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New Essex bank launched to help struggling businesses (From Chelmsford Weekly News)
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New Essex bank launched to help struggling businesses
8:24am Friday 24th April 2009
ESSEX has launched its own bank in a bid to help the county’s struggling small businesses through the recession.
Banking on Essex is the first major municipal banking scheme to be created since 1915 and will see Essex County Council) and Abbey Corporate Banking make available an initial £30 million of new liquidity in loans and overdrafts to viable local businesses through the creation of dedicated credit facilities.
Loans and overdrafts of up to £100,000 will be available for eligible Essex businesses employing less than 250 people, with a turnover of less than £25m and who have been trading for at least 12 months.
The loans will be handled through an agreement between the authority and Abbey Corporate Banking, part of the Santander banking group.
The bank will provide the credit and process capability to the partnership, together with a full banking infrastructure.
Lord Hanningfield, leader of Essex County Council said: "This is one of the most fundamental changes in how either our financial or governance systems operates and represents a huge shift away from an over centralised model back to a local system responsive to the needs of local businesses and their communities.
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Your Say YourChelmsford
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
8:58am Fri 24 Apr 09
Nebs wrote:Why worry Nebs, you don't pay council tax remember?
Let me guess. Profits to the bank. Risk to Essex CC. Hope I am wrong.
Ivanna Goodhump, says...
10:47am Fri 24 Apr 09
Nebs wrote:You won't be wrong unfortunately.
Let me guess. Profits to the bank. Risk to Essex CC. Hope I am wrong.
As has been demonstrated many times before with developers, contractors etc Councils/Govt are hopeless at negotiating contracts with the private sector. Every time, the contracts end up weighted in favour of the private partner, they usually fail and the tax payer ends up subsidising the risk.
This scheme will not be any different.
Perhaps Lord Hanningfield should concentrate on providing value for money essential services and start reducing the Council tax burden on us all.
He could start with a 50% reduction in managerial headcount at County Hall, an immediate 15% reduction in salary for all remaining managers on over £40k.
After all it's not as if they can leave and get jobs elsewhere is it.
Also remove departments concerned with diversity, travellers, healthy eating etc etc (all the things that didn't exist 15 years ago and we all survived without).
Download, Colchester says...
1:11pm Fri 24 Apr 09
If so, one business, located in a rural area of course, will benefit and Hangingfield will have his headline.
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
1:41pm Fri 24 Apr 09
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
1:41pm Fri 24 Apr 09
Cliff, Colchester says...
2:09pm Fri 24 Apr 09
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
4:25pm Fri 24 Apr 09
Nebs wrote:I do believe in one thread you were crowing about being on benefits because it wasn't worth your while to work. Shall I find the thread or save you the embarrassment?
Soozie, what makes you think that?
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
10:09pm Fri 24 Apr 09
Feisty CBC, Colchester says...
10:56pm Fri 24 Apr 09
Doughnut, Benfleet says...
11:51pm Fri 24 Apr 09
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
7:54am Sun 26 Apr 09
Nebs wrote:Remember saying this Nebs??
Please find it.
There are simply not enough jobs that pay sufficient to make it worthwhile giving up benefits. No rent to pay, no council tax to pay, no fares to work to pay, no work clothes to buy, no childminders to pay, no school dinners to pay, no medical or dental bills to pay, and no income tax or national insurance to pay on your benefits.
You scrounger
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
12:14pm Sun 26 Apr 09
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
1:33pm Sun 26 Apr 09
Nebs wrote:When there is a new convernment in place, they will target people like you who take advantage of the system meant to help people, not support them so they don't have to work, becasue they don't want to. I look forward to that day.
I remember saying that. But where does it say that it applies to me?
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
1:34pm Sun 26 Apr 09
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
5:55pm Sun 26 Apr 09
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
5:56pm Sun 26 Apr 09
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
2:26am Mon 27 Apr 09
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
4:53am Mon 27 Apr 09
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
8:31am Mon 27 Apr 09
I admit that I have defended those of us who make the economic and lifestyle choice to live on benefits. That does not mean that I choose so to do.
Perhaps you could give us the benefit of your opinion on the new Essex Bank.
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
8:52am Mon 27 Apr 09
Nebs wrote:Grow up Nebs. You also advocate giving people more money to those on benefits so they can spend it as they wish designer clothes, booze etc. You also claim benefits as you stated in an earlier thread. But only those you are entitled to eh?
Interesting that you think this thread is the "wrong place to post this anyway". You started it, with the second post on this thread; a post which had nothing to do with the topic. You have posted 5 times, all off topic. You offer to post a thread that supports your accusations, and later you tell me to go and find the thread. What thread? I admit that I have defended those of us who make the economic and lifestyle choice to live on benefits. That does not mean that I choose so to do. Perhaps you could give us the benefit of your opinion on the new Essex Bank.
As I said before, you are a lazy so and so.
The lifestyle choice to live on benefits - you use the word 'us' then say it isn't you.
People like you make me ill.
Like I said earlier, I look forward to the day lazy gits like you are forced into work or have your benefits cut off.
