Latest news with #CP
Agriland
3 hours ago
- Business
- Agriland
ACRES payments ‘could be too little, too late' for future schemes
The issuing of delayed balancing payments for 2023 and 2024 under the Agri Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) 'could be too little, too late' for future agri-environment schemes, one farm organisation has warned. As the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine works towards getting ACRES payments out to farmers, the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers' Association (INHFA) has said that the hold-up to these payments has caused 'irreparable damage' to both ACRES and similar schemes that might exist in future. Pheilim Molloy, the national chairperson of the INHFA, said that while recent progress made in getting balancing payment out is positive, it has nonetheless left many farmers in an 'unacceptable' position. He said: 'As we move into June and past the half point of ACRES programme we need to recognise that there are over 1,000 farmers that applied to join ACRES in November 2022 still awaiting their balancing payments. 'For these farmers and many more that have only been paid in recent weeks, the wait for their payment in addition to clarity on their overall payment is unacceptable.' 'Beyond these 1,000 farmers there are over 5,400 farmers still awaiting their first payment for 2024 which [amounts] to 10% of the 54,082 participants in the ACRES programme,' he added. According to Molloy, this has left these farmers 'in a vulnerable financial position, due to uncertainty around payment dates and the balance of their overall payment'. 'This will leave farmers reluctant to join future schemes, especially where there isn't a clear indication of what payment farmers can expect to get, as well as definite timelines around these payment dates,' the INHFA national chair added. The INHFA representative also cited concerns around habitat scoring for commonage farmers in the Co-operation Project (CP) areas. For these farmers, landscape actions (LAs) were included to assist farmers on improving their habitat score, but as of yet none of these actions have been made available. 'This is another example of farmers losing out due to the failures of the department, which has indicated that these actions will not be available until the second or third quarter of this year,' Molloy said. 'Based on ACRES deadlines it is reasonable to now assume that these LAs won't be available until at least September which will be too late to positively influence the habitat scoring that has already started on these commonages,' he added. 'For these farmers and indeed all other farmers in ACRES, the inability by the department to deliver on payment dates and the actions to support farmers will be the defining element of the scheme, as well as being a major factor in their decision to partake…in any future agri-environment scheme,' Molloy said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Good response to CP's WhatsApp number in Nashik, but 30% messages comprise greetings
Nashik: City police's dedicated WhatsApp number, established to facilitate direct communication with the police commissioner regarding crime-related issues, has been inundated with greetings and appreciative messages. The service, initiated by police commissioner Sandeep Karnik in Dec 2023, has received 6,654 messages till June 2, averaging approximately 400 messages each month. Nearly 30% of communications comprise daily greetings and commendations for police achievements, while 16% fall outside the city police jurisdiction. Launched on Dec 26, 2023, the service enables residents to report concerns affecting them personally or the city's welfare. A notable case involved a 35-year-old newcomer to Nashik who experienced stalking at her workplace in the Nashik Civil Hospital. Initially hesitant to approach authorities, she received guidance through police contacts to utilise the WhatsApp service, resulting in swift action against the perpetrator. A dedicated team of five personnel continuously monitors incoming messages, promptly forwarding them to relevant police stations or departments. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Each station maintains a specialised WhatsApp group of three to four staff members, overseen by senior officers including the CP, DCP, ACP, and station in-charge inspector, ensuring immediate response to citizens' concerns. Statistical analysis reveals that of 2,242 police station-related messages, 1,990 cases were resolved, with 250 under process. Additionally, 71 of 73 women's safety cases and 234 of 241 noise pollution complaints have been addressed successfully. CP Sandeep Karnik said, "The response to the CP WhatsApp number from the citizens is good. We have taken some very good action on the messages that we received, particularly related to women, drugs, street nuisance, etc. There may be other issues needing police intervention, which people can message on the number. We want more and more people to report things to the police for necessary action." Senior officials emphasise that while all messages receive serious attention, residents should contact emergency services via 112 for urgent situations, as indicated in the WhatsApp service guidelines.
