Tory shires in revolt over cuts
This article needs no commentary from me. It very clearly sets out what the RSN is for and how it is working on your behalf. Not the most flattering picture of the Secretary of State! The article tells us:
A coalition of more than 120 rural councils, the vast majority of them Conservative-controlled, is calling on David Cameron and Eric Pickles, the Communities Secretary, to perform a u-turn.
The grouping is considering bringing a judicial review against Mr Pickles’s spending settlement, which they say hits rural areas far harder than urban ones, and is therefore “grossly unfair”.
Mr Pickles announced the settlement the day before Parliament broke up for its Christmas recess. Sources close to him last night said the councils were wrong to attack it and instead should concentrate on cutting waste.
The coalition, known as Sparse – Sparsity Partnership for Authorities Delivering Rural Services – said services in remote areas which faced being cut included local bus routes, libraries, leisure centres, public conveniences, and even council backing for rural broadband, as well as cuts in care for the elderly and children and education support.
A revolt of the Tory shires is a further political headache for Mr Cameron who is battling against rising support for the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) and faces county council elections in May.”