North East Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell is advising his constituents of new rules introduced this month, which mean that individuals will only be able to claim three months of backdated benefits, rather than the current entitlement of twelve months.

The Government has announced that the maximum period of backdating for pension credit, housing benefit and council tax benefit will be reduced from one year to three months as part of a simplification of the system. But Sir Menzies supports the view that has been expressed by the Citizens Advice Bureau and others that the new rules will risk increasing financial hardship, particularly for those with rent arrears who are unaware of their entitlement to housing benefit, and for those who have literacy problems, disabilities or language barriers.

Sir Menzies is urging anyone who thinks they might be eligible for any of these benefits to apply before the end of September to ensure they will receive the maximum amount of backdating.

He said:

“I am strongly opposed to this change, as I am concerned about the impact it will have on low income families and pensioners in North East Fife. The Government has insisted that they need to reduce the backdating periods for these benefits in order to pay for a new system for pensioners to claim all of their benefits through one application. While I support the simplification of the benefits system, it should not be paid for by penalising a group of particularly vulnerable claimants.”

To apply for pension credit, constituents should call 0800 99 1234. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 8.00am - 8.00pm. To make enquiries about housing benefit and council tax benefit, constituents should contact their local Council office or visit the Council’s website.

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North East Fife Liberal Democrat MP Menzies Campbell is backing this year’s CSV Make a Difference Day and is encouraging everyone in North East Fife to volunteer on 25th October 2008. CSV Make a Difference Day is the biggest day of ‘hands on’ volunteering in the UK. Thousands of people are expected to take part giving their time rather than their money to make a positive impact on local communities.

Commenting Menzies Campbell said “It is always great to see people getting involved in volunteering. Their contributions are really valuable to North East Fife and I would urge anyone who has the time to consider volunteering their services on 25th October. Participants between 2 and 105 years old take part in activities which range from baking cakes and knitting toys for a children’s hospice, to transforming waste land into a community garde, teaching IT skills or renovating a homeless shelter – anything which improves local communities”.

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North East Fife Liberal Democrat MP Menzies Campbell has accused the government of dragging its feet over the Equitable Life saga following the publication of the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s report.

Commenting Menzies Campbell said “The Equitable Life saga has drifted on for far too long making it even worse for its policyholders, many of which are in North East Fife. Liberal Democrats will continue to maintain pressure on the Government to accept the recommendations in the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s report. The Ombudsman’s investigation has taken over four years and there is little doubt that government foot-dragging has made a substantial contribution to the repeated delays”.

Menzies Campbell continued “Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling must now accept the Ombudsman’s recommendation that ‘wrongs should be remedied’, admit fault and apologise to policyholders. It is essential that the Government set out a credible, transparent and independent process to enter into a dialogue with policy holders over compensation and ensure that the Ombudsman’s authority is not undermined”.
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Sir Menzies Campbell MP and local councillor Donald Lothian survey where a burn burst its banks in Falkland, North East Fife.

Following the extensive flooding witnessed in North East Fife over the past few days, local MP Menzies Campbell and MSP Iain Smith have praised the emergency services and residents for their “swift action” and have called for a full review of North East Fife’s flood plan.

Sir Menzies Campbell MP said, “It was clear from my visit to affected areas in the constituency yesterday (Wednesday) that the amount of water and the damage that ensued had taken most people by surprise. The work of the emergency services and residents alike must be commended for their swift action and the following clear up.

“It is also apparent that there is a need for a full review of North East Fife’s flood plans. We must identify where flood prevention needs bolstering and how residents can be protected in the future.”

Iain Smith MSP said, “The priority is to ensure that all residents affected have any damage to their homes fixed as a mater of urgency. It is imperative that all agencies are doing everything they possibly can to help those affected.”

“By all accounts the emergency services did a very good job during this flooding but it is clear that a full review of flood plans needs to be carried out. Questions need to be asked such as: Is the current flood prevention needing updated? What future measures need to be put in place? Is emergency service cover adequate?

“The areas where flooding has occurred up and down the constituency needs to be identified and evaluated in order to ascertain what more can be done to minimise future disruption and damage.”

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Menzies Campbell with members of Cupar & District Driving Instructors protesting against the test centre’s closure.

North East Fife Liberal Democrat MP Menzies Campbell is continuing to fight against the closure of the Cupar Driving Test Centre and has again written to Jim Fitzpatrick the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport to press the case for keeping it open.

Menzies Campbell said, “The Minister has informed me that the Cupar Test Centre will close on 30th September 2008 but I am not prepared to accept this without a fight.

“I have called on the Minister to review this decision and to carry out an up-to-date examination of local circumstances which in my view more than justifies keeping the Cupar centre open.”

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