Part 254. KCC budget cuts

Central goverment has put a financial squeeze on local authorities leaving the latter to receive the odium for cuts they make to achieve balanced budgets. Decisions as to where councils cut their budgets is left to local discretion. Statutory services have to be maintained and any ring-fenced resources must be applied in keeping with the purpose of the provision.

Clearly difficult and unpopular decisions have to be taken by the politicians in local government. 

In Kent closure of some Surestart centres, dismembering youth services, funding for homelessness charities and reduction in support funding for disabled people are all in the pipeline. One can have some sympathy for the dilemma facing the policians.

But where is the concerted opposition of churches to these attacks on the vulnerable in our society?  Where are campaigns by the churches, not only at local level but also at national level? Many local councils are in a similar plight to Kent.  The blame rests squarely on the shoulders of The Treasury and ministers. 

For individuals affected by cuts it may then be the case that they turn to the already overstretched voluntary sector, including churches.