Siôn Simon MP

Erdington MP Siôn Simon was delighted to hand over a cheque for £23 000 donated by Barclays Bank to a local charity this week.

The cheque has been awarded to the Depaul Trust to help fund the Drive Ahead project at the Erdington Centre.

Drive Ahead is a scheme designed to offer disadvantaged people opportunities to build there confidence and employment prospects. The project involves identifying skills gaps in the local area, employability and job search training for the people on the course as well as 5 driving lessons to help build confidence and provide flexibility so that people can access employment opportunities outside their local area.

Speaking after the presentation Siôn said:

“The Drive Ahead project run by Depaul Trust is exactly the type of initiative that we need in Erdington. This project engages young people in hands on training and development using driving lessons as a positive incentive. I am so pleased to see organisations like Barclays funding these initiatives to ensure that Erdington offers a range of opportunities for young people.”

This is just on many projects Barclays have helped in to fund in the Erdington area since Mr Simon MP made contact with them several years ago.

In a week that has seen the UN celebrate International Youth Day, Local MP Sion Simon asks why our local young people get such a raw deal.

International Youth Day is celebrated around the world and offers an opportunity to reflect on how we see and treat young both across the world and in our own communities.

Whilst it is true that children growing up in Britain don’t face the desperate poverty of developing countries, Sion Simon MP asks what price to we place on a decent future for young people in Erdington.

“Whilst most of our schools have seen an improvement in results over recent years, and the standard of living for families and young people has risen over the last ten years, the youth service and extra curricular services have been woefully under funded.

I have for years now been raising the issue of the lack of funding for youth services In Erdington and we still seem no nearer to a properly funded service via the city council. This year has seen several projects in my constituency closed down and vital youth workers and contacts lost with young people.

The truth is the vast majority of young people are decent, law abiding citizens and just want something to occupy their time when not at school, parents play a vital role in this capacity but there must also be some external provision to ensure that provides independence for young people and enables to experience life and the consequences of their actions.

I am left yet again asking what price is our young people’s future worth. Not much according to Birmingham City, who have failed address the funding gap left by Neighbourhood Renewal Funding despite knowing for three years that funding was coming to an end.”

The government recently released details of the funding available to local authorities to fund plans for free swimming.

Birmingham who have for several years led the way with free swimming since the introduction of free swimming for under 16’s, have been offered the largest funding package in the UK to extend the scheme to the over 60’s.

Birmingham has been awarded £248,027 by the Government to roll out free swimming for the over 60’s.

Speaking today Local Erdington MP Siôn Simon said:

There is clear evidence that swimming is a great way for older people to exercise as it supports the joints but helps you keep fit, certainly Erdington Pool is very well used by older people in the mornings.

It is great that the Government have seen fit to fund the programme, especially as it is largest offer in the UK. All too often Local Authorities claim something can’t be delivered because of Government, well here is great example of how the Government follow thorough on its promises.”

Erdington MP Siôn Simon today joined calls for better family parking facilities in Erdington High Street.

The campaign was started by local activist Chris Hillcox and supported by Local Councillor Mick Finnegan.

Cllr Finnegan handed a petition to Birmingham City Council at a recent meeting asking them to review the current provision.

Siôn Simon said:

The High Street is a vital part of Erdington and we must do everything we can to ensure it continues to be a popular and accessible place for local residents.
Family friendly parking will help to encourage young families to come back to the high street and use the local shops.

Cllr Finnegan added:

I am pleased to be able to support this proposal; a lot of people in Stockland Green use the high street and better facilities for families are always welcomed.

Despite growing concerns about the rising cost of living, too many people are still missing out on money they are entitled to say’s Birmingham CAB. The local charity has joined forces with Local Erdington MP Sion Simon to urge Erdington and Kingstanding residents to get information and advice about their benefits entitlements and act now to get the money they are entitled to.

As much 9.9 billion in means tested benefits went unclaimed last year affecting as many as 6 million people. Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and work Tax Credit in particular are all currently massively under claimed.

Sion Simon said:
“Recent increases in essential expenses mean many people finding it increasingly hard to make ends meet. Yet too many people are missing out on money that is rightfully theirs. Many simply assume they won’t qualify and others are daunted by the prospect of making a claim, but claiming can be simple. We are urging anyone who is unsure about their entitlements or who would like help make a claim to contact the Citizens Advice Bureaux and free confidential benefits check. “

Birmingham CAB urged people to act now or risk losing out. It is vital that people don’t delay and put in claims now, as new government proposals, due to come into effect in October 2008, will reduce the period people can claim back dated payments from 12 months to 3.

We hope our benefits take up campaign will encourage as many people as possible to claim and that we can help put money back into the pockets of Erdington and Kingstanding residents, and help with the increased day to day costs of living.

What could you gain?

The average weekly amount of pension credit currently going unclaimed is £28.40, enough to make a huge difference for someone living on a low and fixed income and facing rising fuel bills.
Those struggling to pay their council tax bills could benefit from claiming Council Tax benefit – the average currently going unclaimed is £12.90 a week.

An adult working 30 hours a week earning minimum wage could boost their income by up to almost £1,700 a year by claiming Working Tax Credit.

Almost a million people are missing out on Housing Benefit, around half of working people entitled to housing benefit do not claim.

For details about each of the benefits listed above contact the following numbers.

Working Family Tax Credit 0845 300 3900
Pension Credit 0800 99 12 34
Housing and Council Tax Benefit 0121 303 1111