Friday February 10th 2023
The Mayfield & Easthouses Development Trust (MAEDT) Food Pantry.
This View has been written by Midlothian Voluntary Action
Midlothian Council’s proposed budget cuts will see a 100% cut to large and small grants funding for charity groups and the end of funding to community transport for older and disabled people. Services such as counselling for young people, community cafes, food banks, benefits advice, mental health groups and support for disabilities could all be lost. The most vulnerable, youngest and oldest residents are disproportionately affected and will lose access to vital support in a cost-of-living crisis.
Midlothian Sure Start’s CEO Cheryl Brown shares that they are facing potential closure with either a 38% cut loss of 2 family centres and 18 staff or 100% cut with all 6 centres closing and 57 staff. They support 700 children and adults per year with their work winning UK recognition and awards and supports.
Charities and community groups will stage a day of action on the 15th February with a demonstration outside of Midlothian House from 10 – 11am to make their voices heard. Using the hashtag #CareDontCut videos will be shared on the day made by members of the community outlining how the cuts will impact them on the Midlothian TSIs social media channels. Charities and individuals are invited to use the hashtag on social media to share their stories.
We ask councillors to reconsider the 100% cuts to the third sector grants programme and community transport. We also highlight our concern on the removal of staff from libraries who are the backbone of the community and deliver key council services. A petition has been launched on change.org for individuals and organisations to show support sign against the cuts.
Another demonstration is planned at Midlothian House from 10:30 – 11:30am on the 21st February when councillors will be setting the budget and making their final decisions on the cuts.
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