birminghammail--2020-10-07--Boris Johnson says Universal Credit claimants must get back to work as cuts loom

Boris Johnson has sidestepped calls to halt a planned £1,000-a-year cut to Universal Credit planned for April 2021 .
During the coronavirus crisis , the welfare scheme has been given a boost of £1,040 a year , working out as an extra £80-£90 a month on top of usual payments .
Campaigners are calling for this boost to be made permanent instead of being stripped away at the end of the financial year .
But the Prime Minister has refused to give any positive news that the coronavirus rise is being retained - and has instead said the best option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work .
Ian Blackford , the MP for Ross , Skye and Lochaber , asked at Prime Minister 's Questions today : `` With mass unemployment looming , having the right social security measures in place to help families over the long term is vital .
`` The Chancellor has so far refused to commit to make the Universal Credit uplift permanent , which means that 16 million people face losing an income equivalent of £1,040 overnight .
Will the Prime Minister now commit to making the uplift permanent ?
`` The Joseph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his Government : strip the Universal Credit uplift away , and 700,000 more people , including 300,000 children , could move into poverty , and 500,000 more people could end up in severe poverty - more than 50 per cent below the poverty line .
`` The Resolution Foundation has called the uplift a living standards lifeline for millions of families during the pandemic .
Challenge Poverty Week is a moment for all of us to take unified action against poverty .
The Prime Minister has an opportunity here and now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirm the rise would stay in place and instead said the answer was for claimants to get back to work .
He said : `` I am proud that we have been able to uprate it in the way that we have , and we will continue to support people across the country , with the biggest cash increase in the national living wage this year .
The result of Universal Credit so far has been that there are 200,000 fewer people in absolute poverty now than there were in 2010 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this country .
That is why this Government are so proud of what we did with the national living wage .
`` We are putting another £1.7 billion into Universal Credit by 2023-24 .
If that does not give him the answer he wants , he can ask again next week .
`` We will continue to support people and families across this country , and we will continue to spend £95 billion a year in this country on working-age welfare .
`` But the best thing we can do for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus down , get our economy moving again and get them back into well-paid , high-skilled jobs - and that is what we are going to do . ''
The Resolution Foundation says one in three working-age households in so-called Red Wall constituencies - the Labour heartlands - would be affected if the Universal Credit rise is not kept in place .
It said there were `` striking similarities '' between cuts planned by Chancellor Rishi Sunak and those George Osborne planned to introduce exactly five years ago when he was in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million families , compared to 3.3 million in 2015 , said the think tank .
People living across the West Midlands , Wales and North of England are most likely to suffer an income loss , it was predicted .
A third of working-age households across the Red Wall regions are set to have their incomes cut by £1,000 , compared to one in four in the South East , said the report .
Torsten Bell , chief executive of the Resolution Foundation , said : `` Exactly five years ago , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riding high off an election victory , but with backbench trouble brewing over his plan to cut the incomes of over three million households by £1,000 .
A month later he U-turned .
`` Chancellor Sunak finds himself in a similar situation , but with two important differences .
The plan to cut household incomes by £1,000 overnight will affect twice as many families , and while the cuts last time were proposed during a period of fast rising employment , it is now increasing unemployment that will provide the backdrop .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Credit and Tax Credit this year has been a living standards lifeline for millions of families during the pandemic .
`` But allowing the policy to expire next year would be disaster not just for household incomes but for economic policy too as the Chancellor seeks to secure a recovery next year . ''
Find job vacancies in your area by typing your postcode into the box below : A Government spokesman said : `` We 've invested an extra £9bn in our welfare system to help those most in need through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Working Tax Credit by up to £20 a week , as well as introducing income protection schemes , mortgage holidays and additional support for renters .
`` The Government is also focused on supporting people by helping them get into work .
`` This includes launching the Kickstart Scheme , a £2bn fund to create hundreds of thousands of new , fully subsidised jobs for young people . ''
Get all the latest politics updates in our daily BirminghamLive newsletter Politics plays a huge part in all our lives , much more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updates on the world of politics seemed to become much more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic as we waited for news of the Government 's responses to the crisis and how it affected our daily lives .
You can get all the latest politics updates in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter .
Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article .
There are all the Government briefings and announcements as well as new laws , decisions on the economy that affect businesses and our personal finances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Credit and of course local and national elections that decide who represents us .
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Universal Credit got an inflation boost of 1.7 per cent in April at the end of the benefit freeze and then a further £80-£90 a month was added to help claimants during the coronavirus crisis .
For a single Universal Credit claimant under 25 , the monthly standard allowance got an inflation boost from £251.77 to £256.05 and then the coronavirus boost took it up further to £342.72 .
For a single Universal Credit claimant aged 25 or over , the monthly standard allowance got an inflation boost from £317.82 to £323.23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up further to £409.89 per month .
For a couple where both Universal Credit claimants are under 25 , the monthly standard allowance got an inflation boost from £395.20 to £401.92 and then the coronavirus boost took it up further to £488.59 .
For a couple where either of the Universal Credit claimants are 25 and over , the monthly standard allowance got an inflation boost from £498.89 to £507.37 and then the coronavirus boost took it up again to £594.04 .

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Boris Johnson has sidestepped calls to halt a planned £1,000-a-year cut to Universal Credit in April 2021.
During the coronavirus crisis, the welfare scheme has been given a boost of £1,040 a year, working out as an extra £80-£90 a month on top of usual payments.
Campaigners are calling for this boost to be made permanent instead of being stripped away at the end of the financial year.
But the Prime Minister has refused to give any positive news that the coronavirus rise is being retained - and has instead said the best option is for claimants to get back to work.
(Image: PA)
Ian Blackford, the MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, asked at Prime Minister's Questions today: "With mass unemployment looming, having the right social security measures in place to help families over the long term is vital.
"The Chancellor has so far refused to commit to make the Universal Credit uplift permanent, which means that 16 million people face losing an income equivalent of £1,040 overnight. Will the Prime Minister now commit to making the uplift permanent?
"The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has painted a clear picture for his Government: strip the Universal Credit uplift away, and 700,000 more people, including 300,000 children, could move into poverty, and 500,000 more people could end up in severe poverty - more than 50 per cent below the poverty line.
"The Resolution Foundation has called the uplift a living standards lifeline for millions of families during the pandemic. Challenge Poverty Week is a moment for all of us to take unified action against poverty. The Prime Minister has an opportunity here and now."
Boris Johnson's reply did not confirm the rise would stay in place and instead said the answer was for claimants to get back to work.
He said: "I am proud that we have been able to uprate it in the way that we have, and we will continue to support people across the country, with the biggest cash increase in the national living wage this year. The result of Universal Credit so far has been that there are 200,000 fewer people in absolute poverty now than there were in 2010.
"It is vital that we tackle poverty in this country. That is why this Government are so proud of what we did with the national living wage.
"We are putting another £1.7 billion into Universal Credit by 2023-24. If that does not give him the answer he wants, he can ask again next week.
"We will continue to support people and families across this country, and we will continue to spend £95 billion a year in this country on working-age welfare.
"But the best thing we can do for people on Universal Credit is to get this virus down, get our economy moving again and get them back into well-paid, high-skilled jobs - and that is what we are going to do."
The Resolution Foundation says one in three working-age households in so-called Red Wall constituencies - the Labour heartlands - would be affected if the Universal Credit rise is not kept in place.
It said there were "striking similarities" between cuts planned by Chancellor Rishi Sunak and those George Osborne planned to introduce exactly five years ago when he was in the post.
Benefit cuts will affect six million families, compared to 3.3 million in 2015, said the think tank.
People living across the West Midlands, Wales and North of England are most likely to suffer an income loss, it was predicted.
A third of working-age households across the Red Wall regions are set to have their incomes cut by £1,000, compared to one in four in the South East, said the report.
Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, said: "Exactly five years ago, then Chancellor Osborne arrived at Conservative Party conference riding high off an election victory, but with backbench trouble brewing over his plan to cut the incomes of over three million households by £1,000. A month later he U-turned.
"Chancellor Sunak finds himself in a similar situation, but with two important differences. The plan to cut household incomes by £1,000 overnight will affect twice as many families, and while the cuts last time were proposed during a period of fast rising employment, it is now increasing unemployment that will provide the backdrop.
"The £20 a week boost to Universal Credit and Tax Credit this year has been a living standards lifeline for millions of families during the pandemic.
"But allowing the policy to expire next year would be disaster not just for household incomes but for economic policy too as the Chancellor seeks to secure a recovery next year."
Find job vacancies in your area by typing your postcode into the box below:
A Government spokesman said: "We've invested an extra £9bn in our welfare system to help those most in need through the pandemic, including by increasing Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit by up to £20 a week, as well as introducing income protection schemes, mortgage holidays and additional support for renters.
"The Government is also focused on supporting people by helping them get into work.
"This includes launching the Kickstart Scheme, a £2bn fund to create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people."
What were the Universal Credit increases?
Universal Credit was given an inflation boost of 1.7 per cent in April at the end of the benefit freeze and then a further £80-£90 a month was added to help claimants during the coronavirus crisis.
For a single Universal Credit claimant under 25, the monthly standard allowance had an inflation boost from £251.77 to £256.05 and then the coronavirus boost took it up further to £342.72.
For a single Universal Credit claimant aged 25 or over, the monthly standard allowance had an inflation boost from £317.82 to £323.23 and then the coronavirus boost took it up further to £409.89 per month.
For a couple where both Universal Credit claimants are under 25, the monthly standard allowance had an inflation boost from £395.20 to £401.92 and then the coronavirus boost took it up further to £488.59.
For a couple where either of the Universal Credit claimants are 25 and over, the monthly standard allowance had an inflation boost from £498.89 to £507.37 and then the coronavirus boost took it up again to £594.04.