India.com
3 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Who is the owner of Delhi's Connaught Place? The iconic place is named after..., rent at CP begins at Rs...
Who is the owner of Delhi's Connaught Place? The iconic place is named after..., rent at CP begins at Rs... Connaught Place, an iconic spot for the Delhiites, truly captures the heart of Delhi with its blend of historic charm and lively atmosphere. Whether it's shopping at Janpath, grabbing a bite at one of the many eateries, or just soaking in the buzz, Connaught Place has something for everyone. It is a perfect and favorite hangout. It is one of the largest business, financial, and commercial centres in Delhi. But who owns Connaught Place? Notably, Connaught Place is also commonly known as CP. Who is the owner of Delhi's Connaught Place? The iconic place is named after… In 1929, Connaught Place was constructed by the British. It was designed by architect Robert Tor Russell. The iconic place got its name from Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught, a member of the British royal family. He was Queen Victoria's third son and the uncle of King George VI. In 1921, Prince Arthur visited India, and the market was subsequently named in his honor during the colonial era. Its distinctive circular layout with radiating roads draws inspiration from Georgian architectural styles in Britain. Connaught Place, a high-demand commercial real estate area, is divided into several blocks, each owned by different individuals or families. While the land and overall administration of Connaught Place are managed by the Government of India, the buildings within CP are privately owned. The ownership of individual shops and buildings varies, making the property landscape quite diverse. In the early days, many shops were established by traders who initially operated around the Kashmere Gate area. Notable names among them include Harnarain Gopinath (commonly known as Harnarains), Kanter's, Galgotia, and Snowhite. Some families even managed to lease numerous shops, with a few holding as many as 50 outlets. At present, the rent in Connaught Place ranges between Rs. 300 to Rs. 700 per square foot per month. But the scenario was different before independence. At that time, most of these properties were leased at very low rents—often just a few hundred rupees per month. Owing to the Old Delhi Rent Control Act, the rent for many of these properties could only be raised by a small margin—around 10 percent of the original amount. As a result, even today, some shop owners continue to pay very low rent, despite the fact that the actual market value of the properties has soared. As per media reports, the land and most of the buildings in the iconic CP are owned by the Government of India. The day-to-day maintenance and management responsibilities lie with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). As a result, many buildings in Connaught Place remain in the hands of private families, passed down through generations. While the architecture reflects a colonial past and the rents echo a long-gone era, the energy and vibe of the place are distinctly modern.
Agriland
7 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Minister: ‘September at the latest' for ACRES NPI payment system
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has said that it will be 'September at the latest' before the payments system for non-productive investments (NPIs) is ready under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES). Under ACRES, farmers in the Co-operation Project (CP) section of the scheme can undertake NPIs to enhance their payments. NPIs are small-scale environmental actions available to farmers in the ACRES CP which support nature-friendly management of farms. NPIs are applied for on behalf of farmers by their ACRES advisor as part of a NPI – Annual Works Plan (AWP). According to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, completing approved NPIs allows a farmer to add to their ACRES payment by up to a maximum of €17,500 over the five-year period of their contract. There has been two application windows for farmers to apply for NPIs; one in 2023 and one last year in 2024. However, the payments system to support the submission of claims and the processing of payments in respect of approved NPI applications is not yet in place. The department had already said that the system would be in place in 2025. Minister Heydon, speaking at the first meeting of the new Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which took place today (Wednesday, May 28), indicated a target of September for that system to be in place. He told Fine Gael Clare TD Joe Cooney: 'The great focus has been getting people their basic [ACRES] payment first and foremost, getting their problems resolved on that. 