Latest news with #CoS
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Nersa's municipal tariff process flawed, says Sapoa
It is currently considering the applications of about 172 municipal distributors, and if approved, these will take effect on 1 July 2025. Most municipalities have applied for double-digit increases and in several cases up to three times SA's inflation rate. Picture: Moneyweb The process energy regulator Nersa is following to determine electricity tariffs for municipal supply areas is procedurally unfair, and meaningful public participation is impossible without access to crucial cost-of-supply (CoS) studies. This is the view expressed by the South African Property Owner's Association (Sapoa) in its submission to Nersa regarding the electricity tariff applications for 2025/26. Nersa is currently considering the applications of about 172 municipal distributors. If approved, these will take effect on 1 July 2025. On 12 June, at the third energy regulator meeting of its kind, it dealt with 45 applications. Municipal electricity tariff determination has been in turmoil for some time with several individual municipalities' tariffs having been reviewed in court and set aside. Read more 30% electricity tariff increase is a reality, says Erasa Last year, the High Court granted an application by AfriForum to review the methodology used by Nersa for more than a decade. It was found to be unlawful and set aside. Nersa however lodged an appeal which was heard, but the ruling is still pending. The City of Cape Town also challenged Nersa's determination of its tariffs for two consecutive years. That matter has also been argued in court with the outcome pending. Following the controversy, Nersa this year for the first time required municipalities to do a formal CoS study and use the results as the basis for its tariff application. ALSO READ: 30% electricity tariff increase is a reality, says Erasa In the past, the regulator simply published a guideline stating the recommended percentage increase and benchmarks for each category of customer – for example residential, commercial or industrial. Only municipalities applying for increases that would exceed the guideline, were subjected to public hearings. In a clear effort to comply with the law, Nersa this year for the first time published all the municipal tariff applications on its website and invited comments from the public. Most municipalities applied for double-digit increases, with many indicating that their CoS studies indicate under-recovery. Limpopo's Blouberg Local Municipality, for example, indicated that it needs an increase of 192% over the next three years to make ends meet. Its CoS study suggested an increase of 43% this year, with 20% and 13% increases in the following two years, respectively. Acknowledging that consumers will not be able to afford that, it tempered the proposed tariff increase for this year to 15.26%. Stellenbosch, asking for 9.95% more, said in its application its CoS requires a 'very high increase' and eThekwini, asking for an increase of 12.72%, says its CoS requires a 20% increase. ALSO READ: Eskom proposes further tariff restructuring to ensure 'transparency and fairness' Above inflation tariff requests Sapoa in its comments objected to the high increases, saying that the proposed municipal electricity tariff increases 'are significantly higher than the inflation rate, with some municipalities requesting increases nearly triple the annual inflation rate' (such as City of Johannesburg at 12.74%, against a 2024 average inflation rate of 4.4%). 'This is deemed unsustainable for commercial properties and their tenants.' Sapoa says its Operating Costs Report for January to June 2024 showed that variable recoveries (water, electricity, property rates) increased by 11.2% year-on-year, while basic rentals increased by only 1.6%. 'Electricity costs are the single biggest contributor to overall operating costs, accounting for 29%, and municipal charges [rates, electricity, water] comprise 59.2% of total operating costs,' it adds. It says operating costs are increasing faster than landlords' gross income, leading to less disposable income for property owners. 'Industrial properties are particularly hard hit, with operating costs increasing by 13.7% year-on-year.' The organisation points out that a substantial number of municipalities did not make their CoS studies available as part of their applications published on the Nersa website, even though Nersa must consider these studies when determining the tariffs. As an example, it names the Buffalo City metro (East London) and Cape Town. Sapoa cautions that commercial lease agreements typically pass utility costs, including electricity, to tenants. 'When occupancy costs exceed approximately 25% of a tenant's monthly turnover, particularly in retail, it can lead to financial hardship, lease non-renewals, or demands for lower rentals, ultimately affecting landlords' ability to keep buildings occupied,' it says. ALSO READ: Nersa slashes Eskom's tariff hike – but consumers could pay the price in taxes Financial mismanagement Sapoa highlights the damning findings of the Auditor General on financial mismanagement, huge water and electricity losses, and weak revenue collections in many municipalities. 