Coalition cuts will “tear the heart out of our community” says Lutfur Rahman

Cllr Lutfur Rahman, Independent candidate for the Mayor of Tower Hamlets today condemned George Osborne’s swingeing cuts to the public sector outlined in today’s public spending review, especially plans to cut Council spending by a quarter over four years.

Cllr Rahman said “We live in tough times, but local government is what most people experience day-to-day. The cuts mean vital services like community safety, affordable housing and street cleaning will all suffer. For a place like Tower Hamlets, where poverty and overcrowding are rife, this is a huge blow. This will tear the heart out of our community.”

The cuts, which Rahman condemned as “ideologically motivated” and “irresponsible” will also see a reduction in Police funding, massive benefit cuts and the retirement age for both men and women raised to 66. Cuts to child benefit have already been announced at the Tory Party Conference.

“George Osborne and his Tory chums are the only ones smiling today,” Rahman added. “Their spending plans target the most vulnerable; young families, the unemployed and the elderly - the people least able to take the burden.”

Rahman is committed to preserving frontline services by cutting waste, reliance on consultants and agency staff and making more efficient use of space. His team have already identified £35m in savings without touching vital services.

“The Lib Dems and Tories relish these cuts and New Labour don’t have the vision to work around them. Only an independent candidate can put forward the new thinking that can protect our services and the community that relies on them. If you vote for me, I promise I will put the people first.”