29.02.1996

Scottish Councils should resign or fight

On Saturday February 24 40,000 people took to the streets of Edinburgh against the devastating education cuts. Teachers, pupils, students and parents made this the biggest demonstration seen in Scotland for many years. Although the organisers blamed the Tory government and Michael Forsyth, who are starving public services of much needed resources, demonstrators felt contempt for the many Labour and SNP councillors who are implementing wholesale cuts, including school closures.

Helen, a Glasgow school teacher, declared:

“I’ve had enough of whining Labour councillors pleading for meetings with Michael Forsyth to beg for more money. They haven’t got the guts to lead a fight, because they don’t want to spoil Blair’s chances of getting elected by breaking the law. If they’re not prepared to lead any sort of effective fight against cuts in jobs and services then they should resign and let those who will fight take their place.”

These sentiments are sweeping through towns and cities across Scotland.

 The beginning of March will see local councils meet in an attempt to set new council tax levels and approve cuts packages. The average proposed council tax rise across Scotland is about 18%, with Glasgow, Dundee and West Dunbartonshire looking at 30% plus. Even with these rises the average shortfall in funding per council will be £11.5 million - to be met by yet more cuts. Many rural areas will also be badly affected if the mainstream parties get their way.

However, anger in all these communities is growing. In Glasgow 400 demonstrators took over the city chambers to prevent the Labour Group meeting to set a cuts budget. In Dundee, the campaign against school closures by the Labour council is organising well attended meetings, lobbies and demonstrations.

The momentum must be maintained. With Michael Forsyth threatening to put the squeeze on local authorities again next year by cutting grants, it is vital to win the battle this year and to turn the tide against the years of attacks on the working class.

In Dundee, the Scottish Socialist Alliance is campaigning for a budget to be set based on the needs of the community and for the councillors to resign and make way for those prepared to fight.

Nick Clarke