The Socialist 29 February 2012

We won't work for free!

We won't work for free!

Working class needs real political opposition to Con-Dem millionaires

A4e: workfare vultures in crisis

'We want jobs - not slave labour!'

Interview with a jobcentre worker

Stop the Health Bill

Solidarity with Occupy London protesters

Unison leadership found guilty of "unjustifiable discipline" against four Socialist Party activists

Sun launch can't hide corrupt practices

It's bonuses for bankers

Them & Us

Why I'm standing for the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition in the London Assembly election

Student walkout - build mass action

Kirklees Sure Start children centres

Voluntary sector cuts expose Big Society lies

Stop North East NHS childcare cuts

Sheffield housing - failed by privatisation

Campaign news in brief

The battle against internet censorship

May Day Greetings in the Socialist

Iran: Tensions with the US and its allies are ratcheted-up

Europe - Young people fight ACTA

'Priceless victory' of sparks against the Dirty Seven

Continuing the pensions battle: PCS consultative ballot

Continuing the pensions battle - Universities

Three-year pay freeze hits hard

Workplace news in brief

Previous issues, etc

Print this issue

PDF version




Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/707/14048

Google search the site	Printable version	email to friend

Home | The Socialist 29 February 2012 | Join the Socialist Party

Subscribe | Donate | Bookshop

Kirklees Sure Start children centres

Jackie Grunsell, Huddersfield Socialist Party

"Kirklees council looks set for U-turn on proposal to downgrade children's centres" proclaimed the headline in Huddersfield's local paper.

This comes after several weeks of intensive campaigning to save the Sure Start centres from plans to dramatically reduce the services they provide.

The council's so-called consultation process, now at an end, means a decision will be made in March. The campaign organised public meetings of many angry parents and staff. 5,000 petition signatures forced a full council debate on the issue.

The press has been bombarded as have our local elected representatives, leading to support from three MPs and enough councillors to hold up the cuts and hopefully stop them altogether.

Protesters lobbied the council's budget-setting meeting to make their voices heard. The leader of the council has been forced to state an intention that "the range of acute, intermediate and universal services will be available in each area".

However, the campaign is waiting to see the details of new proposals and isn't taking anything for granted. We have to keep the pressure up but we clearly stand a chance of winning.

The next step is a demonstration through the streets of Huddersfield. We urge anyone who can to attend.