Kay Wesley

@kaywesley.bsky.social

Councillor of Congleton. CEO of Kanga Health. @KangaHealth.bsky.social. Leader of the Equality Party @EqualityParty.bsky.social

Zoe Garbutt summarising what we’ve achieved today. But on organising going forward, I don’t agree with setting up lots of local groups, as suggested. We don’t have the capacity at local level. We need a national programme. #antiausterity

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Cllr Michael Chessum says we are at a unique moment with a progressive prime minister and councillors across political divides working together to oppose austerity.

The myth that ‘there is no money’ has existed since Thatcher, said ‘there is no such thing as public money, there is only Taxpayers money’. But it is still a myth, says Simon Ripton.

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Ask No.5: Public Sector reforms - from increasing powers to local councils, ending outsourcing and privatisation practices, introducing new models of work such as a 4 day working week, improvements to public sector pay and conditions.

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Ask No.4 - New, fairer ways to raise money Reform Council Tax and introduce new ways to raise funds that ensures wealthier property owners pay a fairer share. A few builds on this from the audience, especially focus on wealthy landowners hoarding property and maybe just ‘local tax’ #antiausterity

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Ask No.3 - more funding for more homes. Audience members asking for this to be changed to ‘council homes’ - round of applause. Need to also add ‘sustainable’ homes too. And commit to maintenance, stop the right to buy and end developer-led building. #antiausterity

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Ask No.1 - more government funding with LG settlements back to pre-2010 levels and guaranteed funding for statutory and non-statutory services. This should be based on need with structural changes as needed to meet needs.

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My old colleague Stacy Hart asks a good question about cross party collaboration and David says the LibDems have long worked with the Greens. I’ve always worked across party lines in our council to deliver for our residents.

A cleaner from Southwark Council asks the panel about outsourcing her job to private companies. Zita replies that as soon as something is outsourced it drives down wages and workers rights. It becomes about profit not people. #antiausterity

Zita Holbourne listing the services that austerity took away. Libraries, community centres, early years, family support, SEND services and more. Not forgetting the cuts to arts and culture and the vital role they play in wellbeing. #antiausterity

Zita says yes we must work together and form an anti-austerity coalition, but must always oppose racism and prejudice. There is no hierarchy of rights when it comes to equality, but there are different impacts, and intersectionality is real too.

Important to work together, says Paul Williams. Recognise that some people who have been affected by austerity may be voting Reform. We mustn’t write people off, but must work together.

David Watson, LibDem at Southwark Council describes the collaborative cross party partnership that runs their council to a round of applause, and goes on to stress the ongoing impact of austerity on council funds.