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
9:32am Mon 27 Apr 09
I do remember the discussion about designer clothes etc; an interesting debate. Short of giving those of us on benefits no money, and instead vouchers for food, clothes etc, there is little the govt can do to direct spending to the areas that will most benefit the individual. If designer clothes coupled with hunger is the choice then it is not for us to judge.
I still await with interest the thread where I stated that I claim benefits.
This Essex Bank sounds like a good idea - support local businesses. What do you think?
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
9:39am Mon 27 Apr 09
Enjoy the benefits whilst they last Nebs - I sense a job in your future.
I suggest since you have all the time in the world to browse, you find the thread yourself.
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
10:03am Mon 27 Apr 09
I believe the government has considered the use of vouchers, but concluded that they would not help as some/many would sell the vouchers, or the items purchased with the vouchers, obviously at less than cost, and so be worse off. I do believe, however, that the time is fast appoaching where we will live in a cashless society, and all payments will be electronic and traceable. The govt will then be able to trace every transaction for every person for every thing. This will prove a problem for those who claim benefits to which they are not entitled, but will be more of a problem for those who choose not to declare all their income and so defraud the authorities of their rightful taxes. If everyone paid the right amount then benefits could be increased substantially.
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
10:16am Mon 27 Apr 09
Why should people pay higher taxes because they are successful? If more people worked AND paid taxes rather than being a drain on the system, those who don't need the benefits, like you, wouldn't get them.
There is going to be a lot of people heading out of this country because of this new spite tax - which means the coffers will not fill up here any longer.
Ho hum, I guess those crap jobs you turn your nose up on, look quite attractive given the choice now eh?
Gotta run Nebs - enjoy your day on the taxpayer.
Toodles.
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
10:16am Mon 27 Apr 09
Why should people pay higher taxes because they are successful? If more people worked AND paid taxes rather than being a drain on the system, those who don't need the benefits, like you, wouldn't get them.
There is going to be a lot of people heading out of this country because of this new spite tax - which means the coffers will not fill up here any longer.
Ho hum, I guess those crap jobs you turn your nose up on, look quite attractive given the choice now eh?
Gotta run Nebs - enjoy your day on the taxpayer.
Toodles.
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
11:16am Mon 27 Apr 09
I am not sure how you equate successful with higher taxes, as there are many interpretations. I assume (correct me if i am wrong) that you mean someone who earns more than someone else is more sucessful. If this is the case, do you advocate a simple tax system, where everyone pays the same percentage of their income, or a system where everyone, regardless of income or means, pays the amount of money, thereby not penalising success at all?
I shall enjoy my day today, thank you, you too, and perhaps we can continue tomorrow. I shall now go into the garden and water the plants before it starts to rain.
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
11:38am Mon 27 Apr 09
You might want to have a little nap after you water your garden - being lazy must be so tiring.
I think everyone, regardless should pay a percentage of tax, yep even including those on the dole. So you see Nebs, you would have to pay tax as well instead of getting those tax credits and welfare handouts.
You must be so proud of taking the taxpyers for a ride. I hope you don't pass this trait on to your children.
You don't need the benefits, but you take them, there is a difference. Which makes you just as guilty as a benefit cheat.
Have some pride man.
Many UK highly successful earners will soon be able to move from paying UK tax, to EU community tax (currently 16%).
You do the maths.
I won't continue with you in this thread, as you bore me.
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
4:56pm Mon 27 Apr 09
There is some merit in making everyone pay some tax to give them some social responsibility. However the administrative burden on the govt, of paying the extra benefit and then collecting it again as tax, would not be cost effective.
The high earners have a year to sort out their affairs, maximise their pension contributions, convert income to capital gains (only 18% tax and no national insurance), and invest in various schemes that offer huge tax advantages. They don't do too badly at the moment. As for moving abroad - most countries where high salaries are obtainable are in a similar state to us. Where would they go to earn a huge salary and pay little tax, and more to the point why would they want to leave this sceptered isle. For all its faults, there's no place like home.
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
5:57pm Mon 27 Apr 09
You can preach your bull as much as you want - fact is, most taxpayers loathe having to pay for people like you. The able bodied but refuse to work types - because they like to stay home. Higher tax to the richer is a penalty which says - don't come to the UK because we don't want you to succeed.
On the brighter note though, a lot of people now will go on a 2 or 3 day week and reap the same salary, working only half the time. Win, win really, for some.
'more to the point why would they want to leave this sceptered isle. For all its faults, there's no place like home'.
Of course you would say that, any other country in the world would not let you on the dole.
Enjoy those hand outs while you can you bum, soon you won't be getting them.
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
8:57am Tue 28 Apr 09
Have you yet been able to find any evidence worth posting that supports all the accusations and personal abuse you have posted about me. Just to remind you, so far your accusations are:
1. I do not pay any council tax.
2. I am a scrounger.
3. I am a lazy so and so.
4. I am a lazy git.
5. I can work, but choose not to.
6. I am on the taxpayers dime.
7. I get tax credits and welfare handouts.
8. I don't need the benefits, but i take them.
9. I am a layabout (i assume thats what you mean) on the dole.
You have painted a picture of me that is less than fair, have quoted one passage (out of context) in support of your arguments and then refused to enter into discussions about it or post any evidence whatsoever in support of your claims, and have resorted to personal abuse due to lack of evidence.