'Metropolitan municipalities experienced an average of 18% electricity losses, estimated at R14.52 billion, largely due to inadequate infrastructure maintenance and illegal connections. Merely increasing tariffs without addressing these underlying problems will not resolve municipalities' funding issues,' the organisation says. In addition, Sapoa argues that the public participation process Nersa is following is procedurally unfair. 'Nersa published tariff applications for 172 municipalities within a short timeframe [less than six weeks]. The complexity and variation in tariff components across municipalities make detailed comments extremely difficult,' it says. By the deadline for comments, many municipalities' applications were still outstanding, according to Sapoa. The organisation suggests that Nersa does not grant any municipal tariff applications 'until a meaningful public participation process is completed, allowing sufficient time for detailed evaluation and public hearings'. Sapoa called for electricity tariff increases to be limited to 'no more than 5%', if public hearings are deemed unnecessary. It says this increase level 'is still well above the current and projected inflation rate'. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
The National
10-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Palestinian shop 'abruptly evicted' from Edinburgh home after 12 years
Hadeel, a fair trade not-for-profit shop which exclusively sells goods made by Palestinians, has been operating in the Scottish capital for more than 20 years. Run by the UK charity Palcrafts, it aims to provide a sustainable source of income and support for Palestinian craftspeople, artisans and farmers. But last week, the shop received an eviction notice from its current home on 123 George Street, which is owned by the Church of Scotland. READ MORE: The Edinburgh shop exclusively selling products made by Palestinians It means the shop's current licence agreement will be terminated in early September. The shop's manager, Yasmina Ferrigan, told The National that Hadeel had been aware that the CoS was considering the future of the building. For 12 years, the CoS has apparently given Hadeel subsidised rent for the property. But added that she was 'quite taken aback' that it was done right now, given what is currently happening in Gaza and the West Bank. Instead, Hadeel had apparently expected a rent increase. 'I don't want to upset and vilify them,' she said. 'But at the end of the day, all of our producers in Palestine are suffering and whatever income we generate allows us more flexibility to support them.' READ MORE: I visited Europe's first museum of Palestinian art. Here's what it was like Ferrigan added: 'And all of our producers in the West Bank are struggling. They've got no source of income. They depend heavily on any sales that we have. 'So, absolutely, it's not an ideal time, especially at a time of such huge unrest and uncertainty.' A statement posted to Hadeel's Facebook page claims the Church of Scotland's decision to evict Hadeel was made in order to re-let the premises at a higher, more commercial value. 'Although we are aware that over the past few years CoS has been considering the future of the building, nevertheless the notice of contract termination came as a surprise and without warning,' it read. 'Despite our deep disappointment, the Joint Council of Hadeel and Palcrafts is cognisant of the reasons that forced CoS to take this decision. We would also acknowledge the longstanding support, partnership and generosity of the CoS over many years.' The statement went on: 'In order to address this difficult situation members of the Palcrafts/Hadeel council met with representatives of the Church of Scotland in order to negotiate a favourable contract and to explore options including an extension of the termination notice and the availability of other properties that can be suitable for relocation of Hadeel. 'At this juncture, we want to reassure our supporters that we are taking every possible action to safeguard the continuation of our organisation and the future of Hadeel.' The move to evict Hadeel was met with some anger from some social media users. One user said: 'It is deeply disturbing to withdraw support for Palestine in the midst of a genocide. What does this tell us about about COS values and moral compass?' Another added: 'Praying for you in this. The work you do is so important, especially just now.' The origins of the shop lie with Carol Morton, wife of a Church of Scotland minister based in Jerusalem, who started selling Palestinian-made goods there and continued on her return to Scotland. A spokesperson for the Church of Scotland said: 'The Church has been very pleased to support the Hadeel shop since 2013 within the national offices building in Edinburgh at a significantly discounted rent, which has not increased over the last 12 years. 'We are facing significant challenges and we are having to make difficult adjustments to how properties are used, to offset operating costs and contribute to the wider funding of the Kirk. 'We understand why this news is upsetting for people and it is not a decision we have taken lightly. 'We will continue to work supportively with Hadeel and ecumenical partners to identify suitable, alternative premises elsewhere.' You can find Hadeel at 123 George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JN. Stay updated with their news via their website, Facebook, and X.
