THE cuts are too hard and are coming too fast claimed the county’s Euro MP Richard Howitt today speaking out after the Comprehensive Spending Review cuts were announced.

THE cuts are too hard and are coming too fast claimed the county’s Euro MP Richard Howitt today speaking out after the Comprehensive Spending Review cuts were announced.

The cuts are unnecessary economically and put the economic recovery in Cambridgeshire at risk as well as being socially divisive.

Labour’s Richard Howitt MEP said:

“In Cambridgeshire, we already know that the �4 million cut from the libraries budget will mean fewer books and computers and library closures. Connexions, the service for young people, is under threat; Cambridge County Council and Addenbrookes, are planning nearly 1000 job cuts, and teaching assistant posts are being axed.

“There is nothing fair about these cuts. Today’s announcement on housing means Cambridgeshire tenants will live in fear. In one of the most unaffordable places to buy or rent in the country, council tenants will be placed on “flexible tenancies” with councils checking whether a change in circumstances mean they can stay in their home or will be moved on. But circumstances change all the time – and if you are going through a divorce or bereavement in the family you could find yourself on the streets.

“The cuts don’t make economic sense. The Chancellor said that ‘Universities are jewels in economic crown’ but announced a 7.1% cut in University funding, one of the powerhouses for our economy. There was also no mention of the A14 upgrade between Cambridge and the west of Huntingdon and we will have to wait for further details of transport cuts. There will be 490 000 public sector job losses. But when you cut jobs, stop house building and create a climate of fear, that risks yet more jobs losses and could drive the country back into recession.”