Lmst

Swansea MP in disability spat now accused of ignoring women’s group

Swansea Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) have claimed that Torsten Bell MP had refused to meet the group as a collective, insisting on only meeting individual members who reside in his constituency.

Now the campaign group Pension Justice for Swansea Women say they too have been ignored. The group says they are “fighting for justice for 3.8 million 1950s born women who were denied their right to their state pension aged 60 as they were promised” .

Torsten Bell is the Minister for Pensions. He is also listed as a founding supporter to the controversial Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, due to be voted on in parliament next week.

The campaigning group Pension Justice For Swansea Women, jointly coordinated by Janet Fisk since 2018, say they are fighting for justice for 3.8 million 1950s born women who were denied their right to their state pension aged 60 as they were promised.

A House of Commons Backbench Business debate on the Women’s State Pension Age Change has been provisionally arranged for 3rd July.

At the protest outside the disability cuts consultation in Cardiff on Monday, the women’s group said their flags were “being flown high in support of protest against cuts to disability support and against MPs ignoring us!”

The group said they were “grateful to the organisers of the protest against cuts to support for people with disabilities and the continuing ignoring of both of these issues by our local MPs.”

They said, “the group Pension Justice For Swansea Women stand firm in support of those with disabilities who have been equally robbed of their right to financial entitlements.”

“Our local MPs should hang their heads in shame for their continued dismissal of our right for justice and they need to rest assured that both campaigns are #notgoingaway.”

Torsten Bell MP insists he is open to meeting with constituents.

Speaking to Swansea Bay News, Mr Bell said: “This is an important topic, and campaigning is an important part of democracy. But misleading people is not.

“The facts are that I continue to meet with every constituent who asks to meet on this subject, as well as meeting with carers and with Disability Wales (which is part funded by the Welsh Government). I have offered repeatedly to meet with any DPAC members who are constituents, individually or in a group (exactly as the neighbouring MP for Gower did).This offer has not been taken up.

“We have no record of any contact from Pension Justice for Swansea Women.”

#DWP #notgoingaway #PensionJusticeForSwanseaWomen #pensions #politics #Swansea #SwanseaDPAC #TorstenBell #UKGovernment

Torsen Bell MP - Swansea DPAC and Pension Justice For Swansea Women

Swansea Labour MPs told to ‘grow a backbone’ over welfare cuts

108 Labour MPs have signed an amendment to the Government’s welfare reform bill declining to give the welfare reform Bill a second reading when it returns to the Commons on 1 July.

The amendment recognised the “need for the reform of the social security system” but called on MPs to continue scrutinising the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill “because the Government’s own impact assessment estimates that 250,000 people will be pushed into poverty as a result of these provisions, including 50,000 children”.

If the 108 rebel Labour MP’s amendment was supported by opposition MPs, then this would be enough to defeat the Government’s plans.

Campaigners have criticised the lack of public consultation with disabled people of the plans, particularly in Wales saying there is a “growing atmosphere of fear and anger” about the proposals.

It has been revealed that just 3 Welsh Labour MPs have supported the amendment, Steve Witherden for Montgomeryshire, Ruth Jones for Newport West and Henry Tufnell for Mid and South Pembrokeshire.

The Liberal Democrats have criticised the lack of Welsh Labour’s MPs from Swansea and the Gower or Neath signing the amendment despite it saying the region is set to be badly hit.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Swansea Councillor and Senedd candidate for Gŵyr Abertawe Sam Bennett has said that that Swansea’s Labour MPs need to “grow a backbone and stand up for the interests of their constituents”, pointing to evidence they uncovered last month showing that Wales is set to be the worst hit by Labour’s welfare cuts.

In both Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, at least 90% of people claiming the standard rate of Personal Independence Payment for daily living activities are at risk of losing at least some of the payment.

The Liberal Democrats say they have repeatedly criticised the proposed cuts to PIP payments and attempts by those in Labour and the Conservatives to mislead the public into thinking these are unemployment benefits when, in fact, the payment supports many disabled people staying in work.

The Party say they have also highlighted how Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Pensions, opposed welfare cuts when he worked for the Resolution Foundation, but is now supporting them as a Government minister.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Swansea Councillor and Senedd Candidate for Gŵyr Abertawe (Gower and Swansea) Sam Bennett said: “Swansea and Neath’s Labour MPs really need to grow a backbone and do what is right for their constituents and for Wales.

“Torsten Bell was happy to oppose welfare cuts when he worked for the Resolution Foundation, but now, when he’s been parachuted into Swansea and in a position to do something, he is silent.

