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From The Socialist newspaper, 11 January 2017
We're sick of sham consultations - give us a real fightback
Anti-cuts demo in Swansea, 13.6.15, photo Les Woodward (Click to enlarge)
Letter published in the South Wales Evening Post:
Your report on 4 January claims that just 230 responses have been received so far to Swansea Council's public budget consultation process.
Is it any surprise that the residents of Swansea are refusing to participate in the council's annual consultation, which effectively asks just one repeated question - which services would you prefer councillors to cut?
We have already seen £48 million worth of cuts over the past two years with another £16 million proposed for next year and a further £38 million by 2020.
Yes, Tory central government is responsible for cutting local government budgets but it's Labour councils across Wales, including Swansea, that are obediently implementing the Tory cuts!
Labour councillors shed crocodile tears and claim 'there is nothing we can do' and continue to devastate council jobs, services and the lives of the most vulnerable in society.
Local government trade unions, along with the Wales TUC, have called on Labour councils to refuse to implement these vicious cuts and instead set legal no-cuts budgets and launch a mass campaign to force the government to provide councils with the cash necessary to run our services.
No cuts!
Instead of acting as local managers and administrators of Tory cuts, Labour councillors should be standing up for ordinary people!
If Swansea council's consultation exercise included the question 'would you support a no-cuts budget?' then a positive response of tens of thousands would surely be on the order of the day!
Unfortunately, from past experience, such as last year's consultation where less than 0.6% of the population of Swansea participated, Labour councillors will justify making further cuts by claiming that this is what Swansea residents want. I don't think so!
Alec Thraves, Swansea Socialist Party
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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.
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In The Socialist 11 January 2017:
NHS in meltdown
NHS in meltdown from spending cuts - demonstrate on 4 March!
Sustainability and Transformation plans - a repackaging of cuts
Worcestershire hospital deaths expose NHS crisis
Socialist Party comments and reviews
Football abuse scandal: Reclaim the game for justice and accountability
Book review: Spy drama gives insight into capitalist coup plot
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Haringey: pressure grows as Labour council cuts
Sick of sham consultations - give us a real fightback
Khan should attack bosses, not workers
Socialist Party workplace news
Tube strike solid in fight for jobs and safety
Support BA cabin crews' strike for fair pay
Sham Royal Mail pensions consultation - action needed
Unison legal battle looks into allegations 'Team Dave' broke rules during general secretary election
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Build the resistance against Trump
Socialist Party national women's meeting
2016: A record-breaking fighting fund year!
Closing of the children's centres could cost lives
International socialist news and analysis
Palestine/Israel: Everyday life under occupation
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