News in brief 4 Maidstone Borough Council


Switch-on Make a date – Maidstone’s Christmas lights will be switched on, on Thursday 21 November.


Fungi foray Search for wild fungi, find out their names and if they are edible. Free event at Cobtree Manor Park, 10-11am, Sunday 27 October. Book on 01622 683695.


SNAP discos The next SNAP discos for 11-17 year olds will be held at Maidstone Leisure Centre on Friday 15 November and Friday 13 December, both from 7-11pm. SNAP discos feature live music and a DJ. Tickets are £5 each and can be bought at the Leisure Centre or on the door. The event is run in collaboration with Kent Police and Crimestoppers as part of a say no to drugs campaign.


Bushcraft workshop Find out about bushcraft and what makes Mote Park special. Subject to weather conditions activities will include tree ID, wildlife tracking, mallet making, foraging and cooking over an open fire. Children must be accompanied by an adult. £35, 9.30am -3.30pm, Monday 28 October. Book via the Hazlitt Theatre - 01622 758611.


Quit to be fit Sign up to quit with the NHS Stop Smoking Service, and when you go smokefree you will receive a voucher up to the value of £40 to use at Maidstone Leisure Centre!


Call 0800 849 4444 or text ‘Quit’ to 87023 to find out more, or go online at www.smokefreekent.co.uk.


Small mammal survey The Kent mammal group is running a course at Mote Park teaching how to survey our smallest


mammals using live traps. It includes handling and identification. £30, adults only, 9.30am – 4pm, Saturday 2 November. Book via the Hazlitt Theatre - 01622 758611.


Get ready for universal credit


Universal credit is the new benefit system replacing benefits such as housing benefit and income support and job seeker’s allowance.


Here’s what you need to know: z It doesn’t affect pensioners.


z It is being introduced gradually across the country and will be used everywhere by December 2017.


z It will be a single monthly payment - paid into a bank account.


z Most people will make and manage their claim online.


z There will be a live link to tax office data so it will be updated automatically as people’s pay changes.


z New claimants have to commit to finding work. Their job is finding a job.


If you claim benefits, you might need to:


For free, independent money advice visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk 1. Get a bank account


2. Start planning your spending monthly


3. Get advice about paying outstanding bills or debts


4. Get an email address Why change the


system? Universal Credit aims to ensure claimants will be better off in work and makes it easier for them to start a new job or work more hours. As their take home pay increases, Universal Credit will reduce gradually so they usually won’t lose all their benefits at once. There are no fixed hours thresholds, such as the 16 hours a week rule. Even working just a few hours a week will make a difference, as they move towards financial independence.


Affordable lending,


safe saving The Kent Savers credit union has an ethical approach to saving and borrowing money - member-owned and member- controlled. Financial services to its members include affordable loans, ethical savings and services for those who might have difficulty accessing normal financial services. For more information, call 0333 321 9050 or visit www.kentsavers.co.uk


Benefits The following benefits will stop.


z Income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance


z Income Support z Child Tax Credits z Working Tax Credits z Housing Benefit


These benefits will continue:


z Disability Living Allowance (will be replaced by Personal Independence Payment in 2013)


z Contributory Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance


z Child Benefit z Pension Credit z Carers’ Allowance


z Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit


z Council Tax Benefit (will be replaced by a system of localised support)


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