Yesterday Hackney Labour was out in force across the borough speaking to residents about the effect of the Government's cuts to the Council's budget and their impact upon the us, our families and our neighbours.
Across the borough local members and councillors set up stall to make clear the cuts' impact on Hackney. On Broadway Market they were joined by Hackney South MP Meg Hillier, whilst on Stoke Newington Church Street Diane Abbott MP and Jennette Arnold AM spoke to many concerned local residents. Stalls were also held on Ridley Road Market, Upper Clapton and the Narrow Way in Hackney Central. We also looked to building awareness of the TUC's 'March for the Alternative' protest on 26th March in Central London.
Hackney Council’s funding will be cut by £44m in 2011/12 alone, with a further cuts to come in future years. In the past, areas like Hackney have received extra funding from the government for good reason— to help the Council tackle the high level of social need in the Borough. The structures that provided that support have been removed by the current Local Government Minister, Eric Pickles.
The reach of the cuts go beyond Hackney Council. On Wednesday students from BSix College and Hackney Community College came to Hackney Town Hall to tell us about about the campaign to save the Educational Maintenance Allowance which gives poorer students the means to stay on in education beyond 16. A packed council chamber also heard from Hackney Keep Our NHS Public about the impact that that GP commissioning and 'any willing provider' will have on healthcare in the borough.
No comments:
Post a Comment