Last September, Salford Star revealed that cuts amounting to £95million were being made over the next few years – that's £40million over and above the cuts that have already been announced (see here).
Already, it's the most vulnerable people in Salford who are about to be hit – with day care centre closures on the cards (see here) plus cuts to home care services, welfare rights and debt advice and the youth service. This despite Salford Council Leader, John Merry insisting during last year's budget announcements that "…we have done all we can to protect the most vulnerable living in the city."
Many might suggest that Salford Council is doing all it can to protect developers, speculators and consultants, with huge spending on so-called `prestige' projects like MediaCityUK, the BBC Orchestra, Chapel Street, Greengate and `aspirational walkways' in Ordsall unaffected.
"Following the riots last year we wrote to Councillor Merry arguing the case for well-resourced Youth Services" says Steven North, Branch Secretary, Salford City UNISON "We were told at the time that would be considered as part of this year's budget and we need to make sure that's the case.
"We're not anti-Media City" he adds "but believe this Council has a duty to protect the most vulnerable first and foremost. Day Centres, Home Care support, Welfare Rights and Youth Services are needed more than ever."
Public sector trade union, Salford City UNISON, has now called a public meeting to discuss all the cuts and the campaign to try and stop them, and is hoping that as many people as possible turn up to air their views.
Say `No To Cuts'
Public Meeting
Saturday 21st January 12-2pm
Swinton Royal British Legion
Cheetham Road, Swinton, M27 4UQ
There's also a Public Meeting in Ordsall this Saturday to oppose cuts and the possible closure of the Humphrey Booth Day Care Centre – see here for more details
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