Death by Austerity

The Conservative government has publicly chastised the Labour opposition for their refusal to back the government on its austerity plans, calling them "Irresponsible". But is austerity really the best solution to the economic crisis? 

In terms of economy austerity refers to a policy of deficit-cutting by lowering spending via a reduction in the amount of benefits and public services provided. In other words harsh measures for harsh times but according to leading economist and Nobel peace prize winner Paul Krugman,  austerity not only contracts an economy but "The Notion that austerity can inspire confidence in a business and result in expansion is completely wrong" as proved by various European economies as well as in the UK. 

                                   
Mr Krugman was challenged on Jeremy Paxmans BBC talk show by conservative mp and member of the treasury select committee Andrea Ledsom who argued that "austerity measures work and are successful when done hard and fast, and that the public sector can only be expanded by taking wealth from the private sector ( which makes absolutely no sense to me because austerity measures often include cuts to benefits like JSA or income support and that is no private sector money!). Andrea was then backed up by Jon Moulton who remarked that Paul Krugman's solution to the economic crisis(which consisted of borrowing more money and building up a bigger public debt) was morally questionable and not much of a solution in itself. 

There are two major issues of morality in this argument one is that the result of austerity measures leave our children in debt, having to pay for ever increasingly expensive education and little to no jobs to boot.
The other is that over zealous borrowing will leave our future generations in massive debts. There is no clear correct method to end recession and inspire economic growth, but one thing that is clear is no matter which way this country pulls through these dark times the bill will be picked up by the next generation.

Watch video here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18281669

The return of the wise woman

Lynne Franks - business woman, author and broadcaster on the rise of the wise woman talking about the role of the older generation in the transfer of skills to the new generation of women warriors. 

New Government Fund for Redeveloping Empty Properties

Kazuri welcomes news that the government is to launch a campaign to refurbish empty homes in order to tackle the housing shortage. 

There are 1million empty properties in the UK and a third of these have been empty for six months or more. These long term empty properties need to be redeveloped in order to house those in need of social housing. 

The communities minister, Don Foster, announced today that government funds will be made available in order to redevelop empty properties. Local councils, housing associations and social enterprises will be able to bid for grants from the £300m fund. 

It is hoped that the redevelopment of empty properties will go some way to readdress the housing shortfall that currently stands at more than 100,000 homes a year. 

Unlock's the Record presents The Women's Issue 'Sex and the System'

The Record is a fantastic free magazine produced by the award-winning charity UNLOCK, the National Association of Reformed Offenders. It is written by reformed offenders, for reformed offenders. This month sees the first ever 'women's only' edition of the Record guest edited by Farah Damji, former prisoner, ex journalist, reformed socialite now running a social lettings agency and campaigning for change in the way women in the criminal justice system are treated.  This issue is also endorsed by best selling author Martina Cole and features an exclusive interview with Martina. This month’s magazine cover is by Sarah Lucas.

Out at the end of the week, this month’s issue will see fabulous femme ex-offenders share their untold stories. These positive success stories from reformed offenders hope to inspire law-abiding people facing discrimination and inequality as a result of having a criminal record. This issue will also contain the latest opportunities for reformed offenders, including job vacancies, volunteer position, consultation opportunities, upcoming event and other information, advice and recent news that relates to reformed offenders.

The first ever ‘women’s only’ edition of the monthly magazine by UNLOCK, The National Association of Reformed Offenders, is so important as this issue will highlight the way systemic abuse and entrenched violence in our public institutions and our personal lives impacts against women. Documenting violence in all its forms: domestic abuse, financial exclusion, the media’s portrayal of female defendants, punitive sentencing, exclusion by enforced separation of the children of female offenders and their families by women being incarcerated hundreds of miles from their communities and roots. 

Containing first hand accounts of women prisoners’ stories, through their voice, art and case studies, this issue will examine what needs to change!

Celebrating the Success of Women

The Financial Mail Women’s Forum (FMWF) is hosting an event, in partnership with Lloyds Banking Group and Halifax, on the 27^th November. This evening will see the winners of the Fresh Start Awards announced, these awards are for women with great business ideas, who hope to become entrepreneurs when they leave prison.