“We all agree that welfare fraud should be tackled, but that’s not what the proposed changes do. Instead, they will cut the support that helps people with daily tasks that many of us would take for granted, such as staying clean or staying safe.

“This support actually helps many disabled people stay in work.

“I think it’s disgraceful that our area is set to be one of the hardest hit, yet none of our Labour MPs are willing to speak out.

“If these cuts go ahead, all it will do is move the financial burden onto local council services and charities, which have already been cut to the bone and are struggling to make ends meet. The Liberal Democrats will continue to oppose these cuts.”

#benefits #DWP #SamBennett #TorstenBell #UKGovernment #WelshLabour #WelshLiberalDemocrats

Disability benefit protestors in Cardiff

Swansea MP ‘politely declines’ disability group public meeting call

The disability groups say that Torsten has refused despite calls for a debate made in an open letter signed by over 200 people and organisations, including a national Labour-affiliated trade union. Each signatory instructed Labour MPs to meet with Disabled People Against Cuts and its allies.

The group is calling for a “right of reply” and a fair and respectful debate after claiming Torsten Bell called disabled critics a “burden” – something the MP has refuted. The group also claim that other Labour MPs have publicly compared disability benefits to “children’s pocket money”.

A spokesperson for Swansea DPAC said: “Torsten has declined on the basis that there are consultation events taking place. The consultation is one of the very issues we are most concerned about. How can this be a fair consultation when half of the proposals, the most important ones, are not up for discussion. There is one, and only one, public consultation event for the whole of Wales, with limited tickets. The organisers have failed to reply to disabled people asking about venue access requirements.”

”Given the insulting language and dodgy talking points being used by Labour MPs, it’s obvious they don’t understand disability, and are avoiding proper scrutiny. Torsten Bell MP could never defend his policies in a fair discussion with disabled people, and that’s why he is doing everything he can to avoid it.”

The spokesperson, who lives in Tonia Antionazzi’s Gower constituency continued: “Tonia Antioniazzi MP has respectfully agreed to meet us. Torsten Bell, a Swansea MP and a DWP minister, must do the same.”

“Swansea DPAC had to hear about Torsten’s refusal second-hand. He has ignored us completely from day one, and didn’t even show us the dignity of telling us ‘no’ himself. A so-called Labour MP acting this way must start an urgent debate about political representation for disabled and non-disabled workers, and disabled people in general.”

Strict parliamentary protocols say that MPs can only engage with their own constituents and not those from other areas. Swansea Bay News understands that this is the reason that Ms Antionazzi has agreed to meet with the group, rather than Mr Bell.

TSSA, a national Labour-affiliated trade union for workers in travel and transport, has supported Swansea DPAC’s demand for a fair debate with MPs.

Maryam Eslamdoust, General Secretary TSSA said: “The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) strongly opposes the government’s proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which will negatively affect millions of people across the UK, including many of our own working members.

“PIP is not an “out of work benefit” and frankly, that distinction shouldn’t matter. It is a vital form of support that helps disabled people and those with long-term health conditions live with dignity and independence. Many of our members claim PIP while continuing to work in demanding roles across the transport industry, relying on this support to manage the additional costs that come with their conditions and to carry out their duties safely and effectively.

“This government is deliberately misrepresenting PIP in an attempt to pit the public against disabled people and deflect from its own economic. Let us be clear: ordinary people should not be made to pay for the failures and mismanagement of those in power.

“TSSA stands firmly with all those affected by these proposals, and we will continue to fight for a fair and compassionate welfare system that supports people, not punishes them.”

Speaking on BBC’s Newsnight in March, Torsten Bell said that despite the reforms “people with significant disabilities will be protected. They will. Not only will they be protected within the universal credit system, which is the one you’re mentioning, but they’ll also be able to apply for PIP.

“So people with significant disabilities, if they are young, if they’re currently receiving UC health, they will continue to receive it. And if they have significant disabilities, they will still be allowed to apply for PIP.”

In response to Swansea DPAC’s claims, a spokesperson for Torsten Bell MP said: “Torsten has been speaking regularly to constituents about proposed changes to disability and incapacity benefits, including at regular surgeries and meetings with affected groups. He will continue to do so and always encourages constituents to get in touch.”

#benefits #disability #Swansea #ToniaAntoniazziMP #TorstenBell

Swansea disability group call for public meeting with Labour MPs over proposed benefit cuts

Swansea DPAC say they are not happy with the response they have received from local Labour MPs Tonia Antoniazzi, Carolyn Harris and Torsten Bell.

