Carer calls on Government for better support

WORKING carers held a meeting MPs in the House of Commons on Carers' Day, 9 June 2009.  The meeting was arranged by Usdaw in order to demonstrate to the Government the need for better support for carers.

The Union has organised an Early Day Motion (EDM), to be tabled by Michael Foster, Labour MP for Hastings and Rye, thanking carers for their invaluable contribution to society and calling on the Government to provide them with more financial help.

Poonit Deepala was one of the carers meeting MPs on Tuesday. He is an Usdaw member who works 32.5 hours a week for a supermarket.  Poonit's mum was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago, and is currently recovering from her 2nd operation.  His dad is also medically retired, so Poonit takes main responsibility for the care of his parents.  However, he can't access Carers' Allowance because of his earnings.

Before the meeting Poonit Deepala said:- "It is emotionally and physically draining having to work whilst looking after 2 ill parents.  Working all week and then caring all weekend leaves me no time to myself.  But I need to work to have enough money to live.  If the limit on earnings was increased for the Carers' Allowance, the extra money would make a real difference to my finances."

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, added:- "The Government has done much to help carers like Poonit who have to or choose to work.  However, in the EDM we are calling for the extension of Carers' Allowance to low-paid working carers earning more than the current threshold of £95 per week.  Currently Carers' Allowance only pays £53.10 a week for a minimum of 35 hours caring, equivalent to just £1.52 per hour.  Many Usdaw members combine their caring responsibilities with work, which can be physically exhausting as well as limiting how much they can earn.  We also urge the Government to bring forward the pledge in the National Strategy for Carers that, by 2018, 'carers will be supported so that they are not forced into financial hardship by their caring role'.  A lot has been done, but there is much still to do."

Let us know if you are on a Carers' Allowance and what affect it is having on you.   Also do you think the Carers' Allowance should be increased?  Email our news room now to news24@southportreporter.com.

FIREARMS INCIDENT - CROXTETH

MERSEYSIDE Police have been investigating a shooting that took place in Croxteth last on Friday, 5 June during which a 33-year-old man was injured.

Officers were called to the Lobster Hotel public house on Mossway at 11.15 pm to reports of a shooting. The man was taken to hospital by ambulance where he is being treated for injuries to his torso which are not thought to be life-threatening at this time. He remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.  No one else was injured during the incident.

Officers from the specialist Matrix team have arrested 3 people in connection with the shooting. 

2 males, both aged 15 years from Croxteth were arrested on Saturday. One has been charged with attempt kidnapping, whilst the other has been released on conditional police bail pending further inquiries.

Detectives executed a warrant at a further address in Croxteth this morning (Sunday, 7 June 2009) and arrested a 15 year old male from Croxteth in connection with the shooting. After a search of the property a quantity of ammunition was also found and he was also arrested on suspicion of possession ammunition - he is currently being questioned by detectives.

Following the execution of the warrant at the house in Croxteth this morning a fourth male, aged 22 years, was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis and ammunition (this man has not been arrested in connection with the shooting).

Tenth Annual Formby Garden Trail, Get Your Tickets Now!

THE tenth annual Formby Friends Garden Trail takes place on Sunday, 12 July 2009.   This event, which has become an annual tradition in Formby, is organised by the Formby Friends Fundraising Group, chaired by Mrs Colette McMenamin.

Tickets can be purchased at a cost of £5 per person, which includes entry to 6 superb gardens and allotments.

Each visitor also receives a complimentary cream tea.

Tickets are available from Colette McMenamin on:- 01704 873 286 and also from Pritchards Book Shop, Brows Lane, Formby (01704 875 765).