Best selling author, Martina Cole, who was head of the judging panel will be handing out the awards. Fiona Cannon of Lloyds banking Group will also be attending, it was her vision that led to Lloyds sponsoring these awards and her support is vital for the Financial Freedom newsletter.

Lisa Buckingham, chair of the FMWF, editor of the Financial Mail on Sunday and editor of Financial Freedom, when describing the event said “I have been truly impressed by the quality of the entries, the clear desire of our contestants to give something back to society and the sheer bravery of the women who have had the courage to allow their business ideas to be judged.”

In other news, the deadline for the Breaking the Mould Awards is fast approaching – 15^th November. These awards, run in partnership with the 30% Club, celebrate the achievements of companies who are creating a platform for talented females who will become the women leaders of tomorrow.

This Christmas event, is a ‘Black handbags’ do, so bring along a black handbag to donate to Dress for Success, a charity that helps disadvantage women enter the workplace, and in return you will get a raffle ticket to the prize draw on the night.

For more information, visit: www.fmwf.com

London Councils to Send Homeless Families Out of the City

As rents in London continue to rise and the Housing Allowance has been capped at £400 a month councils are preparing to move families out of capital the Guardian reports. Families could be rehoused as far away as Berkshire and Sussex as the shortage of affordable housing in the capital worsens.

London councils are acquiring cheaper properties in areas outside of London as a response to predictions of increasing levels of homelessness ahead of Government cuts that come into force in April of next year. Whilst councils are reluctant to force London families to move away, they are finding it impossible to provide housing in the city. Moving families away from their home borough causes severe disruption impacting on the education of children their wellbeing.

By law local authorities have a duty to house families at risk of homelessness within the Borough the application is made ‘as far as is practicable.’ However, rising rents combined with government cuts make it impractical and, in places, impossible to provide suitable housing.

The government must tackle rising rents in the capital so that affordable housing is available to all. Moving families out of the city does not address the underlying problems of social injustice that lead to homelessness.

Keep Society's Most Vulnerable Out Of Cells

People with mental health problems are far too often subject to custody suites, they must be taken to an appropriate place of safety. "You should stop using police station cells as a place of safety for people with mental health problems" said Deborah Cole, Co-director of the charity Inquest – which provides advice to bereaved families and carries out policy work on contentious deaths.

Coles was addressing members of the House of Commons Affair Select Committee, she was speaking after being questioned by Conservative MP James Clapperson about practical steps that could be taken to mitigate the risks of deaths following police contact. She stated that police officers must stop using cells to detain society’s most vulnerable people.

The Inquest Co-director is also a member of an independent panel assisting the IPCC with the review into deaths in custody that started last month. On October 23 she appeared at the Palace of Westminster, alongside Marcia Rigg, whose brother Sean died following a police contact incident, to give evidence. Both she and Rigg were giving evidence as part of an inquiry MPs have been holding into the work of the police watchdog. Both witnesses said they were concerned about the large number of ex-police officers who now work for the IPCC and are responsible for conducting investigation.

While Coles said she understands the rationale behind employing ex-officers, there should have been a transfer to a more independent ethos in the eight years since watchdog was created, with the employment of more independent investigators. She also added that private security companies providing services to police forces should also be subject to IPCC scrutiny where necessary.

Marcia Rigg shares Cole’s belief and concerns, stating that people would have greater confidence in the IPCC if they employed less ex-police officers. She welcomes the implementation of the £4 million package to improve and enhance the CCTV in Metropolitan Police Vans but added that it is of the utmost importance that they keep up their commitment to transparency.

Misogyny Kills: RIP With the Angels Amanda

Canadian teenager, Amanda Todd, was found hanged, this tragic event occurred after she was the victim of an online bullying campaign. Just weeks before the teenager committed suicide, she made a heartbreaking video in which she held up cards to tell her story; one read “Everyday I think why am I still here.” This, no doubt, evoked harrowing feeling for those who knew Amanda and anyone who has ever been a victim of bulling.

