Latest news with #Bootle
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'I don't know what I'm going to do if they take my car away, it's my lifeline'
"For a long time now, people with any sort of vulnerability have been either underfunded, ignored or stigmatised as being 'scroungers'." These are the words of Ralph James, 71, who was discussing the government's proposed reforms to the welfare system. Mr James is referring to the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill (UCPIPB), which would result in cuts to sickness and disability benefits, causing huge concern for those currently receiving those benefits. According to the latest figures from the DWP, the number of people in receipt of PIP has soared since 2019, with one in 10 working-age people in England and Wales now receiving the benefit. READ MORE: Contactless card warning issued over scam that's difficult to spot READ MORE: Liverpool area with country's highest number of people claiming PIP Three areas of Merseyside have some of the highest percentages of the working-age population who receive personal independence payments (PIP). Most notable is Walton, which has the highest proportion (23%) of any parliamentary constituency in the country – closely followed by Bootle (20%) and Knowsley (21%). Ahead of a scheduled second reading of the UCPIPB in Parliament next week, the Liverpool ECHO visited Bootle to speak to local residents about the potential impact of the legislation. Mr James lives on Gardner Avenue in Bootle and he is a recipient of the higher rate PIP benefit, he said: "In spite of my disabilities and going through the pain barrier, I try to do my best in terms of getting out and about. "I rely on my car to get about, and I have to be on the high rate of the mobility component of PIP to qualify for the use of that car. It's my lifeline, and if that's taken from me, I don't know what I'm going to do or how I'll carry on living independently. "Those claiming PIP are vulnerable people who are victims of circumstance, relating to ill health and disabilities. A lot of that circumstance is brought about by the sort of governments we had, but for a long time now, people with any sort of vulnerability have been either underfunded, ignored or stigmatised as being 'scroungers'. "I've suffered from lifelong depression, and I live alone. My house, as you can see, is in a poor state of repair, but I still don't know whether I will be reassessed and I don't think anyone else does - that's the real fear." Concerns about reassessment pop up numerous times. Steph, 33, from Bootle, does not claim PIP, but both her mum and dad are currently recipients of the benefit. She is worried about the potential changes to eligibility criteria. Steph's parents both suffer from fibromyalgia, and she is apprehensive about the possibility of them being reassessed: "My mum already experienced a problem where she's even had to go to court to get her entitlement. She won her case, but it left its mark. "She got into a very depressed state, and we were all very concerned for her. It was a very tough time." Steph said her dad started working when he was 12 years old and worked hard all his life. An injury and subsequent health diagnosis forced him into early retirement, but she said it was difficult getting him the right support. She added: "The assessments are so gruelling [for PIP]. I've been to one with my dad which literally reduced him to tears as he admitted he couldn't even wash himself because of the pain he was in. He is such a proud man, but he just broke down crying. "People need to understand the fact that people on PIP are just scraping by, so for the government to cut some of that benefit for the poorest and most vulnerable, it just shows they don't understand – it's them living in their ivory towers. "If you're going to make cuts, then where's the support after you've cut that payment? What are people going to do? Because the prices of stuff are going up, but the money is going down. How are people supposed to live?" Under the proposals in the UCPIPB, eligibility for the personal independence payment (PIP), the main disability payment in England, would be limited, and the sickness-related element of Universal Credit (UC) would be restricted. Ministers have previously said the reforms could save up to £5bn a year, while the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) projects – by the end of this Parliament – approximately 90% of people currently claiming PIP will continue to receive it following the eligibility changes. Kenny Ferguson, 49, lives on Hawthorne Road, Bootle, and suffers from depression. Mr Ferguson said he has been unable to work since December last year and was advised by his GP to apply for PIP. He said: "I was told my application had been refused for not reaching the 12 points needed. "I intend to appeal against this decision, based on my prescribed and approved medication given to me by an expert. "I do hope my local MP will show support for people like myself who are not well and tell this Government how wrong it is to be picking on vulnerable people." Last week, Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, published the government's details of the welfare reform bill, claiming it represented 'a new social contract' that it will bring claimants 'peace of mind'. Since then, there has been a significant fall-out within the ranks of the parliamentary Labour party. On Tuesday, June 24, the Liverpool ECHO reported on a growing rebellion against the government's plans to cut sickness and disability benefits. At the time of writing, 108 MPs' signatures appear on a reasoned amendment declining to give the welfare reform bill a second reading when it returns to the Commons on July 1 - including six Merseyside Labour MPs. A DWP spokesperson told the ECHO: 'The vast majority of people who are currently getting PIP will continue to receive it. "We're creating a sustainable welfare system that genuinely supports sick or disabled people while always protecting those who need it most. 'At the heart of this is our review of the PIP assessment to ensure it is fit for the future. We will work with disabled people and a range of experts on this as we deliver our Plan for Change.'
