Dave Reynolds, Black Country Socialist Party
Tory proposals to privatise Dudley leisure centres have been beaten.
Black Country Socialist Party activists attended the demonstration, alongside union members and councillors opposed to the plans. This followed a long-running campaign, supported by Unison union, the trades union council, and a petition of 5,000 signatures.
The clear message is that privatisation would inevitably erode public services in a drive for profit, and that continued public control ensures provision based on need and benefits the community.
Public money for private profit
After over £25 million investment from public funds in the newly built Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre, along with regeneration of Halesowen Leisure Centre, the idea to hand over control of these public assets to a private company for private profit seems perverse. This type of public provision is the reason we have local councils in the first place.
Neighbouring Sandwell Council – run by Labour – previously spun off leisure centres to a trust, leading to worse pay and conditions for staff, and is now proposing closure of two venues. It’s clear that a party that consistently fights the corner of publicly run, fully funded services, is needed.
Congratulations to everyone who worked hard and contributed to the fight against this privatisation in this victory against the capitalist sharks that were encircling Dudley leisure centres. It seems that the shark repellent spray came in handy again.