What is most shocking about this extreme case is the level of sexism involved the abuse she receive; the twelve year old girl was persuaded by an older male online to reveal her breasts, he captured the image and proceeded to use it to torment Amanda, sending it to her friends and family. The man threatened to send the image to everyone she knew if she didn’t give him more, Amanda refused to send him more, and true to his word, he released the image to everyone at Christmas. Amanda’s ordeal was even more horrifying because instead of her friends rallying around her, they took it as an opportunity to ridicule her and torment her further.

Amanda, suffering from anxiety and depression, relocated in an attempt to rebuild her life. However, the man did not let alone and he started a Facebook group with the image as the profile picture. As word spread, Amanda lost all her friends; one of the cards in the video read “Nobody liked me.”

Relocating a second time, Amanda was in touch with a former male friend, who she thought genuinely liked her and she ended up having sex with him. The boy turned out to have a girlfriend, who cruelly, along with her friends took it upon themselves to tell Amanda that nobody liked or wanted her around, and in case she never got the message, they gave her a beating too. Amanda then attempted to commit suicide, instead of people realising this had gone to far and this poor girl was really suffering, she was met with comments on Facebook stating she should try again and not fail the next time. The police are currently tried to find the man who posted the images.

The tragedy runs deeper as during her whole order, Amanda was made to feel she brought the abuse on herself and in someway deserved it. With a celebrity culture that highlights the double standard applied to men and women, who was there to tell Amanda it was not her fault? For example, singer Chris Brown, who severely assaulted his then girlfriend, Rihanna, was quickly accepted back into the music industry; some of his fans even tweeted they would gladly take a beating if it meant they could be his girlfriend, as if Rihanna deserved what she got because she should have felt privileged to be in his presence. After this incident, questions were raised as Rihanna, sported a sexier look accompanied by some rude song lyrics.

Another example of these double standards applied to men and women is when Kirsten Stewart was rumoured to have had an affair with direct Rupert Sanders. Despite being married with children, Sanders received no attention, yet Stewart was subject to death threats from her alleged boyfriend Robert Pattison’s fans, who were outraged that she had the cheek to cheat on him.

Though Amanda Todd’s case is an extreme one, her struggle is an all too common occurrence. We are all equal and there is never a justification for bullying! Whether it be in home, school, or workplace it is not something anyone should have to deal with ever!

Have Your Say On Universal Credit

In 2013, Universal Credit will replace a number of existing benefits, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Child and Working Tax Credits and housing benefits; working-age people seeking work and those on a low wage will be entitled to it.

Rather than fortnightly payments, this benefit will be paid on a monthly basis. Ministers argue that will help claimants and their families become more independent as it will promote financial responsibility by encouraging people to manage their own funds. According to the DWP it will also reduce in-work poverty and cut back on error and fraud.

In exceptional circumstances direct payments can be made to some landlords.

Please complete the survey and let The Residential Landlords Association know what you think about the proposals for Universal Credit. The results of this survey will be used in their discussion with the government: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/universal_credit

Our Government must be held accountable: WRC speaking to UN CEDAW Committee about women’s rights in the UK

 

Our Government must be held accountable: WRC speaking to UN CEDAW Committee about women’s rights in the UK

Charlotte, Policy Officer for Women’s Resource Centre, will today join a small group of women from the UK in Geneva to address the United Nations (UN) Committee of the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). These women are addressing the problems impacted on women’s equality in the UK, detailed what our government must be held accountable for by the UN. Women from the UK will get the rare opportunity to share with the UN the key issues they face, drawing attention to the UK government and their progress on women’s rights.

On behalf of the CEDAW Working Group, Women’s Resource Centre (WRC) will deliver a presentation highlighting how women’s rights in the UK have come to a standstill and in some cases, positive policy changes are being reversed and women’s rights reduced.

The UK record on women’s rights will continue to be the focus internationally as the UK government must report to CEDAW on their progress since they were last examined by the UN Committee in 2008; this will take place in July 2013. How will the government explain the reversal of women’s right in the UK? These inequalities exist when the UK is suppose to set an example for other countries through their international work.

 “The Government must face up to their international obligations under CEDAW to protect and advance the rights of women in the UK. It is unacceptable for the UK to be reversing women’s rights and austerity cannot be an excuse - the legacy of these changes will be felt for generations so we must ensure that the UN holds them to account and they do not continue to roll back women’s rights in the UK,” says Vivienne Hayes, Chief Executive of the Women’s Resource Centre.

WRC will also be present at the UK Feminista lobby of Parliament on 24^th October.

The Party Conferences Deliver A Women's Verdict

The Spectator ‘nominate’ Jo Swinson (pictured above), minister for business and minister for equality, as the future leader of the Liberal Democrat party and the answer to its ’women’s problems’. Swinson took centre stage at the Liberal Democrat conference as she called for a “modern workplace revolution” to “unlock the potential of women across our economy, at all levels.”

MP for Cardiff Central, Jenny Willott, also addressed this topic; in an article for The Telegraph, she said the conference reminded her that Lib Dems need to work harder to improve our female representation. However, this appears easier said then done, as Willott stated the changes to the Equality Act, debated at the conference, will mean Lib Dems will now have to abandon their female quotas.

Also taking place was a fringe meeting on body image, which saw women outnumbered by men in the audience. Another event looked at the impact of austerity on women, where a disable female party member gave a speech, stating that the coalition cuts have left her living with just 50p a day.

The following week in Manchester, Ed Milliband, focused on his ’one nation’ vision at the Labour conference. However, Yvette Cooper to the women’s conference focused on how the cut have impacted on women. The party’s minister for equality said the ConDem government has “failed” women with cuts to child care, refuge closure and a rise in female unemployment. She claimed Labour would “improve women’s lives” with more flexible working hours, better child care and more support for those caring for elderly relatives.

Cooper also used the “f” word, she defined a Labour Party feminism as a party that is “welcoming and inclusive” and “listens to the varied voices and supports the different choices women make”. She continued her plight for women, when she spoke in her role as shadow home secretary, at the main party conference, demanding urgent action to tackle violence against women.

When shadow energy secretary, Caroline Flint, addressed the main conference, she called for “cleaner future” in an “energy revolution”, that would also see a “fairer…market” for tax payers.

In other news, Chancellor George Osborne called for further cuts, curbing employee rights, including a reduction in maternity leave, in exchange for company share, this prompted concern. Also Jeremy Hunt was in support of a reduction in the abortion time limit, lowering it 12 weeks.

Join UK Feminista and Lobby Parliament for Women's Rights: 24 October 2012

On the 24th October equal rights and campaign group UK Feminista will lead a mass lobby of parliament. Activists and organisations across the country will join them in the ‘fight’ for women’s rights and equality. You can join them too!

Government cuts are eroding women’s economic independence, inequalities, such as violence against women still exists, and reproductive rights are still under attack.

Lobby packs can be downloaded from UK Feminista’s website - or collected on the day - it contains the calls for action and all the facts and figures that you can use and give to your MP. From 11:00 - 13:00, there will be a rally and a training event at the Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BU. Talks, short films and a short training session will be given so you will know exactly how to lobby your MP.

Then from 14:00 - 16:00, lobby your MP for women’s rights at the Houses of Parliament; where constituents will, hopefully, be met by 100s of MPs, dish out the facts and state the action needed to tackle violence against women, access to justice and women’s representation in politics.

Theresa May’s Community Remedy – Victim's Choose Offender's Punishment

Home Secretary, Theresa May, told the Daily Mail that last year 272,000 cautions were handed out for anti-social behaviour and the victims of these crimes were left feeling powerless as they were excluded from the process and received no form of reparation.

She is opting to change the law to empower the victims by allowing them to get some form of reparation.  Victims of low-level crimes, such as criminal damage, would get to choose from a “menu” of punishment options that would include a form of restorative justice. This “community remedy” could see victims receiving reparation for the damages caused, for example, replacing a smashed window; if the victim does not want something directly related to them done, they could opt for the offender to do work in the community. If the offender does not accept the punishment, they would face court proceedings. The Home Secretary hopes this will boost the introduction of police and crime commissioners, when the first elections take place on November 15^th.

The Home Secretary will also announce her own review of the Human Rights Act, stating it can be replaced by a British bill of rights and responsibilities. However, this may clash with the government’s existing commission on a bill of rights that does not wish to replace the Human Rights Act.

