The move comes just a few days after rival EDF Energy put up gas prices by 22% and electricity prices by 17%, with other firms expected to follow suit. Watchdog Energywatch said it believed the 35% gas bill rise was the biggest single increase in the price of a utility seen to date.British Gas, which has 15.9 million customers, also announced that its profits for the first half of the year were down by 69% to £166m. The increase would mean that the average dual fuel for a British Gas customer would go up by 25% - putting the average household bill at about £1,240.Commenting on the British Gas decision to raise gas prices by 35% and electricity prices by 9%, Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg said: “For many families, and particularly for the elderly and the vulnerable, this will be a devastating price rise. The announcement may have been made in a hot spell in July, but when winter comes round thousands will be forced to choose between heating their homes and cooking their meals”.“British Gas has thousands of customers paying fixed rates, but when those terms expire they will be hit with staggeringly high bills”.“Instead of fighting over who should be sitting in Number 10, ministers need to be dealing with the real issues that are causing real problems for people across the country. Energy companies are benefiting from a £9bn windfall yet continue to hike up their prices on the Government’s watch. This is unacceptable.”The Liberal Democrats launched their Tackling Fuel Poverty document last Monday. It included proposals to compel energy companies to use money from the £9bn European windfall to help protect some of the most vulnerable people from the effects of fuel poverty.Specific proposals include:Ø       Making energy companies invest £500m a year into a rolling   programme to make sure homes are properly insulatedØ       Requiring energy companies to roll out social tariffs to over two million vulnerable customersØ       Installing smart meters in homes, which display real time consumption costsDownload the Liberal Democrat proposals (PDF): http://tinyurl.com/5533td 

Voluntary Action North East Lincolnshire have announced a new funding stream that is now available to support local Community and Groups within the NELC area which should benefit those groups who have not had access to large grants or donations in the past. As the name suggests, grassroots should help to grow and build sustainability in the future.

For further information about Grassroots Funding please visit North East Lincolnshire Third Sector Hub Website:

http://www.vanelhub.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=389&Itemid=137#what

Where you will find further information about the grants and downloadable application forms – good luck with your funding bids!

Funky moves, urban beats and booming rhythms combine to create some of the most cutting edge and cool dance routines.

 Bring along a sense of adventure and be prepared to strut you stuff across the dance floor. The Street Dance Workshop takes place on Thursday 14th August for Ages 11+ at the Central Hall 2pm-4pmAdmission £1. 

Pre-booking is essential.  Tel 01652 662057 for booking or 07743816276 for further information, or on the internet at:

 www.artsforumfestival.com

There will be a 2 day

 Guitarists will need at least some experience and basic chord knowledge, but all other instruments can be beginners. Instruments will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own guitars, otherwise just bring your inspiration, enthusiasm and rhythm.  Rock School is forAges 11+ and takes place at Western Youth Centre 10am-4pm, Admission £1. Pre-booking is essential  

Tel 01652 662057 to book, or for further information look on www.artsforumfestival.com 

I can only apologise to anyone who has tried to visit this site over the last few days.  Apparently there was a major systems failure at our website host.  They have now recovered, and restored the site from one of their backups, but unfortunately any e mails, comments or posts made on July 24th have been lost.  Please accept my apologies if I have failed to respond to any of your comments.  If you don’t mind sending them again I will respond as soon as possible.  Hopefully normal service has now been resumed!

A BRADLEY Crossroads bus stop has undergone a total revamp following requests from residents that it should be made easier for all to use.

The transformation at the bus stop was made possible through funding awarded by the Government as part of the council’s second Local Transport Plan (LTP2).

The introduction of low floor buses fitted with ramps for wheelchair users has led to a need for appropriate kerbside access and the council has been upgrading bus stops across the borough to ensure they meet the needs of all bus passengers.

North East Lincolnshire Council is working to increase the number of bus stops that are fully accessible to match the introduction of the low floor buses. It’s important that we make it as easy as possible for people to use public transport; whether it’s getting to work, school to the shops or whatever.

Other successful council public transport initiatives include the upgrading of bus stops by route, for example the 13, 14 and 45 Lo Zone routes. Stagecoach also provided new buses and upgraded frequency on these services which has led to an increase in passenger numbers since their introduction in 2006.