A spokesperson for Swansea DPAC said, “It’s like this everywhere in the country. Disabled people are trying to contact their Labour MPs about proposed disability cuts. At best, we get a ‘copy and paste’ standard letter with no engagement on any points raised. In Gower, most of us don’t even receive that. It’s obviously an order right from the top. It’s surreal.”

“We can’t get an answer. We also have serious concerns with the so-called ‘consultation’ process itself, and we do not have confidence that it will properly take our views into account. How can it be that there is one, and only one, public consultation meeting for the whole of Wales, and the most important proposals are entirely off the table for discussion?”

Swansea DPAC say they have written to their MPs, demanding a public debate, and have asked Labour-affiliated trade unions to instruct the three Swansea Labour MPs to attend.

The open letter says Swansea DPAC are “fighting against the brutal government attacks on the living conditions of disabled people and carers,” adding that “the government’s proposals go even further than the Tory plans, and have been overwhelmingly condemned by trade unions, charities, carers, and disabled peoples’ organisations.”

They are calling on the unions and the public to sign a letter calling for the three MPs to hold a public debate.

The group say that they are particularly keen to publicly debate Swansea West MP, Torsten Bell, who has defended the cuts on BBC’s Newsnight as a DWP minister, and who the group claim has “been quite rude”.

The Swansea DPAC spokesperson said about Torsten Bell: “From his keyboard, he has called disabled people “keyboard warriors” and a “burden”. We would like a “right of reply” – in person!”

The Swansea DPAC spokesperson added: “Instead of being talked about on TV, all we want is a fair debate, in public.”

Swansea East and Neath MP, Carolyn Harris responded to Swansea Bay News saying the she “has or will be responding to all constituents who contacted regarding this issue, but a public meeting is problematic because of security issues”.

A spokesperson for Swansea West MP, Torsten Bell told Swansea Bay News: “Torsten has been speaking to constituents concerned about the Government’s welfare reforms since the changes were announced in March. This is both on an individual basis at his regular surgeries, as well as meeting with disabled groups in Swansea West. Torsten continues to urge constituents who have been affected or concerned to get in touch with his office at torsten.bell.mp@parliament.uk as he is more than happy to talk about this issue further. ”

#benefits #CarolynHarrisMP #disability #featured #Swansea #ToniaAntoniazziMP #TorstenBell

Swansea Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC)

Swansea MPs host packed public meeting as 200 residents confront “shocking” property firm

On Thursday 10 April, more than 200 residents from across Swansea turned out to Swansea Guildhall to raise grievances with senior company figures. FirstPort manages several housing developments in Swansea, including in the Marina, Sketty and Murton.

Residents spoke of spiralling costs, unanswered emails, and essential work not being carried out directly. They reported financial stress, serious anxiety and even concerns for their safety as a result of the company’s mismanagement. Examples raised included ‘urgent’ roofing repairs left incomplete for over a year, communal spaces left without fire alarms, and faulty front doors left broken for nearly two years.

FirstPort committed to meet with aggrieved residents after Mr Bell confronted Managing Director Martin King about their treatment in Parliament at the start of the year.

MP’s Torsten Bell and Tonia Antoniazzi at the meeting

By the end of the meeting, senior FirstPort representatives agreed that the company’s performance had not been satisfactory and claimed changes were being made. Labour MPs are coordinating to monitor progress.

Mr Bell and Ms Antoniazzi have urged anyone else affected by FirstPort’s conduct to get in touch with their offices at torsten.bell.mp@parliament.uk and tonia.antoniazzi.mp@parliament.uk.

Torsten Bell MP said: “Residents sent a clear message to FirstPort: they’ve had enough of soaring bills and shoddy service, which have caused real distress.

“I’m very pleased to have made this meeting happen for Swansea residents, because it was about time the company came face to face with the people it has failed.

“FirstPort acknowledged its poor performance and claimed changes are being made. But promises alone aren’t enough, so I’ll keep fighting on this issue until we see real change.

“This is more than about one housing company: it’s about a system that needs reform. That’s why I’m doing everything I can to support the UK and Welsh Labour governments to end a leasehold system that leaves too many at the mercy of companies like FirstPort.”

