These weeks pensioners are receiving notification from the DWP of the pension they will be paid as from April but did you know that 40% of pensioners entitled to Pension Credit do not claim it?
This is a figure that has remained unchanged for decades. So what is it? You can check this out on-line (it is a UK benefit) if you qualify, or contact your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau or my office.
Broadly speaking when you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together. If you qualify it tops up your weekly income to £201.05 if you’re single or your joint weekly income to £306.85 if you have a partner.
Even if your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
Apart from that direct income boost if you get Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as: Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in, cost of Living Payments, support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in, a discount, a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over, help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments.
If you get a certain type of Pension Credit, help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme and even a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house.
So you see for that 40% of pensioners also probably in the Borders it’s worth seeing if you are entitled.
Indeed, why the UK government does not improve uptake makes me cross. When pensioners received that notification of increases from April there is nothing on that letter to advise on the possibility of Pension Credit. Why not? When you think the UK Treasury is estimated to save £1.7 billion from not paying it and in Midlothian alone it is calculated that some £2.5 million goes unclaimed.
Oh and if you are over 80 be grateful, you’re still getting an extra 25p a week. What an insult.
In these tough times with the UK government taking us from austerity into recession every claim counts. Please do chase this up if you think you might be entitled, and even if you are not sure. My office would be pleased to help and all contacts are confidential.
You can find out more about Pension Credit on the HMRC website HERE.
There has been a lot of traffic on Twitter and elsewhere concerning the fate of Broomhill Day Centre in Penicuik and rightly concerns that it might simply be shut down.
That is not the case and myself and Councillor Debbie McCall have been busy sorting out fact from fiction, meeting management with officials.
Now I have high regard for the staff and volunteers and defend to the hilt the need to keep such a facility going and indeed developing as demand will undoubtedly increase. So, the good news is that the council the design team met recently with staff and Debbi McCall who attended in her capacity as a member of my staff. (I have been off with a rotten ear infection and cold).
The report is that it was very positive and there is a commitment to continue adult social care either at that setting or a new build but that it is very much up to the Management Committee and what they want. Given that the current building is pretty much not fit for purpose, it may be that a new build is the solution. But again, that is up to Broomhill management team who are the experts here.
There would also be an opportunity for the Centre to tie in with Penicuik High in providing an opportunity for senior pupils perhaps considering working in the Care Sector as a profession to learn what that entails from a collaboration between the Centre and the school with pupils learning as it were hands-on.
It is early days, but I hope you take comfort from this news.
I see this as a golden opportunity to do the staff, volunteers and the families and elderly people they serve, and indeed Penicuik, proud.
Moving from the elderly to the very young I have learned that Labour led Edinburgh City Council seem to be proposing that if you are not a resident of Edinburgh but commute in to work from say Midlothian, then you will not be permitted to access private or independent Scottish Government funded childcare in the city. The option of a council facility would however remain an option.
Seems like blackmailing commuting parents to either let that funding go to Edinburgh council coffers or else. That also destroys the notion of choice and indeed the council option may simply not be suitable let alone available.
I know of a good few Midlothian parents who use Edinburgh because of a lack of places in local facilities.
I am already pursuing this to see if it is kite flying or a serious proposal which must be in any event distressing parents.
I would also suggest to the council apart from this proposal being wholly unfair, employers won’t actually be too pleased to see staff upset indeed some if the commuting staff might even work for the council and if indeed there are spare places at council facilities they might like to enquire why.
The Volunteer Recruitment Fair 2023 was a great success.
This View has been written by Volunteer Midlothian
Volunteer Midlothian is thrilled to announce the return of their Volunteer Recruitment Fair!
Following the success of last year’s event, 2024’s fair promises to be even more engaging and impactful. The event will take place on Thursday 29 February, from 10am to 2:30pm, at the St John’s and Kings Park Church in Dalkeith. It guarantees to be an unmissable opportunity for aspiring volunteers.
It’s not too late to make volunteering your New Year resolution
As this leap year grants us an extra day, Volunteer Midlothian urges everyone to harness this extra time to leap into action and consider the benefits of volunteering.
1. Personal Growth: Engaging in volunteering encourages you to step out of your comfort zone, fostering personal development, and have fun in the process!
2. Community Connection: Volunteering brings people together, nurturing a sense of belonging and unity within communities. It can help you create strong bonds and make friends from all walks of life. It is a great way to gain confidence and social skills by meeting new people.
3. Mental and Physical Well-being: Research consistently shows that volunteering can positively impact mental health by reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being. It also encourages an active lifestyle, benefiting your physical health too!
4. Professional Development: Volunteering is a prime source for gaining hands-on experience, honing existing skills, and broadening your professional network. It can significantly boost your CV or applications to further education.
5. Making a Meaningful Impact: The opportunity to contribute to causes you care about is one of the most compelling reasons to volunteer. It’s a chance to effect positive change and feel good about how you spend your time.
What opportunities are there?
Whether it’s mentoring, environmental work, or community outreach, there’s a place for everyone to make an impact. At the Volunteer Recruitment Fair, there will be a variety of organisations with information stalls displaying a range of volunteering opportunities.
Some participating organisations include Equal Futures, Forth Rivers Trust, VoiceAbility, NHS, Girlguiding Midlothian, and many more!
Join Us!
Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer looking for your next venture or an aspiring volunteer with no clue where to start, mark your calendar for Thursday 29 February, from 10am to 2:30pm. Spend your extra day of this leap year making positive change!
Find out more: HERE.