birminghammail--2020-10-07--Second Brum university hit by coronavirus - recording 130 cases

A second Birmingham university has confirmed scores of positive Covid-19 cases .
Birmingham City University ( BCU ) said there had been 130 cases in total - including 104 students off campus , 23 students on campus and three members of staff on campus .
The positive test results came between September 14 and October 5 .
It follows the University of Birmingham who said 307 students and eight members of staff tested positive for coronavirus over the last week .
Birmingham has 150 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 of the population .
While a soaring infection rate across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circuit breaker lockdown .
Today a BCU spokesperson told BirminghamLive : “ At present the small number of positive cases recorded on campus represents less than 0.1 per cent of our staff and student population , with 26 cases over a three week period .
“ We are reporting our statistics on a daily basis to be transparent with everyone in our university and wider community .
It is important to note that the vast majority of positive cases recorded have not been on campus at all this semester , and this figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside of Birmingham.
” It said their ‘ Notify ’ system allows all staff and students to report symptoms to ensure the university are then able to trace any close contacts .
The university said that half of teaching is being carried out face-to-face in small groups of about 15 using social distancing and masks .
“ In response to overwhelming demand from our students , we pledged that 50 % of teaching across the whole academic year would be carried out face-to-face and on campus in line with Government guidance , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus is on high-quality , small-group ( averaging 15 ) teaching in person , with some digitally-enabled content to ensure no student misses any learning .
“ All on-campus activity is being delivered using all necessary safety measures to keep students and academic tutors and advisors safe , including social distancing , and use of personal protective equipment , as appropriate .
“ Our mental health and wellbeing team , including seconded NHS staff , is here to support students throughout their time with us to ensure they achieve their full potential .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps , to make sure we keep everyone safe . ''
Students are being taught in bubbles , which `` reduces the risk of transmission '' and `` makes it easier for a group to isolate if one person in that group displays symptoms . ''
They said that wearing of face coverings is mandatory on its campuses .
Every student and staff member will be issued with face coverings and will be required to wear them while moving around its facilities .
They will also be supplying all students and staff with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be issued with protective visors and personal microphones so that they can keep the classrooms safe .
BCU said it had aimed to reduce the number of staff and students on campus at any one time .
Their statement added : `` This means that most of our students will be on campus every other week , with online classes and study every alternate week as well .
`` Many of our staff will continue to work from home where this is possible .
Reducing the number of people on campus not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduces the risks from daily travel .
`` The classrooms and general spaces in all Birmingham City University buildings have been set up to ensure social distancing .
There are clear one systems and other guidance to ensure safe movement Students and staff will undertake a self-assessment prior to return to establish whether they are high-risk , with any student not able to return or begin for health reasons being fully supported to study online .
`` We will put in place a clear behaviour policy for all our students , so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and how they can keep others safe . ''

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A second Birmingham university has confirmed scores of positive Covid-19 cases.
Birmingham City University (BCU) said there had been 130 cases in total - including 104 students off campus, 23 students on campus and three members of staff on campus.
The positive test results came between September 14 and October 5.
It follows the University of Birmingham who said 307 students and eight members of staff tested positive for coronavirus over the last week.
Birmingham has 150 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 of the population. While a soaring infection rate across the country has led the Government to consider a circuit breaker lockdown.
Today a BCU spokesperson told BirminghamLive: “At present the small number of positive cases recorded on campus represents less than 0.1 per cent of our staff and student population, with 26 cases over a three week period.
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
“We are reporting our statistics on a daily basis to be transparent with everyone in our university and wider community. It is important to note that the vast majority of positive cases recorded have not been on campus at all this semester, and this figure will also include those who are based outside of Birmingham.”
It said their ‘Notify’ system allows all staff and students to report symptoms to ensure the university are then able to trace any close contacts.
The university said that half of teaching is being carried out face-to-face in small groups of about 15 using social distancing and masks.
“In response to overwhelming demand from our students, we pledged that 50% of teaching across the whole academic year would be carried out face-to-face and on campus in line with Government guidance," a university spokesperson added.
"Our focus is on high-quality, small-group (averaging 15) teaching in person, with some digitally-enabled content to ensure no student misses any learning.
“All on-campus activity is being delivered using all necessary safety measures to keep students and academic tutors and advisors safe, including social distancing, and use of personal protective equipment, as appropriate.
“Our mental health and wellbeing team, including seconded NHS staff, is here to support students throughout their time with us to ensure they achieve their full potential. We have also committed to the following steps, to make sure we keep everyone safe."
Students are being taught in bubbles, which "reduces the risk of transmission" and "makes it easier for a group to isolate if one person in that group displays symptoms."
They said that wearing of face coverings is mandatory on its campuses. Every student and staff member will be issued with face coverings and will be required to wear them while moving around its facilities.
They will also be supplying all students and staff with hygiene equipment, and teaching staff will be issued with protective visors and personal microphones so that they can keep the classrooms safe.
BCU said it had aimed to reduce the number of staff and students on campus at any one time.
Their statement added: "This means that most of our students will be on campus every other week, with online classes and study every alternate week as well.
"Many of our staff will continue to work from home where this is possible. Reducing the number of people on campus not only helps to ensure social distancing, it reduces the risks from daily travel.
"The classrooms and general spaces in all Birmingham City University buildings have been set up to ensure social distancing. There are clear one systems and other guidance to ensure safe movement
Students and staff will undertake a self-assessment prior to return to establish whether they are high-risk, with any student not able to return or begin for health reasons being fully supported to study online.
"We will put in place a clear behaviour policy for all our students, so that they know what is expected of them, and how they can keep others safe."


birminghammail--2020-10-08--Thieves steal bike from lollipop man as he helps kids cross the road

Cruel thieves stoke a bike from a lollipop man as he helped youngsters cross the street .
James Donnelly , aged 26 and from Tamworth , was working at Wilnecote High School when it was swiped it from a nearby drive yesterday , Thursday , October 7 .
Sister Laura said : `` He was really upset at first as it ’ s not the first bike of his to be stolen from that area .
`` He loves being a lollipop man , he has a heart of gold and it ’ s so sad that , while he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OK to steal it .
`` It was stolen from a lady ’ s drive near where my brother works , by Wilnecote High School , at around 2.30pm to 3pm .
`` He can still catch the bus or walk but it will take him a bit longer .
He gets around everywhere with his bike . ''
Such is the popularity of James , who has special needs , a fundraising page was set up after the theft .
It has already amassed enough money to replace the bike .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affects his speech and he can not read or write and struggles to understand tasks .
Laura beamed : “ Lots of people had been inboxing me asking to set up a GoFundMe page so I set one up for £300 and it has exceeded that .
`` James is so happy .
He ’ s so pleased and grateful .
He ’ s overwhelmed by how much people like and care about him , bless him .
“ I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who has messaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with genuine concern and wanting to help .
“ What was an awful day turned in to such a lovely one , my faith in our community has been restored.
” To see the fundraising page , click here .

