In May 2012. A year has passed since the local elections in Blakenall which resulted in defeat for myself as the Labour Party candidate and the election of the Independent candidate Peter Smith. His vote supporting the Tory group on the Council tipped the balance to keep Walsall Council run by the Tories and his vote again in May 2013 has directly prevented the Labour group from again taking over. I still however continue to fight for your futures.
What damage has happened over this last year? Over 400 households in Blakenall have suffered from the imposition of the ‘bedroom tax’ penalising households who happen to have a spare bedroom , often with a genuine need to have one available. No availability of any smaller property to move into will result in a forced housing benefit cut. Peter Smith again keeping these Tories in power will lead to further big blanket cuts to the budget for care of the more vulnerable disabled and elderly residents living in Blakenall and over all Walsall.. the continued disastrous outcomes of education for our children in Walsall and unacceptable levels of unemployment ; the continued favouritism of budget spends in road and pavement repairs for the more prosperous Tory wards leaving Blakenall behind yet again We continue to lag behind in ill health statistics while the resident tat wagons still plague our neighbourhoods supported by Cllr Smith.
There will be local elections in Walsall in 2014. For the sake of the more disadvantaged wards such as Blakenall, I hope that Labour will win back at least one seat and so put a more caring Labour party in control and so stop independent Cllrs such as Peter Smith from blocking and defeating the Labour Party
Is Peter Smith a Tory? Walsall residents are again condemned to suffering a Tory/ Liberal run Council until 2014 when the ballot box can change the balance of power after 14 years under the Tories.
The three Independent Councillors who are not members of the Labour Party Peter Smith from Blakenall ward and Paul and Chris Bott from Darlaston, two of the more disadvantaged wards of Walsall Borough have for the second year running refused to vote with the labour group of councillors and so allowed the current Tory/Liberals to continue in power and so in control of the budget.This last year has seen failure of the Tory Council in their job creation schemes, overseeing child protection services judged inadequate on inspection, a failure in securing the future of our Town centres and threatening to close our Gala swimming baths… while the ruling Tory Councillors awarded themselves this year a massive pay rise. How Councilors such as Smith and the Botts can allow another year of a Tory run Council who have a record of letting the weakest in our Town go the wall with their policy of ‘let the market decide’ OK for those who earn lots or live in the more prosperous parts of Walsall. Here we have three who profess to be concerned about the most disadvantaged in their wards and end up abandoning their so called principles in return for a promised seat at the top table.
We note that Councilor Smith is now installed to be Mayor in 2014, while residents in his ward suffer increased unemployment, increased fly tipping, and disastrous effects on the many very poor residents in his ward unable to avoid the cuts caused by imposition on their families with the ‘bedroom ‘ tax.
We now see the reality of the effects on our NHS by the so called re-organisation with accident and emergency departments finding at times unable to cope, while those who were in the top management of our NHS for example at Stafford Hospital where hundreds of patients died prematurely due to concealed continued incompetence claim to be ‘not guilty’ and announce their intention to retire with a nice £2 million pension.
There is a more positive way forward .. a council driven by a partnership of organisations who are determined to address the unfair inequalities in our society, are committed to social justice and recognize that our children deserve a better future by receiving an education that is not judged as at present near the worst in the Midlands and to live in a Town that is not amongst the worst in the Country for hosting empty shops … we are all in this together but the Tories are in it for themselves and their friends…. Please join us in helping to gain those crucial extra 3 seats for Labour and so enable a caring and listening Labour group to take control of Walsall council after 14 years of mismanagement by the Tories.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Monday, September 17, 2012
The risks to those on benefits in Blakenall
17th September
You may know that this Tory Government plans to introduce Universal Credit in October 2013.
While I think everyone would accept that the benefit system needs a continuous reform process, this step will seriously affect many of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in Walsall and especially in Blakenall. I post the concerns of many organisations that deal on a day to day basis with those at risk.
The evidence shows there is widespread concern about managing Universal Credit online, the implications of it being paid monthly and being paid to one member of a household, and the gap when the current system is phased out and the new one starts.
Ministers are very keen to ensure that the new system should be "digital by default" - in other words, managed and run online.
