Northamptonshire County Council plans are going too far, warns UNISON

Plans to announce yet more cuts and closures to services will leave the most vulnerable people in the county with nowhere to turn

Plans by Northamptonshire County Council to announce yet more cuts and closures to services will leave the most vulnerable people in the county with nowhere to turn, says UNISON today (Wednesday).

The Council, which effectively went bankrupt earlier this year, has called an emergency meeting this evening.  At this, it’s likely councillors will announce cuts that could leave services in breach of the legal minimum local authorities must provide, or be closed altogether.

There are fears too, says UNISON, that councillors could be gearing up to announce huge cuts to the wages of council employees.

UNISON branch secretary Penny Smith said: “The County Council is once again letting the most vulnerable people in the county down, and putting their health and well-being at risk.

“Despite the best efforts of Council staff to keep people safe and provide services under difficult circumstances, local residents will increasingly struggle to receive the most basic of services. And attacking employees at a time when the Council is already relying on their goodwill is a disgraceful move. 

“This has now gone too far. The Council is at risk of failing to keep children and vulnerable people safe. This could cost lives.”

UNISON is calling on the government back up its intervention with emergency funds to pay for basic services, and fund the staff that provide them.

Media contacts: 
UNISON Northants County branch secretary Penny Smith M: 07890 260634 E: branch.secretary@northantsunison.co.uk

UNISON national media team:

Fatima Ayad T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk