Dave Nellist, Coventry Socialist Party
Coventry has lost £100 million every year from 14 years of Tory austerity. This year, it should have been different, with the election of a Labour government.
The government’s funding allocation was said to demonstrate its commitment to “rebuild local government”. But the Labour government has not restored the billions of pounds stolen from local authorities. New demands by capitalist politicians for more cuts are already emerging.
Coventry received £10.5 million in additional funds. But its costs have risen by £8 million.
Coventry Labour council says no balanced budget is possible beyond this year. So, they’ll be searching again for new cuts soon.
Socialist Party member and Coventry Trades Union Council president Jane Nellist said at the anti-cuts lobby on 25 February: “We urgently need the city council not just to pause existing cuts, but to reverse those made. For example, council tax support, reduced library, youth, and community services, essential voluntary services, such as the rape and sexual abuse centre.
“The council tax rise of 5%, and increases in charges for bereavement services, should be cancelled. Instead of more food banks, we need a fundamental restoration and rebuilding of social services.
“The city council should be campaigning with trade unions and working-class communities to draw up a budget that restores services to the level of need for those communities. And then fighting the national government to prioritise funding for services, not war.”
