As you are aware the Local Welfare Provision cards issued by Birmingham City Council as only redeemable at Asda only.
Despite assurance from Birmingham City Council this is yet to be extended.
Therefore the following letter has today been sent to Sir Alber Bore leader of Birmingham City Council asking why?
We will publish to response once received.
15th November 2013
Councillor Sir Albert Bore
Birmingham City Council
Council House
Victoria Square
Birmingham B1 1BB
Dear Sir Albert,
Local Welfare Provision
I write further to your response to me in July following concerns that were expressed with regard to the Local Welfare Provision.
As you are aware once approved assistance is provided by way of a chargecard for sole use at Asda.
Concerns were raised at to why only Asda and it is was my clear understanding that the City would seek to extend this to other Supermarkets, which has not been done as yet. Having checked this morning; the Cards are only to be used at Asda.
Clearly this is unacceptable as it is creating a monopoly for one supermarket chain. O do not believe it represents value for money for the individual, when there are cheaper retail chains, which is more conveniently located.
Furthermore, I am concerned as this fund is not apparently ring fenced, therefore, is it your intention to cease this fund at some stage in the future as it would appear that no real effort is being made to extend it beyond Asda, which has been an issue for the past 6 months.
Could you therefore, reassure the poor and vulnerable people of this City, that every effort is being made to extend this scheme as promised with a deadline and further undertake that the local welfare provision in not under threat of being withdrawn by the City as some stage in the future.
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest opportunity.
Yours sincerely
Desmond Jaddoo
Organisor
Birmingham Empowerment Forum
15th November 2013
Councillor Sir Albert Bore
Birmingham City Council
Council House
Victoria Square
Birmingham B1 1BB
Dear Sir Albert,
Local Welfare Provision
I write further to your response to me in July following concerns that were expressed with regard to the Local Welfare Provision.
As you are aware once approved assistance is provided by way of a chargecard for sole use at Asda.
Concerns were raised at to why only Asda and it is was my clear understanding that the City would seek to extend this to other Supermarkets, which has not been done as yet. Having checked this morning; the Cards are only to be used at Asda.
Clearly this is unacceptable as it is creating a monopoly for one supermarket chain. O do not believe it represents value for money for the individual, when there are cheaper retail chains, which is more conveniently located.
Furthermore, I am concerned as this fund is not apparently ring fenced, therefore, is it your intention to cease this fund at some stage in the future as it would appear that no real effort is being made to extend it beyond Asda, which has been an issue for the past 6 months.
Could you therefore, reassure the poor and vulnerable people of this City, that every effort is being made to extend this scheme as promised with a deadline and further undertake that the local welfare provision in not under threat of being withdrawn by the City as some stage in the future.
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest opportunity.
Yours sincerely
Desmond Jaddoo
Organisor
Birmingham Empowerment Forum