DAWNING ON DERBYSHIRE

2000 job cuts say Derbyshire County Council. That's going to be 2000 very angry people. Add to that others that live in Derbyshire but work in local government in surrounding areas including big Cities like Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham and Leicester. Plus those working in Derby City itself but living in DCC's area. That's knocking a big hole in the local economy which will impact badly on local businesses.

Slightly ironically most Councils have some financial reserves left over from a string of good revenue support grants from the last Labour Government. However the Con-Dems want a big hit now to be able to ease off nearer the next General Election. They are telling Councils if they have a nil Council Tax rise they will get roughly 20% of the cut in grant given back.

Councils that are up for election next May such as Erewash may try to hide the effects of cuts to limit damage at the Polls. They have crowed in the past about setting a balanced budget. That was with a Government that supported local services. Now creek and paddle come to mind.

It wont be long before people can get their own back on the Liberal and Tories at the Polls and when they count their losses after May there will be a cathartic moment for the Con-Dems. They are in for a very rough ride.