Have your say on our benefits system

Hi folks, 

I am writing to  invite you/your group to take part in a  local  consultation event about Social Security  in Scotland.   The event will  take place in Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre on Wednesday 26^th October from 10 – 12.30. 

The event  has been organised in conjunction with the Poverty Alliance who have been running these sessions throughout Scotland during the last couple of months.  We are keen to ensure that people from  North Edinburgh who have experience of  the current system  are able to take part in the process and have their voices heard.

We will use the first part of the session to identify  the issues people have  with the current system. The second part of the session will deal with the new welfare powers which will be transferred to  the Scottish Government next year  (eg DLA, PIP, Attendance Allowance, Carers Allowance, Maternity Grants,  Cold weather payments, winter fuel payments, discretionary housing payments and some powers relating  to Universal Credit).  The Scottish Government will be using the evidence gathered  during this consultation process  to  shape  the  new Social Security System in Scotland.

A crèche has been arranged to allow people with pre-school children  to participate, however,  it  might  be busy so please book in advance.  A free lunch will be provided  in the café afterwards. 

The  consultation process ends on Friday 28 October so it is important to get the word out and involve as many people as possible.  Feel free to bring along anyone you think would be interested in taking part.

I have  copied a link to the  trailer for the new Ken Loach film I, Daniel Blake which highlights many of the problems with the current system.    The film will be released  on Friday 21 October.   There are plans to organise a local screening early in the new year and more information on this will be available  on the 26^th.  I’ve also included  a link to an article about the film which provides a bit more information.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5168192/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36355313

Looking forward to seeing you all on the 26^th.

Best wishes

Lynn