MK Slams Privatisation of Council Services

Mebyon Kernow – the Party for Cornwall has hit out at the decision of Conservative-led Cornwall Council to part-privatise a series of key services.

Cornwall Council is in discussion with two large private companies, one of which will jointly run services such as benefit payments, libraries and one-stop shops. It is stated that other partners such as the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust could also be involved, but had yet to commit to the project.



The leadership of the Council claims that the venture would create 500 jobs and produce savings of £5 million in the first two years.



But MK has branded these claims as a “nonsense,” agreeing with local union representatives that "the whole thing does not stack up."



In a statement issued today, MK’s group on Cornwall Council said:



“MK opposes the ongoing privatisation of council services by the present Cabinet. We find it disturbing that Cornwall Council would also be a minor partner in such an arrangement, with councillors sidelined and local democracy undermined still further.



“We do not accept the claims about the projected savings or the new jobs, and worry for the future of Cornwall Council as a public sector entity.



“The massive cuts from the Conservative and Liberal Democrat government, and the privatising agenda of Conservative-led Cornwall Council, is doing great damage to the fabric of our public sector, and it is ordinary people who will continue to suffer the consequences.”

