Archive for the ‘Housing’ Category
Pilgrims Housing – Action not Abuse is what is needed
Posted by Richard | Filed under Housing
I was shocked at the highly personal tone taken by Bedford’s MP in his attacks on the Head of BPHA recently. While I share the concerns at the sudden and sharp increases in utlity charges and service fees for some BPHA customers, I don’t think abusing the head of the organisation will be effective in getting BPHA to amend its policies and do something to help those hardest hit.
I went to see John Cross, the Head of BPHA , to press the case for re-consideration and to see if there was any latitude to reduce or delay the fees increases. He listened and I felt that I had the opportunity to make the case on behalf of residents more effectively than grandstanding for the press. Whether my effort will result in a change, we will have to wait and see; but I am hopeful and will continue to make the case as effectively as I can.
A time to consider those who sleep rough – and those who work hard to help them
Posted by Richard | Filed under Housing
The King’s Arms Project held their biennial “Sleep Out” on Friday to raise awareness of the problems for people who have to sleep rough on our streets here in Bedford and Kempston. On this topic, as on others, The King’s Arms church is dedicated, knowledgeable, caring and inspiring. Their leadership is providing help and insight to some of the most disadvantaged in our community.
In her talk, Ali Inwood, CEO of the King’s Arms Project, mentioned how important it was to recognise that every instance of a person sleeping rough is an individual story, with an individual history of events and circumstances that has led that person to the need to sleep rough.
The volunteers of King’s Arms make a real, positive impact on people’s lives. I hope the next Government can encourage them to do even more to help.
