19.02.2015

Make it regular

We're getting very behind, and Robbie Rix doesn't like it one bit

A report just out from the Independent Commission on Local Government Finance confirms what anti-cuts campaigners already knew: local councils are on a “cliff edge” as a result of government cuts, since there is “minimal scope for further efficiencies”. “Essential public services” are therefore “threatened with extinction”.

Along with the rest of the left, the Weekly Worker opposes the butchering of those services and demands they are vastly improved. But, unlike most of the left, we consistently put forward the most pressing task facing us: the formation of a single Marxist party capable not only of leading the resistance against cuts, but of making the prospect of a totally different society appear eminently realistic.

However, our paper needs to be financially secure to continue that work. It goes without saying that the Weekly Worker is not on a “cliff edge” or “threatened with extinction”, but we are constantly struggling to raise the cash we need to meet our running costs. That’s why we’ve launched an appeal to supporters to set up a standing order (or, if they already have one, to increase it), but I must say that not nearly enough comrades have responded as of yet.

Which means, as an immediate consequence, that our February fighting fund target of £1,750 is looking problematic. The four standing orders received this week totalled £135 (thank you, TR, BN, DW and MM), while AM made a much appreciated bank transfer of £50. There were also three cheques from KD (£20), BS (£35) and CT (a tremendous £50), plus PayPal donations from LS (£40), TN and CL (£20 each). All that came to a much needed £350, but the total for February stands at only £873.

So we need the best part of £900 in just 10 days. It’s no use asking us to make “further efficiencies” - we need the cash! Help us get the £1,750 we need in February. Better still, how about making your donation regular by taking out a standing order?

Robbie Rix