United to Oppose the Cuts

By Heather Rawling (a report back on Thursday’s Leicestershire Against the Cuts meeting)

Food banks are one of the biggest growing areas in the voluntary sector in Leicester. These are a direct result of the policies of the Com-Dem Government and the failure of Leicester City Labour Council to stand up and defend the services and living standards of ordinary people. Instead they are passing on the cuts.

The council claims that it is a united city. Yet the council is pitting different cultures and services against each other in a bidding war for funds. People at the meeting refused to be used like this and committed themselves to a united campaign against cuts in jobs and services.

However, they are operating in a climate of fear. Many did not speak at the meeting, aware that a representative of The Lord Mayor — Sir Peter Soulsby — was attending the meeting.

The meeting agreed to organise a petition for a referendum to abolish the powers of The Lord Mayor. Meet at the clock tower at noon this Saturday 14th December to collect signatures.

There was also support for a demo against the cuts in the new year.