Perhaps readers of this thread will be interested in the full quote, rather your your selective part. Here it is.
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
4:44pm Tue 24 Mar 09
"Spending the day doing nothing is not a decent lifestyle. Well, it may be to you, but it isn't for me. Those unfortunate enough to be unable to support themselves should be given enough that they do not have to spend the day doing nothing. Then we would see less crime. "Unable" includes those who you would probably see as unwilling to support themselves. There are simply not enough jobs that pay sufficient to make it worthwhile giving up benefits. No rent to pay, no council tax to pay, no fares to work to pay, no work clothes to buy, no childminders to pay, no school dinners to pay, no medical or dental bills to pay, and no income tax or national insurance to pay on your benefits. They don't want you to work."
Are you man enough to apologise for saying all those incorrect things about me.
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
9:09am Tue 28 Apr 09
Nope, because A> I'm not wrong and B> I'm not a man you nitwit!
Perhaps readers of this thread will be interested in the full quote, rather your your selective part. Here it is.
Get the whole thread Nebs, not just the selective bits.
I stand by statements (not accusations) that you are a dole bum. End of.
Enjoy the day doing nothing - those days are coming to an end.
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
9:24am Tue 28 Apr 09
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
9:29am Tue 28 Apr 09
You said:
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
4:25pm Fri 24 Apr 09
"I do believe in one thread you were crowing about being on benefits because it wasn't worth your while to work. Shall I find the thread or save you the embarrassment?"
You have yet to post any thread where I said that, and have made all those accusations against me on the strength of misinterpreting something that you have read. You like to use the "quote" button when replying, but seem unable to find the quote that you are looking for. Could that be because there is no quote, you have got something wrong, and are not prepared to apologise.
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
9:35am Tue 28 Apr 09
If I felt I was wrong, I would apologise - but in this case I feel I am not - contrary to what you say/think.
We can continue on running around in circles, but quite frankly it is a waste of my time - work to do and you ahve a garden to water before it rains - correct?
Have a lovely day Nebs - hope the post office isn't too busy today.
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
9:36am Tue 28 Apr 09
Soozie wrote:and a nitwit :)
Don't forget, I also stated you are a bum :)
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
10:12am Tue 28 Apr 09
I do not go out to work. I said that truthfully. Because I run my own business, working at home. Hence the ability to be on the internet whenever I like, and water the garden whenever I like. Aside from one or two deadlines each year, I am lucky enough to be able to fit my work around my life, rather than the other way round.
I claim all the benefits to which I am entitled. I said that truthfully. I do not get ANY benefits. Really. Honest. But I do CLAIM tax credits each year even though I am not entitled to anything, because they can only be backdated 3 months from a claim yet are based on a years income. So if my business goes belly up near the end of the tax year then at least i will have a years worth (rather than 3 months) of tax credits to fall back on. So I claim, but my entitlement is £Nil.
I did not pay any council tax in the year to 31st March 2009. I said that truthfully. I paid the full year in advance in March 2008, as i knew that I would be away when it was due.
I do think people on benefits should be given enough to live on. But whilst I think those that are able should be split into two groups, one digging holes and the others filling them in, I am afraid I like a good argument more. So I am happy to take a contrary position to just about anything (whether I believe it or not) for the sake of having a frank exchange of views. It's something I learned at school from my history master - he would come up with a controversial topic and ask the class who agreed and who disagreed. All those who agreed would then get to write an essay on why they disagreed, and those who disagreed would get to write an essay on why they agreed. Of course, after a couple of times we "sussed him out", and next time everyone put their hands up for the opposite of what we thought. The rotten swine, with a smile on his face, then said that as a special treat we could this time write about what we actually believed. If I learned nothing else in history, I did learn to listen to both sides of an argument.
You probably did get the "lazy git" bit right though :)
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
10:30am Tue 28 Apr 09
I stand corrected and apologise to you.
I think there is a small group people on benefits who should be given enough to live on, and others should get the bare minimum - because after all, they are benefits not a lifestyle. Meant to help in times of trouble - not for funding a lifestyle.
geniune cases yes, lazy good for nothing who do not want to work - nope.
Third generation on benefits is just wrong and shameful and there is no excuse for it.
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
10:49am Tue 28 Apr 09
I also think that anyone on benefits who is found to be regularly drunk, or taking drugs, should have some sort of financial investigation as to how they can afford this lifestyle. If it is found that they choose to live on 7 pot noodles and 48 cans of lager a week then that is their choice, but I am sure that it would throw up a few who are playing the system.
At least the new airport (local jobs for local people, so it says in the plan) and new prison mean that there should be no excuse for being voluntarily unemployed in South East Essex.
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Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
8:46am Fri 24 Apr 09
Profits to the bank. Risk to Essex CC. Hope I am wrong.