UNISON is calling on council leader Tim Warren to stop 300 B&NES job losses under threat from reduced central government funding.
The roles face the axe by 2020 after the government told the Council to make another £58m of savings.
Initial consultation documents published by the council show that it has already slashed £27m from its budget since 2016. For seven years, the government has made cuts to public services and dramatically reduced the council workforce. Private companies are now running many local services.
The documents published on 15 November 2017 highlight the pressure on local authorities due to increased demand on social care and children’s services. At the same time, savage central government cuts have seen even wealthier councils like B&NES struggle to provide services.
UNISON South West regional organiser John Drake said:
“The pressure on public servants is a huge issue for those doing the most important work in our society.
“Those caring for our vulnerable adults, looking after young people and keeping our communities safe all face an uncertain future.
“Central government needs to fund Local Authorities to stop 300 B&NES job losses and ensure vital services are not lost.
“We call on Tim Warren to lobby the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ensure fair funding for B&NES and all other local authorities.
“If a business of similar size announced a 15% cut in its workforce then central government would be expected to intervene. In this case it is Central Government that is the cause and they need to provide a solution.”
