BEAT THE RECESSION

Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow supports housing aid

Finding Shelter

WIN!

Are your debts out of control?

The Citizens Advice Bureau can help

Improve your skills

Adult education on offer across the city

Fighting the recession How the council plans to help you

How we can save you money 10 cost-cutting tips

Are you looking for a new job?Employment and learning opportunities in Westminster

reporterT H E W E S T M I N S T E R

ISSuE 92JANuARY 2009 Westminster City Council magazine

10 theatre club memberships for 1p PLUS free West End

show tickets See page 21

� The Westminster Reporter

Community Reassurance contents

The Westminster Reporter �

The Westminster Reporter is produced as part of Westminster City Council’s customer service programme.

Cabinet Member for Communications: Councillor Colin Barrow, Leader of Westminster City Council.

The Westminster Reporter is delivered to homes and businesses throughout Westminster.

If you encounter delivery problems, please call the communications team on 020 7641 2412.

Also available from One Stop Services, libraries and leisure centres.

For general enquiries, call the council switchboard on 020 7641 6000.

To discuss editorial matters, please contact:

The Editor, The Westminster Reporter, 17th Floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria St, London SW1E 6QP.

Telephone: 020 7641 2412 Fax: 020 7641 2958 Email: reporter@westminster.gov.uk Minicom: 020 7641 2948

The editorial team: Stephanie Prause, Neil Wholey and Clym Sutcliffe.

Reference copies of The Westminster Reporter are available in large print and audiotape format. To have a free copy sent to your home call 020 7641 2412.

Published by Westminster City Council, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP

Printed by Quadracolor Ltd, unit 3, Kangley Bridge Road, Lower Sydenham, London SE26 5AR

Printed on FSC/PEFC certified recycled material using vegetable based inks.

Please recycle The Westminster Reporter.

For more information on recycling call the Environment Action Line on 020 7641 2000.

4 How the council can help you beat the recession

6 using council services can save you a lot of money

8 Jon Snow backs Shelter’s work

8 Find out which benefits you are entitled to

10 Training and employment in Westminster’s construction industry

11 We help you find employment

12 Help with debts from the Citizens Advice Bureau

14 Adult education classes

15 Fancy a career change? Become a teacher

19 Investment health check

20 Creating a safe, clean and fun West End

23 Love your market

Westminster City Council magazine

Cha

nnel

4 N

ews

Pres

ente

r Jo

n Sn

ow

ISSuE 92 JANuARY 2009

BEAT THE RECESSION

Community Reassurance

Community Reassurance

The actions of the City Recovery Programme include investing more than £1 million to help almost 3,000

people find jobs through apprenticeships and job creation initiatives, offering an extra car-free day for the West End to boost income for the capital’s premier shopping streets, loans for those struggling with mortgages and a recommended freeze on council tax for 2009-10.

Councillor Colin Barrow, Leader of the Council, said: “The months ahead will be tough for many people in the heart of London, but we are committed to doing all we can to help thousands of residents access training and find employment. Westminster is predicted to be harder hit in terms of unemployment than elsewhere in the capital, but these schemes will make a real difference in helping people find work.

“Doing nothing is not an option. We recognise we have to be proactive in our attempts to protect residents, small businesses, voluntary organisations and the wider economy from the potentially devastating impact of recession.” by Oliver Finegold

How we’re helping you beat the recession

We’ve heard a lot recently about the recession – confusing terms like credit crunch, collateralised debt obligation, interbank lending rates and so on. It can all seem very complex at times. But it’s really very simple: it’s about the money in your pocket, providing for your family, paying the mortgage or rent.

Westminster City Council has drawn up a 17-point action plan to help residents and local businesses fight the economic downturn.

City Recovery

� The Westminster Reporter

The Westminster Reporter asked for their views on the City Recovery

Programme and how the council can best help businesses and residents through these tough times.

Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive, London Chamber of Commerce, said: “Paying invoices quickly is music to the ears of small

businesses. The council’s willingness to do this is much appreciated.”

Chris Peacock, Social Enterprise Development Worker, A Movable Feast Healthy Living Centre, said: “We need to work together to equip the long term unemployed with financial advice through subsidised chartered accountants who could be based at Jobcentre Plus shops.”

Barry Tucker, Chairman, Westminster Small and Minority Business Council, said: “Small businesses in Westminster need to be

looked after. If they are looked after there will be economic growth in the city.”

David Curtis, Director of Recruitment, Women Like us, said: “We’re impressed by the speed of the council’s response to tackle the recession. The proof is in the pudding but let’s hope together we can ride this recession out as quickly as possible.”

Around 100 business and community leaders recently met at Westminster City Hall to discuss the City Recovery Programme.

The expert’s view

• Creating the UK’s first council-run group apprenticeship scheme to employ, train and hire out apprentices to potential employers.

• Supporting local shops by revamping district shopping centres in Westminster with a renewed focus on the city’s more deprived areas in the north of the borough.

• Paying invoices from smaller businesses within seven to ten days, as opposed to the usual 30 day target.

