City needs to look at its priorities and think again

We understand all too well how the need to make cuts is being imposed on councils more than ever as the government cuts its level of support.

But sadly it’s the most vulnerable in society who yet again have to bear the brunt of the latest cuts approved by Portsmouth City Council.

Critics rightly point out that scaling back on financial support for people who need help with their council tax bills is going to have a detrimental impact.

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It’s yet another worry for families who struggle to get by each day – and have to scramble together their last pennies to put a meal on the table.

It’s alarming when you put the changes into perspective.

One Lib Dem councillor said the cuts could result in some of the poorest losing 15 meals a week. A scary thought.

It will mean more financial juggling and, for those who are vulnerable and suffering a multitudes of problems, that can prove to be very difficult.

Inevitably, budgets have to be managed properly and savings need to be made somewhere.

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But a decision that could tip families over the edge is one that certainly needs to be questioned. Priorities need to be re-examined.

If we’re going to be putting money into property, rubbing shoulders with big businesses and investors to bring cash into the city, we also need to be looking after our vulnerable, our elderly, those in need.

Unfortunately in this case, the Tory administration in Portsmouth blamed the move on the actions of its predecessors.

But that’s not an answer local people are going to take well, or are particularly interested in.

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It’s about time our leaders stopped pointing the finger at each other and got on with the job of trying to provide the best services possible and make life more manageable with the dwindling pot of resources left at their disposal.