Cuts like Robin Hood in reverse - councillor

FAZLUL HAQUE . . . ‘taking from the poor and giving to the rich

Oldham Council reports by IRAM RAMZAN and LUCY KENDERDINE

OLDHAM won’t stand by while “torturous cuts” continue in the borough, says council leader Jim McMahon.

The council must cut £18.1million from its budget for 2016/17 - lower than the £30million origially expected.

Proposals to balance the figures will be presented to the council before the final budget in early 2016.

By 2017, Oldham Council will have lost close to £200million.

Chadderton North Labour councillor, Fazlul Haque, said: “These cuts are Robin Hood in reverse, taking from the poor and giving to the rich.”

Councillor McMahon added: “The Government will be making a fatal mistake if they confuse dignity, which we have in Oldham, with weakness. The Government should pay attention if they think they can continue to impose these cuts on the hard working people of Oldham. We will not continue to stand by while Oldham is pushed to the edge.”

He added that more cutting will lead to the council being unable to fulfil its legal duties. He also offered concern for council employees at risk of losing their job.

He said: “These hard-working employees who have worked tirelessly for the people of Oldham are being told that they are surplus to requirements. They aren’t surplus to requirements; the need is there, but the provision can no longer be funded.”