WARRINGTON Borough Council has hit back following claims by “rebel” councillor Kevin Bennett that the council’s youth service was being subjected to a “pernicious attack.”
A Town Hall spokesman issued a statement disputing claims made by Cllr Bennett, a former Labour councillor who now sits on the council representative TUSC – the Trade Unionist snd Socialist Coalition.
Cllr Bennett said the youth service was struggling and needed more funding rather than less.
But the spokesman said: “The council needs to save £22 million next year and another £35 million by 2019 – on top of the £92 million cuts since 2010. There is no prospect of increase funding.”
He also disputed Cllr Bennett claim that the youth service had suffered a 50 per cut in staff.
“Staffing has not been reduced by 50 per cent. We have a presence where and when it is most needed.”
Cllr Bennett had claimed the council was using a policy of “dismiss and re-engage” and was trying to impose new contracts on youth workers.
The council spokesman responded: “A consultation process is underway, including scheduled meetings with trade unions, in line with our
agreed processes. No decisions have yet been reached.
“We are not planning any reduced delivery at this time and see no reason why outcomes will be poorer.
“Protecting the most vulnerable residents remains the council’s highest priority.”
Members of TUSC are planning to lobby councillors as they arrive for a council meeting on Monday.
Council hits back over rebel councillor’s claims
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5 Comments
I think the council may have got this wrong there has definitely been a 50% reduction in qualified youth workers as someone who used to work for the youth service I can clarify this!! Typical council trying to play the victim.
The Council did not say that there had not been a 50% reduction: the Council says there has been no reduction in support for the most vulnerable. The Council did not make the cuts, it has to make a decision where the cuts fall and no cuts for the youth service means more cuts for vulnerable adults and the aged. Is this what Cllr Bennett is advocating and if not, where will he find the money?
These are issues as Michael points out across the board and as the council gets less money from central government each year – this year’s fall is £22m then it’s harder and harder. As a trustee of a couple of charities we have been brought to our knees in one and very close to the edge in others. I’m off to a meeting tonight about homelessness and it is critical there to. Nowhere is immune and over the next week or so the council want everyone’s views about this year’s budget as the cuts are hitting every line and you can have your say as to what gets cut the least. The pain is now really being felt and it’s not nice.
It’s time then for the council to use reserves to help much needed services and stop paying big fat salaries to directors the levels of management in the council is madness. Disproportionate cuts across the council in this years budget you’d think this council was Tory.
It would be much nicer if council executive board member spends more time on budget consultations and have specifics where the cuts will be made so all parties can have their say. Sadly this year only 4 weeks are allocated for consultations so very little can be done. As councillor I have voted against last years budget based on comments made by labour administration stating a) recycling old ideas b) it is statement of intent and c) 6 week consultation period. When Coalition council administration was in place budget had much longer period of consultation that gave all parties equal opportunity to have their say and make decision no mater how hard it was fair. Sadly labour administration is ineffective with no ideas and enthusiasm to do the job. Their internal squabbles and infighting are not good for the governing of the town. Council officers are doing their best and they have to follow instructions of those that are elected. unfortunately leadership has failed them and people of Warrington. So that is why we have so bad in out town. It will be even worse if people do not make drastic change how and who they support at next local elections this may.