Motorists hail cabbies as least courteous drivers

TAXI drivers are the least courteous and most irritating motorists on our roads, according to a poll of UK motorists by insurance specialist, Admiral.

The survey of over 700 people quizzed drivers on theirs and other road users' courtesy, or lack of it and found that the motorists frowned upon the most were the nation's cabbies.  Alternately, elderly drivers were deemed the most courteous although they were also voted 2nd in the list of the most irritating drivers.

According to Admiral's research, British motorists are fairly courteous on the whole, although there is room for improvement. 9 out of 10 motorists often let other motorists out of side roads, while 64% always thank other motorists for giving way.  Only 10% rarely or never let pedestrians cross the road in front of them and only 3% rarely or never make space for cyclists.  However 63% of all drivers have shouted or gesticulated at other road users who have annoyed them, and 58% have sounded their horn at other motorists.

Admiral managing director, Sue Longthorn, said:- "We asked motorists a range of questions to find out just how courteous they are when they get behind the wheel, and most do show consideration to other road users.  Although we like to think of ourselves as a courteous nation, it's clear that sometimes the pressure and stress of driving in this day and age can get the better of us and courtesy goes out the window."

The UK's motorists also display bad manners in the way they drive. 56% admit to jumping queues of stationary traffic, 19% have raced another motorist at traffic lights and 24% have also tailgated a car they don't think is going fast enough.

Sue Longthorn added:- "I know it's easy to say but we'd like to ask all motorists to try and show a bit more politeness and courtesy to other road users. Perhaps then we can all make driving a more pleasurable experience for everyone."

1. Which of these drivers are the least courteous?

2. Which of these drivers are the most courteous?

3. Which of these drivers are the most irritating?

4. Which of these drivers are the least irritating?

6 Essential Steps for Self-Funding Care as Interest Rates Hit an all Time Low

OLDER People struggling to meet increasing care home fees need advice more than ever before as interest rates hit an all time low and the property market stagnates. FirstStop’s factsheet ‘Self-funding Care Home Fees’ is a must for families of older people needing care.

1. Claim Attendance Allowance. A non-means tested, non-taxable DWP Benefit for people who need care by day and night worth up to £67 per week.

2. Claim Twelve Weeks Property Disregard funding from the local council. Mandatory care home funding for those assessed as needing a care home place with a property to sell and other savings under £22,250.

3. Apply to the Council for a deferred payments agreement. The Council may assist with funding care home fees with an interest free loan whilst the property remains unsold.

4. Claim DWP Pension Credit with severe disability addition Payable whilst your property’s on the market and the council are assisting through a deferred payments agreement. Worth up to £174.40 per week for a single person.

5. Claim from the NHS Nursing Care Contribution. Paid by the NHS towards the cost of nursing care provided by a care home that provides nursing. Worth £103.80 per week in England.

6. Purchase an Immediate Need Care Fee Payment Plan to meet the fees. The regular income these plans deliver is based on actuarial interpretation of life expectancy and not determined by interest rates or stock market returns. Rather than capital on low earning deposits being depleted the cost of care can potentially be capped to the cost of the plan.

Philip Spiers, Chief Executive of FirstStop Advice says:- “It’s more important now than ever before that older people and their families seek advice when faced with meeting high care costs. These are very difficult times with low interest rates, high care fees and a failing property market.”

Shot in the arm for housing on Merseyside

LIVERPOOL and Wirral have won a £6.3 million bid to boost house building and regeneration across Merseyside.  The 2 authorities working with Peel Holdings Ltd as The Mersey Heartlands Partnership have secured the cash over the next 2 years from the government’s Growth Point initiative, to create new private and social housing schemes.

The scheme targets areas that have the strong potential for significant social and economic growth.  The money will enable the councils to invest in the essential services that need to accompany the building of new homes, from transport links to the provision of green spaces.

Councillor Marilyn Fielding, Liverpool’s executive member for housing, said:- “This is fantastic news for the Partnership and is a real shot in the arm for regeneration in Liverpool.  The Growth Point funding will have a significant impact for North Liverpool as well as giving continued support to the ongoing Housing Renewal Programme.

Despite the current condition of the housing market, the long-term need to build more homes remains.  Our population is now growing, people are living longer, and there are more single households, so we need to push on with regenerating our communities. “

Wirral Council Leader, Cllr Steve Foulkes, said:- “This is tremendous and very welcome news.  This investment will help us to move forward the Wirral Waters Scheme that will transform Wirral Docks.”

In Liverpool, the money will be mainly focused on the four north wards of Liverpool - Anfield, Everton, County and Kirkdale, plus the Peel Liverpool Waters site.  In Wirral, the funding will be invested in a range of projects supporting the £4.5bn Wirral Waters project.

Housing Minister Margaret Beckett said:- "This money is targeted at those local authorities with the most ambitious growth plans.  As well as helping to build the new homes we need, it will ensure we have the support and infrastructure in place so that these homes become part of the existing community, not a burden on their resources."

Sir Bob Kerslake, chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency said:- "This funding will play a significant part in helping growth areas deliver not only more homes, but the vital infrastructure that is needed to underpin new communities."

The Mersey Heartlands Partnership will shortly meet to decide how the funding will be spent.