From the Guardian:
Tory council leaders across England and Wales have presented a united front with Labour and Lib Dem-run local authorities as they warn the chancellor, George Osborne, that another round of funding cuts would devastate local services and harm the most vulnerable in society..
In a letter to the Observer, council bosses representing every type of local authority in England and Wales, as part of the Tory-controlled Local Government Association (LGA), say they have already had to impose cuts of 40% since 2010 and cannot find more savings without serious consequences for community life and social care, and knock-on effects for the NHS.
Last week Osborne unveiled radical plans for further devolution of powers to English cities, including housing and transport. However, the letter, signed by the leaders of all 375 county, district, unitary and metropolitan councils, as well as London boroughs and Welsh councils, sets the stage for the most serious conflict between central and local government since Osborne launched his austerity drive five years ago.
Following the 7 May local election results, the LGA returned to Conservative control after a year of Labour being the largest party, so the protest is Conservative-led and aimed directly at the new Tory-majority government. In the letter the local authorities say they have already made efficiency savings that have cut services to the bone. ?Councils have worked hard to shield residents from the impact of funding cuts. However, efficiencies cannot be remade or buildings resold,? they say.
Full article here
Presumably the “leaders of all 375 county, district, unitary and metropolitan councils”? includes our district’s leader, Terry Cutmore.
Has Tory Controlled Rochford District Council joined into this? Having published this article perhaps you could inform local residents by demanding an answer from Councillor Cutmore and publishing his answer?