We're paying to be kept awake

Ian Sinclair, McGrath Road, Stratford, writes:

With Newham in the midst of a pandemic, a housing crisis and shocking levels of pollution, it is instructive to consider what Newham Council has been spending their budget on.

According to a Freedom of Information request I have made, the council is spending £10,585.00 on average per month (excluding VAT) on a security dog unit from Support Services Group Ltd to guard the former nursery on John Barnes Walk between Maryland and Forest Gate.

From June 22, 2020 to January 13, 2021 the total cost to the council was £71,576.35 excluding VAT.
It is worth bearing in mind the guard dog regularly barks late at night, disturbing many of the hundreds of residents who live in the vicinity.

So, in a way, residents such as myself are paying their council tax for a privatised security company that keeps us awake at night!

Surely this money would be better spent on building council housing, homeless services or youth centres for young people?

Keep the uplift in Universal Credit

Unmesh Desai, London Assembly member, City & East London, writes:

The chancellor must use his Budget announcement on March 3 to keep the £20 weekly uplift in Universal Credit payments. This has been a lifeline to the most vulnerable in our community and the many thousands of Londoners who have lost their livelihoods during this pandemic.

This is the very least the government can do to keep countless households from falling into poverty. Even with the extra £20, Universal Credit claimants are struggling to make ends meet.

A recent study conducted by the Welfare at a Social Distance project has revealed that a significant number of new claimants have been unable to eat regularly or healthily, pay bills or put away a modest amount of money each month.

Too many Londoners on low incomes are becoming trapped in cycle of economic insecurity by a welfare system that has been ground down over the last 10 years.

During this prolonged national crisis, we must see ministers repair our safety net by also increasing Statutory Sick Pay so it is line with the London Living Wage, boosting Local Housing Allowance so it covers average rents and scrapping the five week wait and two child limit on Universal Credit payments.

Mask in class will affect deaf pupils

Newham Recorder: Deaf pupils struggle with face masks worn in classDeaf pupils struggle with face masks worn in class (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Ian Noon, head of policy, National Deaf Children’s Society, writes:

With England’s 35,000 deaf pupils close to a return to education, the goalposts on face masks have moved yet again. Public health must take priority, but bringing face masks into classrooms will have a devastating effect on deaf children’s studies, mental health and ability to take part in lessons.

The government cannot make an announcement and expect this to be enough. It must move quickly to show exactly how it will guarantee deaf children can still access their lessons.

We cannot have a situation where thousands of deaf children and young people are unable to understand their teacher, leaving many with little point in even attending class.

The future of their education is at stake and the clock has already started.

Diabetics should have Covid jab

Roz Rosenblatt, London head, Diabetes UK, writes:

Diabetes UK is urging people with diabetes to take up the coronavirus vaccine when offered it.

People with diabetes have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill if they develop coronavirus. If you have diabetes, the best way to protect yourself against coronavirus is to avoid contact with the virus and get vaccinated.

With all adults with diabetes now being offered the vaccine, it’s incredibly important to take up your invitation – to help keep yourself, your family, and your community safe.

  • The vaccines being offered are safe and will save lives, but if you have any concerns or would like more information, call Diabetes UK’s Helpline on 0345 123 2399 or visit diabetes.org.uk.

Share your story of neonatal care

Caroline Lee-Davey, chief executive, Bliss, writes:

One in seven babies is born needing neonatal care in the UK, equating to 100,000 babies every year, but despite a common perception that neonatal care is only for babies born premature, more than 60 per cent of babies admitted to neonatal care are born at full term (at 37 weeks or more).

That is why we have launched Hidden Neonatal Journeys, our new campaign to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the parents of full term but sick babies. If you have had a neonatal experience with your full term baby and been supported by Bliss, we would love to hear from you.

Sharing stories like yours helps Bliss to reach more parents in your local area, shows them that they are not alone, and also means we can continually improve the care provided to families.