Protesters leave meeting as cuts are discussed

9:51am Tuesday 4th September 2012 in News

PROTESTERS staged a mass walk-out as Town Hall bosses discussed plans for £35 million worth of cuts.

Shouts of “shame on you” were directed at council chiefs as more than 100 people left the ruling cabinet meeting yesterday in protest at the cuts, which could lead to up to 500 job losses.

Members of the Unison and GMB unions had earlier gathered outside the town hall to stage demonstrations, where they banged drums and blew whistles.

One protester with a loudhailer shouted abuse at council leader, Cllr Cliff Morris and there was a banner stating “ConDems say cut back, Bolton says fight back’.

The meeting had been moved from its normal location to the much larger Festival Hall in the Albert Halls .

There was heavy security outside and as the meeting began more than 100 people — including children — took their seats to listen.

But before the cabinet could discuss the cuts, almost everyone in the seats stood up and left in a co-ordinated move.

One demonstrator shouted: “You’re doing their dirty work for them”, followed by “If all Labour councils showed some fight we could start to defend jobs on a national scale”.

Others shouted “shame on you” and “thanks for nothing”, while council leader Cliff Morris was also subjected to personal insults from one man.

Speaking to what was now virtually an empty audience, Cllr Nick Peel said: “It’s a bit of a pity people left before this report.

“It’s important for people to understand the situation this council is in.

“To simply say ‘don’t make any cuts’ is impossible, people need to understand what that means.

“If this council was not to pass a budget we’d be in dereliction of our duties.

“A government inspector would take over, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles would be in charge, and what political influence we can bring — which in the past has been considerable, with avoiding compulsory job losses during the last round of £60 million of cuts, and protecting the vulnerable — would be lost.

“I don’t believe the people of Bolton want us to behave in that way and want a period of civil disobedience in this town.”

Liberal Democrat leader Roger Hayes claimed some members of the government “didn’t care” about the impact of spending cuts on councils.

Speaking before the meeting as the demonstration was under way, Bolton Unison branch chairman Matt Kilsby said: “They’re saying they’re going to protect services but they’re going to find it very difficult.

“We’re under no illusions this will change their decision, but we want the council to understand how our members feel.”

Social worker Andrea Egan, who has worked at the council for 25 years, added: “I’ve never seen cuts as devastating as this.

“Our biggest fear is while the public might be reassured the council wants to protect the most vulnerable, the services that support the most vulnerable families are being cut, so social workers may still be in a job but their stress and pressure they are under will rise.”

Sean Warren, senior convener for the GMB has worked at Bolton Council for 14 years.

He said: “We’ve never faced this level of cuts, not just to jobs but to services — and they go hand in hand.

“The people of Bolton need to understand that.”

Speaking after the meeting Mr Kilsby said the walkout had been organised earlier that day.

He added: “We knew there weren’t going to be any changes so it was a way of saying “we’re not all that interested in the theatre”.

“It wasn’t just members of Unison and GMB there, but members of the public who are concerned about the cuts.”

The proposed £35.6 million savings will now go out to consultation, with five public meetings due to take place around the borough.

A final decision on whether to approve them will be taken by full council next February.

Comments(60)

rnorris says...
10:11am Tue 4 Sep 12

All the cuts seem to be at grass roots level. Councillors should also share the burden. Reduce Councillors allowances and reduce the number of councillors in each ward from 3 to 2. Councillor Nick Peel had already been quoted as saying "people need to understand theres got to be cuts ". Does this include councillors or have "THEY" decided they're exempt ?

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oftbewildered says...
10:14am Tue 4 Sep 12

how can they protest if they don't stay to hear what is said? They might not be happy at the prospect, but you cannot have a valid argument unless you have listened to the facts presented, however unpleasant they are. By leaving, they have actually wasted any money which was spent on arranging the venue and security of same. No one likes cuts - but you can't fight a battle strategically if you do not know exactly what it is you are fighting. I don't like the prospect of cuts any more than anyone else, but I would at least listen to what is said so I can protest logically.

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macauley says...
10:22am Tue 4 Sep 12

good morning once again cliff morris.

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Angleman says...
10:45am Tue 4 Sep 12

Where the hell were our Unions when Labour was in power? For 13yrs they abandoned their members When we were complaining about companies using agencies and Eastern Europeans bringing our wages down, people being payed single time for doing overtime. You didn't want to know us then.The unions hate the thought that the working classes are now abandoning them.You only rear your ugly heads when your beloved Labour party is not in power. You've betrayed us all and now you will reap what you have sewn!

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Boltontoday says...
11:00am Tue 4 Sep 12

If I was a member of Unison I would feel totally let down by this childish walk out. Taxpayers are paying the wages of the full time union officials and the least they could do is participate in the agreed governance process. It's time the unions left the 1970s behind and dragged themselves into the 21st century.

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knowlesp2 says...
11:10am Tue 4 Sep 12

Think I prefere to say 'Good Bye' and don't come back Mr. Morris.......

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knowlesp2 says...
11:12am Tue 4 Sep 12

Think I prefere to say 'Good Bye' and don't come back Mr. Morris.......

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atlas123 says...
12:18pm Tue 4 Sep 12

I have to agree with boltontoday...

What has the walkout achieved? The people who have walked out have not hap the opportunity to listen or take part in discussions...

I think the Unions are rapidly being show up for what they are, powerless talking shops for that "certain sort of perma outraged-about something/anything person". Last years stikes did absolutly nothing other than show up the fact that nothing changes when the go on strike, rather like the BBC staff that went on strike.

I see nothing in the above story other than people crying ME ME ME save MY job. Protectionism!

We HAVE GOT TO CUT SPENDING, top down, of course we the public dont see the middle and senior management cuts and of course there are less of them so the numbers are less significant. But cuts throught the council and public sector have to be made. We simply cannot go on living on the national creditcard. The sooner people realise that living on credit nationally and personally is a bad thing and unsustainable the better.

Bring back bi-weekly grey bin collection too please! This week my grey bin is less than 1/4 full, what was it 2 million a year to go back to weekly?

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exiled says...
1:28pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Union toys out of the pram once more, with their neanderthal tactics and attitude.

Savings needed. Cut the waste, recue the non-essential roles/services and move forward.

Should start with cutting the grant/allowance to unions for staff and accommodation.

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aardwolf says...
2:26pm Tue 4 Sep 12

The unions deserve the respect of nobody. For too long there role seems to have been to protect malingerers and the bone idle from having to to the same work as their much suffering colleagues.
There are still too many non-jobs and lazy at the Town Hall. Another 500 job losses might start to make a difference hopefully!

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grimtown says...
3:37pm Tue 4 Sep 12

atlas123 wrote:
I have to agree with boltontoday...

What has the walkout achieved? The people who have walked out have not hap the opportunity to listen or take part in discussions...

I think the Unions are rapidly being show up for what they are, powerless talking shops for that "certain sort of perma outraged-about something/anything personI wish shaun Harris and Cliff where sacked for gross mis management.

The 2013/15 budget options Sean signed sent to employees of is littered with errors

increase meal & transport charges by 50p a year to £4

So Sean you couldn't be arsed to proof read the documents you signed sincerly. £200000 PA you taking a 30% cut

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:43pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Say no more Cllr Morris

Chief Executive
CORP
Sean Harris
£170,000
£174,999

less **** all is

Chief Executive
CORP
Sean Harris
£170,000
£174,999
plus BMC pension Lability

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:43pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Say no more Cllr Morris

Chief Executive
CORP
Sean Harris
£170,000
£174,999

less **** all is

Chief Executive
CORP
Sean Harris
£170,000
£174,999
plus BMC pension Lability

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:44pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Assistant Director Policy, Performance and Partnerships
CORP

£75,000
£79,999
Plus BMC pension liability

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:45pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Director of Adult and Community Services

£130,000
£134,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:45pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Director of Adult and Community Services

£130,000
£134,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:45pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Chief Officer for Health and Social Care

