By Catherine West

We can’t undo all the damage created by unfair government cuts, cuts that hit Islington harder than any other London borough.  But we can use our dented shield to set a budget that prioritises our most disadvantaged residents and the services that our low income families rely on. 

That is what we did last night (Thursday 17 February) when we agreed our council budget for 2011-12 – the first London borough to do so.  There is a lot of anger over the cuts, anger which I share.  Too many dedicated public servants will lose their jobs.  Too many of our residents will reach out for a service that they have come to expect or rely on and find that it is no longer there.  The government’s cuts are real and Islington will feel it.

But there is no question that Islington would suffer a lot more if we refused to set a budget and government stepped in.  You elected us to lead your council and that means we have to make these difficult decisions.  We have done our absolute best to set a budget that protects those who most need our help:

* A new Citizens Advice Bureau to meet rising demand for help with benefits and debt advice

* no closure of any children’s centres, libraries or the council’s Ecology Centre

* a new £55,000 grant to run services at Sotheby Mews Day Centre

* continuation of our free school meals for all primary school children
 
* no cuts to lollipop ladies and lollipop men
 
* a £1 million Voluntary Sector Rescue Fund to help charities in Islington deal with the effects of the cuts

I am sorry that a small number of people, attempting to prevent the meeting taking place, disrupted what was a legitimate protest against these unfair government cuts.  We were absolutely determined for the democratic process not to be stopped and concluded the meeting in a committee room, with members of the public and media present. 

As Leader of Islington Council, I will continue to protest against the disproportionate way areas like ours have been targeted.  I will continue to talk to residents, voluntary organisations, and businesses about the impact of the cuts on this community.  And, with this budget, I will continue to serve the community that elected us on our pledge to build a fairer Islington.