorrow (Thursday) and Christmas Eve but only on main routes and roads which are accessible.
"Next week, beginning on Wednesday, we will be throwing everything at the black bin collections and attempting to get as much done as theweather allows us," added Cllr Hannaford. "We will be putting on extra crews and concentrating mainly on the collections of household waste. In the meantime, if a collection has not been made, our advice is to take back the bin or bags and then put it out on your next scheduled collection date. Extra side waste will be accepted during this period butwe would encourage people to recycle or compost as much as possible over the Christmas break to minimise the impact of collections after the holidays. Extra bags of recyclable items can also be presented for collection but we would ask people to label them 'Recycling' and put their property number on the bags."
...
For more information contact Steve Upsher, Media Relations Officer, on 01392 265103.
[#RL-908:634286176949165000#]
Exeter City Council PR 908 22/12/2010 [For Immediate Release]
DISRUPTION TO CITY COUNCIL SERVICES (WEDNESDAY)
Refuse trucks were back on Exeter's main roads today (Wednesday 22December) but some waste and recycling collections will now have to waituntil after Christmas, the City Council has said.
After two days of being unable to operate, the Council's refuse crews were able to make collections on most main routes in the city. However many side roads remain covered in compacted snow and ice and collections that were unable to be made will now take place on the next scheduled date.
Information on collection dates over the Christmas and New Year period is available at http://www.exeter.gov.uk/ and is in the winter edition ofthe Exeter Citizen.
Cllr Rob Hannaford, Lead Councillor for Environment and Leisure, said:"We would ask the public to be patient and bear with us during this difficult period. These have been exceptional weather conditions and safety - not only to our crews but to the public in general - has to be our priority. We have already had a number of casualties with ourwork force slipping on icy surfaces, with one breaking an ankle and theo ther a finger. There are parts of Exeter that are still trecherous!
"Refuse vehicles will be back out again tomorrow (Thursday) and Christmas Eve but only on main routes and roads which are accessible.
"Next week, beginning on Wednesday, we will be throwing everything at the black bin collections and attempting to get as much done as theweather allows us," added Cllr Hannaford. "We will be putting on extra crews and concentrating mainly on the collections of household waste. In the meantime, if a collection has not been made, our advice is to take back the bin or bags and then put it out on your next scheduled collection date. Extra side waste will be accepted during this period butwe would encourage people to recycle or compost as much as possible over the Christmas break to minimise the impact of collections after the holidays. Extra bags of recyclable items can also be presented for collection but we would ask people to label them 'Recycling' and put their property number on the bags."
...
For more information contact Steve Upsher, Media Relations Officer, on 01392 265103.
[#RL-908:634286176949165000#]
Saturday, 18 December 2010
A bright idea?
Devon County Council, in a bid to reduce carbon emissions [and I guess, money] have formulated a plan that would turn off all street lights in Exeter, apart from those on major arterial routes into the city, between the hours of midnight 30 to 5.30am.
For the Cowick ward this will probably mean that all areas other than Cowick Lane, and probably Dunford Road, will be plunged into darkness throughout the night.
Initially Devon Country Council were to impose this policy, but pressure from local City Councillors has caused the County to have a rethink, and there will now be some local consultation.
Whilst I appreciate that there are strong environmental reasons for this policy [including a chance to see stars], it must not be implemented where there are public safety concerns.
The County Council would do well to investigate other alternatives such dimming of these lights, environmental friendly energy-efficient units, perhaps setting traffic lights to flashing red/amber at night etc.
What are YOUR thoughts?
For the Cowick ward this will probably mean that all areas other than Cowick Lane, and probably Dunford Road, will be plunged into darkness throughout the night.
Initially Devon Country Council were to impose this policy, but pressure from local City Councillors has caused the County to have a rethink, and there will now be some local consultation.
Whilst I appreciate that there are strong environmental reasons for this policy [including a chance to see stars], it must not be implemented where there are public safety concerns.
The County Council would do well to investigate other alternatives such dimming of these lights, environmental friendly energy-efficient units, perhaps setting traffic lights to flashing red/amber at night etc.
What are YOUR thoughts?
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