Protest planned outside huge council meeting that could decide future of care homes in Kirklees
The council is facing a £47 million blackhole in its budget
Protesters are planning to hold a demonstration outside a Kirklees Council meeting which could determine the future of some care homes and leisure centres.
Council bosses are looking at cutting services as they try to fill a £47 million blackhole in its budget.
But the Unison union is warning it could come at an "immeasurable cost to young people" in West Yorkshire.
UNISON Kirklees branch secretary Mick Donoghue said: “Not only will these proposed cuts cause suffering to people of Kirklees if they go ahead, they don’t make economic sense.
“The cost of keeping young people in care can be extremely high, and we know the number of young people in expensive, out-of-area care placements is contributing to the council’s budget problems.
“The proposed cuts mean some young people could be hit twice as hard, as they are currently supported by both services under review.
“The proposals must be reconsidered.”
Last month, Kim Leadbetter, the MP for Batley and Spen wrote a letter to Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities stating the council had a 'projected budget shortfall of £47million for the financial year 2024-25'.
Ms. Leadbetter urged Mr. Gove to "to review urgently the funding formula for local authorities".
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Robin Symonds said: “Yet again, a proposal to help the council address its financial difficulties has been drawn up which will see residents of Kirklees suffer.
“After 13 years of cuts from central government, there is no fat remaining locally to cut. Every job cut will hurt the community.
We have approached Kirklees Council for a comment.