birminghammail--2020-08-10--Universal Credit hardship payments available - are you eligible for extra cash?

Universal Credit claimants who ca n't manage on their payments have been advised of additional support that may be available .
This includes asking for an Alternative Payment Arrangement to change how the benefit is paid , or getting a Budgeting Advance to cover the cost of emergency expenses .
It may also be possible to ask for a Council Tax Reduction or get other benefits such as PIP , new-style Employment and Support Allowance or new-style Jobseeker 's Allowance .
And there 's a further chance to help with a hardship payment .
But how do you qualify ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The DWP says you can also ask for a hardship payment if you can not pay for rent , heating , food or hygiene needs because you were given a sanction .
A sanction is a financial penalty for breaking the rules of your benefit .
Anyone getting Universal Credit has to make a Claimant Commitment setting out what they 're expected to do in order to qualify for state help .
This includes looking for work or - if you already have a job - working a minimum number of hours , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you do n't do what is stated in the Claimant Commitment , the DWP can give you a sanction , which means your UC is stopped or reduced for a set period .
Sanctions have now resumed after being temporarily suspended during lockdown when it was possible to people to visit jobcentres or go to job interviews .
And this means hardship payments are once again available to those who find themselves unable to cope after being given a sanction .
You can only get a hardship payment if you meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be 18 or over ( 16 if your payment is reduced because of fraud ) .
• You must be struggling to meet your basic needs or the basic needs of a child or young person you ’ re responsible for .
'Basic needs ' include accommodation , heating , food and hygiene .
You 'll only be eligible if the reason you ca n't meet these needs is because of the sanction .
• You must have made every effort to stop spending money on non-essential things .
The jobcentre expects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basic needs , so they might expect you to spend less on entertainment or leisure activities .
• You must have done everything you can to get money from other sources before you can apply .
The jobcentre should be reasonable about what you can do in your circumstances .
For example , you wo n't be expected to sell your belongings , move house , or get a bank loan or credit card .
But you could be expected to ask friends or family for money , looked for other benefits ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or local charities ) , or ask for extra hours if you work .
• You must have done all the work-related activities you were supposed to do in the seven days before you apply for a hardship payment .
Contact the Universal Credit helpline to apply for a hardship payment .
If you ’ re a couple claiming Universal Credit jointly , either of you can apply .
A hardship payment only covers a limited time up to your next normal Universal Credit payday .
You need to make another application if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the following month .
The helpline is open from Monday to Friday , 8am to 6pm .
Calls to 0800 numbers are free .
You must give any evidence they ask for to support your application .
For example , you will need to explain : • what you have done to find other sources of financial help • what other income or savings you have to help pay your costs • what you have done to reduce non-essential spending • which living costs you are struggling with How much is a Hardship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 per cent of the amount you were sanctioned by in the last month .
It has to be paid back through deductions from your Universal Credit payments .
The Department for Work and Pensions will reduce your payment by between 15 per cent and 25 per cent of your standard allowance .
For example , the monthly standard allowance for those who are single and under 25 is £342.72 .
In that case , a 15 per cent deduction would be £51.40 taken off that every month , leaving you with £291.32 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 or over , the standard allowance is £409.89 .
A 15 per cent deduction would take off £61.48 and leave you with £348.41 .
Those who are in a couple and under 25 get a standard allowance of £488.59 between them , and those in a couple who are aged 25 or over get a standard allowance of £594.04 between them .
In these cases , 15 per cent deductions would be £73.28 and £89.10 .
But bear in mind deductions can be higher , up to 25 per cent .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money to live on because you 're paying back a hardship payment , contact your nearest Citizens Advice .
An adviser can help you budget or ask the DWP to lower the repayments .
If the DWP decide you 're not eligible for a hardship payment , you can ask them to look at the decision again .
This is called a mandatory reconsideration

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Universal Credit claimants who can't manage on their payments have been advised of additional support that may be available.
This includes asking for an Alternative Payment Arrangement to change how the benefit is paid, or getting a Budgeting Advance to cover the cost of emergency expenses.
It may also be possible to ask for a Council Tax Reduction or get other benefits such as PIP, new-style Employment and Support Allowance or new-style Jobseeker's Allowance.
And there's a further chance to help with a hardship payment. But how do you qualify?
(Image: Getty Images)
Are you eligible for a hardship payment?
The DWP says you can also ask for a hardship payment if you cannot pay for rent, heating, food or hygiene needs because you were given a sanction.
A sanction is a financial penalty for breaking the rules of your benefit. Anyone getting Universal Credit has to make a Claimant Commitment setting out what they're expected to do in order to qualify for state help.
This includes looking for work or - if you already have a job - working a minimum number of hours, as well as reporting any childcare costs.
If you don't do what is stated in the Claimant Commitment, the DWP can give you a sanction, which means your UC is stopped or reduced for a set period.
Sanctions have now resumed after being temporarily suspended during lockdown when it was not possible to people to visit jobcentres or go to job interviews.
And this means hardship payments are once again available to those who find themselves unable to cope after being given a sanction.
The rules of hardship payments
You can only get a hardship payment if you meet all the following conditions:
You must be 18 or over (16 if your payment is reduced because of fraud).
You must be struggling to meet your basic needs or the basic needs of a child or young person you’re responsible for. 'Basic needs' include accommodation, heating, food and hygiene. You'll only be eligible if the reason you can't meet these needs is because of the sanction.
You must have made every effort to stop spending money on non-essential things. The jobcentre expects you to only spend money on meeting basic needs, so they might expect you to spend less on entertainment or leisure activities.
You must have done everything you can to get money from other sources before you can apply. The jobcentre should be reasonable about what you can do in your circumstances. For example, you won't be expected to sell your belongings, move house, or get a bank loan or credit card. But you could be expected to ask friends or family for money, looked for other benefits (such as from your local council, or local charities), or ask for extra hours if you work.
You must have done all the work-related activities you were supposed to do in the seven days before you apply for a hardship payment.
Contact the Universal Credit helpline to apply for a hardship payment. If you’re a couple claiming Universal Credit jointly, either of you can apply.
A hardship payment only covers a limited time up to your next normal Universal Credit payday.
You need to make another application if you will still be in hardship for the following month.
Universal Credit helpline
Telephone: 0800 328 5644
Textphone: 0800 328 1344
Telephone (Welsh language): 0800 012 1888
The helpline is open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Calls to 0800 numbers are free.
You must give any evidence they ask for to support your application. For example, you will need to explain:
what you have done to find other sources of financial help
what other income or savings you have to help pay your costs
what you have done to reduce non-essential spending
which living costs you are struggling with
How much is a Hardship Payment?
The hardship payment is roughly 60 per cent of the amount you were sanctioned by in the last month.
It has to be paid back through deductions from your Universal Credit payments.
The Department for Work and Pensions will reduce your payment by between 15 per cent and 25 per cent of your standard allowance.
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For example, the monthly standard allowance for those who are single and under 25 is £342.72. In that case, a 15 per cent deduction would be £51.40 taken off that every month, leaving you with £291.32.
For those who are single and 25 or over, the standard allowance is £409.89. A 15 per cent deduction would take off £61.48 and leave you with £348.41.
Those who are in a couple and under 25 get a standard allowance of £488.59 between them, and those in a couple who are aged 25 or over get a standard allowance of £594.04 between them. In these cases, 15 per cent deductions would be £73.28 and £89.10.
But bear in mind deductions can be higher, up to 25 per cent.
If you think you won't have enough money to live on because you're paying back a hardship payment, contact your nearest Citizens Advice.
An adviser can help you budget or ask the DWP to lower the repayments.
If the DWP decide you're not eligible for a hardship payment, you can ask them to look at the decision again. This is called a mandatory reconsideration


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Tens of millions of Brits owed big cash payments after new PPI ruling

Tens of millions of Brits could be in line for new PPI payouts thanks to a new ruling on hidden fees .
The fresh ruling could lead to claimants pocketing owed cash payments , in a hugely welcome windfall amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis .
New PPI claims could be triggered by court rulings from claimants , after a regulator stepped in to help those mis-sold .
The PPI crisis emerged after people reported being sold policies unfairly attached to loans , credit cards mortgages and more .
PPI would cover their debt payments if they died , become ill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were left unable to repay debt for another reason , they were told .
But it was sold to people who could never claim on it , and commissions and profits were often high , Mirror Online reports .
12 years ago now , the regulator stepped in - and since , more than £35billion has been repaid in compensation to millions of people mis-sold .
That is all thanks to payment protection insurance , which had initially been set to end in August last year , with a deadline set for claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people could be eligible , with new cases based on the amount of commission paid to banks by insurers , but not disclosed to customers .
Commission made up more than 95 % of the policy ’ s cost in the most serious cases , The Sunday Times reports .
And that means even if you were n't mis-sold the policy , or have already claimed , you could get a payout .
Experts said recent claims made against banks could mean millions of new compensation claims , including from people who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or never claimed under the previous scheme .

