Anti-cut campaigners meet West Sussex county councillors

Approximately 100 people congregated outside Chichester’s County Hall to speak to West Sussex councillors prior to the meeting.

Inside the meeting room, campaigner Peter Adams, from Bognor Regis, who has multiple sclerosis, spoke on behalf of the Don’t Cut Us Out campaign about the impact of the financial restrictions on those affected.

Talking of the council’s decision to reduce the money spent on adult social care, he said: “This is not only unfair it’s immoral. None of these cuts were necessary.”

Leader of the cabinet Louise Goldsmith said: “I, along with all other councillors, have deepest sympathy for those affected, and for parents, families and carers who support them.”

She spoke of a ‘tsunami of savings’ the council had to make, and said: “We had to make those savings in order to live within our means, in order to meet substantial demands.”

The public gallery was full of campaigners, who applauded Mr Adams following his speech.

They then listened to councillors debate the issue for thirty minutes, which was then followed by two propositions.

The Liberal Democrats proposed the argument of the Don’t Cut Us Out campaigners be more closely examined, which was defeated in a vote.

The Conservatives proposed the council continue its work ‘to provide yet more focused and effective continuing care for those in greatest need of community support.’

This vote was passed.

For more feedback from protesters and councillors, see next week’s Observer.