Labour accused of '˜burying bad news about cuts while people on holiday'

They accused Labour councillors in Hull of pushing through another £2.2m round of cuts which could see waste recycling centres closing two days a week and cuts made to Hull Advice Service and Trading Standards “in the summer when no one is paying any attention.”

The latest cuts, which come on top of £8m savings which have already been announced, also involve reviewing in-house residential care for people with learning disabilities.

Lib Dem councillor Adam Williams accused Labour of “burying bad news.” He said: “Labour’s cuts are deeply damaging to the most vulnerable people in our city. It’s disgraceful that they are pushing ahead without properly consulting with the public, staff or service users. Last month the Labour leadership on the council forced through cuts despite councillors from all parties urging them allow time for proper consultation and scrutiny.

“Even many of their own backbench councillors don’t seem to be aware of what the cuts they’re Labour bosses actually mean.”

The proposals will go a scrutiny committee next Friday and to the Cabinet the following Monday, before then going to consultation.

The decision on the earlier cuts is currently on hold after the Lib Dems called for a review.

Three hundred people are set to leave the council as the result of a voluntary early termination scheme. Deputy leader Coun Daren Hale said they were having to make “difficult decisions on the back of a very tough funding position.”