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Tens of millions of Brits could be in line for new PPI payouts thanks to a ruling on hidden fees.
The ruling - which dates back to 2014 - could lead to claimants pocketing owed cash payments, in a hugely welcome windfall amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
The PPI crisis emerged after people reported being sold policies unfairly attached to loans, credit cards mortgages and more.
PPI would cover their debt payments if they died, become ill or disabled, lost their job or were left unable to repay debt for another reason, they were told.
But it was sold to people who could never claim on it, and commissions and profits were often high, Mirror Online reports.
12 years ago now, the regulator stepped in - and since, more than £35billion has been repaid in compensation to millions of people mis-sold.
According to the Mirror, people were told PPI would cover their debt payments if they died, become ill or disabled, lost their job or were left unable to repay debt for another reason.
The problem was that there were also a series of exclusions, meaning it was sold to people who could never claim on it, while commissions and profits were high.
In 2008 the regulator stepped in after thousands of complaints for people who had been mis-sold.
Over the past ten years more than £35billion has been handed back in compensation to mis-sold customers thanks to payment protection insurance.
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That was all set to end in August last year, with a deadline set for claims, but new rulings mean even more people could be eligible.
The new cases are based on the amount of commission paid to banks by insurers, but not disclosed to customers.
Commission made up more than 95% of the policy’s cost in the most serious cases, The Sunday Times reports.
And that means even if you weren't mis-sold the policy, or have already claimed, you could get a payout.
Experts said recent claims made against banks could mean millions of new compensation claims, including from people who were denied payments, received only partial refunds or never claimed under the previous scheme.
That's because under the old rules, customers only got back half the commission the bank was paid, and these new cases have seen judges award far more.
Martin Richardson, from solicitors MoneyPlus Legal, said new claims against the banks could amount to "billions of pounds".


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Bus driver 'racially abused and threatened with knife' on city bus

A bus driver was allegedly racially abused and threatened with a knife by passenger on the Soho Road .
West Midlands Police Safer Travel has issued an appeal following the incident on the Number 74 bus on July 4 at around 12.30pm in Handsworth .
The force says a man is believed to have shouted racial abuse at the driver and flashed a knife when he refused to adhere to social distancing .
The force is now appealing for witnesses or people with information about the incident to get in touch .
An appeal on the Safer Travel Facebook page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man ?
`` We ’ d like to speak to him after a bus driver was racially abused and threatened with a knife on the 74 bus on the Soho Road .
`` A man is believed to have shouted racial abuse at the driver and flashed a knife at him when he refused to adhere to social distancing on the bus .
`` It is understood that a number of passengers witnessed the incident and attempted to calm the man down .
`` The incident took place on 4 July around 12.30pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is or have any information , please get in touch with us via 101 or Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk .
Quote crime reference 20BW/160203E/20.
``

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A bus driver was allegedly racially abused and threatened with a knife by passenger on the Soho Road.
West Midlands Police Safer Travel has issued an appeal following the incident on the Number 74 bus on July 4 at around 12.30pm in Handsworth.
The force says a man is believed to have shouted racial abuse at the driver and flashed a knife when he refused to adhere to social distancing.
The force is now appealing for witnesses or people with information about the incident to get in touch.
An appeal on the Safer Travel Facebook page said: "Do you recognise this man?
"We’d like to speak to him after a bus driver was racially abused and threatened with a knife on the 74 bus on the Soho Road.
"A man is believed to have shouted racial abuse at the driver and flashed a knife at him when he refused to adhere to social distancing on the bus.
"It is understood that a number of passengers witnessed the incident and attempted to calm the man down.
"The incident took place on 4 July around 12.30pm.
"If you know who he is or have any information, please get in touch with us via 101 or Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk. Quote crime reference 20BW/160203E/20. "


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Stan Collymore's brilliant response after BBC doggers slip goes viral

Ex-Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore has brilliantly shown his humorous side - after poking fun at himself following a live cock-up on BBC Breakfast .
BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood was left red-faced after telling stunned viewers she had seen `` lots of doggers '' in a park today .
However , after quickly realising her gaffe , she added : `` Not doggers !
Not doggers , of course .
Lots of dog walkers and joggers . ''
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` one of the oldest enclosed royal parks '' , she told viewers on Monday , August 10 .
The embarrassing clip went viral after being viewed by millions , with Carol later apologising by telling her 181,700 Twitter followers : `` That will teach me to try and say joggers and dog walkers in the same sentence !
!
!
Sorry !
xxx . ''
Collymore , meanwhile , was quick to react to this morning 's harmless error in reference to his self-proclaimed dogging past after he begged for forgiveness back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dogging ” sites to have sex with strangers .
The former England forward explained how he had confessed to his wife that he had driven to several sites where people watch each other having sex in their cars .
“ What I have done is disgusting and I ’ m so ashamed , but I ’ m only human , ” Collymore , then 33 , said .
“ I can only beg for forgiveness .
“ Over the last couple of years I have been to dogging sites maybe a dozen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken part and had sex during them .
“ My only hope is that the people I know and love can find it in their hearts to forgive me.
” Fast-forward 16 years and Collymore , now 49 , responded in hilarious fashion to the BBC 'dogging ' mistake by posting a popular GIF of Homer Simpson scaling back into a bush .
Here 's how the Twitter responded to Collymore 's comedy : Patrick Jennings : One of the greatest traits we possess around the West Mids is the ability to laugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hodge : If you ca n't laugh at yourself , who can you laugh at .
Well played Stan , well played .

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Ex-Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore has brilliantly shown his humorous side - after poking fun at himself following a live cock-up on BBC Breakfast.
BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood was left red-faced after telling stunned viewers she had seen "lots of doggers" in a park today.
However, after quickly realising her gaffe, she added: "Not doggers! Not doggers, of course. Lots of dog walkers and joggers."
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The broadcaster was in Greenwich Park, "one of the oldest enclosed royal parks", she told viewers on Monday, August 10.
The embarrassing clip went viral after being viewed by millions, with Carol later apologising by telling her 181,700 Twitter followers: "That will teach me to try and say joggers and dog walkers in the same sentence!!! Sorry! xxx."
Collymore, meanwhile, was quick to react to this morning's harmless error in reference to his self-proclaimed dogging past after he begged for forgiveness back in 2004 after he admitted visiting “dogging” sites to have sex with strangers.
The former England forward explained how he had confessed to his wife that he had driven to several sites where people watch each other having sex in their cars.
“What I have done is disgusting and I’m so ashamed, but I’m only human,” Collymore, then 33, said. “I can only beg for forgiveness.
“Over the last couple of years I have been to dogging sites maybe a dozen to 15 times, and yes I have taken part and had sex during them.
“My only hope is that the people I know and love can find it in their hearts to forgive me.”
Fast-forward 16 years and Collymore, now 49, responded in hilarious fashion to the BBC 'dogging' mistake by posting a popular GIF of Homer Simpson scaling back into a bush.
Here's how the Twitter responded to Collymore's comedy:
Patrick Jennings : One of the greatest traits we possess around the West Mids is the ability to laugh at ourselves ..Top bloke Stan.
Ashley : Unbelievably good humour, Stan. Fair play.
Richard Hodge : If you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at. Well played Stan, well played.
AVFC821 : Owning it Stan!! Good humour!!
Chrissy la Brava : Haha class Stan.
Dave Price : Fair play Stan.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Ex-Blues loanee Scott Hogan linked with AFC Bournemouth switch

