Member Article

‘A radical rethink is needed’ says Gateshead Council leader in plea to town

Gateshead council has called upon residents, businesses, partners and employees to get involved in plans to help make Gateshead a place where everyone can thrive.

With the council now spending £400 less per person than it did 2010, it has released a statement explaining how the volume of spending cuts mean it can no longer act as it has formerly.

Calling for a new way of working, it is now asking its inhabitants and businesses to come together in shaping the town’s future direction.

Leader of Gateshead Council, Martin Gannon explained: “Gateshead’s a fantastic place with amazing people, there’s a strong sense of community and local pride. There’s real passion here and a lot to be proud of.

“We’ve always been fiercely ambitious for the people of Gateshead and we remain committed to that despite the likely removal of our core grant funding from government by 2020.”

“Every day we hear that some people in Gateshead are not coping or are in need. We have too many people out of work, living in poverty and living shorter lives. It’s just not right, this unfairness can’t continue.”

Councillor Gannon added: “A radical rethink is needed about the way we work as a council, the way we spend the money, the way we work with partner organisations, businesses and how we engage with local people in our communities. Big change is needed and fast.”

“There will always be people who need our help, but there are also people who with a little bit of support could improve their own lives and be able to play a bigger part in their own communities. This in the long term would reduce the amount of help the Council would need to give them.”

“We’ve put forward five pledges setting out what our priorities for Gateshead should be for the next 5 – 10 years. We want to know are those priorities shared by the people of Gateshead?”

“We want everyone to be involved in the discussions we’re having, if you’re a resident, club organiser, local community group, church or business we need to know what matters most to you and what you can do to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives. Together we can continue Gateshead’s transformation and this is a real opportunity to have your say.”

To find out more about the pledges being made by the Council and how to get involved go online at www.gateshead.gov.uk/ipledge or talk to your local councillor.

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