BBC News
24-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Hugo Boss offer compromise to Merseyside pet store in trademark row
The owner of a pet supplies business in a row with fashion company Hugo Boss over its name said the company had offered a McDonald, from Bootle, set up online retail outlet Boss Pets in February, but this month received a letter from the clothes brand demanding he stop using the word Boss, which is widely used in the Merseyside area to suggest something is McDonald's lawyer argued his pet health supplies business was operating in a different sector and there was no likelihood of a letter seen by the BBC, Hugo Boss said it wants Boss Pets to exclude any pet accessories that overlap with the German company's own pet accessory range. The fashion company, which has been contacted for comment, also wants to put limits on the Boss Pets a previous statement a Hugo Boss spokeswoman said the company had a responsibility "to monitor and protect our brand rights globally and address unclear cases where needed". 'Commonly used' Mr McDonald, who has described himself as "just a lad from Bootle", said he had spent "every spare penny" on his new website for his pet-related lawyer, Francis McEntegart of MC Legal, said Hugo Boss has been "very heavy handed" with his client but discussions "were moving in the right direction".He said Boss Pets would adhere to the requests "because we were already doing that"."I just want further confirmation from them that they aren't going to pursue or oppose the trademark," he added.A spokeswoman for Hugo Boss previously said the company was aware the English word boss "is commonly used".She said the firm "only approaches third parties where an overlap with our existing trademark rights occurs, and as a matter of principle we always seek for a dialogue in favour of an amicable solution for both sides". Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
The Independent
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Hugo Boss demands Liverpool pet shop changes name
A pet shop owner received a legal letter from fashion giant Hugo Boss due to the name of his company. Ben McDonald, from Bootle in Merseyside, said his 'whole world collapsed' when he received a letter from the global clothing brand over his shop Boss Pets. The business owner, who set up the online pet health supplies store in February, said the letter sent this month demanded he change the name – even though the word 'boss' is widely used in the area to describe something as really good. Mr McDonald claimed he was told by Hugo Boss to take down his website within 10 days after concerns the companies could be seen as linked were raised. Describing himself as 'just a lad from Bootle', he told the BBC he spent 'every spare penny' on his pet-related products website. The fashion house has previously allegedly targeted small companies and charities who use the word 'boss' in their names. A Hugo Boss spokesperson told the broadcaster: 'We are aware that the English word 'boss' is one that is commonly used.' They continued: 'Nevertheless, it's our responsibility to monitor and protect our brand rights globally and address unclear cases where needed.' They added: 'When we became aware of the registration, we have approached the business owner as the intended registration represents an overlap with our trademarks. 'As an international fashion company, we need to – like any other corporation – take measures to protect our existing trademark rights. These measures apply to both of our brands, BOSS and HUGO.' They explained that the firm 'only approaches third parties where an overlap with our existing trademark rights occurs, and as a matter of principle we always seek for a dialogue in favour of an amicable solution for both sides'. Comedian Joe Lycett legally changed his name to Hugo Boss in 2020 after calling out the luxury company for allegedly costing small businesses, including Swansea brewery company Boss Brewing, 'thousands in legal fees and rebranding'. Mr McDonald's own lawyers have argued that his business is operating in a different sector, namely pet health supplies, and that the term is commonly used – therefore, they say there is no chance of confusion between the two firms. Francis McEntegart said his client does not have a case to answer and accused the designer brand of bullying Mr McDonald. He said: 'My client is a small local business that is just starting out selling pet wellness products, it's not going to interfere with the profits of Hugo Boss in any way.'
BBC News
23-06-2025
- BBC News
Woman who died after Bootle shop stabbing named by police
A woman who was fatally stabbed in a convenience store has been named as Nilani were called to Low Cost Food & Wine on Stanley Road in Bootle, near its junction with Wadham Road, shortly after 17:00 BST on 44-year-old was taken to hospital but died a short time later from stab wounds to her chest, Merseyside Police force said a 47-year-old Widnes man was in hospital having "fallen ill" shortly after he was arrested on suspicion of murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place. Witnesses described children running out of the shop and screaming for help after the tried to help the victim, who they said had collapsed by the shop Insp Gavin Mulcahy previously said the attack was being treated as a domestic assault and that no-one else was being sought by police. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
23-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Hugo Boss in legal threat to Merseyside pet shop over name
A Merseyside online pet shop has found itself in the sights of a major international fashion retailer over a word in its name. Ben McDonald, from Bootle in Merseyside, set up Boss Pets in February, but this month received a letter from Hugo Boss demanding he stop using the word, which is widely used in the area to suggest something is great. Mr McDonald said his "whole world collapsed" after being told he faced the potential legal battle over concerns people might think the companies were linked. A spokeswoman for Hugo Boss said: "We are aware that the English word 'boss' is one that is commonly used." She added that "nevertheless, it's our responsibility to monitor and protect our brand rights globally and address unclear cases where needed"."When we became aware of the registration, we have approached the business owner as the intended registration represents an overlap with our trademarks."As an international fashion company, we need to – like any other corporation – take measures to protect our existing trademark rights. These measures apply to both of our brands, BOSS and HUGO."She said the firm "only approaches third parties where an overlap with our existing trademark rights occurs, and as a matter of principle we always seek for a dialogue in favour of an amicable solution for both sides". 'Lad from Bootle' Mr McDonald's own lawyers have argued that the firm was operating in an entirely different sector, using a commonly used term, and that there was no likelihood of McDonald, who described himself as "just a lad from Bootle", said he had been given 10 days to take down his website or face legal said he had spent "every spare penny" on his new website for his pet-related lawyer Francis McEntegart said Mr McDonald did not have a case to answer and was accusing the clothes retailer of bullying his client."My client is a small local business that is just starting out selling pet wellness products, it's not going to interfere with the profits of Hugo Boss in anyway." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
