Debbie Smith (left) sadly died in April 2021 and leaves behind her son Bobby (right) and partner Michael Scott.
The best friend of a much-loved woman from Coningsby who sadly and unexpectedly died, is trying to raise money to help the family cover the cost of the funeral.
Debbie Smith, 45, died very suddenly on April 26 and was kept with the coroner for over two weeks. Debbie’s partner Michael Scott is really struggling to come to terms with his loss, whilst also looking after their son Bobby.
Debbie’s best friend Lisa Hearth, who has known her for six years, has been trying to help the family wherever possible and spoke to DWP and filled out forms on Michael’s behalf to try and get him financial support.
Universal Credit cases allegedly linked to Lincolnshire deaths
Labour pushing for inquiry
Campaigners are calling for an investigation into the deaths of at least 82 people in the last decade after their benefits were changed, including two men from North East Lincolnshire.
According to the BBC Shared Data Unit, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has carried out more than 150 internal reviews after people claiming benefits died or came to serious harm since 2012, two of which from Greater Lincolnshire.
The details of case studies presented by the BBC were collected from various press reports.
Brian Bailey, 59, from Grimsby, was included in the study. Brian took his life in 2018 after alleged pressures of the Universal Credit (UC) benefit system.
University of Lincoln pushes 2020/21 graduation ceremonies at cathedral by another year
Virtual ceremonies will be held this year
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The University of Lincoln’s graduation ceremonies will be held virtually this year, but anyone wanting to graduate at Lincoln Cathedral will be given the option to do so in April 2022.
The email the university sent to students said that with the “ongoing implications of the pandemic on planning of large scale indoor events, it will not be possible for us to deliver an in-person physical graduation in 2021”.
Lincoln Cathedral, which normally has a capacity of around 350 (seated) is not available for the university’s graduation ceremonies in September this year, but anyone who wants to graduate in the iconic building will have that option next year.
Former Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner reflects on last five years in role
Labour PCC lost to Conservative candidate
Labour s former Humberside PCC, Keith Hunter.
Former Labour Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Keith Hunter has reflected fondly on his five-year tenure in the role as he is replaced by the late-entry Conservative candidate Jonathan Evison after two election vote counts on Saturday.
Mr Evison, currently Mayor of North Lincolnshire, beat Mr Hunter after winning 74,534 votes compared to his 71,615. The turnout was 22% and the PCC job is to oversee the work of their local police force.
In a statement, Mr Hunter said when he first joined as PCC in 2016, “the Humberside force was at its lowest ebb […] and is now recognised throughout the country as the most improved force and one of the very best”.