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Cruel thieves stole a bike from a lollipop man as he helped youngsters cross the street.
James Donnelly, aged 26 and from Tamworth, was working at Wilnecote High School when it was swiped it from a nearby drive yesterday, Wednesday, October 7.
Sister Laura said: "He was really upset at first as it’s not the first bike of his to be stolen from that area.
"He loves being a lollipop man, he has a heart of gold and it’s so sad that, while he was working, someone thought it was OK to steal it.
"It was stolen from a lady’s drive near where my brother works, by Wilnecote High School, at around 2.30pm to 3pm.
"He can still catch the bus or walk but it will take him a bit longer. He gets around everywhere with his bike."
Such is the popularity of James, who has special needs, a fundraising page was set up after the theft. It has already amassed enough money to replace the bike.
He was born with brain damage so it affects his speech and he cannot read or write and struggles to understand tasks.
Laura beamed: “Lots of people had been inboxing me asking to set up a GoFundMe page so I set one up for £300 and it has exceeded that.
"James is so happy. He’s so pleased and grateful. He’s overwhelmed by how much people like and care about him, bless him.
“I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who has messaged me asking if he’s OK with genuine concern and wanting to help.
“What was an awful day turned in to such a lovely one, my faith in our community has been restored.”
To see the fundraising page, click here.


birminghammail--2020-10-08--"Over my dead body" - planning proposals response

A defiant Wolverhampton council boss has sent an `` over my dead body '' retort to the Government over its controversial proposed planning reforms .
Councillor Ian Brookfield branded the white paper , which puts forward a raft of planned changes to the process for building new homes , a `` sham '' which would result in a `` return to 1960s and 70s slums '' .
The issue was discussed at a City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet meeting where the authority 's official response to consultation on the document .
In August , the 'planning for the future ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for housing Robert Jenrick declaring them a `` once in a generation '' opportunity to radically transform the complex process .
The minster said the plans would remove red tape , deliver much needed homes quickly while protecting valued Green Belt land .
Among the measures proposed included abolish the requirement for affordable housing for developments of less than 40-50 homes , remove Section 106 agreements and replace them with a national levy and offer 30 per cent discounts to first time buyers .
There will also be a national target of 300,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reforms have been met with fierce opposition with Councillor Brookfield saying leaders across the UK and of all political parties are in agreement over this .
He said the reforms in their current guise would threaten what little Green Belt is left in Wolverhampton .
His comments were backed by his cabinet colleagues Stephen Simkins , Dr Michael Hardacre and deputy leader Louise Miles and a formal response setting out the authority 's concerns was agreed .
Councillor Brookefield said : `` Never have I seen a white paper in the last generation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country by all political parties , all local authorities have seen it for the sham it is .
`` It is a developer 's charter which might end up with us having a return to the 60s and 70s slums built then .
`` This only came to us in August and it is done on the back of a fag packet .
It 's dodgy and if it sounds dodgy , it usually is .
`` It 's an ending to the Section 106 and the introduction of a national levy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ability to say 'we would like a school there , we would like a clinic there , we would like a better road infrastructure and street fittings ' .
Instead we would have to bid into a national pot .
`` We 've only got 11 per cent of Green Belt left in our city and we 've got plans for all our brownfield and yet these proposals say we 've got to build more and faster and without local decision making .
`` That means only one thing to me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our Green Belt .
Well , sorry , over my dead body are they going to be doing that to us . ''

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A defiant Wolverhampton council boss has sent an "over my dead body" retort to the Government over its controversial proposed planning reforms.
Councillor Ian Brookfield branded the white paper, which puts forward a raft of planned changes to the process for building new homes, a "sham" which would result in a "return to 1960s and 70s slums".
The issue was discussed at a City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet meeting where the authority's official response to consultation on the document.
In August, the 'planning for the future' consultation was launched with secretary of state for housing Robert Jenrick declaring them a "once in a generation" opportunity to radically transform the complex process.
The minster said the plans would remove red tape, deliver much needed homes quickly while protecting valued Green Belt land.
Among the measures proposed included abolish the requirement for affordable housing for developments of less than 40-50 homes, remove Section 106 agreements and replace them with a national levy and offer 30 per cent discounts to first time buyers.
There will also be a national target of 300,000 new homes per year.
But the reforms have been met with fierce opposition with Councillor Brookfield saying leaders across the UK and of all political parties are in agreement over this.
He said the reforms in their current guise would threaten what little Green Belt is left in Wolverhampton.
His comments were backed by his cabinet colleagues Stephen Simkins, Dr Michael Hardacre and deputy leader Louise Miles and a formal response setting out the authority's concerns was agreed.
Councillor Brookefield said: "Never have I seen a white paper in the last generation that is being universally condemned right across the country by all political parties, all local authorities have seen it for the sham it is.
"It is a developer's charter which might end up with us having a return to the 60s and 70s slums built then.
"This only came to us in August and it is done on the back of a fag packet. It's dodgy and if it sounds dodgy, it usually is.
"It's an ending to the Section 106 and the introduction of a national levy. This would mean we would lose the ability to say 'we would like a school there, we would like a clinic there, we would like a better road infrastructure and street fittings'. Instead we would have to bid into a national pot.
"We've only got 11 per cent of Green Belt left in our city and we've got plans for all our brownfield and yet these proposals say we've got to build more and faster and without local decision making.
"That means only one thing to me, they are pushing forward for building on our Green Belt. Well, sorry, over my dead body are they going to be doing that to us."


birminghammail--2020-10-08--Villa and Reds favourite Heskey takes cheeky Jurgen Klopp swipe

It ’ s a word that makes Jurgen Klopp bristle , at least when it ’ s in the mouth of Manchester United great Roy Keane and applied after a victory over Arsenal .
However , the Liverpool boss can have few quibbles with Emile Heskey ’ s usage – coming as it does a few days after his team were annihilated by Aston Villa .
With a foot in both camps – as a former Liverpool and Villa player – Heskey has described how struck he was by the paucity of the Reds ’ display and the excellence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sports ’ The Football Show the ex-England striker did not hold back : “ I think it is just about putting all the mistakes into one hat .
Everything that could have gone wrong over a part of a season – went wrong in this game .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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Google Play Store and App Store “ Players being isolated one-on-one and then the great finishing of Aston Villa taking the opportunity .
“ There is one thing creating opportunities but another thing creating opportunities , then obviously deflections as well , not picking up and allowing people to run in .
“ It was very , very , I won ’ t like to use the word sloppy – but it was sloppy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hat off to Aston Villa who have brought players in and are gelling in an exceptional way and are producing now .
“ It would have been nice to see the fans in there to actually play in front of and get them to enjoy the way Aston Villa were playing because it was very attack minded , it was driving , it was with a purpose .
“ When they actually got the ball , they drove with the ball and had an end product as opposed to it petering out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that , now they have got Ross Barkley to help him .
I have obviously played with Jack and know how good he is , how great he is on the ball and they have got Ross Barkley to play alongside him .
“ Ollie Watkins has come and I did know a lot about him but no-one knew if he could actually do it in the Premier League and he has shown he can do it – and some .
He has got so much pace , so much raw ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to score goals.
” The 7-2 result is the heaviest ever handed out to defending Premier League champions and also means Villa have taken nine points from three games and after last season ’ s struggles have gone into the international break second in the table .

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It’s a word that makes Jurgen Klopp bristle, at least when it’s in the mouth of Manchester United great Roy Keane and applied after a victory over Arsenal.
However, the Liverpool boss can have few quibbles with Emile Heskey’s usage – coming as it does a few days after his team were annihilated by Aston Villa.
With a foot in both camps – as a former Liverpool and Villa player – Heskey has described how struck he was by the paucity of the Reds’ display and the excellence of Villa’s.
Speaking to Sky Sports’ The Football Show the ex-England striker did not hold back: “I think it is just about putting all the mistakes into one hat. Everything that could have gone wrong over a part of a season – went wrong in this game.
Aston Villa daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
“Players being isolated one-on-one and then the great finishing of Aston Villa taking the opportunity.
“There is one thing creating opportunities but another thing creating opportunities, then obviously deflections as well, not picking up and allowing people to run in.
“It was very, very, I won’t like to use the word sloppy – but it was sloppy.
“You have got to take your hat off to Aston Villa who have brought players in and are gelling in an exceptional way and are producing now.
“It would have been nice to see the fans in there to actually play in front of and get them to enjoy the way Aston Villa were playing because it was very attack minded, it was driving, it was with a purpose.
“When they actually got the ball, they drove with the ball and had an end product as opposed to it petering out.
“Jack Grealish was at the centre of that, now they have got Ross Barkley to help him. I have obviously played with Jack and know how good he is, how great he is on the ball and they have got Ross Barkley to play alongside him.
“Ollie Watkins has come and I did know a lot about him but no-one knew if he could actually do it in the Premier League and he has shown he can do it – and some. He has got so much pace, so much raw ability, he is so direct, he is going to score goals.”
The 7-2 result is the heaviest ever handed out to defending Premier League champions and also means Villa have taken nine points from three games and after last season’s struggles have gone into the international break second in the table.


