Just to carry on a little bit from my Veterans Day blog the other day.. It appears that Glasgow City Council, are finaly going to disregard 100%  of War Pensions, recieved by Veterans when calculating Housing Benefit, and Coucil Tax. This is great move by Glasgow City Council. Although, they haven't said when this is going to start happening. 

It is shocking to know  that only two, out of 32 councils in Scotland fail to provide 100% disregard (Glasgow City Council being one of them). In England , and Wales it is only two out of 410 Councils that fail to provide 100% disregard.

Why are there only four Councils, in the whole of Britian not disregarding War Pensions ?. Very simply, they want to save money

Before this announcement, they would only disregard £10.00 of any War Pension recieved by a Veteran. This means that almost all of the War pension recieved by the Veteran was regarded as income. This would lead to Veterans missing out on crucial Housing, and Coucil Tax benefits. Meaing they would have to pay almost full Council Tax, and rent. This inturn keeps most War Pensioners below the poverty line.

Why have Glasgow City Council made this decision ?. It seems that it wasn't the work of Lord Provost Bob Winter. Who was the man who made the announcement. Rather more to do with, SNP Councillor Billy McAllister. Who made a speech for the motion of disregarding 100% of War Pensions. In that speech Councillor McAllister said.

". Glasgow stands almost alone, in treating its returning Veterans so badly. In earlier wars, returning Veterans were promised ?homes fit for heroes?. Now the promise is ?homes fit for heroes ? as long as you?re not a Glaswegian?. Our boys are being treated differently from the rest of the country".

For me, that just about sums it up. It seems that nowadays, a returning Veteran, is worth nothing. Despite all the rubbish, and false plaudits thet the Government, and Coucils say in the press.

Anyway, at least we are heading in the right direction. Except the fact that they haven't mentioned when this is going to start happening. I have just been assessed, and they have only disregarded only £10.00 of my War Pension, as usual. This means I have to full rent.

Just one other point before I move onto other things. Incase people are not aware of this, you can recieve Coucil Tax exemption. If you suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Now, it is not easy to get, and ofcourse you have to have the relivant medical back up for it. But, if you are a Veteran, or anyone who is suffering form PTSD. Then you may think about applying for it. It must impact on your everyday life, and I will say right now. They will try to knock you back for it time and time again. However, it is worth sticking to your guns, and just keep appealing, if they turn you down.

Glastonbury

I wasn't at Glastonbury, and have never been to it.  I don't think my old bones could handle it there for four or five days. But, I have to say, it is seems to be one of the most entertaining festivals there is anywhere in the world. With maybe the Burning Man festival in the USA, coming a close second. This year the weather held out for all the punters there, which is good. They have had it rough with the weather over the last few years.

Friday night saw Kings of Leon take the Pyramid stage by storm. A great set by this much under appreaciated band. I won't even mention Amy Winehouse. What a complete waste of talent that woman is. If you saw her performance then you will know what I mean. She can do far better than that efftort.

There was ofcourse the drama about Jay-Z headling the Pyramid stage on Saturday night. When I say drama, it was more like a storm in a tea cup. Atter all it was that idiot Noel Gallagher, that started the ball rolling by saying "we don't want Rap/Hip-Hop, at Glastonbury".

What a complete dickhead that man is. Who on earth does he think he is ?, he is a spent talent. Believe me, I use the word talent in it's loosest context. Most of his melodies, riffs have been nicked from the Beatles, and the like.

So, Jay-Z came on stage and done Wonderwall. Well done Jay-Z,  he didn't lower himself into Gallagher's little world. He then went on to perform in what seems to be the biggest crowd the Pyramid stage has ever seen.

The Sunday teatime slot, fell to Nail Diamond. Which he and the crowd thoroughly enjoyed. Sunday night was the turn of The Verve, on the Pyramid stage. It was a complete joy to watch these guys give a completly outstanding perfomance.

The BBC coverage of Glasto was ok. Ok, is not good enough I have to say. It has been dramaticaly cut back it seems. Especially on the red button choices. For the last few years, this has been what makes Glasto worth watching, if you are not able to actually go there. The ability to choose what you want to see via the red button choices. Sort it out BBC !!!!

Wimbledon

Well, we're in the last week of Wimbledon. Murray is still in, at the moment. I watched his game the other night, against Richard Gasquet. I have to say, I haven't watch a tennis match, as entertaining as that for many a year. The question is, is Murray up to the task ?. For me, the answer is no.

He was extremely lucky the other night to win his match. Although, it was an amazing effort by Murray to come back from two sets down. It's this drop shot he seems to soo fond of that worries me most. At times he missed shots that my thirteen year old niece could have got.

I admire his passion, and spirit. So I would like to wish Murray well against Rafael Nadal today. Who knows, Murray just might make it to the semi's .

Till next time kiddiewinks..........

Links

Glasgow City Council
Kings of Leon
Amy Winehouse
Jay-Z
Neil Diamond
The Verve
Glastonbury 2008
BBC Glastonbury
Wimbledon 2008