The new universal credit system risks causing difficulties to the 8.5 million people who have never used the internet and a further 14.5 million who have virtually no ICT skills," says Citizens Advice.
Only one in ten of claimants think it would make their lives easier”
Women's Budget Group
The public sector workers union Unison makes a similar point, as does the National Housing Federation, the umbrella group for homeless organisations, Homeless Link and Community Links, a charity based in east London, amongst others.
Concerns are raised too about paying Universal Credit monthly.
The Women's Budget Group, which describes itself as an "independent organisation bringing together individuals from academia, non-governmental organisations and trades unions to promote gender equality," also makes some observations.
It tells the MPs: "The government says monthly payment of Universal Credit mimics life in work.
"But many on low incomes in work have wages and/or benefits and tax credits paid more frequently, which matches common budgeting patterns for those on low incomes.
"Only one in ten of claimants think it would make their lives easier. Women are likely to be hit harder, as in low income families they tend to make more frequent purchases that will be squeezed as money is stretched."
There are concerns too that the payment of Universal Credit to one person in a household could, in some instances, upset the family dynamic: potentially putting that individual in a position of considerable power and influence.
Many of those who have submitted evidence are worried about how some people will cope when the changeover from the current benefits system to the Universal Credit takes place.
Work and Pensions Secretary Ian Duncan Smith wants to overcome problems in the benefits system "What consideration has been given to providing grants to cover a shortfall when transitioning from fortnightly to monthly payments, rather than claimants having to rely on budgeting advances or 'pay-day loans' which need to be re-paid?" asks Gingerbread, the charity for single parents.
Manchester City Council raise a broader concern: the effects not just on people, but communities.
"We have concerns about the impacts on people but also on 'place' - either from large scale churn de-stabilising people and communities or reductions in income within areas with high concentrations of people currently on benefit."
Let's now turn to look at some of practical problems around making this change happen on time.
A wide range of organisations involved in meeting the government's deadline are clearly very worried about achieving it.
At the heart of the Universal Credit is what is known as the Real Time Information system. The aim is it will be much more responsive to people's changing circumstances.
It will require employers to report their employees' pay each time they are paid. In addition the self-employed will have to report their income every month instead of every year.
This will be a "significant and difficult burden, reliant on information from others", the Chartered Institute of Taxation tells the MPs.
The success of the Universal Credit depends on the new computer system being completed "under extremely tight timelines," the employers' organisation, the CBI says.
"The new system's tight delivery timetable, coupled with low awareness among companies, is a risk to business and to the implementation of the Universal Credit."
"There is a real risk that the central government Universal Credit IT systems will not be ready on time," adds the Local Government Association, which represents councils.
So how does the government respond? Radio 4's The World This Weekend invited a minister to appear on the programme, but the invitation was declined.
In its evidence to the committee of MPs, the Department for Work and Pensions claims that "digital skills are a factor in around 72% of jobs", and so encouraging people to manage their Universal Credit online is sensible. It also saves a significant amount of money.
Advice will also be available, the department says, for those recipients who need help with managing their family budget.
"Rigorous, integrated IT testing has also commenced," it adds, pointing out it has "some of the best contingency arrangements in place across government" if things go wrong.
Do you think that this Tory run Council cares a jot about the potential effects on residents of Blakenall? And your new Blakenall Councillor Pete Smith voted with the Tories to get them into control of Walsall Council. How can anyone who claimed to be a socialist do such a thing?
Please commit yourself to supporting Labour here in Walsall who cannot stop these changes but at least are compassionate on their effects and will ( if they are in charge) try to mitigate the disastrous effects on the most vulnerable in our society.
Please post support or otherwise!
Regards
Ian Robertson
You may know that this Tory Government plans to introduce Universal Credit in October 2013.
While I think everyone would accept that the benefit system needs a continuous reform process, this step will seriously affect many of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in Walsall and especially in Blakenall. I post the concerns of many organisations that deal on a day to day basis with those at risk.
The evidence shows there is widespread concern about managing Universal Credit online, the implications of it being paid monthly and being paid to one member of a household, and the gap when the current system is phased out and the new one starts.