The council also operates the Phone n Ride service which gives access to public transport to passengers who do not have a regular bus service in their area. Phone n Ride can be booked up to six days in advance by telephoning the council’s call centre on (01472) 324440, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm. For more information visit www.phonenride.com

North East Lincolnshire Council is urging elderly residents across the borough to be aware of doorstep callers posing as officials after concerns that there has been a recent increase in the area.There are concerns that there have been a number of recent cases of callers posing as council workers asking to check people’s energy bills and take the home occupiers’ bank details.And trading standards officers have reiterated warnings asking people to check callers’ identification details and to call police or Consumer Direct if they have any concerns.Andy Foster, trading standards manager at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “If people have any concerns they should not allow callers to access their property and certainly shouldn’t give out their bank details.“Reputable traders will have the appropriate identification - but people should always ask why checks are being carried out on their property. If they have any concerns they should contact police or Consumer Direct immediately.”Meanwhile, reputable traders can sign up to the Home Service Directory (HSD), a council-backed service that vets businesses and carries out widespread checks on their efficiency and value for money. Customers can ask traders if they belong to the HSD for added peace of mind if they have any concerns about a business.Councillor Steve Beasant, the council’s portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “It is worrying to learn of this increase in bogus officials. who often prey on vulnerable people within our community.“I can only re-iterate the need to ask for appropriate identification and ask occupiers to be vigilant and trust their instincts. If people have concerns, call Consumer Direct or the police.”If you would like to report any bogus calls to trading standards please contact consumer direct on 08454 04 05 06. For more on the HSD, go to www.hsd.org.uk 

A friend mentioned to me today that there is currently a petition to the Prime Minister on the 10 Downing Street website. 

The petition calls on the Prime Minister to “give all Ex Gurkha soldiers and their families who have served our country British citizenship on leaving the service.”  If you feel strongly about the treatment given to these loyal members of our armed forces, then you might like to add your name to the petition on:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Gurkha-soldiers/ 

 For the record my personal opinion is that anyone that has served loyally and honourably in our armed forces should be offered UK citizenship as a mark of our gratitude for their service to our country.

North East Lincolnshire Council will soon be offering a fortnightly garden waste collection service to all residents of the borough.The provision is part of the council’s planned expansion of services and will be phased in between now and spring 2009. It is being offered on an ‘opt in’ basis only.

In order for North East Lincolnshire Council to deliver an economic and efficient service, a minimum of 30 percent of households in each street are required to register for this service for it to come to fruition. If less than 30 percent of households register then the council may not be able to provide the service to properties in that street.

Nathan Vear, acting head of neighbourhood improvement, said “The expansion of the green waste service will be rolled out to those areas where demand for this service is highest. This ensures that those residents who express a commitment to recycling their green waste get the opportunity to do just that.”

The authority is going to distribute a ‘Garden Waste’ postcard to around 25,700 households during the week commencing Monday, July 28. To register interest in receiving a garden waste bin, residents are reminded to return the pre-addressed ‘tear-off’ part of the postcard as soon as possible before Friday, August 15. Postage is pre-paid so no stamp is required.

Ian Graham, recycling officer for the council, said: “We continuously strive to improve the performance of our services. In doing so, we are actively seeking to encourage residents who do not, at present, have access to North East Lincolnshire Council’s garden waste collection service, to look out for the postcards which will soon be sent out to home addresses.”
Residents can also register online at www.nelincs.gov.uk.

As part of a critical research study, local people and businesses are being encouraged to email through their stories of how the Humber Bridge and its tolls impact on their lives.
Does it make it easier to visit family and friends on the other side of the water or does the cost of the tolls mean you don’t visit them as often as you would like? How do the bridge and the present level of tolls affect where you live, work, shop, go to college, and go out for an evening? Has the toll prevented you from taking up a job, college place or health appointment on the other side of the water?
While for businesses does the toll impact on where you can recruit staff and where your customers and suppliers come from? Anyone who has a personal account is encouraged to email in their views and make them count.
Colin Buchanan has launched an email address: humberbridge@cbuchanan.co.uk to which people can email in their stories of how the bridge tolls impact their lives.
People and businesses have until the end of July to respond and all responses will be treated as confidential.
Paul Buchanan, Director at Colin Buchanan, said: “This is an opportunity for people and businesses to tell us what impact the present level of tolls on the Humber Bridge has on their day to day lives.
“Real life stories help bring to life the hard economic numbers that we will also be producing for this study making it easier for decision makers to better understand the impact of any decisions they may take on the level of future tolls.”