Bournemouth are keen on signing former Birmingham City loanee Scott Hogan .
According to The Telegraph , the Cherries are eying a move for the Aston Villa frontman ahead of their first season back in the Championship following relegation from the top flight .
Hogan enjoyed a mixed season with Blues after joining on loan from Villa in January .
The former Brentford striker scored seven in his first eight league games for City , but he did n't manage to find the net again after that , finishing the season on a nine-game goal drought .
Why should you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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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Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
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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 Play Store and App Store Nevertheless , Bournemouth are now said to be interested with Villa likely to offload Hogan after staying in the Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year left on his contract .
There is even talk of a swap deal with Villa keen on Cherries striker Callum Wilson .
Reports claim Villa could offer Hogan plus a significant sum of cash to get that particular deal done .
But either way , it seems unlikely Hogan will be heading back to St Andrew 's despite his decent spell at the club which saw him finish as the club 's second top-scorer for the season despite only playing in the back-end of the year .

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Bournemouth are keen on signing former Birmingham City loanee Scott Hogan.
According to The Telegraph, the Cherries are eying a move for the Aston Villa frontman ahead of their first season back in the Championship following relegation from the top flight.
Hogan enjoyed a mixed season with Blues after joining on loan from Villa in January.
The former Brentford striker scored seven in his first eight league games for City, but he didn't manage to find the net again after that, finishing the season on a nine-game goal drought.
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
Nevertheless, Bournemouth are now said to be interested with Villa likely to offload Hogan after staying in the Premier League and the striker having just one year left on his contract.
There is even talk of a swap deal with Villa keen on Cherries striker Callum Wilson.
Reports claim Villa could offer Hogan plus a significant sum of cash to get that particular deal done.
But either way, it seems unlikely Hogan will be heading back to St Andrew's despite his decent spell at the club which saw him finish as the club's second top-scorer for the season despite only playing in the back-end of the year.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Pub 'stops local spread' after relative tests positive for virus

Quick-thinking action by pub bosses has been praised for helping to stop the potential spread of Covid-19 in Willenhall .
The Three Tuns pub , in Walsall Road , was voluntarily closed by owners when they discovered a family member had tested positive for the virus .
But their immediate response in alerting the authorities and tracing all their customers to urge them to get tested is being held up as an example of how businesses should respond .
Pub co-owner Ranj Singh said to date , results from all the tests taken by family members and customers have come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnamed family member who had tested positive is now fully recovered .
The positive result emerged on July 30 when another relative who was due to go back to working in a hospital was given precautionary testing kits for the whole family .
The pub was closed for seven days after tests were carried out and a deep clean of the premises was undertaken before it reopened last Thursday ( August 6 ) .
Mr Singh said : `` We had to take quick action when we discovered the positive test so I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of people who 'd come into the pub who we have contacted , urging them to get tested too .
`` We closed the pub ourselves and we isolated .
The whole place has been sanitised and disinfected as a precaution and I 've been in regular contact with Walsall Council and Public Health England .
`` I think I have done everything right .
I called it in and acted on it , doing all the necessary things and followed the guidelines and procedures .
`` The good result is everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fine so perhaps we caught it early because of that initial test .
`` We ’ ve paid for it by having to close but it ’ s about everyone else - we have elderly relatives and the customers to think about .
You should always put other people before profits . ''
Councillor Suky Samra , chairman of the licensing committee praised Three Tuns bosses for their actions .
He said : `` I want to thank the owners and management of the Three Tuns Public House in their diligence in coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and working with the council and Public Health England in ensuring that those who may have come in contact were traced and asked to isolate .
`` Coronavirus is sadly here to stay for the foreseeable future and only working together can we stop it spreading . ''

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Quick-thinking action by pub bosses has been praised for helping to stop the potential spread of Covid-19 in Willenhall.
The Three Tuns pub, in Walsall Road, was voluntarily closed by owners when they discovered a family member had tested positive for the virus.
But their immediate response in alerting the authorities and tracing all their customers to urge them to get tested is being held up as an example of how businesses should respond.
Pub co-owner Ranj Singh said to date, results from all the tests taken by family members and customers have come back negative.
And he added the unnamed family member who had tested positive is now fully recovered.
The positive result emerged on July 30 when another relative who was due to go back to working in a hospital was given precautionary testing kits for the whole family.
The pub was closed for seven days after tests were carried out and a deep clean of the premises was undertaken before it reopened last Thursday (August 6).
Mr Singh said: "We had to take quick action when we discovered the positive test so I contacted the authorities and we had a list of people who'd come into the pub who we have contacted, urging them to get tested too.
"We closed the pub ourselves and we isolated. The whole place has been sanitised and disinfected as a precaution and I've been in regular contact with Walsall Council and Public Health England.
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"I think I have done everything right. I called it in and acted on it, doing all the necessary things and followed the guidelines and procedures.
"The good result is everyone has come back negative. Everyone is fine so perhaps we caught it early because of that initial test.
"We’ve paid for it by having to close but it’s about everyone else - we have elderly relatives and the customers to think about. You should always put other people before profits."
Councillor Suky Samra, chairman of the licensing committee praised Three Tuns bosses for their actions.
He said: "I want to thank the owners and management of the Three Tuns Public House in their diligence in coming forward when a positive test was returned and working with the council and Public Health England in ensuring that those who may have come in contact were traced and asked to isolate.
"Coronavirus is sadly here to stay for the foreseeable future and only working together can we stop it spreading."


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Beach tragedy as mum dies while rescuing son and friend from kayak

A mum has tragically drowned in front of her son and friend after jumping in the sea to save them .
The mother has sadly died in Norfolk , having attempted to rescue her boy and his pal .
The mum drowned after her child and his friend ran into difficulty while kayaking .
The woman - aged in only her 30s - has sadly passed away after being rescued from the water by emergency services .
Tragically , despite the best efforts of paramedics at the scene , she was pronounced dead .
The woman was lifeless after entering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spot in Norfolk .
Members of the public attempted to resuscitate her but there was nothing to be done , according to reports .
The woman was pulled from the sea on Sunday August 9 .
She died at around 5.30pm BST .
Supt Jason Broome said : `` Colleagues from Norfolk Coastguard and the East of England Ambulance Service assisted officers with the incident .
`` While inquiries are continuing to establish the exact circumstances leading up to the woman 's death , this is a tragic situation and our condolences are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's head of coastguard operations , Richard Hackwell , said : `` We understand that people want to have fun at the coast and enjoy the heatwave but we urge everyone to respect the sea and take responsibility in helping to ensure the safety of themselves , friends and family . ''

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A mum has tragically drowned in front of her son and friend after jumping in the sea to save them.
The mother has sadly died in Norfolk, having attempted to rescue her boy and his pal.
The mum drowned after her child and his friend ran into difficulty while kayaking.
The woman - aged in only her 30s - has sadly passed away after being rescued from the water by emergency services.
Tragically, despite the best efforts of paramedics at the scene, she was pronounced dead.
The woman was lifeless after entering the water in Waxham, a popular spot in Norfolk.
Members of the public attempted to resuscitate her but there was nothing to be done, according to reports.
The woman was pulled from the sea on Sunday August 9.
She died at around 5.30pm BST.
Horrified sunbathers watched the tragic events unfold, reports say.
Supt Jason Broome said: "Colleagues from Norfolk Coastguard and the East of England Ambulance Service assisted officers with the incident.
"While inquiries are continuing to establish the exact circumstances leading up to the woman's death, this is a tragic situation and our condolences are with her family."
HM Coastguard's head of coastguard operations, Richard Hackwell, said: "We understand that people want to have fun at the coast and enjoy the heatwave but we urge everyone to respect the sea and take responsibility in helping to ensure the safety of themselves, friends and family."


