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Caretaking under threat
• THE Tory / Liberal Democrat plans to save costs on caretaking on estates are in danger of providing a much poorer and more distant service to local people.
Resident caretakers in particular have often been the “eyes and ears” on our most troubled estates, liaising with the council and others over anti-social behaviour, vulnerable tenants in trouble or isolation.
The new administration have changed their tune as these plans have emerged in dribs and drabs since the autumn. First they said that they were doing it because they believed that they could provide a service which is “cheaper and better”.
Now they have dropped that argument entirely and are trying to blame the government for their decisions.
Executive member for housing, Councillor Chris Naylor, has finally confirmed that he is planning to, at the very least, part-privatise the service.
We’re really concerned that this step will lead to a two-tier service on our estates.
Instead of taking a pop at opposition councillors, local trades unions and tenants leaders for trying to get to the bottom of their plans, the Lib Dems should first come clean with residents and then consult them properly about this future of this important service.
Cllr Anna Stewart
Leader of the Labour Group
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