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Read the latest news & blogs on how we are working to create a London free from poverty
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Making sure London’s Recovery Addresses Poverty and Inequality too
Z2K was really pleased to hear about the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan’s decision earlier this summer to set up the London Recovery Board to examine what needs to be done for the Capital to be a better place after the pandemic than it was before it started. With the dreaded second wave of Covid-19 now upon us that might feel like a huge uphill challenge or even a distraction. But the reality is that London is a deeply unequal city and that has to change in future, not least if the Mayor himself is to deliver on his own original 2016 promises.
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Why claiming UC has been a “saviour” is misleading
A recent article from The Times stated that Universal Credit (UC) “has been a surprisingly efficient saviour for millions hit by the pandemic.” At Z2K, we know first-hand how misleading this claim is. For too many of the people we help, UC causes financial and emotional hardship and has failed to be of support during Covid-19.
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The Eviction Ban has Ended, Leaving Renters Without a Safety Net
Last Monday the ‘eviction ban’ was lifted, meaning courts began hearing possession cases, bailiff’s evictions begin; and tenants are again at risk of losing their homes. Introduced instead is a six month notice period for evictions (except for those with substantial rent arrears) and some requirements that landlords provide courts with information about the impact of the pandemic on the tenant. The longer notice period buys renters some time, but it doesn’t solve the problem.
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DWP routinely refuses to implement their own guidance on working with representatives
Z2K works with hundreds of clients to ensure they have the income they are entitled to, but caseworkers are continuously met with barriers when trying to speak to the DWP on the client’s behalf. These obstacles are an affront to people seeking justice from the social security system.
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Discriminatory Government excuses are leaving 2.5 million people without vital support
Last week Director General of Universal Credit (UC), Neil Couling, shone a painfully glaring light on the Government’s discriminatory attitude towards those struggling most in our society. Read Ella's blog on why excuses the Government are repeating for why they are leaving millions behind just don't hold up.
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Advice and beyond: the wider support Z2K is providing to people during Covid-19
Z2K has been working hard to help those in need during this pandemic. Not only are we giving advice around welfare benefits and housing remotely, but we’re also going further to respond to the changing needs of the people we support during this uncertain time.
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‘My brother didn’t die so people could be treated like this’
'We’re not just fighting for an extra £20 a week for people, we’re fighting to ensure that the Government treats all people with dignity and respect, regardless of their status in society.' Read Ella's piece on the campaign #IncreaseDisabilityBenefits and the impact the discriminatory move by Government has had on millions of people.
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When Isolating at Home is as Bad for Your Health as Going Out
Self-isolation for a period of time – and we don’t know how long – is necessary to get Covid-19 under control. For many of us, it’s also boring, uncomfortable, and a reminder of all the reasons we love (and are irritated by!) our families. But for some of the people Z2K works with, living on Social Security benefits and renting from private landlords, self-isolation means something different.
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Z2K Covid-19 Response
From Tuesday 14th April, we are opening our phones lines from 10 to 4 pm. We are also available via our online contacts form. Our services are open to anyone who is: - of working age - live in London - be entitled to means-tested benefits We are also continuing to plan our longer term response, to be ready to push for a continuation of all temporary uplifts in benefits, a complete suspension of sanctions and the benefit cap, and for continued systemic change to ensure a benefits system that works effectively as a safety net.
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A social security system for the long-term, not just COVID-19
Our Social Security system should act as a safety net. With the outbreak of COVID-19, the number of people needing its support has risen by over a million, and the cracks that have been there for years are suddenly at the forefront of a lot more people’s attention.
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We will continue to fight poverty in our founder Reverend Paul Nicholson’s name
Reverend Paul Nicolson might no longer be with us, but we should take inspiration from his life and work. In the meantime, today our hearts and thoughts are with Paul’s family and friends.
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Why Universal Credit was flawed from the start
The Lords Economic Affairs Committee has just held an inquiry into Universal Credit (UC). As Z2K outlined in our response to this inquiry, 10 years on and many delays later, UC is failing to deliver on its original aims because these aims were either misconceived or subject to bad design decisions.
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