After the cashback, the cuts!

1.45.00pm GMT Fri 18th Dec 2009

Councillor Gary Malcolm

Hot on the heels of what many people are calling the electoral bribe of the £50 cash giveaway, the Tory Ealing Council is already planning cuts in services.

The Cabinet is to axe 57 jobs across several departments. The biggest reductions will affect Adults' and Childrens' services, with 22 posts being lost.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Gary Malcolm said: "As always with the Tories, it is the weakest and most vulnerable who will suffer most from these cuts. The report to the Council's Cabinet committee admits that the staff reductions pose risks to front line services, particularly at a time of increased demand."

The other main area to suffer is Environment and Customer Services, where poor service to the public is already under criticism.

Gary added: "The cuts now being made show the Council's folly in giving away its reserves at a time of financial stringency. They really do need to be held to account for their cynical attitude to their obligations to the people of Ealing."