Backbenchers pledge to vote against cuts
THREE Labour councillors in Hull have pledged to vote against any proposals to cut services.
They have joined a national network of local politicians calling on Labour-led councils to defy the Government by refusing to pass on funding cuts to residents.
The move has triggered claims by opposition Liberal Democrats in Hull of a return to Militant-style activism in the city council's ruling Labour group.
The three councillors – Gary Wareing, Dean Kirk and Gill Kennett – are all backbenchers.
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Councillor Wareing is the best known. He finished second to Karl Turner in the selection race to become John Prescott's successor as Labour's parliamentary candidate for the Hull East seat.
All three are among initial signatories to a statement issued by the Councillors Against Cuts network.
The statement says: "We are a new network of local councillors formed to support the fight against cuts.
"We believe that instead of implementing the Coalition's cuts, councils and councillors should refuse to do so and help workers and communities organise in resistance.
"We do not accept that cuts are 'necessary'.
"There is plenty of money in society but it is in the wrong hands.
"Taxing the rich and business, taking the wealth of the banks and cutting Trident are all rich sources of funds.
"We stand in solidarity with anti- cuts campaigns, with people defending their local services and with the broader community, tenants and residents, our children, disabled people and pensioners in defence of the living standards and rights of the most vulnerable people in society as the Coalition Government attacks them."
The city's ruling Labour group is currently putting the finishing touches to its proposed budget for the coming year.
Details are expected to be announced next week, although some measures, including a switch to fortnightly bin collections, changes to staff terms and conditions and savings through cuts to school clothing grants and scrapping free gardening services for council tenants have already been made public.
Some Labour figures, including deputy leader Daren Hale, have also indicated a council tax increase could also be on the cards.
But Lib Dem Councillor Dave McCobb said: "Taxpayers in Hull have every right to be terrified that Militant tendencies have broken out in the city.
"No one likes the fact that there's less money for local services than there used to be.
"I can see why these councillors are angry with the leadership of the Labour group.
"They got elected claiming that they would oppose cuts but now they are in charge they're voting to make hundreds of people redundant and hike taxes on low-paid workers."
6 Comments
by anti_cuts
Saturday, February 09 2013, 4:08PM
“Brilliant. It's time that local Councillors stood up to the government and refused to implement the cuts. The Tories have strategically imposed the biggest cuts on northern councils as they think it will make the other parties look worse. Same story in Newcastle.
There are other ways of saving money than targeting the most vulnerable in society.
Amazon made £7 billion last year but paid NO UK corporation tax. Sort it out!”
by ohdear2011
Friday, January 25 2013, 12:00AM
“They are totally irresponsible. councils have a legal obligation to balance the budget so if they don't like their job resign !”
by VivaRedCity
Thursday, January 24 2013, 10:51AM
“Gary Wareing, Dean Kirk and Gill Kennett are not exactly militant- they are decent, hard working people who come from good careers, Hull politics needs more like them. To describe them as militant shows you have no idea what that word means. They are not your typical political head banger, so when they speak you should listen instead of mock.”
by KiminHull
Thursday, January 24 2013, 10:29AM
“You are spot on FredFlinty, The Fib Dems MPs impose the cuts then their councillors complain when cuts are made. Hypocrisy of the highest order. We know what they'd cut, all the homes and services for the elderly and another thousand council redundancies.
Any Councillor can sign up to the nationwide group against the cuts, so come on Cllr McCobb, you and your group sign up too as you oppose the cuts as well. As for our local councillors being militant because they are defending the NHS etc. BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!”
by fredflinty
Thursday, January 24 2013, 8:39AM
“typical of Councillor McGobb
on the one hand he says that militancy has broken out in Hull and people should be afraid with these three councillors theats to vote against the cuts.
then he critises Labour for implementing the cuts.
Cuts he's party are collaborating with the tories over.
What's it to be McGobb? or are you just going to sit on the fence.
I look forward to the Lib-Dems budget with NO CUTS in it then.”
by g7viz
Thursday, January 24 2013, 8:27AM
“When will these Labour councillors finally realise that there is no money left in the kitty! The days when the council can do everything has long gone. Get used to small local government and limited services because it is what you are going to get! The last Labour government spent the money so there is little point complaining about 'coalition cuts'. Hull folk need to become more self reliant!”