May will also mention her intention to opt out of areas of EU police and justice co-operation, this move has been criticised by policy leaders and Liberal Democrats. She may opt out of the European arrest warrant, which is seen by police as one of the most successful instruments in European crime-fighting. Should the UK choose to opt out, they can always opt back in a later date.

Inmates Help Jay Steinfeld Become a Better CEO

When CEO and founder of Blinds.com, Jay Steinfeld, visited Cleveland Correctional Centre in Cleveland, Texas, he never thought for a second he would end up learning from the inmates. His visit to the prison was part of the Prison Entrepreneurship Programme (PEP), set up by former Wall Street investor, Catherine Rohr; the nation’s top executives, politicians and MBA students meet with inmates to teach them skills to enable them to change their future by reconciling their past. Steinfeld’s visit was to teach the inmates about leadership and personal development. He received a warm welcome from the inmates and was surprised to find they were all ‘business savvy’, knowing and understanding the importance of competition, management, risk and profitability, their only error being that their businesses were not legitimate, hence their incarceration. The visit was a success and Steinfeld left with some food for thought. Firstly, you can transform yourself regardless of your scenery – these men were changing their lives in a dangerous place and living proof that you can walk a dark path and come out the other side a better person. Most businesses go through hard patches and the CEO was inspired by the drive these men had to not let life defeat them and it would benefit business executives to have that same determined attitude. Secondly, they taught Steinfeld the value of a positive attitude – with a positive attitude inside the prison walls, simple behaviours such as curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, allows for the creation of passion, which is needed for a better future “on the outside”, we can all learn from our past. Lastly, no matter who you are, a support system is essential – personal development and success begins with a commitment to a community. PEP educates and mentors inmates to help them reintegrate into society upon their release. These men aspire to gain knowledge and are taking active steps to leave their past behind them and build themselves a better future.

Grayling, the 'tough justice secretary', 'spices up' Clarke's community punishment reforms

A key crime and courts bill stating proposals to reform community punishment by Ken Clarke, has been dismissed by justice secretary Chris Grayling. Grayling plans to ’spice up’ the bill, revealing his new approach on Tuesday, claiming he wants to be the ‘tough justice secretary’ by imposing more punitive community sentences. He believes “more competition, more outsourcing and more payment by results” is the way forward. Probation sources write that Gray has dismissed Clarke’s proposal for community sentences as he does not want them to be an alternative to custody. The 220,000 offenders, that receive community sentences every year, could be subject to 24-hours tagging, satellite tracking and the seizing and selling of their assets and property, some of which were under consideration already. He has also postponed the legislation that is essential in setting up the new national crime agency. This move comes about as NAPO, the probation union, fight to stop the privatization of the probation, stating this would result in poorer protection of the public due to staff cuts in training and fewer staff overall. A private company already handle the supervision of low and medium risk offenders. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said this move was to bring about innovation through competition, or is this just quality and effectiveness lost to ideology?

Art Helps Voices to be Heard

 Conversations - HM Prison Stafford, John Weightman MBE 

 Highly Commended Award for Watercolour

 (Source: The Koestler Trust website)

Art, regardless of our background and life experience allows us to access something deeper, as Thomas Merton once said “art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time”. The work of The Koestler Trust is an example of an organisation working with prisoners and detainees, enabling individuals to express themselves creatively.

A recent article by The Guardian details Sarah Lucas’s invitation by The Koestler Trust to curate an exhibition which attracted “between 4000-5000 entries” of prisoner’s art. The exhibition opened on 20^th September at London’s Royal Festival Hall. The  Trust states its aims to be the following:

• To help offenders, secure patients and detainees lead more positive lives by motivating them to participate and achieve in the arts.
• To increase public awareness and understanding of arts by offenders, secure patients & detainees.
• To be a dynamic, responsive organisation which achieves excellent quality and value for money.”

 (The Koestler Trust website,http://www.koestlertrust.org.uk, accessed 25^th Sept, 2012)

Let us examine the Trust’s first aim, encouraging participation in the arts, the Lucas curated exhibition is a high profile culmination of the achievements of creative expression of prisoner’s within the UK today. Koestler has been doing this for fifty years and Kazuri would like to take the opportunity to congratulate them on this achievement.