birminghammail--2020-10-08--Flight costs for half-term soar by more than £100 compared to week earlier

The price of a return flight for the October half-term break has rocketed by an average £102 compared to trips taken just a week earlier .
Comparing 34 return trips from five airports across the UK , foreign currency experts FairFX found that flights during half term cost an average of 81 per cent more than the same flight just one week earlier .
Return flights from Manchester , Birmingham , London Heathrow , Newcastle and Bristol airports to destinations that are still currently part of the UK ’ s travel corridor were analysed , including Cyprus , Rome , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flights from Manchester to Berlin shot up by 295 per cent ( equivalent to £130 per person ) when travelling for half-term compared to the previous weekend .
Meanwhile , return flights between Bristol and Rhodes rose by £331 per person for the same comparison .
FairFX has warned it ’ s not just flight hikes that could leave holidaymakers out of pocket , but exchange rates are also working against them .
The pound is currently down seven per cent against the euro since the start of the year which means holidaymakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greece , Germany or Italy would get £76 worth of euros less than they would have earlier in the year .
By comparison , in Turkey – which was recently taken off the list of quarantine-exempt countries – the pound is currently up 28 per cent against the Turkish lira compared to the start of the year , meaning holidaymakers would get an extra £218 worth of local currency for every £1,000 exchanged .
Ian Strafford-Taylor , chief executive of FairFX , said : “ It ’ s no secret that trips abroad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the supply and demand mechanic behind pricing strategies , but some of the price hikes facing families this year are downright scandalous .
“ Many families will be wanting to keep children in school after so much classroom time was missed at the start of the year , but in doing so , are facing hundreds of pounds being added to the cost of their holidays .
“ Holidaymakers are having to contend with a triple-threat at the moment thanks to the changing list of countries exempt from quarantine rules , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are having on the strength of the pound .
`` To add unfair flight hikes to the list means people are being hit hard from all directions .
”

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The price of a return flight for the October half-term break has rocketed by an average £102 compared to trips taken just a week earlier.
Comparing 34 return trips from five airports across the UK, foreign currency experts FairFX found that flights during half term cost an average of 81 per cent more than the same flight just one week earlier.
Return flights from Manchester, Birmingham, London Heathrow, Newcastle and Bristol airports to destinations that are still currently part of the UK’s travel corridor were analysed, including Cyprus, Rome, Berlin and Rhodes.
Data showed return flights from Manchester to Berlin shot up by 295 per cent (equivalent to £130 per person) when travelling for half-term compared to the previous weekend.
Meanwhile, return flights between Bristol and Rhodes rose by £331 per person for the same comparison.
FairFX has warned it’s not just flight hikes that could leave holidaymakers out of pocket, but exchange rates are also working against them.
The pound is currently down seven per cent against the euro since the start of the year which means holidaymakers heading to destinations such as Cyprus, Greece, Germany or Italy would get £76 worth of euros less than they would have earlier in the year.
By comparison, in Turkey – which was recently taken off the list of quarantine-exempt countries – the pound is currently up 28 per cent against the Turkish lira compared to the start of the year, meaning holidaymakers would get an extra £218 worth of local currency for every £1,000 exchanged.
Ian Strafford-Taylor, chief executive of FairFX, said: “It’s no secret that trips abroad tend to cost more during school holidays because of the supply and demand mechanic behind pricing strategies, but some of the price hikes facing families this year are downright scandalous.
“Many families will be wanting to keep children in school after so much classroom time was missed at the start of the year, but in doing so, are facing hundreds of pounds being added to the cost of their holidays.
“Holidaymakers are having to contend with a triple-threat at the moment thanks to the changing list of countries exempt from quarantine rules, and the impact Covid-19 and Brexit negotiations are having on the strength of the pound.
"To add unfair flight hikes to the list means people are being hit hard from all directions.”


birminghammail--2020-10-08--Ten armed men smash up takeaway and stab victim in street bust-up

A group of ten armed men smashed up a Black Country takeaway and stabbed a man during a violent raid .
The group slashed the victim across the arm during the drama at around 9.30pm on Wednesday , October 7 .
Medics treated the man in his 50s for a 'serious ' injury before taking him to hospital .
A witness told BlackCountryLive the balaclava-clad gang members were wielding axes and machetes during the assault at Pukka ' z .
They were then believed to have fled in three cars , they added .
No arrests have yet been made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A spokesman for the force said : `` We were called to disorder at a fast food restaurant in High Street , Cradley Heath , just before 9.40pm yesterday ( October 7 ) .
`` A group of up to 10 armed men caused damage to the property , and a man in his 50s was slashed across the arm .
He was taken to hospital with injuries which are not life-threatening .
`` We 're carrying out CCTV and other enquiries to establish the circumstances . ''
A spokesman for West Midlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called to reports of a stabbing on High Street , Cradley Heath at 9.43pm .
`` One ambulance and two paramedic officers attended the scene .
`` On arrival we discovered one male patient who was treated for a serious injury , not believed to be life-threatening , before being taken to hospital for further assessment.
” Anyone with information can contact us via 101 or Live Chat , quoting 20SW/243899J/20 .

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A group of ten armed men smashed up a Black Country takeaway and stabbed a man during a violent raid.
The group slashed the victim across the arm during the drama at around 9.30pm on Wednesday, October 7.
Medics treated the man in his 50s for a 'serious' injury before taking him to hospital.
A witness told BlackCountryLive the balaclava-clad gang members were wielding axes and machetes during the assault at Pukka'z.
They were then believed to have fled in three cars, they added.
No arrests have yet been made but urgent police enquires are continuing.
A spokesman for the force said: "We were called to disorder at a fast food restaurant in High Street, Cradley Heath, just before 9.40pm yesterday (October 7).
"A group of up to 10 armed men caused damage to the property, and a man in his 50s was slashed across the arm. He was taken to hospital with injuries which are not life-threatening.
"We're carrying out CCTV and other enquiries to establish the circumstances."
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service added: "We were called to reports of a stabbing on High Street, Cradley Heath at 9.43pm.
"One ambulance and two paramedic officers attended the scene.
"On arrival we discovered one male patient who was treated for a serious injury, not believed to be life-threatening, before being taken to hospital for further assessment.”
Anyone with information can contact us via 101 or Live Chat, quoting 20SW/243899J/20.


birminghammail--2020-10-08--Liverpool urged to do Butland deal that would impact Blues

Liverpool have been urged to make a move for Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland before next Friday ’ s transfer deadline - something that would interest Birmingham City .
Keeper Butland was tipped to make an immediate return to the Premier League when the Potters were relegated to the Championship in 2018 ; back then , he was an England international with big prospects and a big price-tag , but a move never came to fruition .
Now in his third campaign back in the second tier , Blues academy product Butland hasn ’ t been tipped for a move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest transfer news and comment Why should you sign up ?
In our daily Birmingham City bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
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We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Spurs stopper Paul Robinson , though , views him as the ideal short-term choice for the Reds who are facing an extended spell without first choice keeper Alisson , who is out injured .
Stand-in stopper Adrian conceded seven goals at Aston Villa last weekend , and Liverpool had been backed to dip back into the window to source a short-term fix .
While they ’ ve missed the boat for the international market , they could yet move for a Championship goalkeeper - and Robinson believes that Butland would be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be out for that length of time Liverpool are going to have to look at it , ” Robinson told Football Insider .
“ While the domestic window is still open we may see Liverpool do some business .
There is a lot of good goalkeepers that are not playing football right now .
“ I can see Liverpool signing the likes of Jack Butland on a short-term deal .
They need somebody like that .
A player that has the experience of handling big games .
Somebody of that ilk.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of business has included the recruitment of goalkeeper Neil Etheridge from Cardiff City , would stand to benefit from the selling on of Butland , were a move to come about before the end of next week - or indeed at any point in the future .
The club agreed a sell-on clause as part of the negotiations , which will see them earn a percentage of any profit Stoke make on Butland , should they sell him .

