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BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Southend council refunding £2.3m in overcharged care fees
A council has said it will pay about £2.3m in refunds after overcharging people for the cost of City Council said there was a technical error when new software was set up in 2018.A total of 586 people had been contacted already, including 335 people who still received this care, a spokesperson said."I sincerely apologise for this error," said Labour council leader Daniel Cowan. "I am pleased to report that council officers have moved quickly to assess its impact, and we are putting things right."The council said it discovered that disability premium, enhanced disability premium and the carer premium were not factored in when new software was set up in 2018 to calculate a person's minimum income Care Act 2014 dictates that local authorities can charge for care, so long as these fees do not reduce an individual's income below this meant some people who received Personal Independence Payments or Disability Living Allowance, and some people receiving Employment and Support Allowance instead of Income Support, were paid too much for care in their homes; while living with family members; supported living; shared lives; extra care and day care, the council spokesperson said people who had overpaid and who were not in arrears would be offered a refund or given the option of using the overpayment to cover future fees."We are confident that we now have the systems and processes in place to stop this happening again," said Cowan. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Pride and Ukraine flags at Reform-led Durham County Council removed
A council under new control by Reform UK has taken down an LGBTQ+ Pride flag at its move was made on the first day the party officially assumed control of Durham County Council. A Ukrainian flag has also been Democrat councillor Ellie Hopgood condemned the decision and said it was a "disrespectful mean-spirited act" ahead of Saturday's Pride in Armed Forces event in council's deputy leader Darren Grimes, who is gay, defended the decision and said the party was not anti-gay but was "anti-tokenism". Hopgood told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the council should apologise and put the Pride flag back up."It's a petty and mean-spirited act to haul down the Pride flag ahead of Saturday's Pride in Armed Forces event here in Durham."It is disrespectful to the Britons of all sexualities who served in our armed forces and many who gave their lives for their country." The council was previously run as a coalition between the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and independent whose landmark local election victory saw it secure 65 seats in Durham, officially took control of the local authority earlier, with the party's Andrew Husband elected as council has renamed several key departments to remove references to climate change and equality and said he was proud the council was flying the union jack, flag of St George and the County Durham flag."Together, they represent every Briton, gay or straight, black or white, Christian, Sikh, or otherwise, who has fought, died, and sacrificed under those colours," he said. "Flying our national and local flags is an act of unity. Swapping them out for niche political symbols is just more toxic identity politics." Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
17-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Domino's appeals against council refusal of Sheringham branch
A pizza chain lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate after a council blocked its plans to open a branch in a seaside hoped to open a takeaway shop in a former department store in Church Street, councillors on North Norfolk Council's planning committee rejected the application and said it would lead to an overconcentration of hot food chain hoped the inspectorate, which presides over planning disputes, would find in its favour by citing "unjustified reasons for refusal". An agent for Domino's also said the council had "misinterpreted planning guidance" in its appeal against the American multinational business said more chains opening could not be a reason for an application to be discussing the application were concerned that the takeaway would harm the vitality of the high street, due to the loss of a shop, and disturb people living in flats above, the Local Democracy Reporting Service had objected and claimed they did not want chain restaurants opening up in the seaside destination over fears it could harm smaller local Town Council is also against the proposal, and argued there were already nearly 40 food firms operating in the Planning Inspectorate will look at the evidence and make a decision later this year. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Truro Cathedral bans former deputy mayor over safeguarding issues
The former deputy mayor of Truro has been banned from the city's cathedral due to safeguarding concerns, the Diocese of Truro has a "safeguarding briefing" to cathedral staff and volunteers, the diocese said independent Truro City Council member Sam Rabey was no longer "permitted to attend the cathedral in any official capacity or to worship".The note, shared by a concerned member of the public, said the only exception to access was polling day on 1 May during the recent local elections and the subsequent count the following approached, Mr Rabey, who represents the Moresek and Trehaverne ward, said it was not "appropriate for anyone to make comment at this time". 'Safety plan' According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the Anglican diocese stated: "Following information received from statutory agencies, Sam Rabey and the town council have been informed that he is not permitted to attend the cathedral or its grounds."Mr Rabey has been informed that should he wish to attend the cathedral or St Mary's for the purpose of worship, a safety plan will need to be agreed and implemented prior to him attending."The note said if Mr Rabey did attend the cathedral, he should be asked to leave immediately by a responsible person or a member of the clergy, the LDRS an official statement, the Diocese of Truro said its decision-making process was done "in consultation with statutory agencies." 'Act accordingly' The briefing came on the same as the council meeting to elect the next mayor of Truro. Truro City Council confirmed its members elected Chris Wells as the new mayor of Truro and Loic Rich as deputy mayor on Monday to the vote, David Rodda, Truro City Council's clerk, said it was "aware of the cathedral's position".He said: "They've taken a position based on information they have and we'll have to act accordingly."Our safeguarding policy's in place, which states that the mayor, deputy mayor and senior officers will be DBS [Disclosure and Barring Service] checked. "We take safeguarding seriously and will act in accordance with our policy."
