Cameron’s Councils demonstrate how they would run the country

By Mary Thorogood

After gaining 317 councillors and 11 councils in 2006, including Hammersmith and Fulham, Bexley and Croydon, David Cameron has been keen to use ‘Cameron’s Councils‘ to “demonstrate Conservative government” and Eric Pickles says that “our Conservative councils will demonstrate how we will run the country.”

But Cameron’s Councils have shown that a Tory government would bring savage cuts and increased charges for services, driven by dogma rather than the needs of local communities.

Tory councils have shown the real face of Cameron’s ‘caring’ conservatism. Nationally, the Tories say they will “deliver the intelligent cuts that are needed to protect and secure our frontline public services for our children” and “create a supportive funding environment for volunteer-based charities and community groups.”

But locally, voluntary sector funding for services for the most vulnerable has been slashed by Tory-run councils in Swindon, South Ribble, Nottinghamshire and Harlow whilst Hammersmith and Fulham Tories seek to end social housing.

David Cameron revived his ‘vote blue, go green’ slogan in the Conservative manifesto whislt Tory councils like Dartford and Calderdale reject measures to increase recycling and Bexley Tories veto plans to become a Fair Trade borough.

The Tories say, “We need to help those elderly people who are amongst the most vulnerable in our society.”

But Norfolk, Calderdale, Bexley and many others have all cut services for older people.

The Tories are saying one thing nationally but showing their true colours on the ground.

The Tory model of a ‘budget airline‘ council, epitomised by Barnet Council, hits hard-working, middle income families by making them pay twice for all but the most basic services. Wandsworth and Wolverhampton are two more councils who have hiked charges for services that the most vulnerable desperately need.

For a generation who have never experienced a Tory government and for those who can’t remember, Cameron’s Councils are a disturbing preview of the cuts, unfairness and dogma-driven policies a Tory government would bring.

And one final thought – there are 18 councils run by a Tory-Liberal Democrat coalition, including Birmingham City Council. Birmingham is billions in debt and accused of financial mismanagement after the Labour leader warned of a budget crisis last year. The ruling coalition is also accused of misusing the government’s Working Neighbourhood Fund money to plug a hole in the finances. Burnley, one of ‘Clegg’s Councils’, is also closing voluntary services and has been accused of failing to spend Working Neighbourhood Fund money on helping the jobless back to work.

And Tory/Lib Dem-run Wolverhampton cuts resulted in the eviction of Louisa Watts, Britain’s fourth oldest woman, from her care home – watch her story here:

Something for voters to think about on May 6th.