UNISON campaigning has helped to persuade the Herefordshire council cabinet to call a special meeting of the full council on Friday 24 May for an open debate on cuts proposals.
Regional organiser Steve Akers said: “This is as much a community campaign as it is a UNISON one.
“All sorts of people from across Herefordshire are responding magnificently – we have received many messages of support, including one from the comedian Jo Brand saying she was shocked about proposals over libraries.
“Our campaign, coupled with pressure from opposition councillors, has won some space to openly debate the proposals, after the cabinet meeting on the 16 May wisely deferred a decision to a special meeting of the full council.
“This special meeting will be held this Friday at the Hereford Shire Hall. We shall be there to greet councillors as they arrive for their annual meeting at 9am and again at 2pm before the crucial debate.
“We encourage everyone who is concerned about their local council services to come along with their banners.”
A consultation ballot of UNISON members has taken place and shows that 80% are willing to engage in some form of industrial action to fight the cuts.