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Sandwell councillors accused of breaking Covid-19 rules

Councillors in the West Midlands ’ worst coronavirus hotspot are being investigated for allegedly breaking Covid-19 rules .
Sandwell council has begun inquiries into allegations following complaints from the public .
The investigations are deeply embarrassing for the council , which already has the highest rate of infections in the West Midlands .
A report to the authority ’ s ethical standards committee says officers are investigating two councillors while assessing similar allegations against others .
None of those accused have been named .
In July , five Sandwell councillors issued a public apology after they were photographed breaking social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hussain , Zahoor Ahmed , Mohammed Rouf and Ahmad Bostan said they attended a meeting in a Birmingham restaurant after being told social distancing would be observed .
Cllr Bostan , who is blind , said he had relied on promises by event organisers and was disappointed they hadn ’ t been kept .
Ten days ago , Public Health England declared Sandwell an area of concern after cases soared and the town recorded one of highest rates of infection in England .
On Saturday , health bosses issued an urgent appeal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smethwick to self-isolate following three reported cases linked to the public house .
Seventy people who attended a barbecue at the Foundry Lane pub on Sunday August 2 have been told to stay at home for 14 days and book a test if they experience any symptoms .
In addition to the Covid 19 allegations , the council is also investigating separate claims of inappropriate behaviour towards staff and the disclosure of confidential information .
Councillors will be briefed on the investigations at a meeting of the Ethical Standards and Member Development Committee @ @ @ @ @

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Councillors in the West Midlands’ worst coronavirus hotspot are being investigated for allegedly breaking Covid-19 rules.
Sandwell council has begun inquiries into allegations following complaints from the public.
The investigations are deeply embarrassing for the council, which already has the highest rate of infections in the West Midlands.
A report to the authority’s ethical standards committee says officers are investigating two councillors while assessing similar allegations against others.
None of those accused have been named.
In July, five Sandwell councillors issued a public apology after they were photographed breaking social distancing rules
Cllrs Zahir Hussain, Mushtaq Hussain, Zahoor Ahmed, Mohammed Rouf and Ahmad Bostan said they attended a meeting in a Birmingham restaurant after being told social distancing would be observed.
Cllr Bostan, who is blind, said he had relied on promises by event organisers and was disappointed they hadn’t been kept.
Ten days ago, Public Health England declared Sandwell an area of concern after cases soared and the town recorded one of highest rates of infection in England.
On Saturday, health bosses issued an urgent appeal to customers of The Soho Foundry Tavern in Smethwick to self-isolate following three reported cases linked to the public house.
Seventy people who attended a barbecue at the Foundry Lane pub on Sunday August 2 have been told to stay at home for 14 days and book a test if they experience any symptoms.
In addition to the Covid 19 allegations, the council is also investigating separate claims of inappropriate behaviour towards staff and the disclosure of confidential information.
Councillors will be briefed on the investigations at a meeting of the Ethical Standards and Member Development Committee on Thursday August 13.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Wearing face mask reduces severity of your coronavirus symptoms

Wearing face coverings can prevent you getting a more serious bout of coronavirus .
That is according to scientists , who have found wearing face masks can stop more serious symptoms developing .
If the person wearing a covering does become infected with Covid-19 their symptoms are likely to be more mild , according to expert analysis .
Monica Gandhi , an infectious disease doctor at the University of California , San Francisco , urged people to act as if they were infected .
Even if you `` feel right as rain '' , doing so would curb the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The scientist said people wearing masks will take in fewer coronavirus particles , making it easier for their immune systems to cope .
Dr Gandhi 's new paper in the Journal of General Internal Medicine analysed data from cruise ships to give the findings .
Face coverings were made compulsory across shops and supermarkets in the UK last month , from July 24 .
The new law makes police able to fine anybody £100 for not wearing face coverings in public - reduced to just £50 if paid within 14 days .
Face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cinemas and places of worship in England from August 8 .
The Prime Minister said face coverings will be compulsory in indoor settings where people are likely to come into contact with others they do not know .
Dr Ronan Glynn urged the public to encourage each other to sustain efforts to contain the virus .
`` People of all ages will occasionally slip up as they learn to live safely with this virus , '' he said .
`` We should not seek to attribute blame , but rather continue to encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the great efforts that we have all made to date .
`` We continue to urge everyone to observe the safe behaviours that we recommend , such as physical distancing , washing hands regularly , wearing a face covering where appropriate , avoiding crowds and doing all we can to protect each other . ''

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Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
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Wearing face coverings can prevent you getting a more serious bout of coronavirus.
That is according to scientists, who have found wearing face masks can stop more serious symptoms developing.
If the person wearing a covering does become infected with Covid-19 their symptoms are likely to be more mild, according to expert analysis.
Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease doctor at the University of California, San Francisco, urged people to act as if they were infected.
Even if you "feel right as rain", doing so would curb the spread of the disease, she argued.
The scientist said people wearing masks will take in fewer coronavirus particles, making it easier for their immune systems to cope.
(Image: PA)
Dr Gandhi's new paper in the Journal of General Internal Medicine analysed data from cruise ships to give the findings.
Face coverings were made compulsory across shops and supermarkets in the UK last month, from July 24.
The new law makes police able to fine anybody £100 for not wearing face coverings in public - reduced to just £50 if paid within 14 days.
Face coverings will be mandatory in museums, cinemas and places of worship in England from August 8.
The Prime Minister said face coverings will be compulsory in indoor settings where people are likely to come into contact with others they do not know.
Dr Ronan Glynn urged the public to encourage each other to sustain efforts to contain the virus.
"People of all ages will occasionally slip up as they learn to live safely with this virus," he said.
"We should not seek to attribute blame, but rather continue to encourage one another to build on and sustain the great efforts that we have all made to date.
"We continue to urge everyone to observe the safe behaviours that we recommend, such as physical distancing, washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering where appropriate, avoiding crowds and doing all we can to protect each other."


birminghammail--2020-08-10--West Brom legend Phillips expects Gibbs departure this summer

West Bromwich Albion legend Kevin Phillips has questioned whether Kieran Gibbs can manage the step back up to the Premier League .
Gibbs has plenty of Premier League pedigree , coming through at Arsenal and making 137 league appearances before moving on to West Brom in 2017 .
The full-back even played in the top flight with the Baggies , but at the age of 30 and with injury issues , it might not be so easy to acclimatise to the modern Premier League after winning promotion this season .
Or at least that 's according to Baggies legend Phillips @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I think it might be a bit of a struggle for him .
Would he play week in , week out ?
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It is always up-to-date with the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Play Store and App Store “ If Slaven can get another player off the wage bill then that frees up a bit of money to go and buy a striker .
Gibbs is under contract for another year at The Hawthorns , meaning West Brom would need to tie him down to another contract or sell to avoid losing him for free net summer .
The 30-year-old full-back made just 14 league appearances for the Baggies last season - mostly down to injury issues - after making as many as 37 league outings @ @ @ @

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West Bromwich Albion legend Kevin Phillips has questioned whether Kieran Gibbs can manage the step back up to the Premier League.
Gibbs has plenty of Premier League pedigree, coming through at Arsenal and making 137 league appearances before moving on to West Brom in 2017.
The full-back even played in the top flight with the Baggies, but at the age of 30 and with injury issues, it might not be so easy to acclimatise to the modern Premier League after winning promotion this season.
Or at least that's according to Baggies legend Phillips, who told West Brom News : “I think it might be a bit of a struggle for him. Would he play week in, week out?
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just 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 by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
“If Slaven can get another player off the wage bill then that frees up a bit of money to go and buy a striker.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if Kieran moved on.”
Gibbs is under contract for another year at The Hawthorns, meaning West Brom would need to tie him down to another contract or sell to avoid losing him for free net summer.
The 30-year-old full-back made just 14 league appearances for the Baggies last season - mostly down to injury issues - after making as many as 37 league outings the season before.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Jet2 set to resume flights to European holiday hotspot next week

