Campaigners call for 'people's budget' and urge Sheffield to fight Government cuts

Campaigners call for a 'people's budget' for Sheffield.

Trade unionists and members of community groups spoke about the impact of national policy on vulnerable people in Sheffield.

But they also accused Sheffield Council’s Labour group of passing on cuts without any resistance.

Proposing a ‘people’s budget’, Jeremy Short, of the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, said: “Labour councils do have a choice - they can use reserves and borrowing powers to offset Tory cuts whilst building a mass campaign to restore funding.

“Instead of passing on cuts to local people, they should be leading a fightback against Tory austerity.”

Mr Short also criticised the council’s ongoing Streets Ahead programme with Amey, and the use of long-term private contracts.

Earlier this year the authority voted to cut short its waste contract with Veolia as it was not delivering the required savings.

Today’s top stories:

Sheffield Council passes ‘amibtious’ budget with £40m of savings despite Town Hall protest

Town Hall in the frame for new Central Library

Beloved Sheffield football coach passes away aged 57

Watch: From busking in Doncaster to performing on The Ellen DeGeners show for Rotherham youngster

Exclusive: 200 criminal cases in Yorkshire in ‘miscarriage of justice’ probe

'I did it, I bit his ear off' - Sheffield woman jailed for attacking partner with her TEETH after birthday binge of booze and crack

MATCHDAY LIVE: Rochdale v Sheffield United - as it happens

LIVE BLOG: Sheffield Wednesday v Norwich City - As it happens