Mencap delivers petition opposing cuts to the council

Council proposes to almost halve its children's services budget for West Berkshire Mencap

THERE were angry scenes outside the district council's offices in Newbury yesterday (Tuesday), when campaigners delivered a petition opposing the council's plans to cut Mencap's children services budget by half.

Approximately 100 Mencap staff, service users, parents and carers marched on the council's offices, holding aloft placards that read: “Don't cut our clubs,” and chanting, “no more cuts”.

West Berkshire Council is proposing a series of cuts in children's services in the district, which will see overall funding cut by £50,000.

West Berkshire Mencap's children's services budget will be almost halved, from £53,721.60 to £23,000, which will force some of its services to be close, the charity's chief executive, Leila Ferguson, has warned.

Mencap delivered its petition, signed by more than 1,150 people, to executive councillor for children and young people, Irene Neill (Con, Aldermaston), and corporate director for children and young people, Margaret Goldie, outside the council's offices yesterday.

Members of the public have until Friday to give their opinions on the council's proposals.

For more details visit the ‘find a consultation' tab on the council's website at www.westberks.gov.uk

For more on this story read Thursday's Newbury Weekly News