‘Awkward questions’ set for City law bosses from Richard Wilkinson
Published: 29 October, 2010
by TOM FOOT
INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed author of the Spirit Level Richard Wilkinson will be putting “awkward questions” to top City law firm bosses at a public meeting on Tuesday.
Mr Wilkinson – whose book claims greater equality benefits everyone, rich and poor – is chairman of the Fairness Commission.
The Commission is a roving panel set up to poll public opinion and help councillors bridge the gap between rich and poor in Islington.
Its findings have already begun to dictate budget decisions in the Town Hall, according to the Commission’s co-chairman, Councillor Andy Hull.
Cllr Hull said services that are judged to help bridge the poverty gap will be “heavily protected” from government cuts, while others will be “severely hacked back”.
He said affordable warmth schemes and combatting unemployment and child poverty – issues raised during Fairness Commission meetings – would not be hit in the December budget.
Cllr Hull added: “Rather than salami slice everything, as other councils are doing, we are determined to make the cuts as fair as possible.
“We will go to some length to protect the services that have the most impact on the disadvantaged – though it is not going to be easy.
“We are being forced into making drastic cuts in terms of spending.”
The Commission’s last outing was in the Andover Estate, with the action moving on Tuesday to the offices of top City law firm, Slaughter & May.
Cllr Hull said: “There will be City workers there and of course anyone from the public who wants to attend.
“It’s important to carry the well-off with us on this journey.
“I hope Tuesday will be for many the first time the two halves of Islington can sit down together.”