Ministers are very keen to ensure that the new system should be "digital by default" - in other words, managed and run online.
The new universal credit system risks causing difficulties to the 8.5 million people who have never used the internet and a further 14.5 million who have virtually no ICT skills," says Citizens Advice.
Only one in ten of claimants think it would make their lives easier”
Women's Budget Group
The public sector workers union Unison makes a similar point, as does the National Housing Federation, the umbrella group for homeless organisations, Homeless Link and Community Links, a charity based in east London, amongst others.
Concerns are raised too about paying Universal Credit monthly.
The Women's Budget Group, which describes itself as an "independent organisation bringing together individuals from academia, non-governmental organisations and trades unions to promote gender equality," also makes some observations.
It tells the MPs: "The government says monthly payment of Universal Credit mimics life in work.
"But many on low incomes in work have wages and/or benefits and tax credits paid more frequently, which matches common budgeting patterns for those on low incomes.
"Only one in ten of claimants think it would make their lives easier. Women are likely to be hit harder, as in low income families they tend to make more frequent purchases that will be squeezed as money is stretched."
There are concerns too that the payment of Universal Credit to one person in a household could, in some instances, upset the family dynamic: potentially putting that individual in a position of considerable power and influence.
Many of those who have submitted evidence are worried about how some people will cope when the changeover from the current benefits system to the Universal Credit takes place.
Work and Pensions Secretary Ian Duncan Smith wants to overcome problems in the benefits system "What consideration has been given to providing grants to cover a shortfall when transitioning from fortnightly to monthly payments, rather than claimants having to rely on budgeting advances or 'pay-day loans' which need to be re-paid?" asks Gingerbread, the charity for single parents.
Manchester City Council raise a broader concern: the effects not just on people, but communities.
"We have concerns about the impacts on people but also on 'place' - either from large scale churn de-stabilising people and communities or reductions in income within areas with high concentrations of people currently on benefit."
Let's now turn to look at some of practical problems around making this change happen on time.
A wide range of organisations involved in meeting the government's deadline are clearly very worried about achieving it.
At the heart of the Universal Credit is what is known as the Real Time Information system. The aim is it will be much more responsive to people's changing circumstances.
It will require employers to report their employees' pay each time they are paid. In addition the self-employed will have to report their income every month instead of every year.
This will be a "significant and difficult burden, reliant on information from others", the Chartered Institute of Taxation tells the MPs.
The success of the Universal Credit depends on the new computer system being completed "under extremely tight timelines," the employers' organisation, the CBI says.
"The new system's tight delivery timetable, coupled with low awareness among companies, is a risk to business and to the implementation of the Universal Credit."
"There is a real risk that the central government Universal Credit IT systems will not be ready on time," adds the Local Government Association, which represents councils.
So how does the government respond? Radio 4's The World This Weekend invited a minister to appear on the programme, but the invitation was declined.
In its evidence to the committee of MPs, the Department for Work and Pensions claims that "digital skills are a factor in around 72% of jobs", and so encouraging people to manage their Universal Credit online is sensible. It also saves a significant amount of money.
Advice will also be available, the department says, for those recipients who need help with managing their family budget.
"Rigorous, integrated IT testing has also commenced," it adds, pointing out it has "some of the best contingency arrangements in place across government" if things go wrong.
Do you think that this Tory run Council cares a jot about the potential effects on residents of Blakenall? And your new Blakenall Councillor Pete Smith voted with the Tories to get them into control of Walsall Council. How can anyone who claimed to be a socialist do such a thing?
Please commit yourself to supporting Labour here in Walsall who cannot stop these changes but at least are compassionate on their effects and will ( if they are in charge) try to mitigate the disastrous effects on the most vulnerable in our society.
Please post support or otherwise!
Regards
Ian Robertson
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
what news now for the future of Blakenall?