£90,000
£94,000

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:46pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Assistant Director Culture and Community Services
1
£75,000
£79,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:46pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Director of Children's Services
ESCS
1
£130,000
£134,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:48pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Assistant Director Enjoy and Achieve
£85,000
£89,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:48pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Assistant Director Enjoy and Achieve
£85,000
£89,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:48pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Director of Corporate Resources
£130,000
£134,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:49pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Assistant Director Customer Services
£85,000
£89,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:49pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Director Development and Regeneration
£130,000
£134,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:50pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Chief Planning Officer
£75,000
£79,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:50pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Chief Planning Officer
£75,000
£79,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:51pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Assistant Director (Policy and Performance) * Shared post with Environmental Services
£75,000
£79,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:51pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Director of Environmental Services
£110,000
£114,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:52pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Director of Environmental Services
£110,000
£114,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:52pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Director of Environmental Services
£110,000
£114,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:53pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Assistant Director (Community Services)
£75,000
£79,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:53pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Assistant Director (Waste and Fleet Management)
£75,000
£79,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:54pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Assistant Director (Neighbourhood & Regulatory Services)
£75,000
£79,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:55pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Assistant Director (Policy and Performance) * Shared post with Development and Regeneration
£75,000
£79,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:55pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Interim Assistant Director
£75,000
£79,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:56pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Borough Solicitor
£60,000
£64,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:56pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Bolton Council
Chief Property Officer
£65,000
£69,999

Report this post »

grimtown says...
3:58pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Dinner Lady £5.75 per hour 17 hrs per week

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buck fuzzby says...
5:42pm Tue 4 Sep 12

I went to sign on today and was offered a job, but the union is fighting the case for me.

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buck fuzzby says...
5:53pm Tue 4 Sep 12

grimtown wrote:
atlas123 wrote:
I have to agree with boltontoday...

What has the walkout achieved? The people who have walked out have not hap the opportunity to listen or take part in discussions...

I think the Unions are rapidly being show up for what they are, powerless talking shops for that "certain sort of perma outraged-about something/anything personI wish shaun Harris and Cliff where sacked for gross mis management.

The 2013/15 budget options Sean signed sent to employees of is littered with errors

increase meal & transport charges by 50p a year to £4

So Sean you couldn't be arsed to proof read the documents you signed sincerly. £200000 PA you taking a 30% cutI think you should take a leaf out of your own book,eg. "not HAP the opportunity" and the spelling of "SINCERLY".
Need a proof reader, grimtown ???

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grimtown says...
7:52pm Tue 4 Sep 12

buck fuzzby wrote:
grimtown wrote:
atlas123 wrote:
I have to agree with boltontoday...

What has the walkout achieved? The people who have walked out have not hap the opportunity to listen or take part in discussions...

I think the Unions are rapidly being show up for what they are, powerless talking shops for that "certain sort of perma outraged-about something/anything personI wish shaun Harris and Cliff where sacked for gross mis management.

The 2013/15 budget options Sean signed sent to employees of is littered with errors

increase meal & transport charges by 50p a year to £4

So Sean you couldn't be arsed to proof read the documents you signed sincerly. £200000 PA you taking a 30% cutI think you should take a leaf out of your own book,eg. "not HAP the opportunity" and the spelling of "SINCERLY".
Need a proof reader, grimtown ???YES BUT i'M NOT RINSING BOLTON'S BUDGET DRY NOW AM I !

WHERE AS SHAUN AND CLIFF AND THE REST ARE CONSTANTLY.
HATE UNIONS PERSONALLY BUT NOT AS MUCH AS EXECUTIVES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR WHOM **** UP CONSTANTLY SPEND MY TAXES ON POXY ESTATES FULL OF **** WHOM NEVER WORK AND RUN TO THE BMC WITH A TIN CUP TO BE FILLED WITH MORE PENNIES.

PICTURE CLIFF AND SHAUN IN THEIR OFFICES BURNING STERLING TO KEEP WARM. THATS WHAT BMC HAS BECOME.

SO F@@K YOU IF YOUR HAPPY WITH THEIR LEVEL OF RENUMERATION PLUS PENSION LIABILITY

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steveG says...
8:53pm Tue 4 Sep 12

It looks like a massive concensus.
The greedy public sector waste must stop now.After 13 years of Labour mismanagement people now realising what damage has been done. Those ridiculous salaries,outlined above, must be cut and along with them Councillors over generous expenses and allowances.

