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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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The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, renews his patronage.
“It’s a great privilege to continue as a patron of the Zacchaeus 2000 Trust who are doing enormously important work, helping thousands of Londoners living in poverty to increase their income, reduce their debt and have access to decent housing." Justin Welby, The Archbishop of Canterbury, on renewing his patronage with Zacchaeus 2000 Trust.
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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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Chair of Trustees Mick McAteer celebrates 15 years of Z2K
Nearly half the country has now probably had to celebrate its birthday during the Coronavirus lockdown. And this week Z2K has joined that company as we mark the 15th anniversary since our registration with the charity commission. Any celebrations will rightly be put on hold as the country and especially the poorer communities we serve suffer from the direct weight of this terrible virus and its devastating economic fall-out. As chair of this wonderful organisation, however, I want to take a moment to look back at its achievements and the challenges ahead.
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Lockdown Life – bringing people together to tell stories for change
Over the course of Lockdown, Z2K has been bringing together people with experience of Universal Credit and the Private Rented Sector (PRS) using online groups to counter some of the isolation of Lockdown and give voice to their views on what Life After Lockdown should look like.
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Anti-poverty charity, Z2K, welcomes the Work and Pensions Committee’s new report on the DWP’s response to the coronavirus outbreak
"Disabled people, charities, the Government’s own Social Security Advisory Committee and now the cross-party select committee have all called for this injustice to be corrected. Ministers must stop wasting crucial time and extend the emergency increase to all out of work benefits to ensure everyone is kept safe during this pandemic.” Anela Anwar, Z2K's CEO, responds to the Work and Pension Committee's new report on the DWP's response to the coronavirus outbreak
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“I am unable to continue living like this, there’s no end in sight” – Government must urgently scrap No Recourse to Public Funds
When a policy has as severe an impact as No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) does, there is an expectation that the Prime Minister will at least themselves be aware of its serious implications and attempt to defend its existence. It was particularly concerning, therefore, that when questioned by the Liaison Committee on the 27th of May; Boris Johnson confessed that he was not aware of what NRPF even was.
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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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Press release: Z2K announces appointment of new Chief Executive
Anti-poverty charity, Z2K, today announced the appointment of Anela Anwar as its new Chief Executive. “At the same time as welcoming Anela, I also want to pay tribute again to our outgoing Chief Executive, Raji Hunjan who leaves this week to take up her new role at Oak Foundation. "
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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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