And those who genuinely cannot work should not be made to degrade themselves to prove it and then be villifed as 'scroungers' being lucky enough to be believed. They should be supported by society and valued as human beings, not economic units.
We don't have to keep doing this. There is another way.
Many people out of work aren't there by choice. They need support to allow them to get and stay in meaningful and properly paid employment. Removing benefits is not the way. All it does is give companies excuses to pay less and treat people worse because the alternative is destitution.
People have value beyond their ability to contribute to economic growth. They contribute to society as community members, caregivers, creatives, etc. All of which are hugely important and not measurable in pounds and pence.
The idea that traditionally Labour voting working class people would welcome this austerity 2.0, pandering to big business, screwing the poor nonsense is insulting. If you think that decent, ordinary folk want to see those most in need repeatedly getting a kicking, you need to think again.
I'm so disgusted by this attack on welfare by the Labour party. If you don't understand why we left, this is it. Nevermind the tearing up of internal party democracy, we could no longer stomach the creep to the right disguised as 'winning back the red wall'.
Every little helps us to fight for a real alternative to a broken Labour party and an increasingly dangerous right.
Really enjoyed hearing from the University Community Engagement team and talking with residents.
All the best lefties knit!
Fed up of political ‘tourists’ being parachuted into your areas? 📸
We offer an alternative. We pride ourselves on being local, vocal & visible all year round
Political leadership should come from everyday people from the ground up, not sent ready programmed from Westminster.
Members turned out on a cold January evening to get involved in this project. It was so lovely to see so many passionate, community minded people (familiar faces and new) coming together to share ideas about how we can have positive impact in Broxtowe and beyond. Feeling really grateful and inspired
A leaflet with the details of our CAT meeting and photos of me, Vanessa, and my co-councillor, Gabrielle Bunn, wearing winter hats and smiling at the camera.
Our next Community Action Team (CAT) meeting is coming up. We'll be there to discuss local issues and update on council matters. We'll also have Police, Environment team, and UoN Community Engagement team. We'd love to see you there!
🗓 Tuesday 11th February
🗺 Middle Street Resource Centre
🕡 6:30pm
A word cloud in the shape of the borough of Broxtowe, filled with he names of all the community groups and projects our councillors are involved in. They include food banks, spots clubs, community centres, allotments and growing communities, scouts, church groups, repair cafés and more.
Build from the grassroots up
Get back into your communities
The political systems have failed us
Rebuilding a genuine civil society means constructing & supporting organisations deeply rooted in communities & built around people
This is what our @broxtoweindies.bsky.social Cllrs do 👇
Broxtowe is set to recieve the joint-lowest funding settlement in the whole country!
Westminster clearly doesn’t care and our MP has done nothing to fight our corner.
This is what we got for having good financial management it seems. An absolute joke!
Private tenants need rent controls and the ability to adapt their homes to suit their needs. They need long-term secure leases. If that leads to fewer private landlord, then GOOD. Moving properties back from by-to-let to owner-occupation would be good for buyers too.
I and @broxtoweindies.bsky.social talk a lot about council homes (for good reason) but the reality is most of our constituents who rent are at the mercy of the private sector, which we also regulate. It's horrible out there, so any improvement is welcome. Just wish it went further!
Fully agree with @bellribeiroaddy.bsky.social - "“I’m yet to hear a compelling reason why landlords should see their incomes grow faster than people who actually work for a living,” - Me neither!
The Renters' Rights Bill has progressed to the Lords. It is a welcome step forward for those stuck in the private rental sector, but a real shame that it doesn't include more comprehensive rent control measures. #rentersrights
The Wall of Manor Lodge in Beeston showing the house name and red Plaque to Eleanor Littlewood MBE.
Lovely dedication ceremony by @beestoncivicsoc.bsky.social this afternoon for Beeston's First Plaque for a Woman, Eleanor Littlewood MBE. Pleased to support this and looking forward to seeing more in the future.
Future-proofing our housing stock is key to continuing to provide quality council homes for residents. Really pleased with the retrofit work we're carrying out across the borough. Well done to all involved!
"Labour has become a party defined by negatives. They are anti-pensioners, anti-poor, anti-queer and anti-immigrant. Today I am leaving Labour because I am pro-change and for positive action to improve people's lives" - Councillor Vanessa Smith
Last week, I left the Labour party because I believe Broxtowe deserves better. I'm standing with 19 of my fellow @broxtowelabour councillors to become Independents
Hello 👋