The
Jobcentre Petition, Community Grants and a Carnival!
A
clear and forceful reply was composed to the letter received from Minister Jane
Hutt about Monmouth's Jobseekers. The Welsh Assembly Petitions Committee have
been listening to our problems here, since the closure of the local Jobcentre
and questioning those in charge. The Minister, whose responsibilities include
Lifelong Learning and Skills had written that, with the introduction of IT
communications and training, the jobcentre situation had been improved. The
Community Affairs Committee cannot agree. Our reply reminds the Minister that
we are simply requesting a face -to- face Jobcentre Plus facility just one day
a week. £1.7 billion was allocated to Jobseekers across the UK in the last Budget.
With the presence of a
Jobcentre professional weekly in the town, Monmouth Jobseekers would be spared at least half a day's bus travel as well as
either bus fare or petrol costs. Many have to inconvenience their friends or
families, by begging a lift. What should be a personalised, two way interview,
is often rushed and anxious. If the allotted appointment is missed, the whole
operation must be repeated.
The Committee asks that the ‘more
personalised and flexible service' described in the 2008 White Paper and to
which Jane Hutt refers, is genuinely put into practice.
Jobcentre Plus also replied
to the Petitions Committee. They have written to all customers with a Monmouth
address to let them know of the Coleford, Chepstow
and Ross alternatives to the Abergavenny office. Is this satisfactory? The Committee would like to update its job
seeking evidence. If you have recent experience, please contact 01600 772209
Councillor Mrs Dewhurst, your ward councillor or the Town Clerk on 01600
715662.
The petition will have its
second hearing at the Assembly on 25th June and can be viewed online
It was decided that The
Community Grants scheme will revert to a single allocation this year. Publicity
will alert local voluntary groups in the autumn and tell them how to apply for part of the £10,000 available.
Preparations
for Monmouth Carnival continue, with only five weeks to go. We want the biggest
procession ever on Sunday 26th July. Whether you are going in for
‘Best Brolly' a group entry, or decorating a vehicle, we hope you are busy!
Councillor Mrs Anthea
Dewhurst
Chair
of Community Affairs Committee
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