• Establishing a pool of rental properties in the private sector priced at cheaper housing benefit levels for those who are homeless in Westminster.

Key measures include:

Leader’s Column

For more information on the council’s City Recovery Programme visit www.westminster.gov.uk/onecity/cityrecovery.cfm

As a council, we’re determined not to forget this. We’re here

to support you through good times and bad.

We’re tackling the big things: supporting our West End businesses, gearing up our Adult Education Service to provide training, and establishing a group apprenticeship scheme. But we know that the little things are also important: keeping fit, going swimming with the family, keeping up a hobby or two. That’s why we’re keeping charges for leisure centres and cultural activities as low as possible and making our older people’s tea dance, which attracts 1,000 senior citizens, an annual event.

And the council will also do its bit. We intend to freeze council tax for 2009-10 to allow you to keep more of the money you earn and deliver additional efficiency savings to allow us to put more into priority services, such as caring for vulnerable children.

In this special edition of the Reporter, you’ll find information about the services we’re providing to help you through the economic downturn, including training courses, housing initiatives, business and benefit advice. You’ll also find tips on how to save money and contact details where you can find more information about

financial advice and other helpful services.

We hope these measures will help make ends meet. If you have questions or need advice, please contact us at onecity@westminster.gov.uk

Cllr Colin Barrow, Leader of Westminster City Council.

The Westminster Reporter �

BEAT THE RECESSION BEAT THE

RECESSION

Save money at home by insulating your hot water tank and pipes,

draught proofing, using Energy Saving Recommended appliances, getting a condensing boiler, and turning appliances off standby. Altogether this could save you nearly £350 per year*.

* Correct at time of printing. Please refer to www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/london for the most recent measure costs and savings.

3

Here are our 10 top tips for saving money:

Value For Money

Use your council services and save a lot of moneyAs recession bites, reduce your costs by getting the most out of your libraries, leisure centres and other services.

The Westminster Reporter �� The Westminster Reporter

“It’s really important to look after yourself and I didn’t know what to do when I came to London.

Paying as I use the gym works for me – I don’t need

a year’s membership.” Sophie, 20, a student from Austria

“I still buy some books, but coming here means I can read more without spending too much!”

Ranu, works near Victoria Station

Martin Lewis, the creator of moneysavingexpert.com and a regular financial advisor on GMTV, recommends the following:

1. Start by working out whether you spend more than you earn. This will mean doing a detailed budget – across a year not a month, which will take a couple of hours. There’s a free budget planner on www.moneysavingexpert.com/budgeting

2. Pain free savings: first, examine everything you spend money on and ask yourself if you can do it cheaper. Train tickets, digital TV, contact lenses, credit cards, your mortgage – you’ll be surprised how often the answer is yes. Top tips are at www.moneysavingexpert.co.uk/moneymakeover

3. Now, do you spend more than you earn? Rework your budget based on the savings you’ve made. If you now earn more than you spend, you can consider paying off debts more quickly or if you don’t have any, start saving or overpaying your mortgage.

4. Painful savings: If you still pay more than you earn, go through your budget again, work out what you’re prepared to sacrifice and don’t stop until you earn more than you spend. It may seem as though life is worse when you make these sacrifices, but it’s not as bad as over-spending in a recession.

We’re a family with three children, and we’re down to one income. How can we cut our expenses?

Staying in is the new going out, so get DVDs from the library from as little as

80p per week, or check out ‘3 for 2 Friday’ at selected libraries for the best deals on new releases.

2Why not join one of Westminster’s five leisure centres from £27

per month or pay as you go? Sophie, 20, a student from Austria said: “It’s really important to look after yourself and I didn’t know what to do when I came to London. Paying as I use the gym works for me – I don’t need a year’s membership.”

1

Broadband internet costs from £10 per month. Save £120 a year by using the

internet at your library instead. Members can get up to an hour per day online absolutely free.

8

Central London is packed with free things for young people to do.

Check out Westminster’s Culture Shox programme of free arts and culture activities for 13– 19 year-olds at www.cultureshox.org.uk

9

by Nicky Gibbs

Martin Lewis

Text LIBRARY to 80097 to find your nearest library and contact details. Or visit www.westminster.gov.uk/libraries

Text LEISuRE to 80097 to find your nearest leisure centre and contact details. Or visit www.westminster.gov.uk/leisureandculture

If you can’t afford all the books you want, use your local library. Paperbacks

cost £7.99, but library members can borrow up to 20 at once – free. Ranu works in Victoria and visits St James’s Library during her lunch hour: “I still buy some books, but coming here means I can read more without spending too much!”

4

To find out more visit www.westminster.gov.uk/libraries

Don’t pay to get your unwanted old furniture taken away. You can

get three bulky waste collections from the council free – saving you up to £50 every time.

5

To find out more visit www.westminster.gov.uk/recycling

Magazine subscriptions for a year start at around £40 – cancel them and read the

latest magazines and newspapers free at the library instead.

6

To find out more visit www.westminster.gov.uk/libraries

Finally, apply for a My Westminster ResCard and save money on museums,

galleries, music, opera, ballet and dance venues, restaurants, sport and leisure facilities, theatres, cinemas, festivals, special interest organisations, clubs, libraries and more.