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Liverpool have been urged to make a move for Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland before next Friday’s transfer deadline - something that would interest Birmingham City.
Keeper Butland was tipped to make an immediate return to the Premier League when the Potters were relegated to the Championship in 2018; back then, he was an England international with big prospects and a big price-tag, but a move never came to fruition.
Now in his third campaign back in the second tier, Blues academy product Butland hasn’t been tipped for a move back to the top flight this summer.
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest news and comment Why should you sign up? In our daily Birmingham City bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Former England and Spurs stopper Paul Robinson, though, views him as the ideal short-term choice for the Reds who are facing an extended spell without first choice keeper Alisson, who is out injured.
Stand-in stopper Adrian conceded seven goals at Aston Villa last weekend, and Liverpool had been backed to dip back into the window to source a short-term fix.
While they’ve missed the boat for the international market, they could yet move for a Championship goalkeeper - and Robinson believes that Butland would be a good fit.
“If Alisson is going to be out for that length of time Liverpool are going to have to look at it,” Robinson told Football Insider.
“While the domestic window is still open we may see Liverpool do some business. There is a lot of good goalkeepers that are not playing football right now.
“I can see Liverpool signing the likes of Jack Butland on a short-term deal. They need somebody like that. A player that has the experience of handling big games. Somebody of that ilk.”
Blues, whose own impressive summer of business has included the recruitment of goalkeeper Neil Etheridge from Cardiff City, would stand to benefit from the selling on of Butland, were a move to come about before the end of next week - or indeed at any point in the future.
The club agreed a sell-on clause as part of the negotiations, which will see them earn a percentage of any profit Stoke make on Butland, should they sell him.


birminghammail--2020-10-08--Couple's fury after learning £130k new-build home is actually worth nothing

A couple have spoken out over their new-build nightmare after discovering their home is actually worth £0 .
The pair , who bought a property in Yorkshire , told BBC 's Rip Off Britain over their traumatic experience .
Chris and Steph Oliver have been left heartbroken and agonising over their future after learning their home is worthless .
They discovered the three-bed - which went on the market for £130k - was worthless after a valuation .
The pair bought the property through the government 's Help to Buy scheme and , a year after entering the home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The pair learned the building had not been completed in line with building regulations .
Last year , they discovered huge , unfinished problems with the development .
The property developer went bust this year , leaving its residents with uncompleted work .
`` We feel let down by the systems in this country .
`` There ’ s been so many people who we should have been able to trust and rely on and no one wants to help .
`` We tried to contact Sherwood Homes .
There was no reply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emails .
We were in a state of panic . ''
But the pair were told they should launch a legal bid against their conveyancing solicitors .
An expert told the couple : `` They have n't spotted various issues you would expect them to spot .
`` In terms of environmental issues arising on the site , the new road and the sewers .
`` These are all fundamental issues and all part of the job you would expect a conveyancing surveyor would do . ''
A Bradford Council spokesperson told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let down by the developer and the agencies that worked for the developer , and that is why the Council have supported residents through guidance and advice .
`` We understand that a number of the residents have successfully taken legal action against the developer ’ s agencies in order to rectify some of the problems on site , which the Council considers to be the correct route for residents to be following .
”

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A couple have spoken out over their new-build nightmare after discovering their home is actually worth £0.
The pair, who bought a property in Yorkshire, told BBC's Rip Off Britain over their traumatic experience.
Chris and Steph Oliver have been left heartbroken and agonising over their future after learning their home is worthless.
They discovered the three-bed - which went on the market for £130k - was worthless after a valuation.
The pair bought the property through the government's Help to Buy scheme and, a year after entering the home, were told they could not remortgage.
The pair learned the building had not been completed in line with building regulations. Last year, they discovered huge, unfinished problems with the development.
The property developer went bust this year, leaving its residents with uncompleted work.
Chris told the Beeb: "It’s a mess.
"We feel let down by the systems in this country.
"There’s been so many people who we should have been able to trust and rely on and no one wants to help.
"We tried to contact Sherwood Homes. There was no reply. They stopped answering phone lines and emails. We were in a state of panic."
But the pair were told they should launch a legal bid against their conveyancing solicitors.
An expert told the couple: "They haven't spotted various issues you would expect them to spot.
"In terms of environmental issues arising on the site, the new road and the sewers.
"These are all fundamental issues and all part of the job you would expect a conveyancing surveyor would do."
A Bradford Council spokesperson told the programme: "Clearly residents have been let down by the developer and the agencies that worked for the developer, and that is why the Council have supported residents through guidance and advice.
"We understand that a number of the residents have successfully taken legal action against the developer’s agencies in order to rectify some of the problems on site, which the Council considers to be the correct route for residents to be following.”


birminghammail--2020-10-08--Lonely heart scammed out of £70k by 'dream lover' - who was callous con artist

A lonely heart who thought he had met the love of his life was scammed out of £70,000 by a callous con artist .
The huge sum was among a combined £2 million trade in human misery as more than 200 victims were scammed in the West Midlands in just one year .
The £70k case was the largest revealed by police as they issued a new plea over so-called `` romance fraud '' .
The victim sent cash to the US believing a woman would fly to the UK to meet him .
But he lost his cash and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw an 82-year-old man part with £14,000 after sending cash to a ’ woman ’ he met online .
And a 29-year-old woman was persuaded to hand over £43,000 after a conman built up her trust over a number of months .
In all the cases , the victims ' dreams of romance turned to dust after they sent the money .
There were among 233 victims of romance fraud in the region in the year to August , with the youngest still in their teens .
West Midlands Police warned fraudsters had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a bid to target the lonely during the coronavirus pandemic .
The force is supporting a national campaign to warn singletons about falling victim to fraudsters ’ - who create fake profiles and trick them into believing they ’ re the ’ perfect partner ’ .
Instead they make-up stories to persuade them to hand over cash , or get personal details to access accounts themselves .
West Midlands Police shares intelligence with other forces to try to trace fraudsters .
As part of the campaign - being co-ordinated through the City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the most common online platforms for fraudsters will be running adverts on tell-tale signs and protection reminders .
Kloe Burrows , from the West Midlands Police economic crime unit , said : `` Unfortunately , there are criminals who are willing to target those looking for love .
These con-artists are manipulative , clever , subtle and capable of exploiting anyone .
`` There is not only the financial impact but also the emotional heartache caused from being a victim .
They gain your trust over weeks and months but rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship you ’ re being used purely for financial gain .
`` It ’ s important to stop and think , rather than being seduced by the profile .
There are many , many online singletons who are genuine and given time , and getting to know them safely , could indeed be the perfect partner and not a fraudster . ''
Advice to stop people becoming a victim of romance fraud West Midlands Police is offering the following advice to people to avoid becoming victims of romance fraud .
*Avoid giving away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to someone you ’ ve never met in person , as it can lead to your identity being stolen .
This includes revealing your full name , date of birth and home address - even if you ’ re doing it for what seems to be harmless reasons such as your partner wants to send you flowers or a gift .
*Stay on the site ’ s messaging service until you meet in person .
Criminals want to quickly switch to other platforms that are less regulated and have better encryption , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asking you for money .
Whatever reason you ’ re given to move away from the site where you met , if the other person is genuine , they will accept your decision to stay on the platform until you see each other in person*On social media , only accept friend requests from people you know and trust .
*Most online platforms have a reporting tool which you can use if you suspect someone online is using pictures that don ’ t belong to them , you are suspicious of their behaviour , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Reporting their user profile means it can be blocked which helps protect others .
*It ’ s important that no matter how long you ’ ve been speaking to someone online and how much you trust them , if you haven ’ t met them in person do not : Allow them access to your bank account Take a loan out for them Provide copies of your personal documents such as passports or driving licenses Invest your own money on their behalf or on their advice Purchase and send the codes on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to receive and/or send parcels on their behalf ( laptops , mobile phones etc . )
*You ’ ve struck up a relationship with someone online and they declare their love for you quite quickly .
They may even talk of marriage or other relationship milestones such as buying a house together .
Many romance fraudsters say they are based abroad so will claim a big step in your relationship will be them returning to the UK to be with you .
*They constantly make up excuses why they can ’ t video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try and move your conversation off the platform that you met on .
*Their pictures are perfect and might not match up with what they tell you about themselves .
Performing a reverse image search on Google can find photos that have been taken from somewhere , or someone , else .
*They claim to be overseas , working in the military or medical profession .
They might say they are abroad , carrying out vital work , including charity work .
This helps them paint a picture of themselves as being heroic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gives them an excuse for the use of international dialling codes or poor internet connection .
*When they ask for your help , it will be for a time critical emergency .
The reason will be something emotive , which pulls at your heartstrings .
They ’ ll open up to you about a problem , or something that is worrying them to appear vulnerable and make you feel sorry for them .
They may get defensive if you decline to help or make you feel guilty and responsible for the urgent emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ *They tell you to keep your relationship private and insist that you don ’ t discuss anything you talk about with your friends and family .
This also includes the crisis they find themselves in that requires money .
They will convince you this is part of the normal privacy that forms a healthy relationship .
West Midlands Police say romance fraud is an historically under-reported crime and the force need people to tell them if they ’ re a victim .
Message them via Live Chat on our website or go to @ @ @ @ @ @