'On the NPI payments then, the officials are working through on his, but we are making progress on that side, and hope to have them resolved as soon as possible over the summer, or September at the latest, in terms of getting them resolved, and getting payments through on them,' Minister Heydon added. ACRES was one of the main topics that came up at today's committee meeting, the other top issues for TDs and senators being TB and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Other topics that featured were the nitrates derogation, GAEC (Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition) 2; and the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement. This was the minister's first appearance at the Oireachtas agriculture committee in his role as the senior department minister. Minister Heydon's previous appearances at the committee, in its previous iteration before the general election last year, were in his then role as minister for state with responsibility for new market development, farm safety, and research and development. This was the first meeting of the current committee, post-general election, where it carried out its role of scrutinising the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the ministers responsible for it. As the first meeting, it had somewhat of an introductory tone, serving as a way for the committee to get off the ground for the new Dáil term and begin its formal engagement with the minister. One member of the committee, senator Victor Boyhan, said: '[Minister Heydon] indicated that he wanted a fresh start, a new relationship with agriculture, with stakeholders, and with us as committee members, so I think that's encouraging.'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I use my PIP payment to live and work, I'm terrified of the DWP taking it away
When news broke in March that the government planned to overhaul the benefits system, a knot of anxiety settled in my stomach — and it hasn't eased since. At first, I tried to ignore the headlines. However, with the first stage of the review now underway, the worry remains constant. Under the current proposals, I'd be among more than a million people at risk of losing disability support through the personal independence payment (PIP), despite being disabled and working full time. PIP is a non-means-tested benefit awarded based on how your condition affects your ability to carry out daily activities — things like showering, preparing food, or using the toilet. It's not about your diagnosis, but how that diagnosis affects your ability to function safely, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time during these tasks. For me, PIP has been a lifeline, enabling me to stay in work - and I don't have a plan B if it's taken away. If you think disability is a remote issue then bear in mind 16 million people in the UK are currently living with disability. I live with Cerebral Palsy (CP), the most common motor disability in childhood. It's a lifelong condition that makes standing for long periods, cooking, cleaning, or even washing my hair unaided extremely difficult. And after a year-long, draining assessment process, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) agreed in 2023 that I qualified for PIP. So why, when I tick every box — lifelong disability, working full-time, already assessed — should I now potentially lose this support? Because under the new rules, you need to score four points in one 'Daily Living' activity to qualify. Even though I went through an exhausting battle to prove my eligibility, I only scored three points in a single activity. The proposed criteria essentially now say that unless you require direct assistance or supervision to do these activities, many of us who still need help risk being excluded entirely. Proving I needed support was gruelling. It took six weeks of gathering letters, a 3,000-word application detailing my condition, logging a diary of daily challenges, and chasing multiple physiotherapists who could back up what I said. Proving I needed support was gruelling. It took six weeks of gathering letters, a 3,000-word application detailing my condition, logging a diary of daily challenges, and chasing multiple physiotherapists who could back up what I said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jennifer McShane (@ One of the most challenging parts — even before applying — was knowing where to find accurate information. I didn't know what evidence was enough. Did I need everything, or just certain documents? I scoured websites like Disability Rights UK, a charity, which set me on the right path. There are plenty of support groups on Facebook or Reddit that discuss benefits, but it's too easy to get lost in misinformation on general forums. I wasted about three weeks chasing my GP for something Scope UK eventually advised wouldn't be necessary and it delayed my application by a month. Once I submitted, after another six-month wait, it was the assessment. This part was brutal — I was grilled for over an hour on the phone by a nurse who, as far as I could tell, had no real understanding of my condition. In my experience these assessments have never been in person which would enable them to see the full extent of my disability. I was frustrated; it felt rushed, like the assessor was just ticking boxes rather than trying to understand the full picture of my daily challenges. Even when I was finally awarded PIP, what stayed with me