Sandwell's Health Budget

After so many nasty comments from Labour about delays, Sandwell's health budget allocation has been announced and the coalition Government has increased it by 10%


Sandwell Council being allocated £20,816,000

https://www.wp.dh.gov.uk/publications/files/2013/01/Public-Health-Grants-to-Local-Authorities.pdf

http://www.halesowennews.co.uk/news/10154392.Government_announces_long_awaited_public_health_budget_for_Sandwell_and_Dudley/?ref=rss

But a big question remains

Now they have the money to spend on poor health preventative measures

How much of the pensions money is invested in Tobacco companies?

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/councils-told-to-stub-out-big-tobacco-pension-deals-6293702.html

Sandwell Council Tax

Not only has the Coalition Government frozen council tax for another year, but the the old days of paying your council tax over 10 months is to change, if you want.

Eric pickles has announced that from this year (2013) you can pay Council Tax over 12 months instead of 10 months, so you can make 12 lower payments instead of 10, this will lower an average payment for "B" by about £17/month.

The total amount paid per year will remain unchanged


Problem is
You have to make the request to change to 12 individual monthly payments

http://www.localgov.co.uk/index.cfm?method=news.detail&id=108301

Blackheath Tree of Life appeal raises £800

The Blackheath Tree of Life Christmas charity appeal has raised £800  which will be going to the Bridges Support Service which helps people with cancer and other palliative care needs and includes benefit advice.in Sandwell.

Now in its 11th year, the appeal allows people to sponsor a light on a cherry tree at our local St Paul’s Church, Long Lane, in memory of loves ones for a minimum £5 donation.

Organiser and former councillor Mary Docker secretary of the Blackheath Community and Business Association, said she was delighted with the amount raised,


Well Done Mary

Labour Tax the Dead

I see Dudley Labour Council have slapped a No Council Tax exemption rule on properties where and old person may have died and the property has not been sold, in another move they have stopped the exemption on empty properties undergoing renovation to make them habitable. 



Blogger said

Labour now tax dead grannies, do Labour want all your money dead or alive ?

see more details

http://www.halesowennews.co.uk/news/local/10078443._Tax_on_death__slammed_by_Tories/

Sandwell's big parking announcement

I see in the local paper that Sandwell is giving free parking on Saturday & Sunday in the three weeks run up to Christmas.

One little problem Sunday's have always been free, or is that about to change?
Oh and the cost for parking will double.

yes up to 80p/hour to park, with talk of up to £4 per day in some of our towns !


Blogger said
I can only think that out of town shopping centres and local supermarkets car parks will be packed with Sandwell residents enjoying free parking all year round with some open till 10 pm, in the run up to Christmas.


Well done Sandwell  !!

Thanks for nothing, yes nothing is what the traders and people have got for Christmas
How many more will follow WBBS and close before Sandwell see the light

see also
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2012/10/29/free-parking-for-shoppers-in-west-bromwich/