The announcement by the City following our enquiry late last week in a letter to the Leader of Birmingham City Council, that they plan to commence issuing Visa Debit Cards for Local Welfare Provision in Birmingham is welcomed.
As some of you may be aware this was raised in April and we challenged it, on various grounds, such as why only one store is it to be a monopoly, accessibility and value for money, for starter's.
Despite taking some 6 months since the initial query on this scheme at least it helps in allowing the people that find themselves in a position of having to claim from this fund, the freedom of choice of where to get the best value for money.
I do believe however, that there are lessons to be learnt as the City were made aware of this change some time ago and there is a clear need to ensure that the poor and vulnerable in this City are supported and not stigmatised and that more effective planning and administration needs to be in place..
Finally, we just need an assurance from Birmingham City Council that this fund will not be placed at risk with the fruther proposed cuts, followoing the recent decision of Labour run Nottinghamshire County Council.
I will keep you updated.
Neil Elkes Birmingham Mail Article: Hard-up Birmingham families to get council Visa card
Desmond Jaddoo
As some of you may be aware this was raised in April and we challenged it, on various grounds, such as why only one store is it to be a monopoly, accessibility and value for money, for starter's.
Despite taking some 6 months since the initial query on this scheme at least it helps in allowing the people that find themselves in a position of having to claim from this fund, the freedom of choice of where to get the best value for money.
I do believe however, that there are lessons to be learnt as the City were made aware of this change some time ago and there is a clear need to ensure that the poor and vulnerable in this City are supported and not stigmatised and that more effective planning and administration needs to be in place..
Finally, we just need an assurance from Birmingham City Council that this fund will not be placed at risk with the fruther proposed cuts, followoing the recent decision of Labour run Nottinghamshire County Council.
I will keep you updated.
Neil Elkes Birmingham Mail Article: Hard-up Birmingham families to get council Visa card
Desmond Jaddoo