Latest news with #ChrisCoghlan
BBC News
28-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Children's dental services at Surrey hospital under threat
Specialist dental services at a Surrey hospital are under threat, the BBC has learnt. East Surrey Hospital in Redhill currently provides a range of specialist dental services including the treatment of children with special needs and patients with complex dental disease. Staff in the department have been told the trust is considering three options for the service including and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) said it had "no plans to stop the services we are currently providing at East Surrey Hospital". According to its website SASH offers "the dental management of children with severe learning or physical disability, complex medical histories, extensive dental decay, complex dental trauma and significant dental phobia".The BBC understands the options being considered by the trust include relocating dental services on the site of the hospital in Redhill, moving them off site or decommissioning the service. Chris Coghlan, the Liberal Democrat MP for Dorking and Horley, said the news was "really concerning"."Local services in Surrey continue to fail those with special educational needs and disabilities, and the potential closure of specialist dental services in East Surrey Hospital will be yet another example of this," he added. A spokesperson for SASH said: "Delivering planned and urgent dental care to the local community is an important part of our role as an acute care provider, and we have no plans to stop the services we are currently providing at East Surrey Hospital."The trust's dental services provide specialist training for a range of health professionals, including senior registrars in conjunction with Health Education England (HEE).Its training programme covers undergraduate and postgraduate doctors and through HEE it works "across Kent, Surrey and Sussex and medical schools". Staff who spoke to the BBC said Surrey Fire & Rescue Service had concerns about the safety of the buildings currently used by the hospital's dental response the BBC has been told that while there are "fire safety concerns" the buildings are compliant with any prohibition and enforcement notices issued by the fire service. The trust's statement added that "given the service's current location isn't fit for purpose long-term, we are exploring options within the Trust for a more permanent location to ensure we can provide the best possible service for those who need it".The BBC understands that the trust is not considering any redundancies for this service. The British Dental Association's Peter Dyer said the dental and maxillofacial department at East Surrey Hospital provided "an incredibly important service for the local community, managing as it does, both planned and urgent care for patients". "These services must be maintained," he added. "The safety of patients and staff is of paramount importance and any relocation of the department due to concerns about the buildings in which the services take place must be done with full discussion with the clinicians involved."
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
DWP issues Pension Credit update as pensioners getting £3,900 boost quicker
The benefits and pensions department confirmed that around 78% of all new claims were processed within the planned timescale - this is a small increase from the 77.7% of claims in 2023-24 The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is currently processing the majority of new Pension Credit claims within 50 working days. The benefits and pensions department confirmed that around 78% of all new claims were processed within the planned timescale. This is a small increase from the 77.7% of claims in 2023-24. The confirmation came in the form of a written response from Pensions Minister Torsten Bell. In response to a question from Liberal Democrat MP Chris Coghlan, the DWP Minister said the DWP was 'working hard to meet its published timeliness standard of processing claims and reduce Pension Credit processing times'. He also revealed that the DWP redeployed over 500 members of staff, to help clear more Pension Credit claims. He explained: "The latest Pension Credit published statistics show DWP cleared 211,600 Pension Credit claims from July, 29 2024 to February, 9 2025, representing an 87% increase in clearance compared to 112,900 cleared Pension Credit claims for the comparable 2023/24 period He noted that its latest published statistics up to February 3025, also showed that the outstanding number of Pension Credit applications had also reduced. He added: 'Escalation arrangements are also in place for cases where individuals are identified as being vulnerable or in immediate hardship.' The next publication on specific DWP statistics in its Annual Report and Accounts (ARA) will include claims processed in the financial year 2024 to 2025 and is due for publication in the summer. Get the best deals and tips from Mirror Money WHATSAPP GROUP: Get money news and top deals straight to your phone by joining our Money WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Pension Credit is a benefit for people who have reached state pension age and are on a low income. The DWP benefit consists of two elements, which is: Guarantee credit which tops up your weekly income to the minimum guaranteed level - if you're eligible to claim, your weekly income will be topped up to £227.10 a week, or to £346.60 if you're in a couple. Savings credit, which is a small top-up for people who reached state pension age before 6 April 2016 who have a modest amount of income or savings Join Money Saving Club's specialist topics For all you savvy savers and bargain hunters out there, there's a golden opportunity to stretch your pounds further. The Money Saving Club newsletter, a favourite among thousands who thrive on catching the best deals, is stepping up its game. Simply follow the link and select one or more of the following topics to get all the latest deals and advice on: Travel; Property; Pets, family and home; Personal finance; Shopping and discounts; Utilities. If you claim Pension Credit, you could also be entitled to extra things such as a Winter Fuel Payments, discounts on council tax, and housing benefit. According to the DWP, the average income boost you can get sits at around £3,900 a year. Some could see a boost of up to £4,300. Nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain claim it currently, and many more could be eligible. You can apply for Pension Credit online on the Government's website, by calling 0800 99 1234, or by printing out and filling in a paper application form. You can get a friend or family member to ring for you, but you'll need to be with them when they do. If your claim is successful, you will also receive three months of back payments, so you could receive a substantial financial boost when you are first paid.