Jet2 has today announced that it will resume its flights and holidays programme to Cyprus from 17 August , meaning UK holidaymakers can escape to the Cypriot sunshine for the first time since March .
The leading leisure airline and package holiday specialist will recommence its flights and holidays programme to Larnaca on 17 August .
The company has almost 40,000 seats on sale to Larnaca this summer , with flights departing from eight UK bases - Birmingham , East Midlands , Edinburgh , Glasgow , Leeds Bradford , London Stansted , Manchester and Newcastle .
The company also resumes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August .
For Summer 20 , Jet2.com and Jet2holidays has 45,000 seats on sale to Paphos with flights departing from eight UK bases - Birmingham , East Midlands , Edinburgh , Glasgow , Leeds Bradford , London Stansted , Manchester and Newcastle .
The UK ’ s second largest tour operator has reported increased demand to Cyprus , showing how much holidaymakers want to get away for their much needed and well-deserved holidays .
Customers are currently required to provide a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival , obtained within 72 hours of travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 pandemic means that the company has made some adjustments to its flying programme to Cyprus , however there is still plenty of choice and flexibility in response to the demand .
Steve Heapy , CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said : “ We are delighted to be recommencing our flights and holidays programme to Cyprus from 17 August and looking at the demand it ’ s very clear just how much our customers are looking forward to their well-deserved holidays in the Cypriot sunshine .
`` With a great choice of flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bases , not to mention fantastic deals and free child places available , there ’ s plenty of choice and value for those looking to get away for a much-needed break in the sunshine this summer .
“ These have been incredibly uncertain and difficult times for everyone , and we have been busy looking after our customers and doing the right thing for them .
`` As a result of this , customers know they can trust us to deliver and that ’ s our absolute focus for anyone travelling with us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package holidays you can trust.
” Savvas Perdios , Deputy Minister of Tourism Cyprus said : `` Jet2.com and Jet2holidays is one of our most loyal and trusted partners and we are more than eager to once again , welcome its customers to Cyprus .
`` We would like to wish Jet2.com and Jet2holidays every success and extend a warm welcome to all its customers .
”

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Jet2 has today announced that it will resume its flights and holidays programme to Cyprus from 17 August, meaning UK holidaymakers can escape to the Cypriot sunshine for the first time since March.
The leading leisure airline and package holiday specialist will recommence its flights and holidays programme to Larnaca on 17 August.
The company has almost 40,000 seats on sale to Larnaca this summer, with flights departing from eight UK bases - Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle.
The company also resumes flights and holidays to Paphos on 18 August. For Summer 20, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays has 45,000 seats on sale to Paphos with flights departing from eight UK bases - Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle.
(Image: Huddersfield Examiner)
The UK’s second largest tour operator has reported increased demand to Cyprus, showing how much holidaymakers want to get away for their much needed and well-deserved holidays. Customers are currently required to provide a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival, obtained within 72 hours of travel.
The ongoing uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic means that the company has made some adjustments to its flying programme to Cyprus, however there is still plenty of choice and flexibility in response to the demand.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “We are delighted to be recommencing our flights and holidays programme to Cyprus from 17 August and looking at the demand it’s very clear just how much our customers are looking forward to their well-deserved holidays in the Cypriot sunshine.
"With a great choice of flights and holidays to Cyprus from eight UK bases, not to mention fantastic deals and free child places available, there’s plenty of choice and value for those looking to get away for a much-needed break in the sunshine this summer.
“These have been incredibly uncertain and difficult times for everyone, and we have been busy looking after our customers and doing the right thing for them.
"As a result of this, customers know they can trust us to deliver and that’s our absolute focus for anyone travelling with us - delivering award winning customer service and package holidays you can trust.”
Savvas Perdios, Deputy Minister of Tourism Cyprus said: "Jet2.com and Jet2holidays is one of our most loyal and trusted partners and we are more than eager to once again, welcome its customers to Cyprus.
"We would like to wish Jet2.com and Jet2holidays every success and extend a warm welcome to all its customers.”


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Could Tamworth host one of biggest pantomimes in the country?

Tamworth is set to host one of the biggest pantomimes in the country this December – oh yes it is !
Jack and the Beanstalk will be staged in a giant , purpose-built arena at Statfold Barn Railway , potentially one of if not the only show in the Midlands , and most importantly organisers say the venue will be big enough to make the show “ Covid-secure ” and allow both audience members and cast to feel safe .
Tamworth Pantomime Company manager Alex Farrell , who will be playing the Dame in his fourteenth local panto , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to put the show on in Tamworth after what has been a horrible year for so many of us , and we are really excited for people to see what will probably be the biggest pantomime in the UK !
“ The reason we are able to safely put it on is because of the sheer size of the arena at Statfold Barn Railway ; there ’ s plenty of space in the auditorium to socially distance audience members , there are lots of nice toilets and a large box office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself will take place across multiple stages with some brand new technology never used in a Tamworth pantomime before .
“ We are quite literally building a theatre at Statfold Barn Railway specifically for this pantomime , and with the help of industry leaders and an army of volunteers , we are confident that this year ’ s show will be an experience like no other !
“ On stage we will still have some of your old favourites – including Terry Batham as the baddie and panto veteran Olivia Shepherd taking on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really excited about a special guest playing the Giant , but we can ’ t tell you about that yet !
” Jack and the Beanstalk runs from December 11 to 20 , 2020 .
The “ hilarious ” pantomime adventure “ promises to be Tamworth ’ s biggest ever show , full of laughter , singing , dancing , special effects - and most importantly - a beanstalk !
” Tickets start at £16 for adults , £12 for children and £50 for a family ticket and can be bought from TamworthPanto.co.uk @

Tamworth is set to host one of the biggest pantomimes in the country this December – oh yes it is!
Jack and the Beanstalk will be staged in a giant, purpose-built arena at Statfold Barn Railway, potentially one of if not the only show in the Midlands, and most importantly organisers say the venue will be big enough to make the show “Covid-secure” and allow both audience members and cast to feel safe.
Tamworth Pantomime Company manager Alex Farrell, who will be playing the Dame in his fourteenth local panto, said: “We are so pleased to be able to put the show on in Tamworth after what has been a horrible year for so many of us, and we are really excited for people to see what will probably be the biggest pantomime in the UK!
“The reason we are able to safely put it on is because of the sheer size of the arena at Statfold Barn Railway; there’s plenty of space in the auditorium to socially distance audience members, there are lots of nice toilets and a large box office and bar area, and the performance itself will take place across multiple stages with some brand new technology never used in a Tamworth pantomime before.
“We are quite literally building a theatre at Statfold Barn Railway specifically for this pantomime, and with the help of industry leaders and an army of volunteers, we are confident that this year’s show will be an experience like no other!
“On stage we will still have some of your old favourites – including Terry Batham as the baddie and panto veteran Olivia Shepherd taking on a comedy role – and we are really excited about a special guest playing the Giant, but we can’t tell you about that yet!”
Jack and the Beanstalk runs from December 11 to 20, 2020.
The “hilarious” pantomime adventure “promises to be Tamworth’s biggest ever show, full of laughter, singing, dancing, special effects - and most importantly - a beanstalk!”
Tickets start at £16 for adults, £12 for children and £50 for a family ticket and can be bought from TamworthPanto.co.uk.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Kids may return to school on 'week on, week off' basis under radical plan