The National
09-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Church of Scotland to evict Palestinian shop from Edinburgh property
Hadeel, a fair trade not-for-profit shop which exclusively sells goods made by Palestinians, has been operating in the Scottish capital for over 20 years. Run by the UK charity Palcrafts, it aims to provide a sustainable source of income and support for Palestinian craftspeople, artisans and farmers. But last week, the shop received an eviction notice from its current home on 123 George Street, which is owned by the Church of Scotland. READ MORE: The Edinburgh shop exclusively selling products made by Palestinians It means the shop's current licence agreement will be terminated in early September. The shop's manager, Yasmina Ferrigan, told The National that Hadeel had been aware that the CoS was considering the future of the building. For 12 years, the CoS has apparently given Hadeel subsidised rent for the property. But added that she was 'quite taken aback' that it was done right now, given what is currently happening in Gaza. 'I don't want to upset and vilify them,' she said. 'But at the end of the day, all of our producers in Palestine are suffering and whatever income we generate allows us more flexibility to support them.' Ferrigan added: 'And all of our producers in the West Bank are struggling. They've got no source of income. They depend heavily on any sales that we have. 'So, absolutely, it's not an ideal time, especially at a time of such huge unrest and uncertainty.' A statement posted to Hadeel's Facebook page claims the Church of Scotland's decision to evict Hadeel was made in order to re-let the premises at a higher, more commercial value. 'Although we are aware that over the past few years CoS has been considering the future of the building, nevertheless the notice of contract termination came as a surprise and without warning,' it read. 'Despite our deep disappointment, the Joint Council of Hadeel and Palcrafts is cognisant of the reasons that forced CoS to take this decision. We would also acknowledge the longstanding support, partnership and generosity of the CoS over many years.' The statement went on: 'In order to address this difficult situation members of the Palcrafts/Hadeel council met with representatives of the Church of Scotland in order to negotiate a favourable contract and to explore options including an extension of the termination notice and the availability of other properties that can be suitable for relocation of Hadeel. 'At this juncture, we want to reassure our supporters that we are taking every possible action to safeguard the continuation of our organisation and the future of Hadeel.' The move to evict Hadeel was met with some anger from some social media users. One user said: 'It is deeply disturbing to withdraw support for Palestine in the midst of a genocide. What does this tell us about about COS values and moral compass?' Another added: 'Praying for you in this. The work you do is so important, especially just now.' The origins of the shop lie with Carol Morton, a wife of a Church of Scotland minister based in Jerusalem, who started selling Palestinian-made goods there and continued on her return to Scotland. The Church of Scotland has been approached for comment. You can find Hadeel at 123 George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JN. Stay updated with their news via their website, Facebook, and X.
Time Business News
25-04-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa
The UK Skilled Worker Visa offers international professionals the opportunity to live and work in one of the world's leading economies. However, the application process can be complicated, and many applicants make mistakes that result in delays or even rejections. In this guide, we will explore the top 7 mistakes to avoid when applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa to ensure that your application process is smooth and successful. One of the most common mistakes applicants make is failing to secure a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor. For the UK Skilled Worker Visa you must be offered a position by an employer who holds a valid sponsorship license approved by the UK Home Office. Before you begin the visa application process, ensure that: The company offering you the job is registered as a licensed sponsor with the UK Home Office. Your job role is on the official list of eligible occupations for the visa. Your employer can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your position. Without a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor, your application will be rejected. Another major mistake is failing to meet the minimum salary requirements. In 2025, the UK government has set specific salary thresholds that your job must meet to be eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa. Check the salary requirements carefully before applying. Generally, the salary must be at least: £26,200 per year, or per year, or £10.75 per hour (whichever is higher). However, certain professions, like healthcare and education, may have slightly different salary thresholds. If your job does not meet these minimum salary requirements, your visa application will likely be refused. Applicants often forget that proficiency in the English language is a requirement for the Skilled Worker Visa. The Home Office expects applicants to prove their English proficiency through an approved English test or by providing evidence of an English-speaking educational qualification. Ensure you meet the following: Take an approved English language test (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL). If you are from an English-speaking country or have completed a degree in English, you may not need to take the test. Failure to meet the required English proficiency level could lead to your application being rejected. Submitting incomplete or inaccurate documents is one of the most common reasons visa applications are rejected. It's important to ensure that all your documents are complete, up-to-date, and accurate. Here's a checklist to ensure you submit the right documents: Valid passport or travel document. or travel document. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer. from your employer. Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or equivalent). (IELTS or equivalent). Proof of financial support to show you can support yourself (unless your sponsor covers this). to show you can support yourself (unless your sponsor covers this). Criminal record certificate (from certain countries). (from certain countries). Medical certificates (e.g., TB test for applicants from some countries). Failure to provide all the required documents can result in delays or rejection. Many applicants are caught off guard by the visa application fees and immigration health surcharge (IHS). These costs can vary depending on factors such as the length of your stay and whether you are applying with dependents. Be prepared for the following costs: Visa application fee : This can range from £610 to £1,220 depending on the length of your visa. : This can range from £610 to £1,220 depending on the length of your visa. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) : This is typically £624 per year for the duration of your stay. : This is typically for the duration of your stay. Additional fees for dependents: You will also need to pay extra fees if your family members are accompanying you. Don't forget to budget for these costs in advance to avoid any surprises. The visa application process can be time-consuming, so it's crucial not to wait until the last minute to submit your application. Delays in submitting required documents or applying too late can significantly impact your chances of getting approval on time. Start your application as early as possible to give yourself enough time to: Secure your job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship. Gather all the required documents. Take the English language test if necessary. Complete the online application and pay the required fees. Ideally, you should aim to submit your visa application at least 2 to 3 months before your planned travel date to ensure enough processing time. Some applicants choose to apply on their own without professional guidance, thinking it's a straightforward process. However, navigating the Skilled Worker Visa process can be complex, and even minor errors can lead to delays or rejections. Farani Taylor Solicitors can guide you through the entire application process. Our team of experienced immigration lawyers will ensure: All your documents are in order. You meet all the eligibility requirements. Your application is submitted on time and correctly. Having expert legal support increases your chances of success and minimizes the risk of costly mistakes. Applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa is an exciting step toward advancing your career and life in the UK. By avoiding these 7 common mistakes, you can increase your chances of having a smooth and successful application process. Farani Taylor Solicitors is here to help make your visa application as easy as possible. We specialize in UK immigration law and are committed to providing personalized legal advice tailored to your situation. Book a free consultation with us today to get expert guidance and start your journey to the UK with confidence. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Secret filming reveals brazen tactics of immigration scammers
Recruitment agents who scam foreign nationals applying to work in the UK care sector have been exposed by BBC secret filming. One of the rogue agents is a Nigerian doctor who has worked for the NHS in the field of psychiatry. The Home Office has acknowledged the system is open to abuse, but the BBC World Service's investigation shows the apparent ease with which these agents can scam people, avoid detection, and continue to profit. Our secret filming reveals agents' tactics, including: Illegally selling jobs in UK care companies Devising fake payroll schemes to conceal that some jobs do not exist Shifting from care to other sectors, like construction, that also face staff shortages Reports of immigration scams have increased since a government visa scheme - originally designed to let foreign medical professionals work in the UK - was broadened in 2022 to include care workers. To apply for the visa, candidates must first obtain a "Certificate of Sponsorship" (CoS) from a UK employer who is licensed by the Home Office. It is the need for CoS documents that is being exploited by rogue relocation agents. "The scale of exploitation under the Health and Care Work visa is significant," says Dora-Olivia Vicol, CEO of Work Rights Centre, a charity that helps migrants and disadvantaged people in the UK access employment justice. "I think it has turned into a national crisis." She says there is "systemic risk inherent" in the sponsorship system, because it "puts the employer in a position of incredible power" and has "enabled this predatory market of middlemen to mushroom". The BBC sent two undercover journalists to approach relocation agents working in the UK. One met Dr Kelvin Alaneme, a Nigerian doctor and founder of the agency, CareerEdu, based in Harlow, Essex. His website states his business is a "launchpad for global opportunities catering to young Africans", claiming to have 9,800 "happy clients". Believing the BBC undercover journalist was well connected in the UK care sector, Dr Alaneme tried to recruit her to become an agent for his business, saying it would be very lucrative. "Just get me care homes. I can make you a millionaire," he said. As a potential business partner, our journalist was then given unprecedented insight into how immigration scams by agents like Dr