Council financial crisis can't be dumped on backs of those facing cost of living hardship claims Derry councillors

Councillors at Derry City and Strabane District Council are to propose urgent campaign of action to avoid Council financial crisis.

People Before Profit councillors Shaun Harkin and Maeve O'Neill are proposing an urgent campaign of action to avoid Council financial crisis at this weeks full meeting. 

They said: "The Council is facing into serious financial uncertainty. We are proposing a campaign of action to stop a Council austerity crisis being dumped on the backs of those facing cost of living hardship.

"We are opposed to adding further costs and financial burdens on people and organisations who are already being hammered by rising costs for food, energy, rent and much more. 

"Councillors are being told Council prices need to increase along with reduced services and potential cuts to funding support for a range of organisations. 

"Even with all these painful measures, households, organisations and businesses across the District would still face a very significant rates increase. This is simply unacceptable. 

"We don't agree with some who are already saying 'nothing can be done'. We are proposing the Council agree to an urgent campaign of action to protect residents, services, jobs and organisations.

"Corporate profiteering is driving inflation while central government, both Westminster and Stormont, has been negligent in response. When BP announces mega-profits of £900 per second we can't say 'there is no money'. We need to demand government intervention to protect the Council area. 

"There are a range of ways the Council's funding gap can be met and we should pursue all avenues. We can't wait until February to start this discussion. We urge support for our motion and encourage anyone concerned to attend the public meeting."