Pupils could go back to school on a 'week on , week off ' basis , according to reports .
Schoolchildren could return to the classroom on a temporary , sporadic basis under a controversial plan to deal with the fallout from coronavirus .
Covid-19 continues to change life as we once knew it , with a school return in September planned by the government .
But under headteachers ' plans to fight coronavirus , children could be back in for five days at a time , before spending a week at home .
The Association of School and College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considering the idea as a `` Plan B '' for if there are local or national lockdowns due to coronavirus .
Tory care minister Helen Whately today played down the idea of a one week on , one week off return to school , saying : “ Our priority is to make sure that children are fully back in school come the autumn.
” ASCL General secretary Geoff Barton told the Mirror : `` We take as read that schools are going to reopen in September .
“ What we ’ re saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lockdown somewhere , either a national one or a local one ?
“ The government ’ s view appears to be it ’ s all or nothing - you either have all children at school or not .
“ What we ’ re saying is surely there can be a better approach than that , part of which might involve having some children in school .
The reason for doing that is you reduce community transmission by halving the number of children .
“ One way of doing that is to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have half of Year 7 in this week , and the other half of Year 7 in next week.
’ “ At least what you could then do is the teacher teaching them for the week can set them the work they ’ d be doing the following week .
“ All of this is an extreme backup plan , but nevertheless planning is one thing the government has not been particularly good at.
” He added : “ We ’ ve got to have some kind of Plan B as a government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing .
And one part of that is what if you had some youngsters in one week , some youngsters in the other week , what would that look like.
” He added : “ We could do with less of the finger-wagging reminders about ‘ moral duty ’ and more actually engaging with what is Plan B if we need it.
” Professor Russell Viner , president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and a member of Sage , said studies had suggested children were `` very minor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
He added : `` There 's increasing evidence in the UK and the Government is doing a number of studies which have showed apparently very little transmission and very little infection when schools were open in England . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Dan Bloom, James Rodger)

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Pupils could go back to school on a 'week on, week off' basis, according to reports.
Schoolchildren could return to the classroom on a temporary, sporadic basis under a controversial plan to deal with the fallout from coronavirus.
Covid-19 continues to change life as we once knew it, with a school return in September planned by the government.
But under headteachers' plans to fight coronavirus, children could be back in for five days at a time, before spending a week at home.
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) said heads are considering the idea as a "Plan B" for if there are local or national lockdowns due to coronavirus.
Tory care minister Helen Whately today played down the idea of a one week on, one week off return to school, saying: “Our priority is to make sure that children are fully back in school come the autumn.”
(Image: PA)
ASCL General secretary Geoff Barton told the Mirror : "We take as read that schools are going to reopen in September.
“What we’re saying is, what if there’s a lockdown somewhere, either a national one or a local one?
“The government’s view appears to be it’s all or nothing - you either have all children at school or not.
“What we’re saying is surely there can be a better approach than that, part of which might involve having some children in school. The reason for doing that is you reduce community transmission by halving the number of children.
“One way of doing that is to say ‘okay, well we’ll have half of Year 7 in this week, and the other half of Year 7 in next week.’
“At least what you could then do is the teacher teaching them for the week can set them the work they’d be doing the following week.
“All of this is an extreme backup plan, but nevertheless planning is one thing the government has not been particularly good at.”
He added: “We’ve got to have some kind of Plan B as a government and that’s what school leaders are doing. And one part of that is what if you had some youngsters in one week, some youngsters in the other week, what would that look like.”
He added: “We could do with less of the finger-wagging reminders about ‘moral duty’ and more actually engaging with what is Plan B if we need it.”
Professor Russell Viner, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and a member of Sage, said studies had suggested children were "very minor players in the transmission overall" of the virus.
He added: "There's increasing evidence in the UK and the Government is doing a number of studies which have showed apparently very little transmission and very little infection when schools were open in England."


birminghammail--2020-08-10--How Aston Villa are planning to attack the transfer window

Brentford owner Matthew Benham says he hates the term “ Moneyball ” when people describe his club ’ s approach to scouting and recruitment .
Despite this , it is hard not for minds to wander to the image of Brad Pitt playing Billy Beane in the early-2000s Hollywood film .
The west London club are specialists when it comes to signing players cheaply , developing them into well-rounded , refined products and selling them on for profit , all done from a .
This summer , the prime examples will most likely be the departures of Ollie Watkins and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combined sum in the region of £4 million from Exeter City and Nice respectively .
The pair are likely to leave for 10 times that amount .
It follows a pattern : buy an under-appreciated player within their market and turn for a profit .
Bryan Mbeumo was recruited last summer for a fee believed to be €6 million .
Now , after a campaign in which he scored 16 goals across all competitions , he will be worth at least double .
Neal Maupay was signed in 2017 when Dean Smith was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £2 million .
Two years later he and Smith were no longer at Griffin Park , Maupay having been sold for 10 times what was paid for him to Brighton and Hove Albion .
Brentford ’ s success – particularly in the French market – is down to a network of diligent scouts .
Their lead scout in France is Brendan MacFarlane , credited with discovering Benrahma and Mbeumo .
Head of scouting at Brentford is a Dane ; Rasmus Ankersen , who also holds the director of football role .
Each member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the owner , through Thomas Frank the manager and down to the performance analysts , all adhere to the data when considering a player .
However , statistics will only go so far and , while they are an incredibly useful tool when used correctly , they can also be used incorrectly .
Aston Villa , with their new-look recruitment setup , must not fall into that trap .
Arguably most important is a good working relationship between the key moving parts within any organisation that has the responsibility of acquiring multi-million-pound assets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the currency may be the same , but the product is players themselves .
Between 2015 and 2018 , Ankersen and Dean Smith .
There were hits and misses in the transfer market but , crucially , the pair worked in tandem , deciphering what was required for the team , ultimately delivering and building a squad – large parts of which were signed during Smith ’ s tenure – that went within a whisker of reaching Premier League football .
Jesus García Pitarch has been relieved of his duties as Aston Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lange now takes his place and can usher in a new age of recruitment at the club , buoyed by Premier League riches .
Villa must stick to several principles , though : overpaying for players must be viewed as a cardinal sin .
As is awarding huge contracts to over-the-hill stars .
Lange , like Brentford ’ s Ankersen , is a Dane and has six years as a technical director at FC Copenhagen under his belt .
His knowledge of the Scandinavian market will be unparalleled and there is plenty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it will be available cheaply .
Brentford ’ s success was in part due to the close working relationship between coach and director , and that must be the case between Lange and Smith .
At Brentford , the latter displayed his ability to develop players who were underrated elsewhere , while Lange has not done too badly either , signing Robert Skov from Silkeborg for a minimal fee , before selling him to Hoffenheim for just shy of €10 million .
Why should you sign up ?
In our daily Aston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n'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 His grasp on youth scouting is also of the highest standard .
Current star of the Copenhagen team Jonas Wind was recruited as a youngster .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daramy was snapped up at the age of 14 .
The signs are encouraging though , because they have also appointed Rob Mackenzie , formerly of Leicester City , to head up their recruitment .
A symbiotic relationship between Mackenzie , Lange and Smith must be fostered in order to ensure the right players are bought for the team and the system , at the right price .