Saba Yemen
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Massive rallies in Ibb celebrate victory & defiance against zionist enemy
Ibb - Saba: Ibb province witnessed 165 massive public rallies on Friday, praising Allah in affirmation of steadfastness and resilience in supporting the Palestinian people under the slogan, "In support of Gaza… By God's Power, we defeated America & will defeat Israel." Participants in the rally, held at Al-Rasoul Al-A'zam Square in Ibb city and led by Governor Abdulwahab Salah, Secretary-General of the Local Council Amin Al-Warafi, members of the House of Representatives , Shura Council, deputy governors, and the head of public mobilization, affirmed that the U.S. announcement halting its military operations against Yemen is a victory and divine support from the Almighty for the Yemeni people. They emphasized Yemen's unwavering stance alongside their brothers in Gaza while others remained silent and passive. They stressed that the Yemeni people cannot stand idle as the Israeli enemy commits genocide, siege, and starvation against their brethren in Gaza. The participants declared that the operations of the armed forces will continue, and Yemen's support for Palestine will not cease until the aggression stops and the siege on Gaza is lifted. They called on all free people of the world to act in stopping the aggression and lifting the siege on Gaza, urging the international community to take responsibility for the crimes committed by the Zionist entity against the Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank, and the occupied territories. Rallies Across Northern and Western Districts The northern districts of Yarim, Al-Sadda, Al-Nadira, and Al-Radhma saw 28 massive rallies, where participants affirmed that the U.S. aggression failed to sway Yemen's firm stance in supporting the Palestinian cause. In the western districts, crowds gathered in Al-Adain, Al-Sarah, Al-Jabalin, Al-Hadba, and Bani Abdullah, condemning the international community's silence toward the enemy's ongoing crimes , violations against Palestinians , denouncing Arab and Islamic inaction. They reaffirmed their absolute support for all decisions made by the leader of the revolution, Sayyed Abdulmalik Badreddin Al-Houthi, in backing Gaza and defending Yemen's sovereignty. Al-Hazm and Other Districts Join the Movement In Al-Hazm district, 25 massive rallies took place in the district center and areas including Al-Jabjab, Bani Harb, Najd Al-Adan, Al-A'moos, Rajamah, Khabat, and Al-Ahmool, celebrating Gaza's resistance and the failure of American aggression. Participants emphasized that the crimes of the Zionist enemy will not go unpunished, and the blood of martyrs will remain a beacon for resistance. Similarly, residents of Mudhaykhira district organized 11 rallies in the district center and areas including Al-Afyush, Halyan, Hazah, and Khawlan, affirming readiness to confront any U.S. escalation against Yemen and continue supporting Gaza by all means. They stressed that jihad and resistance are the only correct path in confronting enemies , thwarting their plots targeting the nation, its sanctities, and resources. Nationwide Solidarity Fifteen rallies were held in Dhi Al-Sufal, four in Al-Sayani, six in Habish, six in Al-Makhadir, seven in Al-Qafr, nine in Badan, three in Al-Sha'r, five in Al-Sabra, and 15 in Jabalah, all reaffirming unwavering support for Gaza. Participants across Ibb reiterated their united stance against the enemy , their commitment to supporting Gaza until the aggression ends and the siege is lifted. They highlighted the achievements of the Yemeni Armed Forces in the battle to support Gaza, forcing the U.S. to halt its criminal aggression. Rejection of Treason and Loyalty to Resistance The people of Ibb declared their disavowal of all agents, traitors, mercenaries serving the U.S. and Israel, vowing to oppose anyone cooperating with or aiding the enemy in any form. A statement from the rallies expressed gratitude to God Almighty, who shattered the arrogance of the forces of tyranny through the hands of His faithful servants in Yemen, compelling the enemy to halt its aggression without achieving its goals. It praised the leadership of Sayyed Abdulmalik Badreddin Al-Houthi, the armed forces, and all free people of the nation and the world for the failure of the American enemy. The statement reaffirmed Yemen's steadfast support for Gaza and resistance, vowing no retreat or compromise. Continued Military Operations and Readiness The statement hailed the successful military operations against the U.S. and Israeli enemies, particularly the precise strike on Lod Airport, which achieved significant success by God's grace. It emphasized a clear and direct challenge to the criminal Israeli enemy, pledging continued confrontation with full determination and no leniency. The statement also stressed ongoing efforts to enhance capabilities and escalate resistance across all fronts. Condemnation of Arab and Islamic Inaction The statement lamented the stance of some Arab and Islamic regimes that not only failed their people but also conspired against them, while praising Oman's role in promoting peace and stability in the region. It concluded by affirming Yemen's readiness to face any renewed U.S. aggression, trusting in God's promise and honoring the legacy of faith and wisdom bestowed upon Yemen by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): "Faith is Yemeni, and wisdom is Yemeni." The statement underscored that the cost of confronting enemies, no matter how great, pales in comparison to the price of surrender and negligence—both in this life and the hereafter. It affirmed that all sacrifices are made in the path of God, for the sake of freedom and dignity, yielding blessings in this world and the next. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Local)