News is that there are discussions about a probable decision that Bloxwich Leisure centre will go as part of the reorganisation of Walsall Leisure services.. no mention of what is to be provided in place... also no news on future of Dartmouth centre, support for the 'cottage' in Ryecroft place or some positive support for the Ryecroft centre and what is needed .. a partnership approach with the Hollemeadow site ( run by WHG) and the Walsall College and the Forest arts site... if the disgraceful inequalities suffered by those residents in Blakenall is to be solved in a sustainable way such issues as these must be addressed.. however this Tory run Council have their own areas to prioritise as usual... such as spending £200,000 plus on employing an agency provided temporary head of childrens' services after the resignation or ? removal of the head and deputy after the dreadful recent inspection report... again the support of more especially the children from Blakenall have been let down.. hardly surprising that the young people of Blakenall come to the conclusion that they cannot succeed, are expected to fail and their parents very often take the same view. It is also now revealed that the new head of childrens' services from Medway has a worrying history of possible failures.. far from the rosy picture reported by our current Tory great leader of the Council.. is this another cast off as we got from Liverpool with our Annie?
The open spaces such as the 'Lea' at the rear of Hardy road remain in a dreadful state... I note that a committee has been formed to try and get some action.. best of luck to them but I fear that unless ( sorry to bring in the politics but it is the reality) a Labour run administration is voted in with a clear mandate to make a difference, such areas will continue to languish for many years to come.
Residents will continue to live on average 9 years less than residents in the leafier areas of Walsall.. have the lowest level of young people seeking further education and low levels of achievement ( despite the amazing efforts of the local schools) , have the lowest level of road and pavement repairs, and the highest levels of unemployment ( although there are many who are listed as out of work but in fact work in the 'black' economy) , have the highest level of single parent families struggling and often failing and and so perpetuating to cycle of their children going on to form failed families in the future and having the highest levels of incidence of domestic violence...
There is a way forward as a partnership , led I believe by the foundations built by New Deal ( now called New Horizons)... I fear that residents will become even more cynical and lose hope altogether if the area is allowed to languish as the grip of the economic recession now really starts to bite.
Regards
Ian Robertson
The open spaces such as the 'Lea' at the rear of Hardy road remain in a dreadful state... I note that a committee has been formed to try and get some action.. best of luck to them but I fear that unless ( sorry to bring in the politics but it is the reality) a Labour run administration is voted in with a clear mandate to make a difference, such areas will continue to languish for many years to come.
Residents will continue to live on average 9 years less than residents in the leafier areas of Walsall.. have the lowest level of young people seeking further education and low levels of achievement ( despite the amazing efforts of the local schools) , have the lowest level of road and pavement repairs, and the highest levels of unemployment ( although there are many who are listed as out of work but in fact work in the 'black' economy) , have the highest level of single parent families struggling and often failing and and so perpetuating to cycle of their children going on to form failed families in the future and having the highest levels of incidence of domestic violence...
There is a way forward as a partnership , led I believe by the foundations built by New Deal ( now called New Horizons)... I fear that residents will become even more cynical and lose hope altogether if the area is allowed to languish as the grip of the economic recession now really starts to bite.
Regards
Ian Robertson
Sunday, August 12, 2012
what future for Blakenall
I do regret that labour failed to gain control of Walsall Council this time in May.. me losing was a major factor here. Running the Council in these difficult economic times cannot reverse the cuts but at least we could have looked very carefully at individual cases and families where really severe hardship will happen.
We hear that such centres as the Dartmouth centre will be axed.. when a dynamic business plan for this centre and for the nearby Ryecroft centre with a bit of coordinated effort would have brought a successful sustainable result. Also to secure the future of the cottage in Ryecroft Place which serves so many elderly people and helps to make their daily lives so much better.
The regeneration of the Goscote and Poets area is now stalled and will now probably not happen for many years. The successor of the New Deal organisation, New Horizons needs to be a lead in this regeneration of the whole of North Walsall and Bloxwich... I do not think that a tory run council will care to support this being too interested in ensuring their wards are well served.
The issues of 'tat' wagons, drug dealing, fly tipping remain and the only way to tackle these issues is to ensure enough resources are placed into enforcement. What chance of this happening in Blakenall?
The issues left in North walsall also remain as the 'forgotten' corner of Walsall.... it is time for Blakenall to be leading not trailing behind...
Regards
Ian Robertson
ex labour Councillor Blakenall.
