Volunteers trained to
help debtors Continued from page one
greater than ever.” Guidance tutor Maurice Burlem said: “The growing numbers of clients with increasingly complex problems and issues makes it more essential than ever that our volunteers re- ceive the best training to en- able them to continue to provide a first class service to our clients.” In addition to debt prob-
lems, in 2011/12 the bureau’s housing advice team saw 318 clients, of whom 142 were homeless or facing homeless- ness; The employment adviser
dealt with 108 clients, 27 of whom received out of court financial settlements and six more a financial award through the courts; and two were reinstated in their jobs. The welfare benefits ad-
viser helped 292 clients, of whom 43 received new or in- creased benefits and 72 re- ceived a lump sum and continued periodical pay- ments. More than £573,800 in benefits was obtained on behalf of clients.
Popular councillor’s civic farewell
COUNCILLORS from both Maidstone and Kent lined the funeral route as they said good- bye to former Mayor of Maid- stone Cllr Malcolm Robertson. All Saints’ Church, in Mill Street,was packed for a thanks- giving service for the leading LibDem councillor, who died suddenly, aged 67, at his home on August 10. Representatives from dozens
of town organisations attended the service, alongwith business leaders and members of the po- lice force. Cllr Robertson, whose wife
Continued from page one organisations, some of which could be used to assist inter- ested groups in preparing their bids. The council has also been
asked to allocate £40,000 over the next three years to support the procurement process, legal and IT services. Transfers of services could mean transfers of staff – or redundancies, accord- ing to the officers’ report. The council has a number of
‘get out’ clauses if expressions of interest do not meet certain criteria; otherwise, they will be obliged to activate a procure- ment exercise, open to the chal- lenging body as well as a wide
Cynthia is also a borough coun- cillor, represented Allington. Born and bred in the town, he at- tended Shep- way Boys’ School and Oakwood Park techni- cal college before joining the BBC as an engineer. He worked
for TVS in Maidstone
range of public and private bod- ies, who do not need to have local connections. Expressions of interest could
come from a voluntary or com- munity group, a charitable body, a parish council or two or more employees of the local au- thority. There is no requirement that a ‘relevant body’ has local connections so, for example, a national charity may make an expression of interest in provid- ing a particular local service even though it has no presence in the area. It is up to the local authority
to consider whether acceptance of the expression of interest would promote or improve the
before retiring 10 years ago, to devote his time to politics. Tributes were paid to
the long-serving coun- cillor by members of his family and his col- leagues. His technical back- ground helped him get to grips with the finer points of complex polit- ical agendas, while he had a love for the arts – but an even greater love for Maidstone, accord- ing to his brother Gra- hame.
Groups invited to bid for borough services
social, economic or environ- mental well-being of the area. Procurement exercises carried
out under the Right to Chal- lenge will have to comply with Maidstone Council’s contract procedure rules and Mr Tibbit warns: “It is likely that some of the eligible bodies will be un- able to comply with or score highly in the usual criteria of fi- nancial standing, track record, health and safety, environmen- tal performance, equality poli- cies etc.”
Devolution of services to com- munities is a major element of the development of sustainable communities, being encouraged by the Government.
CHECK US OUT THIS NOVEMBER AT ONEOF OUR... OPENEVENTS
THURSDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2012 6.00PM - 8.30PM MEDWAY CAMPUS
MEDWAY ROAD, GILLINGHAM
TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2012 5.30PM - 8.00PM
MAIDSTONE CAMPUS TONBRIDGE ROAD, MAIDSTONE
01634 402020
www.midkent.ac.uk
Agreat alternative to school sixth forms 6 South Visit Downs Mail’s website —
downsmail.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56