Latest news with #CitizensAdvice
Daily Mirror
27 minutes ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Reeves warned child poverty will be higher at election unless one choice is made
Eleven charities, including Citizens Advice, Save the Children UK, and Trussell, warn that the two-child limit has pulled 37,000 children into poverty since Labour took office Rachel Reeves is being warned Labour could go into the next election with child poverty significantly higher unless she commits to scrapping the two-child benefit limit. Eleven charities have today written to the Chancellor urging her to make a commitment in next week's spending review to abolish the two-child limit and benefit cap in the Autumn Budget. The charities, including Child Poverty Action Group, Citizens Advice, Save the Children UK, Trussell and The Children's Society, warn that the two-child limit has already pulled 37,000 children into poverty since Labour took office. The letter states: 'The stark reality is that if these policies remain in place, child poverty will be significantly higher at the end of this parliament, the first time this has happened under a Labour government.' It continues: 'Lifting the two-child limit and the benefit cap will immediately lift 400,000 children out of poverty, and 950,000 children will be living in less deep poverty. 'It is rare that a single policy decision can reap such an immediate positive impact for so many. For a government that is committed to raising living standards, this is an extremely effective policy lever to pull. 'Taking this opportunity to make this commitment now will send a powerful message to families everywhere that this government is on their side, and is prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure every child gets the best start in life.' The two-child benefit limit denies the child allowance in universal credit to third or subsequent children born after April 2017. The benefit cap limits the total amount of benefit a low-earning or non-working household can receive, irrespective of the number of children in the household, if any. Letter in full: Dear Chancellor, As organisations working closely with children and families across the UK, we are writing to ask you to include strong action to reduce child poverty in the forthcoming Spending Review, including a clear commitment to abolish the two-child limit and the benefit cap. We look forward to the forthcoming child poverty strategy which, with the right investment, will function as a cornerstone to much of what this government has set out to achieve. Reducing child poverty lays the foundations for improved living standards, economic growth, and opportunity for all. While we remain hopeful about what lies ahead for children and families, we are also acutely aware that families living in poverty cannot wait. The two-child limit is pushing over 100 children into poverty every single day. This egregious policy, together with the benefit cap, has already trapped hundreds of thousands of children in poverty, and this number is rising ever higher with each day that passes. 37,000 children have been pushed into poverty by the two-child limit since the government took office, and the stark reality is that if these policies remain in place, child poverty will be significantly higher at the end of this parliament, the first time this has happened under a Labour government. Conversely, clear and decisive action now will be transformative for children and families. Lifting the two-child limit and the benefit cap will immediately lift 400,000 children out of poverty, and 950,000 children will be living in less deep poverty. It is rare that a single policy decision can reap such an immediate positive impact for so many. For a government that is committed to raising living standards, this is an extremely effective policy lever to pull. In advance of the Spending Review next week, we urge you to make a firm commitment that the two-child limit and the benefit cap will be abolished by this government as part of the Autumn Budget. We recognise the government's desire to set out how policies will be funded, but continuing to delay this decision comes with risks for both the government and for the people it serves. Taking this opportunity to make this commitment now will send a powerful message to families everywhere that this government is on their side, and is prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure every child gets the best start in life. Yours sincerely, Alison Garnham, CEO, Child Poverty Action Group Joe Howes, CEO, Buttle UK and Chair of the End Child Poverty Coalition Dr Philip Goodwin, CEO, The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) Nerys Anthony, Executive Director for Youth Impact, The Children's Society Moazzam Malik, CEO, Save the Children UK Paul Carberry, CEO, Action for Children Lisa Pearce, Interim CEO, Gingerbread Emma Revie, CEO, Trussell Baroness Anne Longfield, Executive Chair and Founder, Centre for Young Lives Philip Anderson, Strategic Director for External Affairs, National Children's Bureau
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Turkey earthquake advice for Brits as holiday spot hit by 5.8 magnitude tremor
Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management website announced that the quake's epicentre was 10.43 kilometers away from the Marmaris district of Muğla, which is a popular holiday region among Brits A teenager has died after a strong earthquake hit Turkey - the third to impact the broader region in a month. Muğla Governor Akbıyık announced that 69 people were injured by the earthquake, including a 14-year-old child who died after having a panic attack. Minister Kurum said: "I convey my get well wishes to all our citizens." The Disaster and Emergency Management website announced that the quake's epicentre was 10.43 kilometers away from the Marmaris district of Muğla and occurred at a depth of 67.91 kilometers. Marmaris is a region in the south-west of Turkey on the Mediterranean Sea that is popular with British tourists. Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya said: "During the earthquake in Fethiye, our 14-year-old daughter, Afranur Günlü, was taken to hospital due to a panic attack, but unfortunately lost her life despite all interventions. "In Muğla and its districts, 14 of our 69 citizens who jumped from heights due to panic were treated on site. Eight people were treated and discharged on their feet. The examinations and treatments of 46 of our citizens continue in the emergency room." Although there has not been extensive damage to buildings as a result of the quake, the tragedy may be causing pause for through for those with trips booked to the area. Here's what you need to know: Is this an isolated earthquake? As with all earthquakes, there is a decent chance that the initial shake will be followed up by aftershocks. Prof. Dr. Hasan Sözbilir warned that the 5.8 magnitude earthquake could trigger the faults on land adjacent to the Marmaris Fault Zone. "It is estimated that this submarine fault, located on the western border of the African plate and the Anatolian plate, has caused earthquakes exceeding magnitude 7 in the past," he said. In recent weeks, there have been several other earthquakes in the region, including two that struck off Crete. To add to the general sense of dread about the natural world, the skies then turned orange above the holiday island. Can I cancel my holiday? If you do not want to run the risk of being caught up in an earthquake and want to cancel a planned holiday to the region, there are a number of factors to keep in mind that determine whether or not you'll be able to claim a refund. "Your rights to cancel a package holiday (or a particular part of a holiday like a flight or a hotel booking) usually depend on the terms and conditions of your booking, and your reason for wanting to cancel," explains the Citizens Advice. You might be entitled to cancel the holiday without a fee if: The holiday company makes significant changes to your holiday It puts certain prices up after you book You can't get to your destination because of exceptional circumstances, like war or a natural disaster You might be covered for cancelling a trip if you have travel insurance. Check your policy or contact the insurance company if you're not sure. Usually, travel insurance providers will pay out if the UK's Foreign Office (FCDO) has issued a 'do not travel' warning to the area you had planned to visit, since you booked the trip. Right now there are no new warnings in place for Turkey. Is travel insurance worth it? It's important that you take out travel insurance, especially when considering traveling to a place with an elevated risk of a natural disaster. The UK government advises that you take out appropriate cover if you're travelling abroad. This applies even if you have booked a package holiday, as a travel insurance policy can help you protect the aspects of your travel plans that aren't the responsibility of your provider. If you're travelling to a more at-risk location, you might want to consider a specialist policy that offers comprehensive cover. These policies can give you access to higher limits on claim amounts for cancellation, alternative travel and accommodation. Get travel warnings straight to your WhatsApp! Off on holiday soon? The Mirror has launched its very own Travel WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest travel warnings for everything from staycations to getaways in sunny Spain. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will 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. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. What should I do if I'm in Turkey now? If you're on holiday in Turkey now, the chances of another strong earthquake striking in the coming days are low. That said, these things are very difficult to predict. If you do want to come home early, you'll probably have to pay to do so. Package holiday providers are unlikely to offer you access to an earlier flight without direct advice from the FCDO, which has not happened in this case. Few airlines allow passengers to change the time and date of their flight.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Missed Council Tax Payments with Iona
Debt and money information from Citizens Advice - England - CLICK HERE, externalScotland - CLICK HERE, externalWales - CLICK HERE, externalAdvice NI on debt and money - Northern Ireland - CLICK HERE, external
BBC News
5 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Reporting Illegal Vape Selling
If you are worried about a retailer illegally selling vapes, do not confront them. This is for your own safety, let the authorities handle should report it to Trading StandardsContact your local council's Trading Standards team, who handle enforcement of vape can do this via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline:📞 0808 223 1133 (freephone)💻 Or online at externalYou'll be asked for:Retailer's name and locationWhat you saw or bought (e.g. high-nicotine, oversized, no warnings)Receipts, packaging, or photos if possibleIf a shop is selling to children or teens, include this in your report — it's a serious can contact Crimestoppers anonymously at:📞 0800 555 111 💻or online at external
BBC News
5 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Rise in help offered for discrimination at work in Guernsey
Requests for help dealing with workplace discrimination have trebled in the last year, according to a charity offering advice and support to people in Advice Guernsey's latest report to the States showed the number of people asking for help had risen to 116 in 2024, up from 36, in preventing discrimination on the grounds of disability, carer status, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation came into force in September Ashmead, the charity's deputy chief executive, told BBC Radio Guernsey the legislation prompted people to come forward. Ms Ashmead said: "It's because now there are protections in place so people have legislation that can protect them."Obviously, it is always hoped that once the issue has been highlighted that, through negotiation with their employer, the problem can be resolved without it necessarily needing to go further down the line."The report also noted cases of discrimination outside of the workplace had risen from 36 to 73 in the last the island's population of more than 25,000, the charity said it was contacted by just under 3,000 people in 2024 who were looking for advice on things such as housing, finances and employment. Ms Ashmead said some of their clients "are working members of society who are struggling and are facing having to go to food banks and facing debt so these things do need to be addressed".She said housing was one of the main issues people contacted them about, "particularly the lack of access to affordable housing and the increasing rents". "People may not be able to afford the new rent and there is nowhere else for them to go, so it can be a real real problem," she said. 'Increasingly complex problems' The charity said its report provided an "interesting barometer" of the social issues concerning data also highlighted a further decline in the number of people using its service for debt and money problems, falling from 1,168 to 833 in the same Ashmead said: "The problem is still there but we have had fewer inquiries about it."Even if the statistics themselves may appear quite small compared to the number of people in Guernsey... they are still people and they are part of our community and we need to make sure that everyone is looked after well."Ms Ashmead said the charity was now spending an average of around 10 to 15 minutes more with each client due to their "increasingly complex problems".