The trust’s second objective is perhaps the most important, raising awareness. By making itself accessible, to the potential service user and those outside the criminal justice system alike; stating its objectives clearly, so the value of the Trust and specifically art used as a tool within the context of prisoner rehabilitation, the value can be recognised by all.

Art accesses something in all of us, allowing us to understand and be understood. Arthur Koestler’s experiences as a prisoner in the Spanish Civil war motivated him to set up the trust in order to encourage prisoners to express themselves, learn new skills and channel energy that might be otherwise expended in other potentially damaging ways, for both the individual and also, society.

Thirdly, evidence to support the last objective of the Trust is crucial to ensure the longevity and the continuation of the function that the organisation performs.

High profile exhibitions like the Lucas curated event mentioned above keep the creative endeavours of participants in the public eye, raise money from sales of art, garner interest in the pieces exhibited and reciprocally, raise the profile of participants and instil a sense of self worth. 

Interest in participating in the Trust’s awards has risen dramatically since 2007, 4084 entries compared to 7674 in 2011. A full breakdown of the statistical data can be accessed here:

http://www.koestlertrust.org.uk/pdfs/entrants_graphs_2011.pdf

Finally, arts schemes, awards and exhibitions such as those run by The Koestler Trust help to reduce re-offending rates. A report commissioned by the Arts Alliance in 2011 states that “arts cut re-offending rates by up to 50%” (http://www.artlyst.com/articles/art-cuts-reoffending-rate-by-50-states-uk-report). 

In conclusion, the value of arts to the individual and to society can be expressed tangibly in these austere times from a monetary perspective. Re-offending costs society “£150,000 for each offender” (ibid link above). Organisations like Koestler and others represent a cost effective way of tackling root causes and engaging with disenfranchised, alienated people on an often long, lonely path. Lets support them, rather than cutting off arteries to funding.

Details of the exhibition can be found here:

http://www.koestlertrust.org.uk/

Additionally, the South Bank Centre is holding a special event on Sunday 21^st October to mark fifty years of the Trust’s work, details here:

http://ticketing.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/hayward-gallery-and-visual-arts/talks/tickets/the-koestler-trust-at-50-69704

Link to The Guardian’s article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2012/sep/18/sarah-lucas-unlocks-prisoners-art

The Walls Have Ears - HM Prison Wayland, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation Silver Award for Mixed Media.

Contributors Wanted

Farah Damji, a director of Kazuri Properties CiC, which specialises in providing sustainable homes  and wraparound support to women leaving prison, on license in the community, exiting gang violence, domestic violence shelters or  supported housing and also women who head homeless families on the housing register, is guest editing November's issue of The Record. The publication is a popular free magazine produced by UNLOCK (The National Association of Ex Offenders), now under dynamic new leadership of Chris Bath and Chris Stacey. 

November's "women only edition" will feature contributions from women ex-offenders and those at risk of offending behaviour. We ask services that work with vulnerable women and those who have had some experience of the criminal justice system, not necessarily prison sentences, but DTTOs, Community Orders, probation or other forms of supervision, to cascade this information to their service users to gather contributions. Farah hopes by presenting the issues faced by women attempting to resettle into law abiding lives more can be done to develop a gender specific framework around women's services.

Martina Cole, crime fiction author is interviewed exclusively for Unlock, Women and Violence and lends her support. She states "I've always been very vocal about the treatment of women in prison and am happy to support anything that helps ease their plight - I believe that the majority of women who are in prison shouldn't be there anyway."

The issue hopes to bring to broader attention the way systemic abuse and entrenched violence in our public institutions and our personal lives impacts against women. We’re talking about violence in all its forms. Domestic abuse, financial exclusion, the media’s portrayal of female defendants, punitive sentencing, exclusion by enforced separation of the children of female offenders and their families by women being incarcerated hundreds of miles from their communities and roots.

If you would like to contribute or require further information, please contact farah@kazuri.org.uk  or Erica Crompton newsletter@unlock.org.uk