Bishops urge county council to reconsider cuts

The bishops of Horsham and Chichester have joined together to urge the county council to reconsider cuts.
C121619-4 Chi Martin Warner  phot kate 

The new bishop of Chichester the Rt Revd Martin Warner.C121619-4C121619-4 Chi Martin Warner  phot kate 

The new bishop of Chichester the Rt Revd Martin Warner.C121619-4
C121619-4 Chi Martin Warner phot kate The new bishop of Chichester the Rt Revd Martin Warner.C121619-4

West Sussex County Council is discussing the budget at a full council meeting this morning (Friday February 14).

A statement from Rev Martin Warner, bishop of Chichester and Rev Mark Sowerby, bishop of Horsham, said: “Today, West Sussex County Council will debate their 2014/15 budget.

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“This budget includes plans to reduce spending by £55m over the next two years, with prospects of further large reductions in the following years.

“Already, over the past three years, the council has reduced spending by approximately £80m, including cuts to vital social care. Simultaneously, they have built up reserves by approximately £50m.

“We urge all members of the council to consider carefully any proposal to reduce spending on social care further.

“We especially urge them to consider whether it is right to maintain or increase large reserves of public money at a time of financial stringency for many.

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“The recent establishment of food banks even in some of our prosperous areas exemplifies the pressures under which people in our communities are labouring, and we are concerned about the effects of past cuts on already vulnerable individuals and families.

“Whilst fiscal prudence is important, those who have the responsibility of public funds should avoid unnecessary austerity when many of their constituents are experiencing material need.”