10

To find out more visit www.westminster.gov.uk/rescard or call 020 8752 8192.

Bag a bargain and support your neighbourhood’s

economy by shopping locally and supporting Westminster’s markets.

7

To find out more visit www.westminster.gov.uk/loveyourmarket

Sophie

BEAT THE RECESSION BEAT THE

RECESSION

stress by making the process as friendly and as easy as possible.”

June Orosei, a colleague, added: “My role is to provide people with basic information, to empathise and offer support and encouragement where necessary.”

There has recently been a considerable increase in the number of claimants of housing and council tax benefits. Andrew Carter, from Vauxhall Bridge Road, said: “We are seeing at least an additional ten people a day coming in, compared to last summer.” June continued: “We have seen a lot of new claimants, especially those who have recently been made redundant. It is a difficult

period for everyone but my advice to people is that there is a solution, don’t give up.”

If you think you may be entitled to one of the above benefits, contact us now.

by Clare Hepner

Benefits

• Looking after older people – during 2008-09, Adult Services supported 4,245 people at home with care managed services, 2,148 residents in housing with care services and 788 in residential placements

• Taking care of children – at any one time, Westminster looks after approximately 1,800 children in need including around 100 children on the Child Protection Register

• Local libraries – there are 12 libraries across Westminster with some of the longest opening hours in London plus a home library service and extensive online provision

• Leisure centres – there are five indoor and two outdoor leisure centres used by approximately three million people every year

• Westminster’s busy streets –

• we make 3.8 million residential waste collections per month

• we sweep about 170,000 km of footway per year and maintain 289 km of roads, 7,600 traffic signs, 12,000 street nameplates and 770 km of road markings in Westminster.

Your money is spent on a wide variety of vital services, here are just some of them.

Money is tight at the moment. Where does my council tax go?

The Westminster Reporter �

Benefits

� The Westminster Reporter

Which benefits are you entitled to?If you have recently lost your job or your income has gone down, we may be able to help…

Housing and council tax benefits are available to help people on

low income, or other state benefits, to cover the cost of their rent and council tax.

Westminster City Council runs two housing and council tax reception sites: one in the south at Vauxhall Bridge Road (SW1) and one in the north of the borough at Orchardson Street (NW8). Benefits staff are well trained and always available to assist residents with questions, application forms or just to give them some words of advice.

Arezki Merouane, Advisor at Vauxhall Bridge Road, who has worked for the council for over two years, said: “We want to try to avoid

“We want to try to avoid stress by making the process as friendly and as easy as possible.” Arezki Merouane,

Advisor at Vauxhall Bridge Road

“We are seeing at least an additional ten people a day coming in compared to last summer.” Andrew Carter,

Advisor at Vauxhall Bridge Road

“�It�is�a�difficult�period for everyone but my advice to people is that there is a solution, don’t give up.” June Oresi, Advisor at Vauxhall Bridge Road

Southern Office 180 Vauxhall Bridge Road London SW1 1ER Monday to Friday 8.30am-6pm

Northern Office 101 Orchardson Street London NW8 8EA Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm

There are two offices you can visit:

To find out if you qualify for housing and / or council tax benefits,call 0800 072 0042 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm), drop in to a Housing and Council Tax Benefit Office and speak to a member of staff, or use our benefits calculator www3.westminster.gov.uk/benefits/

If you would like information about any other benefits, please call the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 882 200 or visit their website www.dwp.gov.uk

• Westminster City Council set the second lowest council tax in England for the last two years.

• Westminster City Council’s Leader, Councillor Colin Barrow, recently announced a recommendation to freeze council tax for 2009-10: “This is tangible evidence of our commitment to deliver more for less, and our dedication to helping those we serve.”

Did you know?

“It’s important to know your options, especially in these tough

financial times. You should act early on, and if you fear you might lose your income, get some advice – it’s free,” Jon Snow said.

Each year, Shelter helps more than 170,000 people in housing need, through its Housing Aid Centres and practical projects, through the free housing advice helpline, and via the

internet and email.Shelter Chief Executive

Adam Sampson said: “Whether you are homeless, facing eviction or repossession, or living in housing that’s run-down, overcrowded or dangerous, we can tell you your rights,

explain your options, and help you find and keep a decent, permanent home.”

Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow is a long time supporter of Shelter and the housing aid it provides.

Finding Shelter

Meet the team: (left to right) Andrew Carter, June Oresi, Arezki Merouane and Jessica Taylor

You can contact Shelter for free housing advice at www.shelter.org.uk or on 0808 800 4444.

Adam Sampson

Jon Snow

BEAT THE RECESSION BEAT THE

RECESSION

Apprenticeship Scheme Job Opportunities

10 The Westminster Reporter The Westminster Reporter 11

Where can I go to search for a job? There are many ways to look for work: • visit your local job centre to speak to an advisor or use the touchscreen Jobpoints in each office • search for jobs online at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk • call Jobcentre to find out which jobs are available on 0845 6060 234 • register with recruitment agencies who can search for jobs on your behalf • read the job section in your local paper • search for positions on various job websites.