The next meeting of Yarborough Forward, your local neighbourhood forum will take place on Thursday 24th July at 6.00pm at the Yarrow Road Community Centre.  Any resident of the Yarborough Ward who is interested in making the place a safer and better place to live is welcome to come along.  Yarborough Forward is a place where residents and representatives of agencies working in the area can meet and discuss ways of working that influence the way that local services are provided in the area.  Regularly attending meetings are representatives from the Police, Shoreline, Neighbourhood Wardens, local Councillors, and others.  Many other agencies and organisations attend when they are invited to explain the work that their own departments carry out to address particular concerns.  The forum is one of the best places to have your voice heard.  Why not come along and let us know what can be done to improve the piece of the ward that you live in ?

Residents are being urged to lock their doors and windows after a huge increase in burglaries. Police say recent appeals to the public to protect their property have “fallen on deaf ears”Burglaries North East Lincolnshire have almost doubled in the last two weeks - with almost half of thieves entering through insecure doors or windows.  There have also been several instances in the Yarborough Ward over the last few weeksLast Sunday alone, three homes were burgled after intruders entered through insecure doors.And on Tuesday, a thief entered a home in Immingham through an insecure conservatory window and stole a laptop and a handbag.In the past two weeks, the number of burglaries reported to police in the area has risen from around 55 in a fortnight to 91.Among those, there have been a number of two-in-one burglaries - which is when thieves steal car keys from a home and then take the car.

You can read more about recent local crimes, neighbourhood policing and advice on crime prevention on the Safelinks website which can be found at:

http://www.safelinks.info

North East Lincolnshire Council would ask residents effected as a result of the strike on Wednesday, July 16 and Thursday July 17 to present any excess domestic waste for collection on the next scheduled day of collection.

Every effort will be made to clear the back log and we ask residents to present their waste as early as possible after 7am to aid the refuse collection crews.

Residents are asked not to leave excess garden waste in bags.

Contents of garden bins will be emptied on the next scheduled collection day.Garden and cardboard waste from households is also accepted at either of the two Community Recycling Centres, located at Estuary Way, Grimsby and  Queens Road, Immingham.

Excess recycling items will be collected on the next fortnightly scheduled collection day, if presented alongside the triple boxes. Residents can also deposit glass, paper, cans and plastic bottles at one of the local recycling bring sites.  

If you receive care in North East Lincolnshire, please help us in a review of services

People who receive care in North East Lincolnshire are being invited to give their views in a review of the care service.  The review will examine whether people receiving care in the home, day care facilities or hospitals are treated with dignity in line with the National Dignity Challenge.

  The National Dignity Challenge sets out the standard of high quality services people should expect in care such as zero tolerance of all forms of abuse and that carers should treat each person as an individual by offering a personalised service.  This review is being led by North East Lincolnshire Council and supported by Eng-Age (the older people’s forum supported by Voluntary Action).  They would like to hear from anyone who would like to share their experiences of being in care as part of this review.

The review will look at what is currently happening and to see if recommendations can be made to make the care experience better for everyone.  It is vitally important to maintain people’s dignity and respect when they are in care. High quality care services should enable them to maintain the maximum level of independence, assist people to maintain their confidence, listen and support their and respect peoples right to privacy.  Experiences of care, good or bad, can come from the person receiving care now or previously, from a relative or a friend and views can be given in confidence.  Alison Hobbs, the engaging older people’s coordinator for Voluntary Action North East Lincolnshire, is keen to ensure that it’s as easy as possible for people to give their opinions.  Alison said: “Views can be given by post, telephone, email or face-to-face.

“If you would prefer to speak to someone face-to-face, then we could invite you to come to tell us your views over a cup of coffee.  Alternatively, someone could visit you in your own home at a time that is convenient to you.  We really would like to encourage as many people as possible to come forward to share their experiences.”

The review group has already heard from a number of people, one of whom has told them about her families difficult situation when a member of her family was in care.  She said: “In her 94 years, my mother has been a daughter, sister, aunt, lover, wife, daughter-in-law, friend, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.“Up to September 2005, she was fully independent in body, mind and spirit but a minor bowel problem meant an admission to hospital.  Once, when I visited, my mother was dressed in a nightgown that wasn’t hers and was about three sizes too big so constantly slipping from her shoulders. In the drawer by her bed were the three new night dresses I had bought for her when we knew she was going into hospital.  On another occasion when we visited, the elderly lady in the bed opposite was telling her visiting relatives about my mother being sat on a commode all day following the administration of suppositories.  My mother had been in quite a lot of pain and was not afforded the dignity of the privacy she clearly needed.” 

