Following his evidence on Post Office Network Transformation, given today to the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee inquiry, Mike O’Connor, Chief Executive of Consumer Focus, said:

“Starting this summer, we will see the largest shake-up of our Post Office network including the rollout of 2,000 new Post Office Locals. We conducted extensive consumer research on this new model which showed decidedly mixed results. People liked the convenience and longer opening hours, but also raised a number of red flags about some fundamental issues.1

“We have found problems with the quality of advice – with second class postage sold correctly in only one in five mystery shopper visits – and product availability. A third of people told us that privacy was poor in PO Locals, with 19 per cent reluctant to conduct high-value or confidential transactions. The PO Locals service is also not always reliable – particular problems were shown with trained staff being unavailable.

“We welcome the transformation programme, and want it to succeed and deliver for consumers which is why we are highlighting areas where the trials show areas of underperformance. Consumers need to know this is a reliable service they can depend on. A new approach is needed, as many post offices are economically unsustainable. But it would be a major missed opportunity if these issues are not put right before PO Locals are rolled out nationwide.’”

From summer 2012, the Post Office’s Network Transformation will see one out of every five sub-post offices change to the Post Office Local model as part of the largest set of planned changes in the Post Office’s history. Most sub-post offices currently operate as part of a small shop, but have a separate post office counter with dedicated staff. The Locals model will see post office services delivered by trained shop staff from the main counter of retail outlets such as convenience stores or petrol stations, rather than from a separate dedicated post office area.

Consumer Focus feels that pilot programme gives the opportunity to learn and make improvements to get this new model right. The postal watchdog is now calling on Post Office Limited to commit to:

• The development of a core menu of products and services, with a commitment to consult locally where circumstances suggest a core product or service cannot reasonably be offered.

• Addressing consumer confusion and lack of awareness over product and service availability by providing clear product and service information in-branch.

• Improving service standards via enhancements to in-branch staff training, the retailer support offer and in-branch quality control, monitoring and compliance processes.

• Addressing the physical environment of the branch – external and internal – to satisfy consumer concerns especially on issues such as privacy and security.

• Dealing with the cash supply arrangements in place for Locals branches.

The Government has announced a series of deadlines for people in England who are not already getting NHS Continuing Healthcare to ask for an assessment if they or a relative think they might need this sort of help.

NHS continuing healthcare is a package of continuing care provided outside hospital by health and social care professionals to meet the physical or mental health needs of adults. They might need extra care due to disability or because of an accident or illness.

A health or social care worker will decide if a patient is eligible for consideration for NHS continuing healthcare by undertaking an initial checklist. If the person triggers on this checklist then they will be referred on for a full assessment of eligibility, this part of the process is the responsibility of the PCT to complete. Eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare is reviewed regularly, however if you are already getting this sort of help then these new deadlines do not apply to you.

The government recently announced a series of deadlines for people in England to request an assessment to see if they are eligible for NHS continuing healthcare funding for cases during the period April 1, 2004 – March 31, 2012.

The deadlines apply to previously un-assessed periods of care, which occurred in the following time periods:

Time Period Deadline
April 1, 2004 – September 30, 2007 September 30, 2012
October 1, 2007 – March 31, 2011 September 30, 2012
April 1, 2011 – March 31, 2012 March 31, 2013

In North East Lincolnshire, you should contact the Continuing Health Team at North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus using the contact details below:

North East Lincolnshire
Cleethorpes Primary Care Centre
St Hughes Avenue
Cleethorpes
DN35 8EB
(01472) 721325 or 721327
Nel-ct.CHC-FNCAuthorisationrequests@nhs.net

If you live in North Lincolnshire and wish to request an assessment please contact the NHS North Lincolnshire Continuing Healthcare Team for further information using the contact details below:

North Lincolnshire
Health Place
Wrawby Road
Brigg
North Lincs
DN20 8GS
(01652) 251026
nlp-pct.continuingcare@nhs.net

Commenting on the Ministerial statement on credit unions by Minister for Pensions Steve Webb, and the Government’s Credit Union feasibility study published yesterday, Mike O’Connor, Chief Executive of Consumer Focus, said:

“Government recognition that there is a significant need for more credit unions is very welcome. Access to affordable credit is a major issue for many consumers, especially where they need small sums to make an emergency purchase or to tide them over for a short time period.

“High Street Banks should do more to provide affordable credit for consumers, but are dragging their heels. Credit unions are perfectly placed to help plug this gap. Credit unions playing fair and offering competitive rates could transform the market for consumers. They could offer a real alternative to payday loans and other high cost form of credit, which are a growing cause of concern.