Can I get help writing my CV, filling in an application form and preparing for an interview? A Jobcentre Plus advisor can advise you on all aspects of applying for a job and tips for getting through an interview.

I am interested in an apprenticeship, how can I get further information? Your Jobcentre Plus advisor can advise you on apprenticeship schemes offered in Westminster.

Where can I go in Westminster for training? Whether you want to study to be an electrician or fashion designer, contact the following for information on courses: • Westminster Adult Education Service 020 7297 7297 or www.waes.ac.uk • City of Westminster College 020 7723 8826 or www.cwc.ac.uk • Westminster Kingsway Colleges 0870 060 9800 or www.westking.ac.uk

We are building for a better futureTen young residents have been given the chance to work in the construction industry as part of the Highways Trainee Scheme. It is a partnership between Westminster City Council, Balfour Beatty, FM Conways and the charity Vital Regeneration. On offer is on-the-job training and employment for three years with some of the UK’s biggest construction companies.

“I have been working as a labourer since I was 19. unfortunately the

nature of the job means I was in and out of work a lot.

“I had been unemployed for two

months when I went to the Queen’s Park Job Shop drop-in at the Beethoven Centre and met Daniel from Vital Regeneration.

“Daniel invited me to the Highways Scheme launch. I was then contacted and told that Balfour Beatty and Conways were really interested and wanted me to come for an interview.

“Vital Regeneration made sure I was ready for the interview; we were told we had to be confident and show that we really wanted the job.

“I was interviewed by three people which was pretty nerve-racking. Luckily I was put out of my misery the next day when Daniel called to say I had been accepted. It made me feel

good that out of all those who had applied, I was one of the final 10.

“I start work on-site at the beginning of January and will be paid £6.50 an hour which will increase over the three years. The first year will give me a chance to try out the different areas involved in the highways industry like road inspections and designing signage. At the end, I get to decide where I would like to be based. I already know I am going to choose working on the roads because that’s all I want to do.

Daniel Williams, Learning and Employment Advisor for the charity, said: “The aim of the scheme is to increase employment opportunities for local people. Originally the companies involved had agreed to recruit six young people but were so impressed with the level of interest and enthusiasm from the candidates, they increased the amount to ten.”

by Yvonne Kumi

For further information on employment and training opportunities offered by Vital Regeneration, visit www.vitalregeneration.org/apprenticeships

For information, advice or guidance on finding work or training schemes, contact Paddington First on 020 7087 8080 or SW1st on 020 7087 8088.

“I wanted a job in the property industry and so applied for jobs

with loads of estate agencies. unfortunately because of the credit crunch there was nothing available. I tried the job centre and was told about Paddington First so I gave them a call.

“They invited me to come in for an appointment. They asked me questions about what I had been doing to find work and what kind of jobs interested me.

“I went to Paddington First twice a week to see my advisor. I wanted to get back into work so my advisor helped me to find work in administration.

“I used resources available in the office

to help with my job search. My advisor helped me to write my CV and cover letters. The support helped me to feel more prepared and professional.

“I would recommend anyone to try Paddington First as they were so helpful and understanding”.

Case studyJacinta Baptist, 19, lives in Westbourne Green. She had been looking for work for two months after leaving college.

“ The support helped me to feel more prepared and professional.” Jacinta Baptist, Westbourne Green

Where to get help to find a new job

Case studyMatthew O’Mahoney, 22, lives in Maida Vale and has always wanted to work in construction. This is his story.

Getting our residents back into workThere are two recruitment agencies in Westminster working hard to find employment and learning opportunities for residents.

Paddington First and its sister organisation SW1st are recruitment

centres supported by Westminster City Council. They work with employers such as Marks & Spencer, St Mary’s Hospital and the Hilton hotels.

Sibert Barbour, Operations Manager

for both agencies, is very proud of the work he and his team do every day with the residents of Westminster:

“Our aim is to not only provide our residents with access to jobs and training, but to find these opportunities where they live.”

BEAT THE RECESSION BEAT THE

RECESSION

1� The Westminster Reporter

“Having a credit card changes the way you shop,” Poppy

said. “You buy nice food and things you can’t afford. You think it’s only £20 here and £20 there but it soon mounts up.”

Prioritising her credit card payments meant that Poppy fell behind on electricity, water and television bills. When her Dad passed away, she stopped paying everything except the funeral bill.

Poppy tried to keep in contact with the bank

but said: “They didn’t take me seriously or let me know

all the options that were available to me.”

When the court summons started

arriving, Poppy took action and

went to Westminster CAB where she met Debt Casework Supervisor, Samantha Joseph. She said: “The

most important thing Samantha did was to reassure me. I was so worried but she got on the case immediately. I left with a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.”

Samantha helped Poppy draw up a budget sheet and contacted the debtors on her behalf. She arranged a grant to cover the cost of the funeral bills and agreed a payment plan with the bank and utility providers.

Poppy said: “The next step would have been a visit by the bailiffs, but thanks to Samantha it didn’t get that far. I tell everyone to go to the CAB, they are wonderful.