If you would like to contribute to the care services review you can make contact in the following ways:

By Post:
North East Lincolnshire Council
Scrutiny Officers
Policy, Performance &Development
Municipal Offices
Town Hall Square
GRIMSBY

No stamp is needed. Quote the freepost information: ‘Business Reply Licence Number RLZE-TTGE-SGRY’ in the top left hand corner of the envelope.

By E-mail:
To alison@vanel.org.uk or charlotte@vanel.org.uk or scrutiny@nelincs.gov.ukBy Telephone:
01472-326134 (this is an answerphone number)Potential contributors need to indicate the area of interest, whether this be day care, residential care, hospital care or home care, and indicate the preferred method of providing feedback (post, telephone, email or face-to-face).For more information, please contact Alison Hobbs by emailing alison@vanel.org.uk or call her on 01472 231123

A Man has changed his health and lifestyle by getting involved in the local walking group WalkWell.  Neil Doore, 43, from the East Marsh in Grimsby says the scheme has changed his outlook on his health and life.

In 2005 Neil suffered from a heart attack and was written off from work on medical grounds.   Now thanks to WalkWell he has gained a new lease of life walking three times a week with the Health Walk Scheme.  North East Linconshire Council health promotion specialist, Steven Markham, said: “Neil is a shining example of what our scheme is all about.   We have six health walks of between 30 to 60 minutes taking place each and every week all over North East Lincolnshire.“  Neil suffered a heart attack and was referred to join our scheme by his doctor.   He started doing one walk a week and built up to walking three or more times a week with us.   He then enjoyed the walks so much that he wanted to be a health walk leader himself. Neil said:   “I wanted to give something back to the scheme that has helped me so much. Since joining the health walks my health has improved no end and I wanted to be a part of the scheme to help people like me.”   The scheme is based on the national Walking the way to Health Initiative (WHI) and aims to improve people’s health by encouraging them to be more physically active.   The group walks all start and finish from community locations and are led by specially trained volunteer health walk leaders.  Each walk ends with an optional social gathering.   Dr Tony Hill, director of public health said: “Increasing the amount of activity people do is really important.   More physical activity is important for tackling heart disease, mental health problems, diabetes, stroke and many others. “Many people are put off from doing more activity because they think that this means going to the gym or playing team sports. Walking is an excellent activity for improving helth; it is free of charge and doesn’t need any special equipment making it accessible for all . We hope people will use the scheme as an opportunity to have fun as well as doing something good for their health.” Steven added: “The walks take place at six locations each and every week, all year round. At your first walk you’ll be asked a few short questions about your current health status and then you will be off enjoying the surroundings. So just turn up and join in. All of our walkers find it great fun and make new friends as well as getting healthy.”The walk in the Yarborough Ward takes place every Tuesday morning at 10.00am, from Saint Michael’s Church in Great Coates Road.  It normally lasts for around an hour, and 30 – 40 people regularly take part.  As I try to attend as many of these walks as I can it also gives a chance for anyone to speak to one of their Ward Councillors! Other walks that take place in the area include:

• Monday at 11am, Macaulay Area Action Group,
  
  Haycroft Street, Grimsby,

  DN31 2EE

• Monday at 2.30pm, Cleethorpes Leisure Centre, Kingsway, Cleethorpes,
  DN35 0BY
• Tuesday at 10am, Church of
  St. Michaels, Great Coates Road, Grimsby,
  DN34 4ND
• Wednesday at 2.30pm, Cleethorpes Leisure Centre, Kingsway, Cleethorpes,
  DN35 0BY
• Thursday at 1.15pm, Immingham Sports Centre, Washdyke Lane, Immingham, DN40 2SL
• Friday at 10am, Resource Centre, Second Avenue, Grimsby, DN33 1NU

For more information about the walks or about becoming a volunteer health walk leader please contact WalkWell on 01472 625500, Steven.Markham@nelctp.nhs.uk or go to www.HeartWell.org.uk

What can Warm Front do for you?

Warm Front has been running for the last five years offering  grants for Heating and Insulation measures.   Eligible disabled households and young families could now be eligible for gas central heating for the first time.

