hi

Of course there are cuts. They are happening here and now.

The special budget last week identified which Government Departments would face cuts in their budget and what these would be as a percentage figure of their last budget figure.

These figures are then passed down to the indivual councils who have to decide how they are going to implement these cuts. This is only just starting to be done.

However make no mistake!!! Cuts are being implemented. In the North West there are reports of council services of all kinds being considered for being cut. This includes police, prison services and other front-line activities. Patient care services are under pressure as the money has not been allocated. Charities are being underfunded etc etc.

I can give you an example of one that has happened to us this week. My wife suffers from glaucoma and has to visit hospital four times a year for tests and treatment. These visits have always been conducted at our local hospital about a mile from our home.

This week we have been informed that my wife's next appointment has been cancelled and a new one made at another hospital some 20 miles from us. We have also been told that all future appointments will be at that hospital. We were told that local services are being cut because of the Government's recent directive.

My understanding of the Financial deficit directive was that the NHS is to be ring-fenced and front-line services will not be affected !!!

The Government speaks with forked tongue....

cheers

M