“What annoys me is that I didn’t even get a nice holiday out of it, just thousands of pounds spent in the supermarket!”

by Claire Appleby

Samantha Joseph, Debt Casework Supervisor at Westminster CAB,

says: “Every year, we see a huge increase in the number of people seeking our help after Christmas.

“The temptation to splurge often leads to essential costs like rent and council tax being skipped, which can result in a financial hangover in the New Year.”

She advises:• Don’t ignore the problem. The longer you leave it the worse it will get. • Don’t borrow more to pay off debts. In our experience, this often makes the problem more difficult to deal with. • Always pay essential expenditure like rent, council tax, and utility bills first even if this means not paying your credit cards and loans while you sort things out.• Get help as soon as possible – Westminster CAB can help you to deal with your debts. Call 0870 126 4040.

Help!My debts are getting worse.What can I do?

Citizens Advice Bureau

Westminster Reporter 1�

Citizens Advice Bureau

With her debts spiralling out of control, Poppy turned to the Citizens Advice Bureau

For free advice call 0870 126 4040 (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm) or visit www.adviceguide.org.ukYou can also drop-in: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Paddington) and Mondays and Thursdays (Pimlico) from 10am to 1pm Tuesday (Pimlico) and Thursdays (Paddington) from 4.30pm to 6.30pm

Get the right adviceWestminster’s Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) offers free, impartial and confidential advice to residents and employees in Westminster. Last year, staff helped resolve over 25,000 problems.

Benefits and consumer contracts are the core issues that people

seek advice about, although recently there has been a major increase in the number of calls about money problems.

Chief Executive, Shirley Springer,

advises residents with money problems to get in touch as soon as possible: “People are welcome to come to us for guidance at any stage, although usually the sooner the CAB is involved, the easier it should be for us to help resolve problems.”

Westminster resident Poppy Morgan, 25, is a single mum with a six-year old son. She found herself in debt after taking

out a credit card three years ago.

“ Having a credit card changes the way you shop... You think it’s only £20 here and £20 there but it soon mounts up.” Poppy Morgan

Poppy Morgan

BEAT THE RECESSION BEAT THE

RECESSION

At 30, Nina Hollington gave up her secure job to pursue a

lifelong dream career in photography. Nina said: “WAES offered a

reasonable price for my accredited BTEC course, and it had a brilliant, flexible approach. Of all the providers, only Westminster encouraged an interview to discuss which course was right

for me.”

“The programme was tailored to the needs of the group, which was great. Other courses just give handouts, but we used the latest equipment, such as new medium format digital cameras,” she explained.

Now a photographer’s assistant, Nina undertakes paid freelance work.

One of her photos was a BBC picture of the week and used by Time Out magazine.

“That was a real boost,” she said. “It came from homework where we had to lose our fear to get close to our subject. It’s a

photo of the tango and I ended up lying on the floor

to take it. I wouldn’t have dared this before.

“Adult education definitely changed my life.”

Barbara Holm, Head of WAES, said: “We make sure our courses reflect real demand. For instance, we’ve increased training for careers in professional childcare, as this is a huge

employment growth area.”by Melanie Huntley

Lifelong Learning

1� The Westminster Reporter

Parking

Westminster Reporter 1�

Nina Hollington, former photography student, said: “The credit crunch is

considered a negative but it could also be a chance to reinvent yourself. You can apply for financial support, especially if you’re unemployed.”

Is now the right time to enter adult education?

Nina said: “If you have time to watch TV or go for a drink, you

can make time to attend a flexible course that has day, evening or weekend options. For a short course you can even take some time off from your existing job.”

How can I fit adult education into my busy life?

It’s never too late to change your careerOne of the largest adult education providers in the country, Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) offers a range of courses across 80 sites in the city. Last year, it helped over 8,000 students learn a new skill.

WAES Award Winner’s ceremony, May 2008

To find a course near you, visit www.waes.ac.uk or call 020 7297 7297.

‘Becoming a teacher is the best thing I’ve ever done in life’ Do you know of a road that could

have more parking bays? Or do you know of a street that should have a taxi rank? Tell us where.

You can nominate any street, even if it has a single or double yellow line.

The council might be able to make more resident bays, paid parking bays or taxi stands available.

“We are always looking for safe additional parking facilities and our residents and local businesses are best placed to point out potential locations,” Cllr Danny Chalkley, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said. “Our officers will follow your ideas up and look to implement them during 2009.”

Finding more parking spaces in Westminster

Are you having to reassess your career in these tough economic times? If so, why not become a teacher?

Ben Keeling, 29, changed career five years ago after training as a

graphic designer. He is now a lead teacher of years 5 and 6 at Millbank Primary School in Pimlico.

Ben said: “After working as a graphic designer for a few years I decided to go travelling, it was during this period that I began to reassess my career. I found design to be quite isolating and was drawn to teaching. The positive relationship I shared with my young nephew also had an influence.

“The course was quite tough but I really enjoyed the practical placement. Since then, I’ve never looked back. My career is challenging and constantly evolves. I would recommend it to anyone serious about the profession. The children are fantastic to work with!”

