Today I took part in a local march to save the sheltered wardens service organised by Barnet Community Campaign. 

It is only when you are taking part in local democracy that you realise how fortunate that we are living in a country where it is still ok to express your opinions in public (although the recent G20 demonstrations and the actions of the police to some of the demonstrators have shown that we must not be complacent). Democracy in this country was something that was fought for a long time ago. Lives were lost for us to be able to enjoy these freedoms, which makes it all the more important that we scrutinise decisions made by politicians both locally in our town halls and the House of Commons.  

This morning I woke up to more tales of sleaze. None of the main political parties can claim their hands are clean. Every time another report comes out of town halls and parliament of politicians helping themselves it undermines our democratic process. There needs to be a big clear up if they are going to restore confidence in local democracy. 

Barnet Community Campaign gives hope to those of us who still cling to the believe of local democracy. Take a look at the pictures from the march. These are real people, people who decided they wanted to express their anger at the decision to remove sheltered housing services in Barnet. People find it incredible that services for those of the most vulnerable can be cut when the government spend billions of pounds propping up corrupt financial system. A system which encouraged greed, indeed glorified in the bonuses, almost rubbing our noses in it, whilst the rest of us had to cope.  

Now we are being told that someone must pay.

 “Guess what?” It will be US to pay. Yes council workers who seen hundreds of colleagues made redundant, no pay increases, increased workload, annual restructures and still delivered in Barnet we delivered nearly £60 million in savings and managed to improve services! 

BUT, it is not enough. Most people will not know that the predicted budget forecast for council finances for the next four years is going to be worse than anything we have seen in nearly 20 years. 

So, take a good look at the pictures

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28819825@N02/

 

 

Support the campaign attend the lobby of the Council Cabinet Committee on 8 June

 

To all our Barnet UNISON members there is a consultation taking place. The consultation is on new trauma and stroke services for London. Barnet has the second highest incidents of strokes so it is really important that any planned stroke and trauma services need to be close by.

Most residents will not be aware there is a consultation going on. If you live in Barnet, one day you or a family or friend may needs these services click on the links below to take part in the consultation, please circulate the link.

http://www.healthcareforlondon.nhs.uk/

http://www.healthcareforlondon.nhs.uk/consultation-on-developing-new-high-quality-major-trauma-and-stroke-services-in-london

Barnet College UNISON, along with the teaching Unions, has recently participated in a joint lobbying with the College Principal of Hendon MP Andrew Dismore to call for a review of the Learning Skills Council’s funding strategies. We now await further developments following the recent publication of the Foster Report into the College Sector capital funding crisis.

 

College UNISON reps are continuing to have regular meetings with the HR Director to address ongoing issues following on from the conclusion of the recent S188 restructuring and redundancy consultations.

In particular, we are still waiting for outcomes from the consultation process over the proposed restructuring of the Facilities and Estates Department. We anticipate further developments on this issue once SMT have met to agree a finalised structure.

To view report click here

http://www.barnetunison.me.uk/sites/default/files/Barnet_UNISON_Socialworkreport26409_0.doc

 

I would like to refer our members living in Barnet to item

7. Healthcare for London consultation on Stroke and Major Trauma Services

http://committeepapers.barnet.gov.uk/democracy/reports/reportdetail.asp?ReportID=8058

This all comes on top of the recent announcement that a judge has overturned the previous decision to allow a Judicial Review into the closure of 24 hour A&E and maternity services at Chase Farm Hospital. See press release here

http://www.enfield.gov.uk/press%20releases/2009/aprjun/Chase%20Farm%20%E2%80%93%20Judgment%20sets%20a%20dangerous%20precedent.htm

It is well documented that we have a growing & ageing population; which makes it all the more important that we have the necessary infrastructure in place and the best place is local. In relation to Strokes everyone knows that positive outcomes are determined by how quick you receive treatment, any delays are just not acceptable. I would suggest any Barnet residents reading the article take the matter up with the local MP immediately.