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A lonely heart who thought he had met the love of his life was scammed out of £70,000 by a callous con artist.
The huge sum was among a combined £2 million trade in human misery as more than 200 victims were scammed in the West Midlands in just one year.
The £70k case was the largest revealed by police as they issued a new plea over so-called "romance fraud".
The victim sent cash to the US believing a woman would fly to the UK to meet him. But he lost his cash and the contact went cold.
Other cases saw an 82-year-old man part with £14,000 after sending cash to a ’woman’ he met online.
And a 29-year-old woman was persuaded to hand over £43,000 after a conman built up her trust over a number of months.
(Image: West Mercia Police)
In all the cases, the victims' dreams of romance turned to dust after they sent the money.
There were among 233 victims of romance fraud in the region in the year to August, with the youngest still in their teens.
West Midlands Police warned fraudsters had stepped up their pursuit of lonely hearts in a bid to target the lonely during the coronavirus pandemic.
The force is supporting a national campaign to warn singletons about falling victim to fraudsters’ - who create fake profiles and trick them into believing they’re the ’perfect partner’.
Instead they make-up stories to persuade them to hand over cash, or get personal details to access accounts themselves.
West Midlands Police shares intelligence with other forces to try to trace fraudsters.
As part of the campaign - being co-ordinated through the City of London Police and Action Fraud - some of the most common online platforms for fraudsters will be running adverts on tell-tale signs and protection reminders.
Kloe Burrows, from the West Midlands Police economic crime unit, said: "Unfortunately, there are criminals who are willing to target those looking for love. These con-artists are manipulative, clever, subtle and capable of exploiting anyone.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"There is not only the financial impact but also the emotional heartache caused from being a victim. They gain your trust over weeks and months but rather than being in a loving and caring relationship you’re being used purely for financial gain.
"It’s important to stop and think, rather than being seduced by the profile. There are many, many online singletons who are genuine and given time, and getting to know them safely, could indeed be the perfect partner and not a fraudster."
Advice to stop people becoming a victim of romance fraud
West Midlands Police is offering the following advice to people to avoid becoming victims of romance fraud.
*Avoid giving away too many personal details when speaking online to someone you’ve never met in person, as it can lead to your identity being stolen. This includes revealing your full name, date of birth and home address - even if you’re doing it for what seems to be harmless reasons such as your partner wants to send you flowers or a gift.
*Stay on the site’s messaging service until you meet in person. Criminals want to quickly switch to other platforms that are less regulated and have better encryption, so there’s no evidence of them asking you for money. Whatever reason you’re given to move away from the site where you met, if the other person is genuine, they will accept your decision to stay on the platform until you see each other in person*On social media, only accept friend requests from people you know and trust.
*Most online platforms have a reporting tool which you can use if you suspect someone online is using pictures that don’t belong to them, you are suspicious of their behaviour, or they have asked you for money. Reporting their user profile means it can be blocked which helps protect others.
*It’s important that no matter how long you’ve been speaking to someone online and how much you trust them, if you haven’t met them in person do not:
Send them any money
Allow them access to your bank account
Transfer money on their behalf
Take a loan out for them
Provide copies of your personal documents such as passports or driving licenses
Invest your own money on their behalf or on their advice
Purchase and send the codes on gift cards from Amazon or iTunes
Agree to receive and/or send parcels on their behalf (laptops, mobile phones etc.)
Spot the signs of a romance fraudster
*You’ve struck up a relationship with someone online and they declare their love for you quite quickly. They may even talk of marriage or other relationship milestones such as buying a house together. Many romance fraudsters say they are based abroad so will claim a big step in your relationship will be them returning to the UK to be with you.
*They constantly make up excuses why they can’t video chat or meet in person and they try and move your conversation off the platform that you met on.
*Their pictures are perfect and might not match up with what they tell you about themselves. Performing a reverse image search on Google can find photos that have been taken from somewhere, or someone, else.
*They claim to be overseas, working in the military or medical profession. They might say they are abroad, carrying out vital work, including charity work. This helps them paint a picture of themselves as being heroic, trustworthy and reliable, and also gives them an excuse for the use of international dialling codes or poor internet connection.
*When they ask for your help, it will be for a time critical emergency. The reason will be something emotive, which pulls at your heartstrings. They’ll open up to you about a problem, or something that is worrying them to appear vulnerable and make you feel sorry for them. They may get defensive if you decline to help or make you feel guilty and responsible for the urgent emergency they claim you could have averted.
*They tell you to keep your relationship private and insist that you don’t discuss anything you talk about with your friends and family. This also includes the crisis they find themselves in that requires money. They will convince you this is part of the normal privacy that forms a healthy relationship.
West Midlands Police say romance fraud is an historically under-reported crime and the force need people to tell them if they’re a victim.
Message them via Live Chat on our website or go to the Action Fraud website at www.actionfraud.police.uk


birminghammail--2020-10-08--Revealed - exact start date finally announced for Birmingham's CAZ

Birmingham 's controversial Clean Air Zone ( CAZ ) is set to be launched on June 1 next year , the city council announced today .
Town hall chiefs have confirmed the planned start date for the pollution-busting scheme following discussions with government ministers .
The large-scale initiative , which will impose charges on vehicles which do n't meet strict criteria , is aimed at improving air quality in the heart of the city .
Although the CAZ , which has been the subject of a number of delays , has also attracted huge criticism , with previous claims it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Announcing the scheduled start date , Councillor Waseem Zaffar , cabinet member for transport and environment , said : `` We have been working closely with officials at the Joint Air Quality Unit and ministers to agree a new launch date for the government-mandated Clean Air Zone .
`` Poor air quality remains a public health risk and a Clean Air Zone provides the city with an effective tool for tackling this issue in the shortest possible time .
`` The majority of drivers on Birmingham ’ s roads will not need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you do then you may be eligible for an exemption or one of the financial incentives .
`` So , I would encourage everyone to check the Brum Breathes website today .
And everyone can still play a role in improving the air we all breathe by trying to reduce the number of shorter journeys we make by car every day . ''
Last month council leader Ian Ward had told a West Midlands Combined Authority ( WMCA ) briefing that the aim was to introduce the charge in summer 2021 - but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The scheme has previously suffered a number of delays , because of issues with the government 's vehicle checker and more recently Covid-19 .
The CAZ will cover an area of the city inside the inner ring road ( A4540 Middleway ) and once up-and-running will mean that the owners of the most polluting vehicles , which account for around a quarter of those on Birmingham ’ s roads , will need to pay a daily charge to drive into the zone .
Amid concern about the impact , the council has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exemptions and financial incentives , with £35 million to help residents , city centre workers and businesses prepare for the launch .
Applications and expressions of interest are now open and more information is available at www.BrumBreathes.co.uk .