“New research by Consumer Focus shows that one-third of consumers are interested in joining a credit union, but that two-thirds of these say they cannot because they do not think they have one nearby. This is why we believe linking credit unions to our post office network could be a perfect match and help ensure the continuation of the vital community resource which our post offices provide.

“There are more post offices than banks and building society branches combined and they offer convenient access and high levels of trust. Forty per cent of low income consumers told us they would be more likely to open a credit union account, or apply for a small loan, if they could do so through a Post Office branch.”

NAViGO is proud to announce that members of Tukes have reached a landmark achievement of 250,000 hours of training, work experience and educational support since it first opened in July 2003.

Tukes, part of NAViGO Health and Social Care, provides training, skills development and work experience in real working environments for people who are socially excluded due to mental health problems in North East Lincolnshire.

Tukes was originally started as an alternative to traditional day services for people with mental health problems. It focuses on giving members training and skills along with the motivation and confidence they need to become work ready.

This latest achievement follows a succession of awards that Tukes have won over the last year including Service Delivery Complex Needs at The Guardian Public Services Awards as well as being named overall Public Service of the Year by The Guardian.

Since its inception in 2003 with a café at the Diana Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby, Tukes has gone from strength to strength. It offers people the opportunity to get back in to work and learn new skills by providing training and work placements.

John Ogden, general manager for Tukes, said:

“Nationally, 87% of people with long term mental health conditions are out of work and Grimsby has recently been identified as one of the areas in the country where securing employment is most difficult.

“Even against this backdrop Tukes has been successful in assisting 136 people with a mental health condition back into paid employment since it was founded.

“I am very proud of all our members and staff who all work hard and put a lot of time and effort in to Tukes which is why we have been able to reach the quarter of a million mark. We will continue to strive and maintain this high level of success.”

An MP who has led a decade long campaign to protect farmers and growers from what he has described as the “bully boy behaviour of supermarket buyers” said he expects the Government to finally take action following an announcement in the Queen’s Speech next Wednesday.

Andrew George, the Liberal Democrat MP for West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Constituency of St Ives, chairs the Grocery Market Action Group which has pressed for action.

Mr George expects that the Government will proceed with a Grocery Code Adjudicator Bill soon after the Queen’s Speech.

The need for a supermarket watchdog was made clear in two reports by the Competition Commission published in 2000 and 2008. The reports found that big supermarkets were abusing their power in the market and were transferring ‘excessive risk and unexpected costs’ to farmers, growers, and suppliers. They warned that if action was not taken these practices would ‘have an adverse effect on investment and innovation in the supply chain, and ultimately on consumers’. New rules (Code of Practice) governing fair business practices in the supply chain were introduced in February 2010 but GMAG has frequently noted that unless the Government also act to create the watchdog there was no one in place to ensure the new rules are enforced.

Mr George has led the campaign for the creation of a supermarket watchdog since 2000. GMAG includes in its membership the National Farmers’ Union, the National Farmers’ Union of Scotland, the British Independent Fruit Growers Association, Friends of the Earth, ActionAid, Traidcraft, the Association of Convenience Stores, and others.

Commenting Mr George said:

“Every day that passes without Government beginning the process of creating a supermarket watchdog is another day too late for many farmers and growers. Farmers and growers have had a tough start to 2012. I welcome this. Though it is not before time!

“The progress of this long campaign has met with constant opposition from some of the large supermarkets but I think they should embrace this move – if they have nothing to hide then they will have nothing to fear.

“The code is fine. But it’s like having a game of rugby with a rule book, but no referee! So the code needs an Adjudicator. And I now want the Government to assure us that the Adjudicator can instigate and investigation on the basis of sound market intelligence and third party reports of improper activity. I remain optimistic that the Government will concede this point.”

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service is asking members of the public to nominate their local hero. The winner, who will be chosen following the result of a public vote, will then be honoured at the Service’s annual Community Awards Ceremony.

Last year’s shortlisted nominees were Danny Squires from Hull who rescued a young woman from her burning home and David gaunt who rescued a 31 year old man from a burning car on the A180, moments before it exploded. Following a tightly contested public vote, the eventual winner was Danny Squires.

Members of the public are being asked to think of someone they know of, it could be a family member, friend or colleague who they feel has acted in an heroic manner and is deserving of receiving such an award.

Katrina Horth, organiser of the Community Awards Evening for Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, said: “There will be several different awards given at the ceremony to Service staff, members of the public and our partners, in recognition of the contribution they have made in creating safer communities. We are asking people to nominate someone they think has acted in an heroic manner. This does not necessarily mean that someone needs to have performed some kind of rescue, as heroic acts can be carried out by people who just make a real positive difference to others through their actions.”

