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Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/747/15927
From The Socialist newspaper, 9 January 2013
Campaigns - In brief
Sheffield Sure Start
250 people protested in December outside Sheffield town hall against the Labour council's planned slashing of Sure Start children's centres and nurseries.
The council is aiming to cut £3.5 million. 19 of the 36 centres have been earmarked for closure. All remaining centres will be downgraded.
200 parents and children packed into a council cabinet meeting - which had to be moved to another room to fit everyone in.
Emma Chadwick, whose three year old autistic son attends Darnall nursery, presented the 1,500 signature petition to the meeting.
- Save Sheffield Early Years services - March and rally. Saturday 19 January, Assemble 11am Devonshire Green
Sharron Milsom
West Yorkshire Fire
On Friday 21 December, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority met to pass £7 million worth of annual cuts to its budget.
But pressure from campaigners resulted in four of the six fire stations that were to be closed remaining open, but with less staff and fire appliances. Haworth fire station has a two year reprieve.
Other cutbacks went through, although not without some minor amendments, meaning that £3 million less has been cut than planned.
Iain Dalton
Brighton council tax
A petition of 700 signatures opposing cuts to council tax benefit was presented to the Green-led Brighton and Hove council.
The Socialist Party organised a lobby outside the council building.
The money that pays for council tax benefits is being cut by the government in April. In August it was reported that an 81-year old woman from Hove was jailed for 10 days for not paying council tax.
It is estimated that up to half the revenue 'raised' by cutting the benefit will be spent on enforcement!
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Finance appeal
The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 9 January 2013:
Socialist Party news and analysis
"Enough is enough!" - Fight all cuts
2013: Prepare for a mighty battle against deeper cuts
Unite the Union general secretary election
Making it easier to sack workers
Who's neglecting society, Mr Lamb?
International socialist news and analysis
South Africa: Founding of Workers and Socialist Party
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Prepare for strike action to save our hospitals
'The Eight Consultations of Christmas' in Southampton
Birmingham Labour's 'grotesque chaos'
2012 Fighting Fund target smashed
Socialist Party women's meeting
Obituary
Socialist Party workplace news
Standing firm in Mid Yorks hospitals pay cuts battle
London Underground cleaners strike over New Year
Tyne and Wear Metro strikers tell bosses to end poverty pay
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