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Birmingham's controversial Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is set to be launched on June 1 next year, the city council announced today.
Town hall chiefs have confirmed the planned start date for the pollution-busting scheme following discussions with government ministers.
The large-scale initiative, which will impose charges on vehicles which don't meet strict criteria, is aimed at improving air quality in the heart of the city.
Although the CAZ, which has been the subject of a number of delays, has also attracted huge criticism, with previous claims it could hit businesses and low income residents.
Announcing the scheduled start date, Councillor Waseem Zaffar, cabinet member for transport and environment, said: "We have been working closely with officials at the Joint Air Quality Unit and ministers to agree a new launch date for the government-mandated Clean Air Zone.
"Poor air quality remains a public health risk and a Clean Air Zone provides the city with an effective tool for tackling this issue in the shortest possible time.
"The majority of drivers on Birmingham’s roads will not need to pay the daily charge but if you do then you may be eligible for an exemption or one of the financial incentives.
"So, I would encourage everyone to check the Brum Breathes website today. And everyone can still play a role in improving the air we all breathe by trying to reduce the number of shorter journeys we make by car every day."
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Last month council leader Ian Ward had told a West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) briefing that the aim was to introduce the charge in summer 2021 - but the exact date was only announced today.
The scheme has previously suffered a number of delays, because of issues with the government's vehicle checker and more recently Covid-19.
The CAZ will cover an area of the city inside the inner ring road (A4540 Middleway) and once up-and-running will mean that the owners of the most polluting vehicles, which account for around a quarter of those on Birmingham’s roads, will need to pay a daily charge to drive into the zone.
Amid concern about the impact, the council has said it is offering a range of exemptions and financial incentives, with £35 million to help residents, city centre workers and businesses prepare for the launch.
Applications and expressions of interest are now open and more information is available at www.BrumBreathes.co.uk.


birminghammail--2020-10-08--Just two areas of West Midlands have falling coronavirus rates

Only two parts of the West Midlands have falling coronavirus rates now as Covid-19 continues to soar across the country .
Sandwell and Wolverhampton - two areas under enhanced measures - have seen rates dip , albeit only slightly .
Sandwell is down from 113 cases per 100,000 with 372 new cases in the past week to 112 cases per 100k .
Wolverhampton , by contrast , has 73 cases per 100,000 people this week , down from 83 per 100k last week , with 219 new cases .
Birmingham remains languishing around 151 cases per 100,000 , up slightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Solihull , meanwhile , has 114 cases - up sharply from 90 per 100,000 people last week , according to the PA news agency .
The stats have been compiled from Public Health England and show Bromsgrove has risen from 43 to 104 cases per 100k , with Stafford , Newcastle under Lyme , Coventry and South Staffs up to 106 , 112 , 102 and 82 from 51 , 50 , 74 and 57 respectively .
The figures , for the seven days to October 4 , are based on tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Government 's testing programme ) and in the wider community ( pillar two ) .
The list has been calculated by the PA news agency and is based on Public Health England data published on Wednesday October 7 on the Government 's coronavirus dashboard .

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Only two parts of the West Midlands have falling coronavirus rates now as Covid-19 continues to soar across the country.
Sandwell and Wolverhampton - two areas under enhanced measures - have seen rates dip, albeit only slightly.
Sandwell is down from 113 cases per 100,000 with 372 new cases in the past week to 112 cases per 100k.
Wolverhampton, by contrast, has 73 cases per 100,000 people this week, down from 83 per 100k last week, with 219 new cases.
Birmingham remains languishing around 151 cases per 100,000, up slightly from last week's 147 per 100k.
Solihull, meanwhile, has 114 cases - up sharply from 90 per 100,000 people last week, according to the PA news agency.
The stats have been compiled from Public Health England and show Bromsgrove has risen from 43 to 104 cases per 100k, with Stafford, Newcastle under Lyme, Coventry and South Staffs up to 106, 112, 102 and 82 from 51, 50, 74 and 57 respectively.
The figures, for the seven days to October 4, are based on tests carried out in laboratories (pillar one of the Government's testing programme) and in the wider community (pillar two).
The list has been calculated by the PA news agency and is based on Public Health England data published on Wednesday October 7 on the Government's coronavirus dashboard.
Rising:
Birmingham 151.9 (1734), 147.7 (1687)
Walsall 117.3 (335), 83.4 (238)
Solihull 114.2 (247), 90.1 (195)
Newcastle-under-Lyme 112.8 (146), 50.2 (65)
Stafford 106.4 (146), 51.0 (70)
Bromsgrove 104.1 (104), 43.1 (43)
Coventry 102.8 (382), 74.3 (276)
South Staffordshire 82.7 (93), 57.8 (65)
Lichfield 81.1 (85), 26.7 (28)
Rugby 80.8 (88), 53.2 (58)
Dudley 73.1 (235), 56.3 (181)
Stratford-on-Avon 71.5 (93), 25.4 (33)
Worcester 67.2 (68), 47.4 (48)
Nuneaton and Bedworth 67.0 (87), 48.5 (63)
Wyre Forest 65.2 (66), 52.3 (53)
Stoke-on-Trent 60.1 (154), 49.5 (127)
Cannock Chase 59.5 (60), 33.7 (34)
Warwick 59.1 (85), 37.6 (54)
Tamworth 58.7 (45), 18.3 (14)
Malvern Hills 58.5 (46), 34.3 (27)
Shropshire 57.6 (186), 42.4 (137)
Wychavon 57.2 (74), 34.0 (44)
Staffordshire Moorlands 56.9 (56), 24.4 (24)
Redditch 54.0 (46), 48.1 (41)
North Warwickshire 53.6 (35), 41.4 (27)
Telford and Wrekin 53.4 (96), 43.9 (79)
East Staffordshire 50.9 (61), 33.4 (40)
Falling:
Sandwell 112.0 (368), 113.3 (372)
Wolverhampton 73.7 (194), 83.2 (219)


birminghammail--2020-10-08--Urgent call for airport Covid test to help protect thousands of jobs

Some of the country 's biggest airlines and airports have joined forces to demand a coronavirus travel testing scheme gets off the ground in the coming weeks .
Heathrow Airport , easyJet , Virgin Atlantic and Manchester Airports Group have combined to call for urgent action in a bid to introduce an effective testing policy to help protect thousands of jobs in the struggling industry .
The demand comes as the UK government announced it had created a taskforce to look at ways of helping the sector deal with the ongoing impact of the global pandemic and reduce the crippling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK .
The consortium said the government should explore a variety measures to boost international travel , including a move to pre-departure and mid-quarantine testing .
A statement said : `` Today 's announcement is a step in the right direction by the UK Government to restart the economy and protect thousands of jobs across the country .
`` We support the decision to opt for a single test , private sector-led , passenger-funded approach , that does not impact on the NHS in any way .
But travellers need a firm commitment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implemented in early November .
`` A test on day five , which the Government 's own conservative evidence said would be 'highly effective ' and which they 're already doing in Germany , should be the starting point .
`` We encourage the Government to take a lead in moving to pre-departure testing , as well as the approval of new testing technologies , as soon as possible .
`` Without a rapid move to testing , the UK will fall even further behind our competitors and the economic recovery will fail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virgin Atlantic boss Shai Weiss , added : `` Without mass testing , the economic recovery of the UK will not take off in its time of need .
We now expect an extended recession that will probably go into next year .
Some 500,000 jobs in the UK are at risk without action .
He wants the Government to open travel corridors between London and New York and New Jersey , where infection rates are reported to have fallen .

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Some of the country's biggest airlines and airports have joined forces to demand a coronavirus travel testing scheme gets off the ground in the coming weeks.
Heathrow Airport, easyJet, Virgin Atlantic and Manchester Airports Group have combined to call for urgent action in a bid to introduce an effective testing policy to help protect thousands of jobs in the struggling industry.
The demand comes as the UK government announced it had created a taskforce to look at ways of helping the sector deal with the ongoing impact of the global pandemic and reduce the crippling 14-day quarantine period for arrivals in the UK.
The consortium said the government should explore a variety measures to boost international travel, including a move to pre-departure and mid-quarantine testing.
A statement said: "Today's announcement is a step in the right direction by the UK Government to restart the economy and protect thousands of jobs across the country.
"We support the decision to opt for a single test, private sector-led, passenger-funded approach, that does not impact on the NHS in any way. But travellers need a firm commitment that a comprehensive testing regime will be implemented in early November.
"A test on day five, which the Government's own conservative evidence said would be 'highly effective' and which they're already doing in Germany, should be the starting point.
"We encourage the Government to take a lead in moving to pre-departure testing, as well as the approval of new testing technologies, as soon as possible.
"Without a rapid move to testing, the UK will fall even further behind our competitors and the economic recovery will fail to get off the ground."
Virgin Atlantic boss Shai Weiss, added: "Without mass testing, the economic recovery of the UK will not take off in its time of need. We now expect an extended recession that will probably go into next year. Some 500,000 jobs in the UK are at risk without action.
He wants the Government to open travel corridors between London and New York and New Jersey, where infection rates are reported to have fallen.


birminghammail--2020-10-08--Postbox overflows with home Covid test kids amid second wave