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Brentford owner Matthew Benham says he hates the term “Moneyball” when people describe his club’s approach to scouting and recruitment.
Despite this, it is hard not for minds to wander to the image of Brad Pitt playing Billy Beane in the early-2000s Hollywood film.
The west London club are specialists when it comes to signing players cheaply, developing them into well-rounded, refined products and selling them on for profit, all done from a data-driven perspective .
This summer, the prime examples will most likely be the departures of Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma, brought in for a combined sum in the region of £4 million from Exeter City and Nice respectively. The pair are likely to leave for 10 times that amount.
It follows a pattern: buy an under-appreciated player within their market and turn for a profit. Bryan Mbeumo was recruited last summer for a fee believed to be €6 million. Now, after a campaign in which he scored 16 goals across all competitions, he will be worth at least double.
Neal Maupay was signed in 2017 when Dean Smith was still manager of Brentford for a meager £2 million. Two years later he and Smith were no longer at Griffin Park, Maupay having been sold for 10 times what was paid for him to Brighton and Hove Albion.
Brentford’s success – particularly in the French market – is down to a network of diligent scouts.
Their lead scout in France is Brendan MacFarlane, credited with discovering Benrahma and Mbeumo.
Head of scouting at Brentford is a Dane; Rasmus Ankersen, who also holds the director of football role. Each member of the Brentford hierarchy, from Benham the owner, through Thomas Frank the manager and down to the performance analysts, all adhere to the data when considering a player.
However, statistics will only go so far and, while they are an incredibly useful tool when used correctly, they can also be used incorrectly. Aston Villa, with their new-look recruitment setup, must not fall into that trap.
Arguably most important is a good working relationship between the key moving parts within any organisation that has the responsibility of acquiring multi-million-pound assets: in the case of football, the currency may be the same, but the product is players themselves.
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Between 2015 and 2018, Ankersen and Dean Smith worked closely . There were hits and misses in the transfer market but, crucially, the pair worked in tandem, deciphering what was required for the team, ultimately delivering and building a squad – large parts of which were signed during Smith’s tenure – that went within a whisker of reaching Premier League football.
Jesus García Pitarch has been relieved of his duties as Aston Villa’s director of football. Johan Lange now takes his place and can usher in a new age of recruitment at the club, buoyed by Premier League riches.
Villa must stick to several principles, though: overpaying for players must be viewed as a cardinal sin. As is awarding huge contracts to over-the-hill stars.
Lange, like Brentford’s Ankersen, is a Dane and has six years as a technical director at FC Copenhagen under his belt. His knowledge of the Scandinavian market will be unparalleled and there is plenty of untapped potential, not to mention most of it will be available cheaply.
Brentford’s success was in part due to the close working relationship between coach and director, and that must be the case between Lange and Smith.
At Brentford, the latter displayed his ability to develop players who were underrated elsewhere, while Lange has not done too badly either, signing Robert Skov from Silkeborg for a minimal fee, before selling him to Hoffenheim for just shy of €10 million.
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His grasp on youth scouting is also of the highest standard. Current star of the Copenhagen team Jonas Wind was recruited as a youngster. While 18-year-old soon-to-be household name in Denmark Mohamed Daramy was snapped up at the age of 14.
The signs are encouraging though, because they have also appointed Rob Mackenzie, formerly of Leicester City, to head up their recruitment.
A symbiotic relationship between Mackenzie, Lange and Smith must be fostered in order to ensure the right players are bought for the team and the system, at the right price.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--MP furious over police 'racial profiling' after being stopped in car

A Labour MP has hit out at police `` profiling '' after being stopped by cops this weekend .
Dawn Butler was a passenger in a BMW being driven by a pal in Hackney this weekend .
The pair were stopped by the Met Police on Sunday - with officers pulling them over while flashing blue lights .
Scotland Yard said the stop was a result of an officer having `` incorrectly entered '' the car 's registration plate into a computer to wrongly identify it as a vehicle registered to Yorkshire .
The MP for Brent Central , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the PA news agency : `` It 's obviously racial profiling .
`` We know that the police is institutionally racist and what we have to do is weed that out .
We have to stop seeing black with crime .
We have to stop associating being black and driving a nice car with crime . ''
Ms Butler told the officers : `` It is really quite irritating .
It 's like you can not drive around and enjoy a Sunday afternoon whilst black , because you 're going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland Yard 's statement said : `` Prior to stopping the vehicle , an officer incorrectly entered the registration into a police computer which identified the car as registered to an address in Yorkshire .
`` Upon stopping the vehicle and speaking with the driver , it quickly became apparent that the registration had been entered incorrectly and was registered to the driver in London .
`` Once the mistake was realised the officer sought to explain this to the occupants , they were then allowed on their way . ''
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because you 're just doing every day things and you have to explain yourself away or justify the reason why you 're driving through Hackney , '' she told PA. '' It 's exhausting and I 'm tired of it . ''
After the stop , former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said : `` This is so unsurprising .
When will the Metropolitan Police give up on racial profiling ? ''

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A Labour MP has hit out at police "profiling" after being stopped by cops this weekend.
Dawn Butler was a passenger in a BMW being driven by a pal in Hackney this weekend.
The pair were stopped by the Met Police on Sunday - with officers pulling them over while flashing blue lights.
Scotland Yard said the stop was a result of an officer having "incorrectly entered" the car's registration plate into a computer to wrongly identify it as a vehicle registered to Yorkshire.
The MP for Brent Central, in north-west London, said in an interview with the PA news agency: "It's obviously racial profiling.
"We know that the police is institutionally racist and what we have to do is weed that out. We have to stop seeing black with crime. We have to stop associating being black and driving a nice car with crime."
Ms Butler told the officers: "It is really quite irritating. It's like you cannot drive around and enjoy a Sunday afternoon whilst black, because you're going to be stopped by police."
Later, Scotland Yard's statement said: "Prior to stopping the vehicle, an officer incorrectly entered the registration into a police computer which identified the car as registered to an address in Yorkshire.
"Upon stopping the vehicle and speaking with the driver, it quickly became apparent that the registration had been entered incorrectly and was registered to the driver in London.
"Once the mistake was realised the officer sought to explain this to the occupants, they were then allowed on their way."
"It's exhausting doing things whilst black. Because you're just doing every day things and you have to explain yourself away or justify the reason why you're driving through Hackney," she told PA.
"It's exhausting and I'm tired of it."
After the stop, former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said: "This is so unsurprising. When will the Metropolitan Police give up on racial profiling?"


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Police charge seventh man in connection with city murder

Police have charged a seventh man in connection with the murder of Dante Mullings who died in a drive-by shooting @ @ @ @ @ Wasim Hussain , from Gerrard Street in Lozells , was charged on Friday ( August @ @ @ @ @ murder Mr Mullings in Ladywood on May 7 in 2019 .
The 27-year-old was also @ @ @ @ @ possessing a gun with intent to endanger life when he appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court @ @ @ @ @ ) .
He ’ s been remanded in custody .
Dante Mullings was one of @ @ @ @ @ parked in St Vincent Street West , Ladywood , when he was shot .
The @ @ @ @ @ wound and was pronounced dead at the scene , while two other men were also @ @ @ @ @ including teenagers aged 16 and 17 − have previously been charged in connection with the @ @ @ @ @ anyone with information can contact officers via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight @ @ @ @ @ To remain anonymous call the independent charity , Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .

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Police have charged a seventh man in connection with the murder of Dante Mullings who died in a drive-by shooting in Birmingham last year.
Wasim Hussain, from Gerrard Street in Lozells, was charged on Friday (August 7) with conspiring to murder Mr Mullings in Ladywood on May 7 in 2019.
The 27-year-old was also charged with one count of possessing a gun with intent to endanger life when he appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Saturday (August 8). He’s been remanded in custody.
Dante Mullings was one of three men in a car parked in St Vincent Street West, Ladywood, when he was shot.
The 23-year-old suffered a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene, while two other men were also injured.
Six men − including teenagers aged 16 and 17 − have previously been charged in connection with the death.
Enquiries continue and anyone with information can contact officers via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or call 101 anytime.
To remain anonymous call the independent charity, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--£50,000 BMW car plunges into canal after M6 police chase

These dramatic pictures show police removing a brand new £50,000 BMW car which had plunged off a bridge and into a canal after a high speed chase .
The driver smashed his white BMW through a bridge before nose diving into the canal on Thursday ( August 6 ) .
Pictures released by the police show the wreckage lodged in the water and being winched out .
The BMW E92 M3 had been involved in a police chase on the busy M6 near Preston , reports LancsLive .
During the speedy pursuit the vehicle crashed into a bridge before vaulting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lancs .
Despite the front of the car being submerged in water , the two occupants of the vehicle - believed to be two men - managed to flee from the police on foot .
A spokesman for Lancashire Police said : `` This vehicle was involved in a pursuit on the M6 motorway yesterday .
`` The two occupants managed to destroy a bridge before crashing into the canal at Forton .
Officers are now appealing for information and dash cam footage which may help with their investigation .
Anyone with information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , quoting log number 1265 of August 6 .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Olivia Baron, James Rodger)

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These dramatic pictures show police removing a brand new £50,000 BMW car which had plunged off a bridge and into a canal after a high speed chase.
The driver smashed his white BMW through a bridge before nose diving into the canal on Thursday (August 6).
Pictures released by the police show the wreckage lodged in the water and being winched out.
The BMW E92 M3 had been involved in a police chase on the busy M6 near Preston, reports LancsLive.
During the speedy pursuit the vehicle crashed into a bridge before vaulting into the Lancaster Canal near Forton, Lancs.
Despite the front of the car being submerged in water, the two occupants of the vehicle - believed to be two men - managed to flee from the police on foot.
A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "This vehicle was involved in a pursuit on the M6 motorway yesterday.
"The two occupants managed to destroy a bridge before crashing into the canal at Forton.
"Two males are outstanding."
Officers are now appealing for information and dash cam footage which may help with their investigation.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact Lancashire Police, quoting log number 1265 of August 6.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Roman Kemp breaks down over 'best mate''s death on Capital FM