wasn't relief — it was the humiliation and vulnerability that came with the whole process. It's hard to describe the shame that comes with explaining to a random, if well-intended, medical professional, the very personal reasons why I need help putting on clothing, why I find it hard to cut up food or why baths are out of the question (though I promise I do shower!). The whole PIP process was exhausting and infantilising, and one I had hoped not to repeat, at least so soon, if the new changes go through. The whole PIP process was exhausting and infantilising, and one I had hoped not to repeat, at least so soon, if the new changes go through. I'm fortunate to be able to work as and when I can - and thereby contribute to the Government through income tax - but even then, PIP isn't a luxury. As is the case for many disabled people, my outgoings are significantly high. It's what's known as The Disability Tax, or Disability Price Tag, and it means spending more on goods and services just to maintain the same quality of life as a non-disabled person. My PIP helps cover essentials: clean bedding, taxis, a housekeeper, private physio (wait-lists via the NHS are painfully long), meals when fatigue overwhelms. To be clear, fatigue to me is that I can barely move not that I'm just 'a little tired'. For context, if I am feeling fine it will still take me three times as long as a non-disabled person to get dressed. To give you an example, last month alone, I spent: £368 on taxis to get from A to B (the hot weather drains me of energy) £127 on groceries (delivered, of course) £250 eating in or out (I'm appalled at this figure in particular, though yes, the Deliveroo drivers practically know me on a first-name basis). This is because most days, with working and living alone, I'm just too tired to cook £150 for a private physio appointment £152 (£38 a week) for a cleaner £120 (£30 a week) at the hairdressers because I can't wash and dry my hair £40 on dry cleaning (I can't wash or dry bedding myself) That's well over what I receive from PIP each month — and it doesn't include rent, bills, or anything non-essential. My wages go towards those. I'm not using PIP for anything but to live. The idea of losing it — not because my needs have changed, but because the system might — is terrifying. I'm not using PIP for anything but to live. The idea of losing it — not because my needs have changed, but because the system might — is terrifying. I know I can cut down the food bill, but everything else generally has the same price tag a month (or higher). So much depends on my CP — on the day, the week, and how much energy or fatigue I'm dealing with. PIP is also a vital support that can keep everything going if I need, for example, to reduce hours. Losing PIP wouldn't make me less disabled, it would just make life harder. And like so many others, I'm not asking for anything more than the right to live with dignity and support. That shouldn't be up for debate. PIP isn't the only disability benefit under the microscope at the moment. The government also announced potential changes to Universal Credit (UC) and the Work Capability Assessment. Regardless of which might apply to you, it's an uncertain time for millions around the UK. But just to remind you: Nothing has happened yet. You can only do what you can — whether that's gathering all your medical documents, speaking to your MP, or sharing your story. Your health condition is valid, and you were awarded PIP for a reason. Alex, a helpline adviser at disability equality charity Scope UK, agreed it is a stressful time for everyone potentially affected: "At Scope, we regularly hear from disabled people who are applying for benefits and are finding the process very stressful and anxiety-inducing." Scope offers this advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed: Try grounding yourself with self-care. "Self-care is important, distracting yourself by journaling, reading, meditating or crocheting can be therapeutic." Channel anxiety into action. "You may find it helpful to channel that anxiety into action by writing to your MP, joining the Scope forum or getting involved in local campaigning groups. The news can be both positive and negative,' Alex said. "Sometimes it's better to step back when it's not helpful." If you're currently applying for PIP and worried about returning the form on time, you can call the DWP and ask for an extension — just be prepared to explain why you need more time. "Don't leave it all to the last minute," Alex advised. "Break the process into smaller, manageable chunks — and get support if you can. Friends, family, or organisations like Scope can help. If it's affecting your mental health, speak to your GP or contact a charity like Mind. If you need urgent support, you can contact NHS 111." Read more on benefit cuts: Who will miss out on PIP under Labour's reforms? The new DWP assessment explained (Yahoo News, 5-min read) What Labour's universal credit changes mean for your benefits payments (Yahoo News, 6-min read) Major PIP and universal credit benefits changes confirmed by DWP - what you missed (Yahoo News, 8-min read)
