Key government welfare policy Universal Credit (UC) is being rolled out more widely in Gloucester from February, simplifying up to six benefits into one payment, making it easier to get into work and making sure that work always pays: “something not true sadly under the old system”, said Richard “if you worked more than 16 hours a week“.
Meanwhile our city has won a £900,000 Social Impact Bond from the government for charity P3 to house and support the people who are homeless in our city.
The George Whitfield Centre has been approved to provide additional shelter for up to 15 rough sleepers in severe weather conditions. The Centre, which Richard opened last year, includes the NHS Homeless Care Team headed by Gayle Clay, who has just been awarded the BEM for services to our community: as Richard said “a fabulously well deserved award”. Managing the Centre is the Gloucester City Mission, with Green Square debt advice, and the Foodbank on the other side.
At Richard’s request the new Minister for Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability Vicky Atkins MP made her first ministerial visit to Gloucester to see how we help vulnerable residents. The Minister said, “The Nelson Trust, the Hollie Gazzard Trust and the George Whitfield Centre all do vital work in different ways to tackle issues such as drug misuse, domestic abuse and homelessness”.
Communities Cabinet member Cllr Jennie Watkins said “we have a great
range of services so if you see someone
rough sleeping please let Streetlink know
via streetlink.force.com so we can help.”