For further information, contact lcrichton@westminster.gov.uk

Here is what you need to succeed as a teacher...

GCSE grade C or above in English, mathematics and science for

primary or equivalent teachers. A degree to Bachelor standard, or equivalent.

Candidates with overseas qualifications equivalence will need to be verified. Go to www.naric.org.uk for information.

All applicants must follow a course of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) – for

those with a degree this can be completed in one year and, in some cases, whilst working in a school.

For information go to the Training and Development Agency (TDA) website: www.tda.gov.uk/recruit/becomingateacher/waysintoteaching/yourroute.aspx

by Lindsay Coulson

“ We are always looking for safe additional parking facilities... our residents and local businesses are best placed to point out potential locations.” Cllr Danny Chalkley, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport

If you know locations for additional parking spaces or taxi stands, please email onecity@westminster.gov.uk or write to Helen underwood, 10th Floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP.

Apology: In the December edition of The Westminster Reporter, issue 91, Swati Sha’s job title was incorrectly cited as ‘SO trainer at St John’s Wood Library’. Her correct title is ‘SO trainer from Open Age’. We apologise for this error.

BEAT THE RECESSION BEAT THE

RECESSION

Nina Hollingworth

“Before I applied for an energy grant, the house was so draughty and I worried about my health,” said

Eva Houghton. “Since secondary glazing was fitted in, not only is the house warmer, I also expect my bills to go down.”

Mrs Houghton, from Bayswater, is one of many people in Westminster, who have benefited from Westminster’s Energy Grant Scheme.

Home owners and private tenants on low income or those receiving means tested benefits may be eligible for help to install or improve their existing central heating system.

“The service I have received from the council has been superb and the secondary glazing is already making a real difference,” Mrs Houghton added.

Grants are now also available through the Warmth and Comfort Scheme for loft and cavity wall insulation, draught proofing or to install a new boiler, which would help applicants use their current heating systems more efficiently and reduce their bills.

Cllr Philippa Roe, Westminster City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We are

committed to helping residents to stay warm by increasing energy efficiency, which will also reduce their fuel bills.

“We urge people, especially elderly or those in receipt of benefits who may be entitled to a grant, to take advantage of these schemes.”

Westminster also runs a scheme that provides quick repairs or improvements to heating systems between October and April.

by Sam Adler

“ The service I have received from the council has been superb and the secondary glazing is already making a real difference.” Eva Houghton

Housing

1� The Westminster Reporter The Westminster Reporter 1�

Housing

“Do talk to your lender as soon as you think you might struggle making a mortgage payment.

“Do some hard budgeting. Pull together a list of what money you have coming in each week or month and what you spend over the same period. Show this to your lender as this will help you explain how you can manage your finances to address your debt.

“Don’t think extra borrowing will solve your problems – it can make matters worse and lead to further debt.

“Don’t think losing your home is inevitable. There are many options before you reach repossession, including converting to an interest-only loan, or negotiating an alternative repayment schedule. Your lender should be able to give you the best advice.”

I am struggling with my mortgage. What should I do?

For free housing advice from Shelter visit www.shelter.org.uk or call 0808 800 4444.

Hazel Parsons

‘My house is warmer and I am looking forward to my bills going down’Eva Houghton, 86, took advantage of Westminster City Council’s Energy Grant Scheme.

Get help with paying your mortgageWe can help prevent houses being repossessed.

To help those most in need, Westminster is fast tracking

people eligible for the government’s Mortgage Rescue Scheme so they can get help as early as possible.

The council is also setting up a hardship fund to provide short-term support for eligible homeowners to prevent repossession and possibly homelessness.

People would be assisted through a one off payment to prevent a building society or bank taking action, which might lead to losing their home.

The council is also working in partnership with the Dolphin Square Foundation to launch a scheme where the independent charity

would buy properties from struggling home owners and these would be rented back to them at an affordable price.

Homeowners will then have the option to return to homeownership when their circumstances improve.

Cllr Philippa Roe, Westminster City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We can play a part in helping to minimise the number of repossessions and recognise that we must take a proactive approach to help those who may be facing difficulties with their mortgages.

“We are committed to helping struggling families to stay in their own homes.”

Call 020 7641 6161 for more information on the Energy Grant Scheme. For the Warmth and Comfort Scheme call 0800 085 1674.

Eva Houghton

If you are worried about losing your home you may be eligible for the government’s Mortgage Rescue Scheme. To find out more contact Westminster’s Housing Options Service on 020 7641 1000.

Hazel Parsons from Shelter has some key do’s and don’ts.

BEAT THE RECESSION BEAT THE

RECESSION

1� The Westminster Reporter

Community Reassurance

Investment

The Westminster Reporter 1�

There is so much financial jargon around... what does it all mean?Recession Technically speaking it’s when an economy experiences two successive quarters of negative growth. More simply, it’s a prolonged period of economic decline.

Depression A depression is a longer downturn in an economy and is more severe than a recession.

