Cate Thomas

BREAKING: Our client @EllenClifford1 has permission to challenge the DWP over a consultation on tightening benefit reforms. “The government needs to listen to Deaf & Disabled people before imposing reforms that would change the lives of so many people for the worse." @BigIssue

@spikemullings But if we query any of them such as what services do we get for the supported housing charge the council refuses to tell us. So we are being forced to pay for something the council refuses to tell us what we are paying for.

@spikemullings Last year our service charges pretty much doubled because the council doubled the heating charge because they were in a financial mess and saw it as an easy way to get money. This year things are going up. We get a list of how the charges are allegedly broken down.

Update: Back in Parliament Monday #VictimsandPrisonersBill So many horrific stalking cases & victims being let down. Not OK. Include Serial Stalkers on the Same Register as Violent & Sexual Offenders-Sign the Petition #Stalking @ZDronfield chng.it/4qBrQDB6Ks via @UKChange

@rachelhorman I've had 5 stalkers since the 1980's and the cops have done absolutely nothing to stop any of them. Everything has been down to me

How chilling. Stalkers are never of “previously good character”. Stalking is a course of conduct with victims experiencing on average 100 incidents before reporting. Maybe the CJS should start treating it with the seriousness it deserves?? apple.news/A2eeJv6O6RJCHx…

@rachelhorman The police don't take it seriously even when they have a stalking protocol and a stalking task force. No idea what can be done but unless you've been a victim of stalking ppl simply don't understand it, how stalking manifests and what danger victims are in.

Govt announced today they’re consulting on new changes (to come in from 2025) to health-related out-of-work (‘incapacity’) benefits (affecting people on #UniversalCredit & ESA). What are the proposals and what do they mean?🧵1/10 parliamentlive.tv/event/index/23…

@carolinenokes Be great if you and the Councillors talked about the Council's total failure to deal with ASB rather than potholes and council tax

Great to be out this morning with Cllrs and candidates Bassett ahead of Southampton City Council elections. Talking potholes, pedestrian crossings and Council Tax

@Richard_Kadrey at least Aces hasn't eaten you yet

I started the week with a cold and I seem to be ending it with food poisoning. Cool cool. It's not like I have deadlines or anything.

@Politickled1 He'll be going to foodbanks next

Download the guidance resource here 👍

@Richard_Kadrey You're posting a lot on twitter for a dead guy

I now possess the covers for all three books I'll have out this year, but I can't show you any of them yet AND IT'S KILLING ME THEY'RE SO GOOD.

@BuDs_UK No hostile atmosphere, mandatory recordings of all assessments in the format requested by the person being assessed, fines or other punishments for assessors not doing job properly

@BuDs_UK Ensure appropriately trained assessors i.e.a mental health specialist for those suffering from mental health issues etc, ensure all are properly qualified i.e. they actually have the qualifications they claim, have disabled assessors, stop reassessing people every couple of years

Here's an idea. How about #disabled people #TakeBackControl of disability benefits and services? What would we do?

@BuDs_UK Make the assessments actually reflect the disability i.e. waste of time to get people to touch their toes as no job I've ever had required me to be able to touch my toes, no DWP or contractor targets to fai, people, if keeping mandatory reconsideration make it fit for purpose

@nearlylegal at least it hasn't pooped on you. So far . . . .

@Winstonefc @Depheruk We have a local toy library that will take second hand toys in good conditions. Do you have anything similar in your area? Also a lot of schools will take kids books in good condition for their libraries. Local DV shelters another possibility.

@Depheruk Do you take 2nd hand toys/books? Not many places do and I’m not sure why. We have loads we can’t shift. Any ideas?

@Depheruk I'd like to nominate myself so I can buy some hedgehog food for our resident hogs who are currently eating my out of house and home because they weren't big enough to hibernate when the season started due to being a late litter.