Unison calls to halt Huddersfield regeneration plans
The local authorities biggest trades union is asking Kirklees Council to stop plans to regenerate the area in a bid to save 250 jobs.
Kirklees Council, which is based in Huddersfield, is facing a financial crisis and must find savings of £47.5m. As a result, Unison, the council’s biggest trades union, said that at least 250 jobs will be lost through compulsory redundancy.
However, Kirklees currently have a regeneration project blueprinted that is expected to cost £250m and Unison members have said this should be the first thing to be boycotted in order to stop people from losing their jobs.
Instead of carrying out the regeneration project in full, union members have said it could be completed in stages.
A full council meeting is expected to be held on 13th September where councillors will discuss plans on how they can save money. At the meeting, Union members are being urged to protest against job losses and other spending cuts that are deemed necessary.
In addition, at the meeting council leader Cathy Scot is expected to be elected as the permanent replacement for Cllr Shabir Pandor who quit in July.
On Tuesday 6th September the first council meeting took place, where members outlined the local authorities Medium Term Financial Strategy. One of the key factors will be to grow the Kirklees economy by ensuring more new homes are built and making sure infrastructure attracts further investment.
Cllr Graham Turner, Cabinet member for finance and regeneration, said: ‘Everyday, we’re hearing stories about councils facing significant financial pressures.
‘It’s not just a local issue, it’s regional and national. In Kirklees, we’ve been open about our finances and how the cost-of-living and our longstanding under-funding has given us particular challenge this year.
‘But this financial plan shows we’re facing up to the challenge. Over the past few months, we’ve taken urgent action to address the immediate financial issues and this updated strategy will build on that work to safeguard the financial future of the council, which is key to delivering all our services.
‘Growing our economy, making efficiencies, and prioritising spending will be key to overcoming the pressures we face and setting the council on a firm financial footing.
‘There are tough decisions to come. But we will continue to be open with residents and keep putting pressure on Government to give Kirklees residents the fair deal on funding they deserve.’
Image: Amit Jagnade