Most Labour councillors are in it for the money so it is hardly surprising that they have not opposed the cuts.

We are entering the fourth year of drastic cuts in spending by local councils.  The basic cause is the Coalition Government’s austerity measures to pay back the money borrowed in 2008 to prop up failing banks.  We are being forced to pay for the folly of the bankers.

 LABOUR COUNCILLORS 

Many local councils, such as Nottingham City Council and Notts. County Council, are controlled by the Labour Party.  Yet not one council in the whole country has defied the Government by refusing to impose cuts on local services.  Labour councils have been just as ruthless in slashing spending as have the ones controlled by Tories and Lib-Dems..  If only a handful of councils stood up for the people by refusing to make cuts then this would create a national political crisis which the Government could not ignore.  But in the whole country only a few individual Labour councillors have voted against cuts budgets. 

IN IT FOR THE MONEY 

Years ago most people who served on local councils did so out of a sense of public duty.  They genuinely wanted to improve their local communities.  These councillors received very little in expenses and allowances and not much time off work for council duties.  Being a local councillor was a demanding, time-consuming commitment. 

Now it is very different.  Councillors, especially those on county councils and unitary authorities, receive generous allowances and expenses.  For example, in 2012/13 the basic allowance received by Nottingham City councillors was £11,582 while for Notts. County it was £12,906.  On top of this many receive special responsibility allowances.  The leaders of the City and the County received totals of £46,855 and  £44,910 respectively.  The cabinet members of Labour-controlled Derbyshire County Council have given themselves  large pay rises. 

Some county councillors are also on district councils which brings them extra income.  Another source of  more money is allowances for serving on various public bodies.  Being a councillor can open up business opportunities, running consultancies, etc.  while others are in paid employment..  Yet others already have retirement pensions so their council allowances are a nice supplement to their incomes

 For many Labour councillors their political activities are in effect their jobs and  the main source of their income.  It is hardly surprising that they are not prepared to do anything—like resisting the cuts—which could threaten their positions as councillors.  They want the money!  These people will  carry on cutting services and sacking council workers because they don’t want to loose their lucrative positions.  They are our enemies, not our friends.

 WHAT CAN WE DO?

 Petitions, meetings and demonstrations have not stopped the Labour cutters.  It is time for direct action.

 Don’t pay Council Tax.  Already hundreds of thousands of people are withholding Council Tax payments.  Just as we did with the Poll Tax, starve councils of money thus creating a political crisis. 

Disrupt council proceedings.  Go into their budget-cutting meetings and stop them voting in cuts.  Also picket them at their homes.  Make them feel unwanted.

KICK THEIR LABOUR ARSES! 

ANTI-AUSTERITY ACTION

www.antiausterityaction.org.uk

Contact: antiausterity@talktalk.net