Roman Kemp has broken down live on Capital FM while discussing the death of `` best mate '' and producer Joe Lyons .
The former I 'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here star Roman Kemp emotionally paid tribute to his friend and Capital Breakfast producer .
Joe 's sad passing as sparked an outpouring of grief , with Roman praising him as a 'friend ' whose death has hit the 'family ' at the radio show .
Roman said to the `` massive family '' of Capital Breakfast and its viewers : `` We wanted to share some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I never thought I ’ d have to do this ever . ''
`` Last Tuesday , very suddenly , we lost one of our best friends , '' revealed Roman , `` Our producer Joe , he was a member of the Capital Breakfast family . ''
Roman explained : `` We are trying to process this all together .
We wanted to share this news with you . ''
Roman went on : `` Joe had worked for global - the parent company - for nine years .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met when I walked through the door .
I remember thinking he was a bit of a Del Boy . ''
He added : `` He was with me right from my very first show .
He taught me everything .
I don ’ t know sitting in a radio studio without him . ''
Roman added : `` He ’ s the person I ’ d sit here and rinse constantly . ''
Roman went on to describe Joe as `` so much fun , playful , silly . ''
Describing him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe : `` He loved dogs .
Obsessed with his daily step count .
Never ironed his clothes .
He loved his family so much .
His dad Ivan , his mum Celia , his sister Lou .
`` He did love his friends…his fans , he did have fans .
The thing he loved most of all was doing this show , you listening .
`` He was like a genius coming up with these ideas .
He was driven by the reaction from you every day . ''
Roman emotionally noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

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Roman Kemp has broken down live on Capital FM while discussing the death of "best mate" and producer Joe Lyons.
The former I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here star Roman Kemp emotionally paid tribute to his friend and Capital Breakfast producer.
Joe's sad passing as sparked an outpouring of grief, with Roman praising him as a 'friend' whose death has hit the 'family' at the radio show.
Roman said to the "massive family" of Capital Breakfast and its viewers: "We wanted to share some really sad news."
He added: "I never thought I’d have to do this ever."
"Last Tuesday, very suddenly, we lost one of our best friends," revealed Roman, "Our producer Joe, he was a member of the Capital Breakfast family."
Roman explained: "We are trying to process this all together. We wanted to share this news with you."
Roman went on: "Joe had worked for global - the parent company - for nine years.
"He was the very first person I met when I walked through the door. I remember thinking he was a bit of a Del Boy."
He added: "He was with me right from my very first show. He taught me everything. I don’t know sitting in a radio studio without him."
Roman added: "He’s the person I’d sit here and rinse constantly."
Roman went on to describe Joe as "so much fun, playful, silly."
Describing him as a person, Roman said of Joe: "He loved dogs. Obsessed with his daily step count. Never ironed his clothes. He loved his family so much. His dad Ivan, his mum Celia, his sister Lou.
"He did love his friends…his fans, he did have fans. The thing he loved most of all was doing this show, you listening.
"He was like a genius coming up with these ideas. He was driven by the reaction from you every day."
Roman emotionally noted: "He was our best mate."


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Andi Peters breaks down sobbing on Lorraine after on-air reunion

This is the incredible moment Andi Peters broke down in tears on Lorraine during Monday 's show .
The Lorraine stand-in host , who is stepping in to present the ITV1 daytime TV favourite in the Scottish TV presenter 's absence , was back in the studio today .
On Monday , August 10 , Andi was seen weeping as he broke down after being overcome with emotion during the first episode of the week .
Andi Peters is stepping in for Lorraine Kelly on the ITV show for the next two weeks , and things got very emotional .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hebden , and the former Live & Kicking presenter got more than he bargained for .
Former Live & Kicking commentator Mitch introduced him , and there was a montage of him doing the BAFTA-winning show .
Former co-star John Barrowman also appeared , and stand-in Lorraine presenter Andi 's BBC animal friend Edd the Duck also featured .
His close pal and former co-host Emma Forbes appeared via video link , to join him on his big debut .
Ria ended up having to do the talking as Andi was overcome with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC children 's magazine programme , running from 1993 to 2001 .
It was the replacement for Going Live !
, and took many of its features from it , such as phone-ins , games , comedy , competitions and the showing of cartoons .
Once Live & Kicking had become established in series two , it reached its height in popularity during series four , when it was presented by Zoe Ball and Jamie Theakston .

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This is the incredible moment Andi Peters broke down in tears on Lorraine during Monday's show.
The Lorraine stand-in host, who is stepping in to present the ITV1 daytime TV favourite in the Scottish TV presenter's absence, was back in the studio today.
On Monday, August 10, Andi was seen weeping as he broke down after being overcome with emotion during the first episode of the week.
Andi Peters is stepping in for Lorraine Kelly on the ITV show for the next two weeks, and things got very emotional.
He was joined by showbiz correspondent Ria Hebden, and the former Live & Kicking presenter got more than he bargained for.
Former Live & Kicking commentator Mitch introduced him, and there was a montage of him doing the BAFTA-winning show.
Former co-star John Barrowman also appeared, and stand-in Lorraine presenter Andi's BBC animal friend Edd the Duck also featured.
His close pal and former co-host Emma Forbes appeared via video link, to join him on his big debut.
Ria ended up having to do the talking as Andi was overcome with emotion.
Live & Kicking was a BBC children's magazine programme, running from 1993 to 2001.
It was the replacement for Going Live!, and took many of its features from it, such as phone-ins, games, comedy, competitions and the showing of cartoons.
Once Live & Kicking had become established in series two, it reached its height in popularity during series four, when it was presented by Zoe Ball and Jamie Theakston.
Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV.


birminghammail--2020-08-10--Child in miracle escape after van crashes into their home

A child had a miraculous escape after a van crashed through a Northfield house .
Emergency crews including paramedics and firefighters were called to the home in Chatham Road at 7.14am today ( Monday ) .
The female driver of a van had lost control and crashed into a house .
A child who was in the home at the time received minor injuries .
The driver also received minor injuries before and was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment .
Kings Norton Fire tweeted a pic and posted : `` Kings Norton Crew along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a van that has driven into a house .
Please drive carefully & safely . ''
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said : `` We were called at 7:14am ( Monday ) to reports a van had crashed into a property down a residential road in Northfield .
The Hazardous Area Response Team ( HART ) attended , along with two ambulances , one paramedic officer and the Critical Care Car .
“ When crews arrived at the scene , they found a single van which was inside the property .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed to self-extricate through the back door of the van .
“ She was treated for minor injuries before being conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment .
“ Crews also treated a child , who was inside the property at the time of the collision , for minor injuries and they were discharged at the scene .
”

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A child had a miraculous escape after a van crashed through a Northfield house.
Emergency crews including paramedics and firefighters were called to the home in Chatham Road at 7.14am today (Monday).
(Image: Kings Norton Fire)
The female driver of a van had lost control and crashed into a house. A child who was in the home at the time received minor injuries.
The driver also received minor injuries before and was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment.
Kings Norton Fire tweeted a pic and posted: "Kings Norton Crew along with @Northfieldfire & @TechRescueWMFS are dealing with a van that has driven into a house. Please drive carefully & safely."
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "We were called at 7:14am (Monday) to reports a van had crashed into a property down a residential road in Northfield. The Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) attended, along with two ambulances, one paramedic officer and the Critical Care Car.
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“When crews arrived at the scene, they found a single van which was inside the property. The driver, a woman, had managed to self-extricate through the back door of the van.
“She was treated for minor injuries before being conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment.
“Crews also treated a child, who was inside the property at the time of the collision, for minor injuries and they were discharged at the scene.”