Cuts confirmed today (Thursday) by Northamptonshire County Council will devastate lives and leave vulnerable people and their families without essential support, despite denials from the council, says UNISON.
The council, which effectively went bankrupt earlier this year, held a meeting today about its on-going budget crisis but failed to reveal any further details. UNISON warns that this lack of transparency is creating an atmosphere of ‘fear and uncertainty’ for residents and for staff.
UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said: “The situation in Northamptonshire is dire and an utter disgrace. The Council has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty for local residents and for staff.
“Local communities shouldn’t have to suffer because of poor financial management and bad decision-making by this council.
“For years, UNISON warned that the council was taking a dangerous route with its extreme outsourcing policy which has contributed to it going bankrupt.
“Despite promises to keep the most vulnerable safe, it’s hard to imagine how worried families across the county are feeling.
“Residents at crisis point have little hope of getting any help from the council. The criteria to access services will no doubt be severely restricted, and vital staff who deliver them cut.
“Our main concern is that this is just the tip of the iceberg, as councils up and down the country are facing huge cuts to budgets.
“The government now must step in, provide emergency funds and fulfil its duty of care to the people of Northamptonshire.”
Notes to editors
UNISON is the biggest union in local government, representing 750,000 council workers and school staff.
