Councillors Diary, Week ending 5th January 2014

Bedroom Tax Loophole
The DWP has confirmed that 4(1)(a) of Schedule 3 of the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit (Consequential Provisions) Regulations 2006 has the effect that any HB claimant who has been claiming continuously since before 1 January 1996, for the same property, should have their HB rate calculated without the ‘Spare room subsidy’ provisions. In effect these claimants are exempt from the bedroom tax under the current regulations and have been since their introduction in April 2013.
THis does show what a shambles the bedroom tax is and just how much misery it has caused. It doesn't save any money - just causes massive anxiety to thousands of very poor people. Back in 1996 lots of councils hadn't fully computerised their records and lots of tenancy details were still held in paper files. Anyone claiming to have been a tenant continuously from then would have a good chance of being accepted as many councils couldn't disprove it! (7) The requirements of this sub-paragraph are that a claim for housing benefit is made within 4 weeks of the relevant date and where such a claim is made it shall be treated as having been made on the relevant date.

Ramsgate Christmas Window Competition
Ramsgate held a ‘Decorate Your Window’ competition in the run up to Christmas, encouraging shops and businesses to add to the festive cheer with a great window display. Walking around the town just before Christmas there were all sorts of lights, trees and decorations on show, with lots of shops taking part.
Councillor Kim Gibson, Town Mayor, presented the winner’s prize and a runner-up award was given.
Blue Swift Picture Framing in Queen Street was announced as winner for 2013 and owner Jody Anderson was presented with a cheque for £100. Runner up was the Full House Café in King Street and owner Carlos Hopkins received a cheque for £50 and two tickets to the great new town centre music venue the Ramsgate Music Hall, donated by the owners.
There were lots of cheery sights around town and we especially enjoyed Diva Hairdressers, Nanny’s Attic, Sense, York Street Flowers, Stanley Goldsmiths and Shirley’s Hairdressers. Thanks go to everyone who came up with a great show, and we hope even more will take part next time.
The competition was organised by Town Promoter Suzy Humphries on behalf of Ramsgate Town Council, who are working with and encouraging businesses, community groups and individuals to make Ramsgate a successful attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
Ramsgate Tunnels Reopening
On 1st June, we hope to reopen the old Ramsgate Air raid tunnels with a great celebration.
Leading the entertainment will be "A Salute to the 1940’s", a fantastic traditional variety show packed with tributes to the stars of the 40’s. Acts include Vera Lynn, George Formby, Gracie Fields, Andrews Sisters and Al Jolson. All held together by Warden Braithwaite the shows very own compere/warden.


Diary

Week beginning 6th Jan

Mon TDC Cabinet Agenda Setting
Tue Ramsgate Town Team Meeting
Granville Basement Meeting
TDC Labour Group Meeting
Wed Casework Meeting
TDC Housing Portfolio Briefing
Local Plan Briefing
RTC Planning Meeting
Thu Lunch with RTC volunteers
TDC Destination Management Plan Steering Group
Informal Cabinet Meeting
Boundary Review Working Party
Fri Summer Squall briefing

Week beginning 15th Dec

Mon Meeting with TDC Sports Officer
Meeting with TDC Housing Officer
Citizens Advice Bureau Meeting
Ramsgate Task Force Meeting
Tue Dynamo Day Meeting
East Kent Housing Owners Meeting
TDC Overview and Scrutiny Meeting
Montefiore Heritage Meeting
Wed English Heritage Workshop
Ramsgate Society
TDC Planning Committee
Thu Meeting with Ramsgate Businesses
TDC Local Plan Cabinet Advisory
Meeting with TDC Senior Management/Cabinet
Fri RTC Budget pre-meeting
Meeting with TDC Housing Finance Officers
Ramsgate Twinning Dinner