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
DWP ‘working hard' to speed up new claims for £4,300 State Pension top-up
People making a new claim for Pension Credit could have an award decision by the end of July. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that 78 per cent of new claims for Pension Credit are being processed within the planned 50 working day timescale. Pensions Minister Torsten Bell also said that the DWP is 'working hard to meet its published timeliness standard of processing claims and reduce Pension Credit processing times'. In a written response to Liberal Democrat MP Chris Coghlan, the DWP Minister also said that over 500 staff have been redeployed to help clear more Pension Credit claims. Mr Bell said 211,600 claims from July 29, 2024 to February 9, 2025, representing an 87 per cent increase in clearance rates. He added: 'Escalation arrangements are also in place for cases where individuals are identified as being vulnerable or in immediate hardship.' DWP has also updated the Pension Credit (Easy read) online guidance to help more older people claim the State Pension top-up, worth £4,300 over the 2025/26 financial year. It's crucial for all older people - single, married or cohabiting - to make sure they are claiming all the additional financial support they are entitled to this year to help boost their income and offset the ongoing cost of living crisis. The eligibility rule change to the annual Winter Fuel Payment last year means that only pensioners in claim for certain benefits, such as Pension Credit, received the 2024/25 payment. However, older people making a successful new claim before September this year will qualify for the 2025/26 payment and the higher rate of the devolved Pension Age Winter Hating Payment (Scotland-only). Pension Credit is the most under-claimed benefit and is specifically aimed at providing additional financial support for older people on a low income - singles and couples. Nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain, including more than 125,000 living in Scotland, are currently receiving the means-tested benefit that could provide an average of £4,300 in extra support during the coming months. Some older people think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for the means-tested benefit, which can also provide access to help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax. An award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support. Below is an overview of the benefit including who should check eligibility, how to go about it, how much you could get and where to get help filling in the form. Who can claim Pension Credit? There are two types of Pension Credit - Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must be State Pension age (66). Your weekly income will need to be less than the minimum amount the UK Government says you need to live on. This is £227.10 for a single person and £346.60 for a couple - this amount could be higher if you're disabled, a carer or have certain housing costs. You can only get Savings Credit if: you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving it you have qualifying income of at least £198.27 a week for a single person and £314.34 a week for a couple How much could you receive from DWP? Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to: £227.10 for a single person £346.60 for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting) You might be able to get more than this if you're disabled or a carer, or you have certain housing costs. Savings Credit can give you up to: £17.30 a week for a single person £19.36 a week for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting). The exact amount you'll get depends on your income and savings. Your income includes assumed income from savings and capital over £10,000. How to check eligibility for Pension Credit Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Expert help and advice is also available from: Independent Age Income Max Citizens Advice Age UK More details about claiming Pension Credit can be fond on here. Other help if you get Pension Credit If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as: Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in Council Tax discount Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, Winter Fuel Payments or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house Mixed aged older couples and Pension Credit In May 2019, the law changed so a 'mixed age couple' - a couple where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it - are considered to be a 'working age' couple when checking entitlement to means-tested benefits. This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until they are both State Pension age. Before this DWP change, a mixed age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age. How to use the Pension Credit calculator To use the calculator on you will need details of: earnings, benefits and pensions savings and investments You'll need the same details for your partner if you have one. You will be presented by a series of questions with multiple choice answer options. This includes: Your date of birth Your residential status Where in the UK you live Whether you are registered blind Which benefits you currently receive How much you receive each week for any benefits you get Whether someone is paid Carer's Allowance to look after you How much you get each week from pensions - State Pension, private and work pensions Any employment earnings Any savings, investments or bonds you have Once you have answered these questions, a summary screen shows your responses, allowing you to go back and change any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator then displays how much benefit you could receive each week. All you have to do then is follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support. There's also an option to print off the answers you give using the calculator tool to help you complete the application form quicker without having to look out the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or your family member to make sure you're receiving all the financial support you are entitled to claim. Who cannot use the Pension Credit calculator? You cannot use the calculator if you or your partner: are deferring your State Pension own more than one property are self employed have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit How to make a claim You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months. This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time. You will need: your National Insurance number information about your income, savings and investments your bank account details, if you're applying by phone or by post If you're backdating your claim, you'll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start. Apply online You can use the online service if: you have already claimed your State Pension there are no children or young people included in your claim To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.
