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24 May 2010
How to stop the cuts from hurting too much.
I was honoured to be elected to represent the people of Kensington in the new Parliament earlier this month. With the election now behind us, thoughts naturally turn to what will follow.
Of greatest concern will be the difficult but necessary reductions in public expenditure that are due to be implemented. The Government cannot continue to spend more than it takes in through taxes, and there is broad agreement about the need for cuts in both Westminster and the country. Less clear is whether agreement can be reached on what to cut, and by how much.
Some things have already been decided. The Conservatives pledged not to cut health spending during the campaign, so NHS spending will be safeguarded. Likewise there is consensus on the need to protect ‘frontline’ services. Nevertheless, real cuts will have to be made, and I am very conscious of the impact these cuts will have.
I will be doing all I can to protect spending that benefits Kensington. One area of spending in particular springs to mind. This is the money used to support voluntary organisations in the Royal Borough. There are hundreds of these groups throughout Kensington, and they help thousands of residents with health problems, housing difficulties, and a range of other challenges. It would be a terrible shame if these bodies were unable to continue their work.
Voluntary organisations often draw a percentage of their funds from the Government. However, many would be forced to close completely if this money was withdrawn. Losing the expertise of whole organisations to save only a percentage of their funds would make the impact of cuts more damaging than necessary.
I look forward to working with Kensington’s voluntary organisations over the next five years. Hopefully, the current economic difficulties will not undermine years of progress and hard work.Home | Sir Malcolm | Kensington | Local News | Articles | Links | Contact
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