We hear that such centres as the Dartmouth centre will be axed.. when a dynamic business plan for this centre and for the nearby Ryecroft centre with a bit of coordinated effort would have brought a successful sustainable result. Also to secure the future of the cottage in Ryecroft Place which serves so many elderly people and helps to make their daily lives so much better.
The regeneration of the Goscote and Poets area is now stalled and will now probably not happen for many years. The successor of the New Deal organisation, New Horizons needs to be a lead in this regeneration of the whole of North Walsall and Bloxwich... I do not think that a tory run council will care to support this being too interested in ensuring their wards are well served.
The issues of 'tat' wagons, drug dealing, fly tipping remain and the only way to tackle these issues is to ensure enough resources are placed into enforcement. What chance of this happening in Blakenall?
The issues left in North walsall also remain as the 'forgotten' corner of Walsall.... it is time for Blakenall to be leading not trailing behind...
Regards
Ian Robertson
ex labour Councillor Blakenall.
Monday, July 23, 2012
How can we save our NHS?
Those who manage our National Health Service and have been tasked to preform the largest reorgansiation since the NHS began are failing. In the Manor Hospital we hear that the hospital is £1.3M overspent this year mainly due to £1/2M alone in agency fees for temporary staff: reports by a whistle blower of total incompetence.. which earned him the sack after 18 months and now granted leave to appeal .. and this person of consultant status: reports that the death rates for patients with respiratory complaints is much higher than the national average; reports that we are failing to ensure patients get a proper fliud intake ( I suffered this one myself as an inpatient follwoing an operation, having the cleaner eventually bringing me the water) .. and so the list goes on... well organised and scrutiny by a team of well informed independents is urgently needed to look in depth at waht is happening... we are handing over most of the commisioning of the budget for our NHS to consortia of GPs who are being paid and employed by the very NHS that they are administering.... how can they act independently and if they are, they need high quality and robust scrutiny and a very strong health and well being board to look over them and a strong robust joint needs assessment to control where the are going... we will hope that those of us who can do this will be really active to save our NHS from I fear either a move to privatisation or a two or three tier standard service.
I am very proud to have served the NHS for over 40 years, but never have I so much feared for th efuture of what is in my opinion , the best method of delivering health care without fear of the cost to every patient.
Ian Robertson
I am very proud to have served the NHS for over 40 years, but never have I so much feared for th efuture of what is in my opinion , the best method of delivering health care without fear of the cost to every patient.
Ian Robertson
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Labour should be running Walsall Council
23rd May
News that it will be a tory/liberal run council is bad news for many Walsall residents who are fighting to keep their heads above water with rises in food prices, travel costs and just about every other cost and facing serious cuts in support services and allowances.. whether this be disability living allowances or other direct support for lower income families.
Whatever your politics, at least labour in control of Walsall would try and look carefully at those who are affected by the current economic woes and try to keep up their quality of life.. those on higher incomes will hardly notice and can organise their affairs to avoid any hardships...
Shame on the independents such as the two Botts and the person who took my seat Peter Smith who did not vote and allowed them in... their motto is 'let the market decide' in other words let those who are vulnerable get trampled under foot while the better off rush to the trough!!
All three have let the residents in their wards down and all the people of Walsall Borough.
We face serious health inequalities in Blakenall and have had to make do with second best as we were not on control on this council for the past 12 years.. here was an opportunity to Bring back some fairness in the allocation of resources and make a lasting sustainable change in the lives of residents in some of the disadvantaged wards in Walsall such as Blakenall where on average residents lose 9 years of life and suffer more illness in comparison to better off nieghbouring wards.
We need to clear our streets of tat wagons operating from residential properties... a by law to compel all such vehicles to have to display a licence plate as with taxis and have to be interviewed ( as do potential taxi drivers).. an action I did a lot of work to move forward.
we need to tackle unemployment and give more access to properly run apprenticeship schemes such as the ones I supported at Holleameadow centre and at the Ryecroft centre. Here is the key to raising the earnings potential and so the quality of life of residents and their families.
a fairer distribution of resources for whether it be road repairs, street and pavement cleaning or maintenance of our parks could have been instigated to the benefit of Blakenall residents.
pressure on walsall Housing group and developers to get on with the regeneration rebuilding in Blakenall will now possibly not happen.. the risk that areas around the derelict open spaces will go downhill and those open spaces which should be maintained will fall into further deterioration. we could have bargained for a lot better.