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Citizen Cane says...
9:07pm Tue 4 Sep 12

25% of public sector costs are borrowed and will have to be paid back by future generations. Get real people, that 25% has to go, it's like putting 25% of your grocery bill every week on the mortgage: you wouldn't do that, but that is what is happening in the public sector.

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bernihanley says...
11:22pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Can any of the above unnamed contributors actually offer better solution on the way forward? I wonder? The situation we all face is unprecedented! Certainly in my lifetime...the Unions so despised here, it seems to me are being blamed for nothing less than highlighting the inherent apathy of those robots who are struggling to get off their knees Rise Now !!

Bernadette Hanley

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bernihanley says...
11:24pm Tue 4 Sep 12

Can any of the above unnamed contributors actually offer a better solution on the way forward? I wonder? The situation we all face is unprecedented! Certainly in my lifetime...the Unions so despised here, it seems to me are being blamed for nothing less than highlighting the inherent apathy of those robots who are struggling to get off their knees Rise Now !!

Bernadette Hanley

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Community Action says...
11:25pm Tue 4 Sep 12

The Community Action Party in Greater Manchester are opposed to all cuts whether it be from the Condems or Labour Council's doing their dirty work. Our view is while central government is clearly making things extremely difficult, local councils should use every means possible to oppose and not implement cuts that results in job losses and find ways of saving money like cutting the Chief Execs salary, cutting councillor allowances and many othetr perks the political elite get. Join us on Facebook at Community Action Party as we intend to get established in Bolton for 2014. Michael Moulding, Deputy Leader, Community Action Party Email - mouldingmichael@gmai
l.com

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temujin says...
4:58am Wed 5 Sep 12

Consideration must be given to sharing services with other local authorities. The Tri-Borough project in London shows that this approach is capable of delivering substantial savings.

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exiled says...
8:04am Wed 5 Sep 12

Personally I don't have an issue with the salary levels (generally) paid to senior figures within public or private sector. My objection is the quality of candidates appointed to those roles. Most often, in most local authorities, the roles are taken by those who spend their entire working life in local government. They have no knowledge of the real commercial world, and little if any experience of commercially driven performance. They simply take policies, statistics and admin procedures in to the roles, without contributing or developing new ideas. If the senior leaders of Bolton Council wish to consider themselves worthy of high salary levels they need to lead, deliver, harmonise, develop, expand, promote, grow the town's services for the benefit of the residents. So far, the leadership within Bolton Council - for many, many years - has failed to do that. New thinking and new approach required.

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Reality50 says...
9:27am Wed 5 Sep 12

Most of these protesters will be Labour voters so absolutely no sympathy.The cuts are a disgrace but Labour caused this mess nationally under the Blair and Brown governments and the Tories have failed to fix it due to Osborne's incompetence.Unless the people of Bolton stop voting Labour then these cuts will always happen.Next time vote UKIP BNP or anything different to the 3 failed parties.You keep voting these clowns in so you reap what you sow.Until we as a nation pull out of the EU-which costs us 65 million every day and cut our massive foreign aid outlay and stop giving handouts to immigrants and asylum seekers then these cuts locally will always happen as central governments financial pot is ever smaller.

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Reality50 says...
9:31am Wed 5 Sep 12

As for the left wing trade unions they disgust me.The salaries of union leaders and regional key staff are astronomical.We DO need unions but not left wing biased ones.My message to the people of Bolton if you want the town to improve and stop regressing is STOP voting Labour.

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Community Action says...
11:00am Wed 5 Sep 12

As far we are concerned all the three main political parties are as bad as each other. They all implement each others cuts whilst senior figures continue to take extortionate salaries and allowances. Our party is established in Salford & Wigan and we want to get involved in Bolton. Join us on Facebook at Community Action Party and like our page to keep up to date. Michael Moulding, Deputy Leader

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Good Evans says...
12:05pm Wed 5 Sep 12

The answer is simple !!!!! Start at the top, get rid of half the fancy job titles with the fancy salary to match. Then get the Mayors gas guzzling car down to Radcliffe Motor auctions and any cash received for it can be put back in the pot. In fact, get rid of the bloody Mayor, what does he do apart from enjoy slap up meals and drinks at our expense. Take his mayoral chain to the pawn brokers, gold is fetching a fantastic price at the moment. After all, thats where my jewellery is because I needed to feed my family and heat my home. Dont keep picking on the little man, Mr Cliff Morris and your cronies. Dig into your own pocket for once !!!!!!!!!

