CITY OF PRESTON LABOUR PARTY

Preston Labour Councillors met last night to discuss the savage cuts that seem likely to be imposed on local authorities across the country.  With figures in the region of 40% cuts being threatened, the implications for local councils like Preston would be huge.

Finance spokesperson, Martyn Rawlinson, explained how the council finances, already battered by several years of inept Tory and Lib Dem financial management, were now facing a much greater crisis.  

‘Preston really is facing a massive black hole from these cuts.’ Said Martyn Rawlinson ‘What makes it worse is that many of the cuts identified by the Con Dem government are actually unnecessary and far in excess of what is required.’

In contrast to the urgency with which the Labour Group discussed these issues, it appeared that both the Tories and Lib Dems seemed much more lax in their approach as council business appears to have ground to a halt.

Discussion within the Labour group focused on an alternative programme for the council to preserve services, pursuing a radical agenda consistent with Labour values.  While Labour councillors pledged to work with the Tories and Lib Dems, they also remained committed to protecting the most vital services for the most needy in Preston – on that there would be no compromise.