Alaneme actually work. Dr Alaneme said he would pay £2,000 ($2,600) for each care home vacancy she was able to procure, and offered £500 ($650) commission on top. He then said he would sell the vacancies to candidates back in Nigeria. Charging candidates for a job is illegal in the UK. "They [the candidates] are not supposed to be paying because it's free. It should be free," he said, lowering his voice. "They are paying because they know it's most likely the only way." The BBC began investigating him following a series of online complaints about his relocation services. Praise - from south-east Nigeria and in his mid 30s - was one of those who complained, claiming he paid Dr Alaneme more than £10,000 ($13,000) for a job in the UK. He says he was told he was going to be working with a care company called Efficiency for Care, based in Clacton-on-Sea. It was only when he arrived that he realised the job didn't exist. "If I had known there was no job, I would have not come here," he says. "At least back home in Nigeria, if you go broke, I can find my sister or my parents and go and eat free food. It's not the same here. You will go hungry." Praise says he messaged Efficiency for Care and Dr Alaneme for months, asking when he could start working. Despite promises of assistance from Dr Alaneme, the job never materialised. Almost a year later, he found a position with another care provider willing to sponsor him to remain in the UK. Our investigation found that Efficiency for Care employed - on average - 16 people in 2022, and 152 in 2023. Yet a letter sent from the Home Office to the company dated May 2023 - and seen by the BBC - showed it had issued 1,234 Certificates of Sponsorship to foreign workers between March 2022 and May 2023. Efficiency for Care's sponsorship licence was revoked in July 2023. The care company can no longer recruit from abroad, but continues to operate. It told the BBC it strongly refutes the allegation it colluded with Dr Alaneme. It said it believed it lawfully recruited staff from Nigeria and other countries. It has challenged the Home Office's revocation of its sponsorship licence, it said, and the matter is now in court. Outside of the UK - watch on YouTube In another secretly filmed meeting, Dr Alaneme shared an even more sophisticated scam involving sponsorship documents for jobs that did not exist. He said the "advantage" of having a CoS that is unconnected to a job "is that you can choose any city you want". "You can go to Glasgow. You can stay in London. You can live anywhere," he told us. This is not true. If a migrant arrives in the UK on a Health and Care Work visa and does not work in the role they have been assigned, their visa could be cancelled and they risk being deported. In the secret filming, Dr Alaneme also described how to set up a fake payroll system to mask the fact the jobs are not real. "That [a money trail] is what the government needs to see," he said. Dr Alaneme told the BBC he strenuously denied services offered by CareerEdu were a scam or that it acted as a recruitment agency or provided jobs for cash. He said his company only offered legitimate services, adding that the money Praise gave him was passed on to a recruitment agent for Praise's transport, accommodation and training. He said he offered to help Praise find another employer free of charge. The BBC also carried out undercover filming with another UK-based recruitment agent, Nana Akwasi Agyemang-Prempeh, after several people told the BBC they had collectively paid tens of thousands of pounds for care worker positions for their friends and family that, it transpired, did not exist. They said some of the Certificates of Sponsorship Mr Agyemang-Prempeh gave them had turned out to be fakes - replicas of real CoS issued by care companies. We discovered Mr Agyemang-Prempeh had then begun offering CoS for UK jobs in construction - another industry that allows employers to recruit foreign workers. He was able to set up his own construction company and obtain a sponsorship licence from the Home Office. Our journalist, posing as a UK-based Ugandan businessman wanting to bring Ugandan construction workers over to join him, asked Mr Agyemang-Prempeh if this was possible. He replied it was - for the price of £42,000 ($54,000) for three people. Mr Agyemang-Prempeh told us he had moved into construction because rules are being "tightened" in the care sector - and claimed agents were eyeing other industries. "People are now diverting to IT," Mr Agyemang-Prempeh told the undercover journalist. More than 470 licences in the UK care sector were revoked by the government between July 2022 and December 2024. Those licensed sponsors were responsible for the recruitment of more than 39,000 medical professionals and care workers from October 2020. Mr Agyemang-Prempeh later asked for a downpayment for the Certificates of Sponsorship, which the BBC did not make. The Home Office has now revoked his sponsorship licence. Mr Agyemang-Prempeh's defence, when challenged by the BBC, was that he had himself been duped by other agents and did not realise he was selling fake CoS documents. In a statement to the BBC, the Home Office said it has "robust new action against shameless employers who abuse the visa system" and will "ban businesses who flout UK employment laws from sponsoring overseas workers". BBC investigations have previously uncovered similar visa scams targeting people in Kerala, India, and international students living in the UK who want to work in the care sector. In November 2024, the government announced a clampdown on "rogue" employers hiring workers from overseas. Additionally, from 9 April, care providers in England will be required to prioritise recruiting international care workers already in the UK before recruiting from overseas. Investigation team: Olaronke Alo, Chiagozie Nwonwu, Sucheera Maguire, Nyasha Michelle, and Chiara Francavilla
