Category Archives: Scotland
MPs urge scrapping of ‘bedroom tax’
A House of Commons select committee has called on David Cameron’s Government to scrap the “bedroom tax” changes to housing benefit.
16th December 2013
The Scottish Affairs Committee said that while ministers considered whether to repeal the measure, the Government should suspend the penalty for claimants who cannot reasonably be offered alternative accommodation.
The MPs said the measure, which cuts housing benefit for social tenants deemed to have a spare room, was ” a budget cut suffered by those in greatest need”.
The interim report was opposed by Tory and Liberal Democrat MPs on the Labour-led committee, but they failed to prevent it being produced.
The Government reduced entitlement to housing benefit for working-age tenants in April 2013. Those with an extra bedroom have a reduction of 14% to their eligible rent, and those with two or more extra bedrooms lose 25%.
The Government estimated that 80,000 claimants in Scotland would be affected by the bedroom tax, with an average weekly loss of £12.
Choir using music to cope with dementia
Many of the members who gather in St John’s church hall are living with the condition, while others are close family and friends who have adopted a full-time caring role.
A Hamilton choir are using music to cope with the early stages of dementia.
Many gathered in St John’s church hall are living with the condition, while others are close family and friends who have adopted a full-time caring role.
All are united by the power of music and the Musical Memories Choir’s ground-breaking project is making a real difference in people’s lives.
Jack Pennie (84), who is affected by the early stages of the condition, is feeling the direct benefit. “I’ve been in the choir for two years and it’s certainly helped me with my memory,” said the former furniture sales manager.
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