BBC News
09-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Dorking residents complain of long waits for home maintenance
Residents in Dorking say they have repeatedly complained to a housing association about problems with the maintenance of their to Clarion Housing Group include delays to replacing doors to prevent leaks and calls to adapt a home to make it suitable for someone with a neurological March, Mole Valley District Council's scrutiny committee heard that children were given inhalers by their GP after the discovery of damp and mould, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Housing Group said it took all repair issues reported by residents seriously, and that it had been working to resolve all cases. Chris Coghlan, MP for Dorking and Horley, said he had been contacted by residents with issues relating to rats and mould, adding that he was angry that residents had been ignored."I think Clarion really need to understand the impact of how they're managing their properties is having on the daily lives of many of my constituents, and they need to get a grip," he told BBC Radio Bailey has Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a neurological disorder which causes the gradual loss of wife, Tracy, said their home needed a downstairs bedroom, a wet room and wider doors for his wheelchair – and that she had contacted Clarion more than a year ago."Nothing was done until I got hold of Chris Coghlan," she said. "Now they've started sitting up and taking note, and coming out and asking us what we need."She said that Clarion had offered to move them to Leatherhead, but the couple were worried Mr Bailey would be unable to attend his current hospital and doctor. Meanwhile, Kenneth Cox said he had been told by Clarion that he may have to wait up to two years to get new doors to stop water leaking into his home."It's disgusting that I've got to live like this," he said. "It stresses me out just looking at it."Clarion said it regularly carried out planned investment in order to bring its homes up to modern standards.A spokesperson said Clarion recognised Mr Bailey's home was no longer suited to his needs, and that it was working with the council to find a more suitable also apologised for the delay in relacing Mr Cox's doors, citing a delay in ordering and manufacturing."We are now pursuing this as a matter of urgency," the spokesperson added.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Water investment aims to end sewage waste flooding
Thames Water has said it will spend £37m upgrading its Mole Valley network - raising hopes it could spell the end of homes, gardens and rivers being flooded with sewage waste. The company came in for heavy criticism for the "damage it has inflicted" despite huge profits and shareholder payouts during the latest scrutiny committee meeting at Mole Valley District Council. However, it hopes investment projects in parts of Surrey will increase its ability to manage storm flows and treat more wastewater, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Thames Water's Alice Keeping described the £37m as "a substantial amount of money that we are going to invest going forward". Last year, Thames Water spent 13,101 hours pumping sewage into the River Mole according to government data seen by the Dorking and Horley MP, Chris Coghlan. Speaking after the meeting, he described the record as "simply unacceptable" but has since had assurances from Thames Water and environmental regulators that "long overdue" upgrades were on the way. "The Government and Ofwat have a duty to hold the water companies to account," he said. A Thames Water spokesperson said: "In 2024 parts of our region experienced some of the wettest months in 250 years. "This overwhelmed our sewer network which resulted in diluted wastewater being released into rivers. "While all storm discharges are unacceptable, the sewage systems were designed in this way to prevent sewage backing up into people's homes." Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, and on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Thames Water criticised for sewage spill response Fix 'unacceptable' sewage problem, MP urges 'Contaminated water floods my garage' Local Democracy Reporting Service Thames Water Mole Valley District Council
