INDEED councils in Gwent have imposed nearly £200 million worth of Tory government cuts on us since 2008.

What has not been reported or analysed is that these “austerity” cuts are totally ideological and part of the capitalist neo-liberalist economic project.
The main aim is to make us pay for the financial crisis caused by the bankers by imposing a continued structural adjustment programme which will pay for the bank bailout of at least £850 billion!

Of course profits for corporations and the rich elite 0.1% are maintained and actually increase as they get tax cuts and billions of state subsidies.
We got the delights of a vicious “roll-back” and privatisation of our public and welfare services and more exploitation. Note the rise of poverty. 

As the May elections approach please ask the candidates what they will do to stop the “austerity” cuts?

To date, all I’ve had is a “but we have to work within budget from a couple of socialists!” Pathetic!

Terry Banfield
Cardigan Crescent
Croesyceiliog