This blog is written by Paul Morrison of the Joint Public Issues Team. Well over a thousand supporters of the Reset the Debt campaign wrote to their MPs to ask them to attend the debate on household debt in Parliament on 8 May. Thank you! The debate attracted a range of MPs from …
New Centre for Cities report shows unequal post-pandemic savings and debt in cities across the UK
A report published last week by the Centre for Cities demonstrates widening inequalities between richer and poorer areas of the UK. Many in less affluent areas, especially in the North and the Midlands, are facing a disproportionately large debt burden, meaning bounce-back from the pandemic will be …
Make COP Count: Invite MPs and Peers
Mon, June 14, 20214:00 PM – 5:00 PM BST We’re partnering with other faith groups to host a briefing for MPs and Peers, to share faith groups’ priorities for climate action in the run-up to the UN climate talks (COP26) and discuss how we can work together for positive change. We need …
Hellos, goodbyes, new faces and new relationships…we’re changing (a little bit)
The last few weeks have seen some internal changes for the Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT). JPIT’s longstanding Team Leader, Rachel Lampard, has been seconded to lead a two-year project for the Methodist Church, looking at how the denomination can speak out on social issues and challenge …
Trussell Trust figures reveal a record number turning to foodbanks during the pandemic
A report published last week by the Trussell Trust reveals a record 2.5 million food parcels were distributed by their network of food banks in the past year. The figure represents a 33% increase on the previous year, including a disproportionately large increase in the number of parcels …
The New Plan for Immigration
The Government’s recently published New Plan for Immigration gives details about a long-promised overhaul of the asylum system. The proposals are described as aiming to increase the fairness of the asylum system and deter illegal entry into the UK. However, many of the measures risk creating more …
Responding to the New Plan For Immigration Consultation
The UK Government has opened a 6 week consultation on the 'New Plan for Immigration' proposals, which will end on 6th May 2021. They are inviting individual contributions, and collective responses from organisations. We are encouraging everyone who is able to respond to the consultation. Here …
Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee report calls for action on rent debts
A report published today by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee calls for support for renters in the private sector who are in arrears, including a recommendation for funding for some rent debt write-off. It is welcome that the recommendations from the committee recognise …
How could the government support families weighed down by debt on 3rd March?
In the upcoming budget, the Chancellor will set out a the UK’s financial path. This will be an opportunity to offer support for those hit hardest by the pandemic, including businesses, workers and families. In the budget, the Chancellor has the opportunity to do this by taking on the burden of …
A tale of two spaces
A reflection exploring how we respond when our spaces are disrupted and subverted by people with a different set of values and world views. By Simon Jay. Every time I walk into any space, whether it is a church, restaurant, park etc, I ask the question: Who has constructed this space? Who is …