North council pledges strikers' pay to charity

Nov 27 2011 by Adrian Pearson, Sunday Sun

Newcastle Council leader Nick Forbes

CHARITIES are pleading with council moneymen to follow a UK first by one North authority and hand over strikers’ wages to voluntary groups.

Newcastle Council has pledged to hand over the wages it saves as a result of Wednesday’s national strike - potentially up to £100,000 - to good causes.

The Tyneside decision has put the spotlight on other councils who have so far refused to offer any extra help, despite the strike action set to see them save more than £1m.

Across the North charities are struggling to get by. The Sunday Sun last month revealed how more than £13m has been taken from North charities as a result of council cuts, with many predicting they may have to close as a result.

With council bosses now having unexpected cash to splash the pressure is on for them to show their heart is in the right place.

Jo Curry, chief executive of North East charity group VONNE, led the calls for councils to offset the damage they have had to cause as a result of government cuts.

She said: “The speed and scale of public sector spending cuts are having a devastating impact on the lives of vulnerable people in communities and it is clear that the trade union movement is taking a stand on behalf of all those affected.

“As well as being a fine gesture of goodwill it will bring about much needed resources for voluntary organisations that are committed to tackle poverty and help make a difference.

“We encourage other public service employers in other areas across the region to follow Newcastle’s lead.”

Newcastle Council leader Nick Forbes has said the money from strikers’ pay packets will only be taken from the February wages and then passed to charities.

He said: “Many of the staff taking part will be low paid front line workers and deferring the payments until February which is the month when council tax is not charged will make Christmas a little easier for many.

“Putting that money towards the Newcastle Fund for good causes is a way of ensuring the community still benefits.”