The FTSE A stock market index measures a section of the stock market. For example, the FTSE100 looks at the value of the largest 100 uK companies, the FTSE500 at the top 500, and the FTSE all-share at the whole stock market.

Equities Equity investment involves investing in shares of a company listed on a stock exchange.

Bonds Bonds are one of the four asset classes. The other asset classes are cash, shares and property. If a government or a company wants to borrow some money, one of its options is to issue a bond. They will then pay interest on the bond until the bond value has been paid in full by the pre-determined date.

The LIBOR London Inter-Bank Offer Rate. This is the interest rate that banks charge each other for loans. This rate is applicable to the short-term international interbank market, and applies to very large loans borrowed anywhere from between one day to five years.

Investment health checkWhere can I get the best advice about my financial plans?Making the correct investment decision or even knowing who to ask for advice can be tricky. The Reporter spoke to two financial experts.

Jason Butler is an Financial Services Authority (FSA) Regulated Investment Expert and he

recommends the FSA’s website moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk as a useful starting point. He said: “They have some great tools and guides for those seeking simple investment advice.”

This website has further information on investments, where to seek investment advice

and a mortgage calculator. “Nothing about investing is complicated. You have to remember that

investing is not speculating. Speculating is taking uncompensated risk whereas investing is a risk that has a much better chance of higher of compensation,” Jason Butler explained.

Adrian Lowcock, a Westminster-based Investment Expert, advised: “Private

investors are frequently the last to find out where to invest their money, with any trends and themes being reported to them well after the event has occurred. Therefore, the question is how does the individual get ahead of the game, or at least on an equal footing.

“The answer is not complex. Instead of responding to news stories and chasing an investment, private investors should consider the help of a professional. A good example of this is unit trust managers, who have a large amount of resource and expertise to research individual companies. They are generally much better positioned to be able to identify potential investment opportunities.”

by Joe Chalmers

For financial advice visit www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk

Jason Butler

Adrian Lowcock

FamilyInformationService

Find out more about services for children and young people aged 0 – 19.

Call: 020 7641 7929 email: FIS@westminster.gov.uk Visit: www.westminster.gov.uk/youngfun

We are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm

We can help you with information on:• Westminster’s 12 Children’s Centres• registered childcare• play and leisure activities• what’s on in the school holidays• out of school services• youth services• help for families with special needs.

Call 020 7641 7929

BEAT THE RECESSION

West End

�0 The Westminster Reporter The Westminster Reporter �1

TotallyTheatre.com membership plus a FREE West End theatre ticket for just 1p!

Creating a safe, clean and fun West EndThe West End remains the jewel in the crown of London’s cultural and entertainment district – and a beacon of economic potential.

Westminster City Council is working hard to maintain high standards in this area, which is full of iconic landmarks, shopping institutions, theatres, cinemas and hundreds of cafés, bars and restaurants.

This month residents can

soak up the atmosphere and shop in a safe environment making the most of the season’s sales.

The council’s City Guardians continue to patrol the streets. Areas such as Leicester

Square have their own dedicated teams of Guardians to keep an eye out for nuisance behaviour and work alongside Met police officers to keep crime low.

Keeping the streets clean is an immense task with more than 100 million shoppers visiting the West End

ever year. In some places, rubbish collections take place several times a day and a new recycling scheme to sort waste on the street is underway in Soho to make sure Westminster recycles as much as possible.

Cllr Robert Davis, Deputy Leader of Westminster City Council, said: “We

“ We are doing everything we can to make sure the West End remains the best place to shop, eat and be entertained in London.” Cllr Robert Davis, Deputy Leader of Westminster City Council

Darren Earl, the general manager at Yates bar in Leicester Square, said: “The West End is so diverse. If

you fancy visiting a classy restaurant or top end nightclub you don’t have to

look far, but if you just fancy a cheap bite to eat and a pint in a cosy little pub then that’s easily found too. The kids love the cinemas and the Trocadero so there really is something for everyone.”

Katherine Eyres, 31, who lives in Ebury Bridge Road, said: “The credit crunch is definitely making me more careful with money but wandering round the West End is always fun and if I can pick up a bargain at the same time, so much the better.”

Founded by West End Actor Richard Hardwick and TV Producer Gavin

Kalin, TotallyTheatre.com is an exclusive theatre club that offers members news, reviews, features and great ticket deals for the whole of the uK.

Richard said “When you’re in a show, you want every seat to be filled that’s why we’ve created TotallyTheatre.com, a club that gives great discounts and a free ticket worth up to £60 when you join.

“Membership of TotallyTheatre.com is normally £30 a year but we are giving away 10 memberships for just 1p!”

To win and get your free ticket to a West End show, simply email the answer to the question below, along with your full name, address, email and phone number, to reportercomp@totallytheatre.com

QWho is taking over from Lee Mead as the new Joseph

in the hit musical this February? a) Gareth Gates, b) Graham Norton or c) Gordon Ramsey.

The competition closes on 9th February.

For more details about membership go to www.totallytheatre.com

WIN!

are doing everything we can to make sure the West End remains the best place to shop, eat and be entertained in London.”

