The Tories in Parliament launched an unprovoked attack on Hounslow this lunchtime. Minister Greg Hands MP, accused the Borough of using ‘slash and burn’ tactics, while Cameron said Councils didn’t need to cut front-line services. They obviously havn’t been looking at many Tory authorities. The Tories running Hand’s local Council, Hammersmith and Fulham, have massive cuts to front line services, selling off community centres, youth clubs, Children’s centres and schools.
Well – Unlike Hammersmith, Hounslow is not closing any Children’s Centres, or Youth Clubs. An unlike many Tory authorities we are not closing Libraries or Sacking School Crossing Patrol staff.
On March 1st we set the budget with a grant cut from government for the first time since before 1997, and were forced to make £18m of cuts and savings –the worst budget ever.
Let’s remember that these cuts were enforced on us by Mr. Hands’ Government. Too far, too fast and grossly unfair. £20bn has been taken from Councils across the country, systematically destroying public services, cutting jobs and risking local economies. There has been no time to invest service change meaning inefficiencies and more cuts than necessary. And finally, nearby Councils – Richmond and Surrey County and other well-heeled places - have had minimal grant reductions.
Our borough budget protects services for the most vulnerable, those that keep people safe, and help people back into jobs. And we are delivering on our 5 pledges:
· 2500 new affordable homes,
· a dedicated grime-busters phone-line to report fly-tipping and graffiti
· Uniformed community safety teams so that people feel safer
· investing in new school places
· Working with employers to deliver training and new jobs
· Investing in the CAB to provide much-needed high-quality advice to those affected by the various benefit changes and struggling with housing or debt issues.
· Improving services through a Modernisation fund to get better value for money for taxpayers in a time of reduced funding.
· Getting our buildings working harder – fewer of them, used throughout the week, accessible, energy efficient and near to where people are.
We are working with other Councils and other organisations across West London to share services and pool back-room costs. But to say we can make savings of this level, and not impact on some front-line services is fantasy-land, as authorities from across the political spectrum have been trying to tell the government for months now. What Labour authorities have tried to do is come up with a package of measures that is fair, has least impact on the most vulnerable, and cuts out waste.
On budget night the Tories in Hounslow couldn’t even provide viable amendments, let alone an alternative budget.
So get your facts straight Cameron!
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