Working People Pushed to Breaking Point by Cuts, Councillor Claims

Dudley: A councillor claims the council’s budget cuts are pushing working-class people to their limits. This was said during a council meeting on January 30. The council approved rent increases and cuts to council tax reduction for working-age residents.

The council’s changes aim to save £42 million in the next financial year. Labour councillor Caroline Reid expressed concern about reducing support for working-age people from 70% to 40%. She noted that many residents are already struggling with rising living costs.

Reid emphasized the need for relief, not more struggles. A report indicated that about 16.9% of the 142,000 properties in the borough receive council tax reduction. The proposed changes could worsen the situation for around 13,000 cases.

Despite these warnings, finance councillor Steve Clark stated that the council must make these savings. He acknowledged that a weekly drop of £7.46 is significant but necessary to balance the budget. The council has set aside £1 million for discretionary tax relief.

The cuts to council tax reduction passed with 33 votes in favor and 26 against. The council also discussed a 2.7% rent increase, adding £2.60 to weekly rents, bringing the average to £99.08.

Housing cabinet member Ian Bevan recognized the impact on tenants but stressed the need for these decisions to ensure safe and efficient housing services. Labour councillor Jackie Cowell criticized the council for not providing basic services and called for cuts in service charges funded by better-than-expected reserves.

In the end, councillors approved the rent increase by a vote of 38 to 26.