Tonia Antoniazzi MP for Gower said: “I want to thank the FirstPort residents who took the time to attend this evening’s meeting, including those who spoke so honestly and bravely about their experiences. Tonight was a powerful display of unity from a community that’s had enough of being ignored. It’s clear that FirstPort has, so far, fallen far short of providing the level of service residents rightly expect. I hope they take this meeting as the wake-up call it should be, and as a chance to reset the relationship by taking real action to address the concerns that were raised. I’ll continue standing with residents until meaningful change is delivered.”

Resident, Stan Steadman speaking at the meeting

Stan Steadman, a resident of a property managed by FirstPort who spoke at the meeting, said: “It’s shocking. Roof repairs weren’t carried out for over a year after they were identified as urgent, and we are still yet to be assured that these were done to a satisfactory standard. It took them almost 18 months to replace a faulty front door, despite concerns about the security of the building. We have not had a Development Manager for 9 months but are still being charged for this person and his/her service and accommodation.”

In response to Mr Steadman’s concern’s, FirstPort Group confirmed to Swansea Bay News that residents will not be charged for a Development Manager if there is no one in place at the development whilst there is an open vacancy.

A spokesperson for the FirstPort Group said: “We appreciate the opportunity to collectively hear from residents and we are committed to addressing every concern raised. We will continue a constructive dialogue with both residents and MPs, taking steps to ensure we meet the expectations of the community.

“Our Operations Director has been meeting with residents again this morning (Friday 11th April) and our team will be visiting developments across the area to ensure every issue is heard and acted upon. We look forward to providing further updates as we make continued progress.”

#FirstPort #Murton #Property #propertyManagement #Sketty #SwanseaMarina #ToniaAntoniazziMP #TorstenBell

Public meeting held to discuss FirstPort property management

Resident, Stan Steadman speaking at the meeting

@ChrisMayLA6

Van Reenen has argued that one factor in low productivity in the #uk is the poor quality of management in second and later generation family firms. One logical conclusion from that would be that charging a reduced rate of inheritance tax on business assets - let alone exempting them entirely - lowers growth in productivity. Interesting to see if that point gets picked up by anyone with clout - #torstenbell at least might be capable of getting it!

Since taking office, the UK Labour government is working hard in partnership with the Welsh government to take urgent action to crack down on polluting water companies, introducing major new legislation with powers to bring criminal charges against water bosses and ban bonuses.

Yesterday, the UK and Welsh Labour Governments have launched a new Independent Water Commission to review the water industry and ensure we bring in the regulations necessary to clean up our waterways.

It follows the publication of data that reveals record levels of sewage were pumped into Britain’s rivers in 2023, the final full year of the Conservative government.

A set of recommendations will be delivered to the Defra Secretary of State, and Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs next year.

The UK Government and Welsh Government will then respond with the proposals they intend to take forward on how to tackle the challenges we have inherited, and those of the future, to restore our rivers, lakes and seas to good health.

Afonydd Cymru welcomes the collaboration of the Welsh Government and the UK Government on this matter, particularly given the current cross-border management issues that hinder river restoration efforts.

Labour in Wales and at a UK level have clear priorities for reform and a shared sense of the work needed across both countries’ policy and regulatory regimes to make this change happen.

Torsten Bell, the Member of Parliament for Swansea West, said:

“Both the Welsh and UK Governments are determined to improve water quality and the resilience of the water sector for future generations.”

“This shows the fresh approach of our two governments working together on an issue which affects us all as consumers, investors and as stewards of the natural world.”

“Having already introduced tough new laws to hold water bosses criminally responsible for illegal sewage dumping, this new Independent Commission will help us take the necessary action to clean up our waterways for good.”

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/10/24/government-launches-independent-water-commission-to-clean-up-swansea-wests-waterways/

#IndependentWaterCommission #SwanseaWest #TorstenBell

@degrowthuk @BBCRadio4 #TorstenBell expands on that point in the full day summit on #EndingStagnation. He's not talking about growth at any cost but about a bit more growth in services, a bit more employment, and an increase in income for low to middle income households.

Livestream with some less than ideal guests coming up but also a good panel or two
https://www.youtube.com/live/A72W_C8ijRw

And more at
https://www.resolutionfoundation.org/events/ending-stagnation/

Maybe we in the #degrowth community are getting somewhere.
On @BBCRadio4 'Today' programme #TorstenBell of the #ResolutionFoundation, unprompted said something like "we need to put calls for no growth to bed". Argument was the need for public investment. He didn't elaborate but assumption was growth of whole economy is needed so the good bits can grow.
See the flaw?
A year ago there wouldn't have been a mention of degrowth thinking.
Keep plugging away folks!