It is now only two weeks since hundreds of thousands of public sector workers began their journey to the capital to ‘March for the Alternative’, in response to the cuts being implemented by the Tory led Coalition.
As Hull has been decimated by imposed cuts, it is perhaps not surprising that there were a large number of people travelling to participate from our City.
On the whole, feedback to HullRePublic from people wanting to share their experiences of involvement has been positive. For a workforce and the communities made to feel powerless as result of these cuts, having an opportunity to demonstrate and feel that they have contributed in challenging this ideological tsunami crashing down upon the public sector can only be positive. The exhilaration of being part of this for many has been short lived, as we are now beginning to live with the reality of the impact these cuts will have on Hull.
The cuts to predominantly northern cities like Hull are unprecedented. We highlight northern cities, as the cuts have not been evenly distributed across the country. Hull was among the worst hit. Curiously, wealthier Tory areas have been largely unscathed, as has been highlighted by the London School of Economics recently.
Even Thatcher, at the peak of her reign, only implemented 10% public sector cuts. A recent speech given by Tory MP Greg Barker demonstrated an interesting ‘off message’ perspective on the rationale behind this approach to dismantling the welfare state. This a filmed, public address, so he can’t be wandering too far from the ‘message’ surely?
On March 26, the unions and participants of the demonstration were arguing that both of the government’s two key decisions are political choices, not economic necessity:
Eliminating the deficit in just four years is a savage timetable that does not give economic growth the opportunity to raise the nation’s tax make. Indeed the deep cuts promised will depress the economy making deeper cuts necessary to meet this timetable.
Raising four pounds through cuts for every pound raised through tax – and doing most of this through a rise in VAT that hits the poor and those on middle income the most – is deeply unfair. The recession was made in the finance sector, yet banks and those now enjoying gigantic bonuses once again, are not being asked to make a fair contribution.
As one would perhaps expect, the Government has played down the global economic crisis being the primary responsibility for the deficit and the role of the banking system, instead, choosing to lay the blame firmly at the door of the previous Labour Government.
The scale of cuts to the public and voluntary sector in Hull is unimaginable. We are set to see massive reductions in many services in the city, an example highlighted here with some organisations ceasing to exist. To be brutally honest within this blog, it is our opinion that if all of these cuts are implemented in the manner as is being suggested, then vulnerable children; young people and adults will suffer as a result, and in some cases, be left unsafe.
We think it important to state at this point that this is not histrionics. We do not subscribe to the notion that as a collective we should ‘fight the power’, as has been adopted as a mantra by some in the city. We understand that people feel powerless and are concerned about the city and the vulnerable. We are too. However, the approach by some in Hull at present seems to be counter-productive. We need to have informed, rational debate. It’s essential if we are going to make the progress we need to, with much reduced resource.
So, what is the alternative?
This is not and should never be simply about party politics. It is not solely about Senior Managers making decisions about services in isolation of Unions or practitioners who have a developed understanding of the needs of the people they work with, or community in which they work, not being involved. All of these things are ingredients, and form part of the potential answer.
This should be a measured, strategic examination of services with effective resource allocation, based upon evidenced need. Even the most solution focused, optimistic and politically engaged politician or officer in Hull could not confidently say that this has been the case to date. It is easy to sit back and be critical of decisions made, if all you see or feel is the impact of them. It is absolutely right to challenge and engage. Wherever possible though, it needs to be done on the basis of understanding the environment and needs of communities. Not trying to engage constructively to resolve some of these issues will make an already drastic and dangerous situation for some service users, worse.
Yesterday, 345 people left Hull City Council in the first wave of cuts. Many of these staff were front-line workers, with caseloads and worked directly with vulnerable people, serving communities. To say that 24 hours later they were not needed now would simply not be true. This is only the beginning. In fighting, histrionics and blame just serves to divide. The only thing that people have here is an understanding of the needs of communities within the city and dignity. Let us keep it, maintain this and work together strategically to find the solutions to enable Hull to weather this storm and come out safe and intact.
Best.
HullRePublic.
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