If you would like to learn more about Warm Front and find out if you might be eligible click on the following link:-

http://www.nelincs.gov.uk/environment/energy/warmfront.htm

I was talking to a friend over the weekend who told me about a new theatre project for young people from the Fusion Youth Theatre which will take place in North East Lincolnshire in the school holidays from August 11th - 17th, and another project which takes place in the Christmas Holidays.  If you or one of your children might be interested in joining this project you can find more information on the following link:-

Visit www.fusiontheatre.co.uk for details.

or e mail contact@fusiontheatre.co.uk 

Fusion Youth Theatre are offering local young people the chance to work with professional artists and take part in a fantastic arts project this August!Using a Japanese theme, young people can get involved in art, drama, dance, music and much more to create an amazing production of A Thousand Cranes.Young actors will create a piece of theatre based on the true story of Sadako, a young girl who believes that folding a thousand paper cranes in origami will save peoples lives.Those interested in arts will create Japanese lanterns, fans, kimonos and other wonderful pieces to display in the production and take home after the project.There will also be opportunities to dance and play music, as well as learn skills in Bunraku Puppetry and Japanese Noh Mask theatre.The summer school takes place from Monday 11th August for two weeks at the Grimsby Central Hall, with performances on the final Thursday and Friday. 

Following the recent national ballot in respect of the 2008/9 pay offer for Council staff, UNISON and Unite (formerly T & G) have voted for strike action.  Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 July 2008 have been selected as national days of strike action. GMB members will be working normally. 

Liz Jones, interim head of paid services, said: “The council will do all it can to ensure the effects on our customers from these days of action are kept to an absolute minimum.  Managers will therefore take appropriate action to seek minimum disruption to services.  The council will be working with the trade unions in order to minimise potential for problems or misunderstandings to occur and will ensure essential services to the most vulnerable members of the community are maintained.  The council will also be able to confirm which services will be exempt from strike action.”It is anticipated that many of the council’s employees, a good proportion who are not members of trade unions will be working normally on the two days.Advice has been issued to schools who will be undertaking their own assessment as to whether they will remain open on the 2 days. The Council hopes to be in a position soon to confirm if there are any schools closing. 

Saturday, July 19 to Sunday, July 27 will see a number events take place in the North East Lincolnshire area to celebrate National Fishing Week (NFW).

Whether residents have never picked up a rod, or simply have not fished for many years, organisers of the event and qualified coaches are giving up their time to welcome and teach newcomers to the sport.

The two main aims of NFW are to improve the lifestyle of youngsters and the retired, men and women and able bodied and disabled people by introducing them into the sport of angling and also to increase awareness and appreciation of our natural environment.

This is a great chance for even absolute beginners to come along and enjoy the experience of fishing. It is hoped that other organisers and local anglers will encourage as many people as possible to join in.

Taster sessions have been planned throughout Lincolnshire by Mark Fenty, Get Hooked on Fishing coordinator for North East Lincolnshire Council, and his team of qualified coaches and volunteers.

Mr. Fenty said: “Participants do not need an Environmental Agency License for any of the National Fishing Week. Events and activities are suitable for all ages and abilities and everyone will be given expert training and advice.

“Pegging fees are generally waived and tackle is often made available to use free of charge. There really is no better time to experience this healthy, stress-busting, outdoor activity.”

Mark, and the Get Hooked on Fishing (GHOF) Team, is planning to run seven events at seven different locations throughout Lincolnshire. Get Hooked on Fishing is funded by the Shoreline Housing Partnership Project. He added: “I believe that our GHOF event will see us become one of the first regions in the country to offer expert training sessions in all three angling disciplines. National Fishing Week will see our team deliver the very first fly fishing and sea fishing taster sessions”.

Due to the number of coaches, safety aspects and the availability of pegging at some of the venues, places are limited and are strictly available by booking in advance.

Thanks goes out to all of the fishery owners, coaches and volunteers for donating their venues and time to this great regional and national event.

More details, for potential organisers, can be found by visiting www.nationalfishingweek.co.uk. Hopefully raising awareness of National Fishing Week will see new faces become hooked for life on the largest participant sport in the country.

It is strongly recommended that children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Organised groups are welcome.

To book, or make an enquiry, please contact Mark Fenty via email: mark.fenty@nelincs.gov.uk or visit www.ghof-nelincs.com

If you wish to help at any of the listed events, please ring Mark Fenty direct: 07730 014961. Please do not try to book using this number.

Venues, dates and times:

 July 19, Coarse Fishing, Homestead Lake, Immingham, 10am - 3pm.

 July 21, Fly Fishing, Toft Newton Reservoir, Market Rasen, 10am - 3pm.

July 22, Coarse Fishing and Fly Casting, Wold View Fisheries, Claxby,, 10am - 3pm.