Nominations can be forwarded to Humberside Fire and Rescue Service by calling or texting 07581 495960, emailing localhero@humbersidefire.gov.uk or by sending a letter to:

Local Hero
FREEPOST NEA3610
Humberside Fire & Rescue Service
HULL
HU4 7BR

The closing date for nominations is Friday 1 June.

North East Lincolnshire Council is looking to increase its dynamic purchasing system list of contractors for home-to-school and home-to-college transport contracts.

If you hold a PSV operator’s licence, a PH operator’s licence, or a hackney carriage licence and would like to apply to go onto the DPS list and receive further information on how to express an interest for new contracts, then please contact Rose Spearey, finance and provision manager, education transport on (01472) 323069 or email rose.spearey@nelincs.gov.uk.

This May the Family Information Service Outreach Workers will be holding a number of Information sessions at the Jobcentre Plus venues in Grimsby & Immingham why not drop in and see us for free, impartial advice and guidance on services for children & young people 0-19 years! (local activites, clubs & groups, Childcare, money matters and much more)

Immingham Job Centre Plus, Kenedy Way, Immingham
Tuesday 8th & 22nd May

Grimsby Jobcentre Plus, Victoria Street, Grimsby
Thursday 23rd May 10am – 5pm

Collective switching has the potential to breathe new life into sluggish, unresponsive markets such as energy, telecoms and financial services, and give consumers a better deal argues Consumer Focus in its new report Get it, together.

Giving consumers more information and advice has not been enough to cut through the confusion and complexity they face when trying to switch in these markets. Together with understandable concerns that they may not get a better deal, this means many consumers just don’t switch and continue to get a bad deal, but a new approach is now possible which could shift the balance of power from suppliers to consumers. The rise in social media technologies has made it dramatically simpler for people to get better deals without having to do all the legwork themselves.

Director of Empowered Consumers at Consumer Focus, Richard Bates, said:

“This could be a great way to make consumers more powerful in some really important markets. It could cut through the confusion and complexity that prevents people switching and offer consumers a simpler route to better value.

“In effect, collective switching has the potential for an intermediary, working on behalf of consumers, to turn inertia from something that works against consumers into a force that works for them. At the very least collective switching will hold a mirror up to these markets, show why consumers are turned off and why the opportunities of social media and collective action shake up our assumptions about how consumer power can transform markets.”

Edward Davey, Liberal Democrat Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, said:

“Collective purchasing could be a powerful way of rebalancing the relationship between consumers and suppliers in a range of different markets.

“Our energy market is a really good example, where schemes which enable people to club together in this way could help consumers get a better deal for their gas and electricity, cut out the hassle of shopping around and switching, and boost competition so that suppliers work harder for your business.

“I am very excited about the potential for this in the UK and I welcome the work Consumer Focus is doing on this. We are working to remove barriers to getting new collective purchasing schemes up and running and I want to see suppliers engaging positively with these initiatives.”

It is now possible for an intermediary to convert the demands of consumers and combine them into a big enough slice of market share that companies are unable to ignore. This uses the positive market power to source an improved deal for consumers. The real potential for collective switching is where all consumers have a constant need for the service, but where engagement in the market is limited to an active minority. Collective switching goes with the grain of this inertia and offers consumers the prospect of better outcomes for less effort.

Successful initiatives in mainland Europe have already demonstrated the benefits that collective switching can deliver for consumers:

•More than half a million consumers in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany have registered with the iChoosr collective switching programmes for gas, electricity and heating oil.

•The average savings iChoosr has achieved per individual household is €200 to €250 for a dual fuel energy contract. The winning bid has represented an improvement on existing tariffs for 95 per cent of participants.

•Dutch consumer champion, Consumentenbond, has managed two collective energy switches with 57,000 people switching to a better deal in the Netherlands

•The first high profile initiative here launched by Which? and campaigning website 38 Degrees has attracted more than a quarter of a million consumers.

•Community Interest Company, thePeoplesPower.co.uk, is also recruiting consumers for a collective switching initiative in the GB energy market.

Dial-A-Ride, the bus service for local people in North East Lincolnshire who find it difficult to use conventional public transport, is looking for drivers.

Training will be provided for volunteers whoonly need to have a full driving licence and some free time.

New drivers are needed because previous volunteers have been recruited to paid employment by a local bus company.

To apply, contact the coordinator Midge Curry on (01472) 269666.