The council is carrying out several major projects to preserve and develop the West End including a £16.5million revamp for Leicester Square, work with the

Prince’s Foundation to make Chinatown more authentic and a £25 million redevelopment of the historic baths in Marshall Street.

by Jenny Legg

Vote for Broadley Street Gardens in Church Street

The park needs greenery and could receive up to £400,000 if local people vote for it by 30th January.

Go to www.london.gov.uk/parksvote, or request a postal vote by calling 020 7983 4100. You can also text PARKS and your postcode to 62967, to vote for the closeset park to where you live.

BEAT THE RECESSION BEAT THE

RECESSIONDarren Earl

Ian Keen, 61, runs a fish stall at Berwick Street market.“My customers get a really personal touch when they shop at my stall. I love being able to have a proper chat with my customers. If someone is planning a dinner party they can let me know what they want and I’ll get it; you won’t get that kind of

personal, low cost service at a supermarket.”

Charlie Cook, 82, works on his fruit and vegetable stall at

Church Street.“My family has worked on the same pitch since 1926. My dad became a trader after the First

World War and I followed in his footsteps. I still don’t want to retire and my two sons have also

become market traders.”

John Bussey, 61, runs a fruit and vegetable stall at Tachbrook Street.

“I have worked on the market since I was at school and my family’s experience in market trading goes back three generations. I enjoy working outside. Our

customers can buy all the vegetables they need, for a much cheaper price than the supermarkets charge.”

Camellia Tea Rooms offers over 70 varieties of tea and is located in

Kingly Court behind Carnaby Street. Lubna, proud owner, said: “The help I received from the BIP was invaluable. I was able to research where would be best to set up my café, and could check to see whether my tea shop would be a viable business venture. Supported by the

BIP and the Portobello Business Centre, I attended business classes which showed me how to create a business plan, manage spreadsheets and do bookkeeping. I was also provided with a business mentor so I knew that if I had any questions or worries there would always be someone who could help.”

by Emma Germain

Business Information Point

�� The Westminster Reporter The Westminster Reporter ��

Business Advice

‘Running my own business was my dream, the council made it happen’

“It’s true, times are tough but it isn’t all

doom and gloom. The challenge is to make sure your business is still around to take advantage of the upturn when it comes along.

“Plan ahead, take time to think through what you will do if sales fall by 25%, or two major suppliers fail, for example. It can seem daunting but it is better to have planned than to be faced with a sudden panic.

“A downturn can bring fresh opportunities as competitors drop out of the market. Don’t cut your marketing spend as things get tougher, a review of how effectively the money is spent would be better.

“Consider targeting a new audience for your products or services rather than continuing to spend on the existing, well saturated one. It could also be worth investing in some market research to identify potential new customers.”

Andy Berrow, Regional Manager at business advisory service Business Link, addresses your concerns.

I’m worried my business won’t survive the recession...

If you would like practical advice about your business, contact Business Link at www.businesslink.gov.uk/london or call 0845 6000 787.

Lubna Madan made her dream of running a tea shop a reality last year using Westminster’s Business Information Point.

The Business Information Point (BIP)

At the council’s BIP, at Westminster Reference

Library, businesses can find suppliers, research new markets and customers, and check out the competition. using BIP and the library is free, and members can access resources from home or work.

Residents can also get free help to set up and run a business at the Neighbourhood Enterprise Centre, in Chippenham Road.

To find out more about BIP visit www.westminster.gov.uk/libraries/special/business For business advice visit the Enterprise Centre at www.enterprisecentre.org.uk or the Portobello Business Centre at www.pbc.co.uk

Find out what’s on at your local market at www.westminster.gov.uk/loveyourmarket

Save money at your local marketLooking for high quality goods and great service at rock bottom prices? Try your local market.

Westminster markets are located at Berwick Street, Church Street, Tachbrook Street, Strutton Ground, Rupert Street and Oxford Street.

With Church Street and Tachbrook Street markets set to be spruced up in the coming months, your local markets are becoming even more

attractive. The Reporter spoke to three market traders.

Andy Berrow

Free event: ‘Starting up – from concept to trading’.Thursday 29th January, 6.30pm, Westminster Reference Library, with entrepreneur Ben Reynolds.To book, please email bip@westminster.gov.uk or call 020 7641 5250.

Love Your Market

Lubna Madan

BEAT THE RECESSION BEAT THE

RECESSION

CS

-28-A-1208

back pageUseful numbersWestminster City Council

Customer Enquiry Line 020 7641 6000

Website www.westminster.gov.uk

Community Intelligence Line 020 7641 3000

Council tax 0845 302 3400

Environmental Action Line 020 7641 2000 A 24-hour hotline for recycling, refuse collection, street cleansing, abandoned vehicles, noise and other street-related issues such as defects in our roads and pavements.

Housing benefit and council tax benefit 0800 072 0042

Housing options 020 7641 1000

Library renewals 020 7641 1400

Parking 020 7823 4567

Planning 020 7641 2513

Registering to vote 020 7641 2730

Senior Passport 020 7641 1444

Social Services 020 7641 7535

Westminster City Council Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP Telephone 020 7641 6000