Who really benefits most from welfare spending? A lot of people think that it’s the unemployed. So then, what percentage of welfare spending do you think goes to the unemployed, through Jobseekers Allowance - 50%, 25% or 10%?
The answer, according to the Department for Work and Pensions Annual Report for 2013-14, is just 2.34%. Of an overall annual expenditure of £163 billion, Jobseekers Allowance gets £3.81 billion. However, over half (50.93%) of DWP benefit money goes to those who receive the State Pension - £83.14 billion.
The number of officers at public-sector prisons in the South West region has been cut by 37 per cent in less than four years, figures obtained by the Howard League for Penal Reform reveal today (Monday 20 October).
Research published by the charity shows that, across England and Wales, there were only 14,170 officer grade staff working in prisons run by the state at the end of June 2014. There were more than 24,000 at the end of August 2010.
This includes 1,375 officer posts that were lost when 15 public-sector prisons were closed during the period.
Devon Grammy and Brit Award singer Joss Stone has teamed up with guitar legend Jeff Beck to record this year’s official Poppy Appeal single.
The single is a soulful cover of 'No Man’s Land (Green Fields of France)', written in 1976 by Scottish-born folk singer-songwriter Eric Bogle. Reflecting on the grave of a young man (Willie McBride) who died during the First World War, its chorus refers to two famous pieces of military music, 'The Last Post' and 'The Flowers of the Forest'.
Although the song speaks of the destiny of one soldier in particular, the song was chosen by...
Detectives investigating a serious assault in an Exeter nightclub have released CCTV images of potential witnesses they would like to speak to.
A fight broke out at the long bar in Club Rococo at around 6.30pm on Saturday 7 June 2014, resulting in several members of staff sustaining injuries.
One male member of staff suffered serious head and facial injuries after being assaulted. He fell to the floor before being kicked in the head and face.
There are several people officers would like to speak to in connection with the incident, to eliminate them from their...
Tom Merson from Bristol and West AC retained his winning title at Exeter’s 30th Great West Run 2014 this morning, with a time of one hour nine minutes and twenty one seconds, in good running conditions. In second place was Anders Grahl from Exeter University in one hour ten minutes and thirty seconds, followed by Shaun Antell in one hour ten minutes and forty seconds.
Merson said: “The course proved to be really fast for the first three to four miles, which helped with the pacing. It was very scenic, and took in everything that Exeter has to offer. It was extremely well supported...
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning of wind as they expect the remains of Hurricane Gonzalo to hit Devon this evening (Monday).
While tonight will see wet and windy conditions sweeping eastwards, the strongest winds are expected to occur after the rain clears and winds veer northwesterly through tomorrow morning.
Gusts exceeding 55mph are likely inland, with 60-70mph gusts in some exposed coastal areas in the west.
The public should be aware of the potential for disruption to travel and possible damage to trees.
Seven year old Aidan Bown was “transported back in time”, with a ride on a 1966 London Transport Vintage Routemaster, as part of his prize for winning a competition to design a poster. The Woodbury C of E Primary School pupil won the school drawing competition launched earlier this year during Catch the Bus Week, which is co-ordinated by the Greener Journeys sustainable travel campaign and supported by Devon County Council and Stagecoach South West. Primary schools across Devon were invited to design a poster telling people why it is best to catch the bus. Stagecoach kindly provided the...
Diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy professionals who are members of the Society of Radiographers will be taking industrial action today (Monday, 20 October).
Radiology departments and cancer treatment centres will be affected by strikes for four hours from 9am-1pm. Emergency and urgent care will continue to be provided but pre-booked appointments and procedures may be affected.
Radiographers will be working to rule for the remainder of the week. This will include taking scheduled breaks and not working unpaid overtime.
There are plenty of opportunities to get out and about this half term and enjoy our outstanding East Devon countryside.
Birdwatching for children on Tuesday 28 October is a free event. An interest in nature is best encouraged at the earliest possible age – that is the firm belief of East Devon District Council’s Countryside team.
Experienced and knowledgeable birdwatcher Ian Waite has kindly agreed to lead this session, aided by the Education Rangers, to help children spot and identify birds at the Axe Estuary Wetlands near Seaton. There will be two sessions; 1.30-2.30pm...
The University of Exeter’s St Luke’s Campus is celebrating its 160th anniversary this year.
Originally founded as a teacher training college, the campus is now home to the University of Exeter Medical School, Sports and Health Sciences, as well as the Graduate School of Education. Saturday 18 October is St Lukes Day, and the official date of the 160th anniversary. A ‘Festival of Evensong for St Luke’ will mark the anniversary on Friday 17 October at the St Luke’s Chapel with further celebrations organised next term. Much has changed on the St Luke’s Campus since 18th October 1854...