This picture of a postbox in a student area rammed with so many Covid home test kits some are spilling onto the street reveals the stark reality of the deadly second wave .
The postbox in Ilkeston Road , Nottingham , is in an area with a high student population where hundreds have been infected with the virus .
Sport Rehabilitation student Amy Collins , 21 , was shocked to discover the collection point overflowing with home test packs .
She said : “ My housemate has symptoms so we were actually posting a test for her .
We went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so full .
“ The postbox was filled right up to the top .
Whether that was just the top half , the whole box or just as much as I could see inside it .
“ Everything you could see inside the postbox was home kits .
`` It 's pretty unnerving and it made me realise how much it was affecting the student population more than anything .
“ The situation at university is a bit stressful because obviously , we 're wondering if there 's going to be a lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go home to your family safely .
“ The university has done well in terms of online education type things but it 's more about like can we go home , can we see friends .
“ That is a bit rubbish to have to think about when you should be at uni having fun but it 's just kind of the way it is at the moment.
” The city 's infection rate of 440.1 per 100,000 people is the fifth highest in England .
On Monday ( 5/10 ) 425 University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with many of those in shared housing .
Royal Mail confirmed that due to larger volumes of tests than normal , it has increased clearances of the postbox on Ilkeston Road .
A spokesperson said : “ We take the privacy , health and safety of our customers very seriously .
“ This priority postbox is in an area of Nottingham where there is a high student population .
“ The postbox has received larger than usual volumes of completed test kits in the last 24 hours following a recent spike in student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three daily clearances of this postbox from Monday to Friday .
“ We are introducing two additional clearances at around 10am and 7pm over the next 48 hours .
“ We are also in touch with local educational establishments to see if we can help manage the collection of test kits in any other way .
“ We continue to monitor the situation which we are keeping under review .
”

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This picture of a postbox in a student area rammed with so many Covid home test kits some are spilling onto the street reveals the stark reality of the deadly second wave.
The postbox in Ilkeston Road, Nottingham, is in an area with a high student population where hundreds have been infected with the virus.
Sport Rehabilitation student Amy Collins, 21, was shocked to discover the collection point overflowing with home test packs.
She said: “My housemate has symptoms so we were actually posting a test for her. We went to that post office and it was so full.
“The postbox was filled right up to the top. Whether that was just the top half, the whole box or just as much as I could see inside it.
“Everything you could see inside the postbox was home kits.
"It's pretty unnerving and it made me realise how much it was affecting the student population more than anything.
(Image: Amy Collins / SWNS)
“The situation at university is a bit stressful because obviously, we're wondering if there's going to be a lockdown and when we will be able to go home to your family safely.
“The university has done well in terms of online education type things but it's more about like can we go home, can we see friends.
“That is a bit rubbish to have to think about when you should be at uni having fun but it's just kind of the way it is at the moment.”
The city's infection rate of 440.1 per 100,000 people is the fifth highest in England.
On Monday (5/10) 425 University of Nottingham students tested positive for coronavirus with many of those in shared housing.
Royal Mail confirmed that due to larger volumes of tests than normal, it has increased clearances of the postbox on Ilkeston Road.
A spokesperson said: “We take the privacy, health and safety of our customers very seriously.
“This priority postbox is in an area of Nottingham where there is a high student population.
“The postbox has received larger than usual volumes of completed test kits in the last 24 hours following a recent spike in student cases.
“We already carry out three daily clearances of this postbox from Monday to Friday.
“We are introducing two additional clearances at around 10am and 7pm over the next 48 hours.
“We are also in touch with local educational establishments to see if we can help manage the collection of test kits in any other way.
“We continue to monitor the situation which we are keeping under review.”


birminghammail--2020-10-08--Villa striker decision to be made as transfer deadline looms

Preston North End and Derby County remain keen on young Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis before the forthcoming closure of the transfer window , according to reports .
Davis , who is currently Dean Smith ’ s back-up striker to first choice and summer signing Ollie Watkins , has committed his long-term future to Villa this summer after agreeing a new contract that runs until 2024 .
He ’ s only played 28 minutes of top flight football so far , though Davis started two of the club ’ s three Carabao Cup ties and scored from the bench in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sign up to our Villa newsletter for Ollie Watkins updates The former Brentford hotshot takes the mantle from Wesley Moraes , and big things are expected of the winger/striker at Villa Park .
He 's well known to Villa head coach Dean Smith , and you could get to know Watkins just as well by signing up to our free AVFC newsletter .
In our daily Aston Villa bulletin , we 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up ?
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If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty of prizes in our FPL league .
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To enter , simply sign up here .
After the sale of Mbwana Samatta to Fenerbahce , though , the 22-year-old is very much the next cab off the striker rank for Smith and Villa , with fellow forward Wesley Moraes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That would mean that , unless Villa were to dip into the transfer market once again before the domestic deadline next Friday , Davis is likely to remain at Villa Park despite claims that he would be open to the idea of jumping down into the Championship for a season to play football every week .
Preston , who have picked up the likes of Daniel Johnson and Callum Robinson previously - and who loaned Andre Green last year - have been linked for some time , while Derby themselves are desperate for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left Pride Park for Bristol City .
Villa have been linked with Josh King too , in recent weeks , and it would appear that he is desperate to return to the top flight before the end of next week .
Albion remain interested , while West Ham United have also opened talks with Bournemouth .

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Preston North End and Derby County remain keen on young Aston Villa striker Keinan Davis before the forthcoming closure of the transfer window, according to reports.
Davis, who is currently Dean Smith’s back-up striker to first choice and summer signing Ollie Watkins, has committed his long-term future to Villa this summer after agreeing a new contract that runs until 2024.
He’s only played 28 minutes of top flight football so far, though Davis started two of the club’s three Carabao Cup ties and scored from the bench in the 3-1 win at Burton Albion.
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for Michael Olise updates Aston Villa have the chance to strengthen their squad in the January window - and Reading winger Michael Olise is a reported target. In our daily Aston Villa bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest on any bid for Olise, as well as breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free!
After the sale of Mbwana Samatta to Fenerbahce, though, the 22-year-old is very much the next cab off the striker rank for Smith and Villa, with fellow forward Wesley Moraes still some way off from returning.
That would mean that, unless Villa were to dip into the transfer market once again before the domestic deadline next Friday, Davis is likely to remain at Villa Park despite claims that he would be open to the idea of jumping down into the Championship for a season to play football every week.
Preston, who have picked up the likes of Daniel Johnson and Callum Robinson previously - and who loaned Andre Green last year - have been linked for some time, while Derby themselves are desperate for a new target man after Chris Martin left Pride Park for Bristol City.
Villa have been linked with Josh King too, in recent weeks, and it would appear that he is desperate to return to the top flight before the end of next week.
Albion remain interested, while West Ham United have also opened talks with Bournemouth.


birminghammail--2020-10-08--Watch - Police sting stolen car in stop

Watch - Police sting stolen car in stop

This is the moment cops performed a frighteningly-fast stop on a cloned car in Wednesbury - giving a suspect no chance to react .
West Midlands Police dashcam footage shows a traffic unit tailing the vehicle off the M6 at junction 9 and heading towards the A461 on Monday , October 5 .
The officers can be heard radioing ahead to inform a stinger unit to be ready as the Ford Kuga Ecosport travels down the slip road at around 1.45pm .
The stinger is then deployed - which popped three tyres - and three units move in to box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watch the clip above .
A man was then arrested at the roadside .
A spokesman from the force said the manoeuvre was done to avoid a pursuit .
They said : `` Here is an example of us and Central Motorway Policing Group working closely together .
`` They saw a cloned Ford Ecosport on the M6 motorway & followed it until we stung it ( deflating 3 of its tyres ) to avoid a pursuit .
`` Checks then found the car was recently stolen and a man was arrested without @ @ @

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This is the moment cops performed a frighteningly-fast stop on a cloned car in Wednesbury - giving a suspect no chance to react.
West Midlands Police dashcam footage shows a traffic unit tailing the vehicle off the M6 at junction 9 and heading towards the A461 on Monday, October 5.
The officers can be heard radioing ahead to inform a stinger unit to be ready as the Ford Kuga Ecosport travels down the slip road at around 1.45pm.
The stinger is then deployed - which popped three tyres - and three units move in to box the cloned car in. You can watch the clip above.
A man was then arrested at the roadside.
A spokesman from the force said the manoeuvre was done to avoid a pursuit.
They said: "Here is an example of us and Central Motorway Policing Group working closely together.
"They saw a cloned Ford Ecosport on the M6 motorway & followed it until we stung it (deflating 3 of its tyres) to avoid a pursuit.
"Checks then found the car was recently stolen and a man was arrested without incident."