The changes now being implemented on our NHS will now be monitored by a tory/liberal pact.. who introduced these potentially disastrous changes with national policy.. Labour could in control of Walsall council set up a really robust scrutiny process and tried to prevent the dangerous privatisation of many of the parts of our NHS.
A robustly reorganised voluntary sector was very high on my list for action.. I fear this again will be a lost opportunity and those who will suffer will be those who depend on that service to be of high quality and free at the point of delivery.
We came close to taking walsall forward on a united caring pathway together in these difficult times and I do think the electors in walsall have overall made the wrong choice in casting their votes.
Regards
Ian
News that it will be a tory/liberal run council is bad news for many Walsall residents who are fighting to keep their heads above water with rises in food prices, travel costs and just about every other cost and facing serious cuts in support services and allowances.. whether this be disability living allowances or other direct support for lower income families.
Whatever your politics, at least labour in control of Walsall would try and look carefully at those who are affected by the current economic woes and try to keep up their quality of life.. those on higher incomes will hardly notice and can organise their affairs to avoid any hardships...
Shame on the independents such as the two Botts and the person who took my seat Peter Smith who did not vote and allowed them in... their motto is 'let the market decide' in other words let those who are vulnerable get trampled under foot while the better off rush to the trough!!
All three have let the residents in their wards down and all the people of Walsall Borough.
We face serious health inequalities in Blakenall and have had to make do with second best as we were not on control on this council for the past 12 years.. here was an opportunity to Bring back some fairness in the allocation of resources and make a lasting sustainable change in the lives of residents in some of the disadvantaged wards in Walsall such as Blakenall where on average residents lose 9 years of life and suffer more illness in comparison to better off nieghbouring wards.
We need to clear our streets of tat wagons operating from residential properties... a by law to compel all such vehicles to have to display a licence plate as with taxis and have to be interviewed ( as do potential taxi drivers).. an action I did a lot of work to move forward.
we need to tackle unemployment and give more access to properly run apprenticeship schemes such as the ones I supported at Holleameadow centre and at the Ryecroft centre. Here is the key to raising the earnings potential and so the quality of life of residents and their families.
a fairer distribution of resources for whether it be road repairs, street and pavement cleaning or maintenance of our parks could have been instigated to the benefit of Blakenall residents.
pressure on walsall Housing group and developers to get on with the regeneration rebuilding in Blakenall will now possibly not happen.. the risk that areas around the derelict open spaces will go downhill and those open spaces which should be maintained will fall into further deterioration. we could have bargained for a lot better.
The changes now being implemented on our NHS will now be monitored by a tory/liberal pact.. who introduced these potentially disastrous changes with national policy.. Labour could in control of Walsall council set up a really robust scrutiny process and tried to prevent the dangerous privatisation of many of the parts of our NHS.
A robustly reorganised voluntary sector was very high on my list for action.. I fear this again will be a lost opportunity and those who will suffer will be those who depend on that service to be of high quality and free at the point of delivery.
We came close to taking walsall forward on a united caring pathway together in these difficult times and I do think the electors in walsall have overall made the wrong choice in casting their votes.
Regards
Ian
Friday, May 4, 2012
Lost by 13 votes
4th May
I lost the seat by a very narow margin of 13 votes after a recount.
Sad after 14 years working very hard to make Blakenall Ward better. I thank all those who voted for me and wish all residents the best for their future but regret that this will unfortunately not with me driving things forward. I am proud of what we have acheived together . More comments later when we find out who runs walsall Council
Regards and thanks
Ian Robertson
I lost the seat by a very narow margin of 13 votes after a recount.
Sad after 14 years working very hard to make Blakenall Ward better. I thank all those who voted for me and wish all residents the best for their future but regret that this will unfortunately not with me driving things forward. I am proud of what we have acheived together . More comments later when we find out who runs walsall Council
Regards and thanks
Ian Robertson
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