 July 23, Coarse Fishing, Pasture House Fishery, Barton Upon Humber, 10am - 3pm.

July 24, Coarse Fishing, Oasis Lakes, North Somercotes, 10am - 3pm.

July 25, Coarse Fishing, Cleethorpes Country Park, Humberston, 10am - 3pm.

 July 26, Sea Fishing, Humberston yacht Club, Time TBA.

If you would like any information about crimes, criminals, stolen property or drug dealing please Safelinks have the answers. Click on the following link and send in your question:-  

www.safelinks.info

Ian Beaumont of Safelinks explains “Safelinks  web site is an easy way for everybody in North East Lincolnshire to see what’s happening and to communicate with each other on safety in your area.  If you have information on crimes, criminals, stolen property or drug dealing click on the Safelinks link and send in your information in to the Immingham Police Station. If you are concerned about validity of the site please call Humberside Police on 0845 60 60 222 for verification.” “Where you would previously have contacted local policing teams by phone to voice concerns or give information about who is committing crime take the weight off their shoulders and call us.  The information can then land right on the spot. I have just reached 42 years service to the public without breaking a confidence.  Your information will be passed to a person who I know will make proper use of it.  If you need to remain anonymous please ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. “If you need information about incidents in your area let the police get on with catching wrongdoers and call us.  We will find the facts for you and also feed the police the info you supply. “If you report anything following information on this site please post a message on the site. “Be sure to check newsflash, car crime news and your area crime map, and then perhaps the safety advice page.  From each of the areas you can find local area news and crime maps from the drop down menu.  The map tab will take you to a  map and you can enlarge it map by double clicking the map or using the scroll bar.  Click on the items on left or the balloons to read about recent crimes. “There are now six maps from the safelinks site. They are the two car crime maps, two area crime maps and two commercial maps.“Please check details of people in your area who have anti social behaviour orders “local area news” from each area.“There is also relevant crime prevention advice available from the safety advice tab. “Please think about receiving email alerts by installing your email address on the home page or from top right from this page. This takes you to areas of interest.  Click on the ones you want. Safelinks will start to send you alerts about important or urgent matters but keep browsing and then you will see how up to date the site is. You can easily unsubscribe if it’s not for you.  Please tell your friends about the site. “The Safelinks site is not the way to report emergencies. The 999 system should be used if you see a crime being committed or for any dangerous incident. For other calls ring 0845 60 60 222. “Our aim is to help you see how safe

ENVIRONMENTAL Health officers at North East Lincolnshire Council have hailed Smokefree legislation a success - on the one-year anniversary of the laws coming into place.  Research indicates there has been a high level of compliance amongst businesses and residents since the legislation came into place on July 1, 2007.  There has been a higher level of support for council-backed Stop Smoking Services, which include telephone-aided quits and advice surgeries.

To read the full report from N E Lincs Council click on the following link:-

Smoking Ban After One Year

Childcare costs can be a huge drain on the finances. Yet the little-known ‘Childcare Voucher’ scheme can save you £1,000s on nursery fees or child minder costs every year. It allows you to pay for childcare from your pre-tax income. While this mightn’t sound a big deal, the impact is huge. For every £1,000 a basic rate taxpayer earns, after tax and national insurance is deducted, they only actually receive a little under £700 in their pay packet. By using childcare vouchers, the whole £1,000 pays for childcare so there’s a £300 gain per £1,000 of childcare.  lick on the following link for further information:-

Childcare Vouchers

The family Information Service have released details of a range of childrens’ activities for the Summer holidays.  There are five booklets available in the North East Lincolnshire area and they include activities for children and young people.   Each booklet is tailored to local community activities in a specific area. The booklets are being distributed to all children and young people  through schools.   To find out more about the activities and events that are taking place in your area over the Summer Holidays 2008 for children, young people and families you can download a copy of the book for your area froms from the Family Information Service website www.familyinformationservice.info or the Pulse website for children and young people www.pulselincs.org.uk

I have just receivd notice that HM Revenue and Customs has issued an alert on scam emails with a fake HMRC heading, asking for banking details so that a repayment can be issued. HMRC Charities will never contact your charity or Community Amateur Sports Club by email for this type of information.  More information is available from: 

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/charities/scam.htm.

Humberside Fire and Rescue Services offer a number of free services to some local residents.  These services include free safety checks, fitting smoke detectors, securing wheelie bins, and replacing chip pans.  You can check whether you are eligible for any of these services, and find out how to take advantage of them by following clicking on the following link:-

Services available from HFRS