‘The reduction in local government funding has been catastrophic- A number of authorities are close to bankruptcy.’ Councillor Phil Ruck.

Cranham ward Havering Residents Association councillor Phil Ruck has today shared his views on the new Prime Minister.

So after a long (well it seemed to go on forever) the democratic process has completed and the people have decided that Liz Truss should be the next leader of the Tory party and thus our next Prime Minister. 
Firstly I should state that by people I am talking about 0.03% of those in the UK eligible to vote, so that doesn’t seem a great mandate to start with.
Like everyone, I am concerned at the impact of inflation, the energy crisis, the fact that many people who are working have to use foodbanks, the waiting lists of the NHS are increasing, the list goes on. To hear of families having to choose between fuel or food is a tragedy.
These and so many other factors such as the potential loss of the harvest from Ukraine that will cause suffering for so so many as a result of one man’s quest for a dynasty, is incomprehensible.
Yet this  leadership contest , has paid lip service to major issues, and looks at what the  candidates believe to be what they think will either boost the economy or most importantly be popular to those that bring them what they desire, the highest position in the land, their appointment as Prime Minister. 
As a local councillor , who sees the constant battle that local government has undergone over the last 10 years, I say enough.
The people of this nation are not fools. They understand what we have gone through over the last few years and that we have to pay for what we want and indeed for what we have received .
The proposed tax cuts, seemingly endorsed by our new PM, ( awaits another policy U Turn) will undoubtedly bring a reduction in services. After 10 plus years of austerity what do you think Local Government has been doing.
I have great admiration for the NHS, but other services also helped during a crucial time. Why reduce much needed investment at this time?
The reduction in local government funding has been catastrophic. A number of authorities are close to bankruptcy, or like the Tory run Thurrock Council have created over £1.5 billion in debt to try and get over the funding problems. Many services are operating through the goodwill of the personnel.
Please let’s have an honest discussion on this.
Tax cuts aren’t the answer. 
Local Government is not ineffective or inefficient. It is tired and like other important services hurting.
Even now, more jobs are being lost to meet funding gaps. Do people really think that services will be the same?
Let’s thank those that work in local government, not penalise them further.
I do not have the answer to a national problem, what I do know is that pressure via further funding cuts on local government is not the way forward.
Does our new PM have the solution,  well we shall wait and see  but I think I already know the answer.