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atlas123 says...
12:28pm Wed 5 Sep 12

I think you miss the point Community Action...

Very few people here are anti cuts, most support the idea we have to live within our means. The thing most people are fed up with is where the cuts are comming.


To the person who posted the jobs above the total of the positons shown is £1.8 million, now i dont think you are suggesting we get rid of them all, afterall they are probably needed its just to salaries that are being baulked at.

IF we was to cut them all by 50% we would have only a £930k saving while definitely worthwhile it is far from achievable and pie in the sky nor a panacea to all the woes representing only 2.66% of the savings required.

What is needed is a cutting back of services, a salary freeze top down, but imx a root and branch examination of procurement proceedures. Fujitsu have B/C over a barrel when it comes to IT and phone. B/C paying £1000 for something I can go to Office Depot and get for £200.

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atlas123 says...
12:31pm Wed 5 Sep 12

Have a look at expenditure within the council via their website ...

http://www.bolton.go
v.uk/website/Pages/C
ouncilprocurementexp
enditure.aspx

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Reality50 says...
12:59pm Wed 5 Sep 12

I personally think some cuts have to be made and would quite happily see my bins emptied every ten days or fortnightly rather than weekly.Cuts to youth centres and libraries are a no no however.

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Good Evans says...
4:15pm Wed 5 Sep 12

I quite agree with Reality 50, some cuts do have to be made and a fortnightly bin collection is just one option. I also think the banquets and the parties that the council throw should be stopped, after all do we the council tax payers get to enjoy these. Condense a few jobs within the town hall and get people to multi task. When I worked in retail, my title was clerk/ cashier, receptionist and shelf stacker. I worked split shifts and unsociable hours, not ideal but necessary when I had a mortgage to pay and children to support. The Town Hall has had it too cushy for far too long, get them doing the work they are paid to do at a realistic rate of pay. When they talk about looking to reduce things like Road Gritting it is nonsensacle, as the amount of gritting done in the past clearly was not enough so to reduce this even further is a joke.

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normid norm says...
8:54pm Wed 5 Sep 12

Frankly I am gob smacked to see the levels of salaries quoted here £190k per annum, not doubt an expenses account to boot, and one of the more lucrative golden handshakes & pensions also.
A typical example of what a labour government achieves = nothing for the working man. I think if you clear this lot out services will continue as before plus the budget deficit will be nearer. Local councils are not alone in this rape & pillage because i feel the police & fire service will be just the same. If you try to remove these people you may find it will cost you more in the short term. I have always worked in private industry all my life & always worked hard & been successful as have most people have but never enjoyed some of the levels of salaries quoted here.
I think the stock on churchgate may be the answer.

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Amy Hare says...
10:37am Thu 6 Sep 12

Bolton council are a joke, Cliff morris wouldn't know his arse from is elbow. I went into the town hall this week to fill in a form only to be told they don't do this anymore, so this along with cuts to landscaping services, cuts to refuse services, cuts to library services. cuts to childrens services, there isn't much left to cut as for the state of the roads don't even get me started. I'd love a detailed report on where my council tax goes, since they can afford three staff stood doing nothing but drinking coffee and not much else, they'd save at least 50k if they got rid of them! but no, it's all about creating fancy job titles for people that don't do very much and being paid a fortune for the privilege. absolute extraction of urine!

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Community Action says...
11:19am Thu 6 Sep 12

The reality is these cuts are being forced by the Condems and Labour Councils should oppose. Its politics by the Condems in preparation for the next election. However, Labour Council's instead of removing waste at the top are making cuts at the bottom. They are as bad as each other. Join the Community Action Party on Facebook and join us in Bolton & Greater Manchester. Michael Moulding, Deputy Leader

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atlas123 says...
1:42pm Fri 7 Sep 12

Commy Action...

Please outline your plans to eradicate the deficit and repay the borrowing without "cuts"?

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