On the same day as the Conservative Chancellor of the Exchequer said in the Budget that austerity is coming to an end, Tory-run Surrey County Council announced that it will consult the public on plans to cut bus passes, Children’s Centres, Community Recycling Centres, libraries and services for people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The Conservative Council’s plans would see 31 of Surrey’s 58 Children’s Centres close, including the centres in Brookwood, Horsell, Old Woking, Pyrford and St John’s.  Woking Borough would be left with just the Sythwood and Sheerwater Children’s Centres.

I am appalled that so many Children’s Centres are threatened with closure – they do a vital job in supporting families with young children.  I hope local families and other residents support this service by responding to the consultation and helping fight to keep our local Children’s Centres open.

The County Council is also consulting on cuts to libraries, although there is no clear picture about what the Council wants to.  They have no confirmed how many or which libraries are under threat of closure, it is feared that smaller libraries including Knaphill and West Byfleet Libraries are under threat of being closed.

The Council also wants to remove free bus travel for disabled people before 9.30am and after 11pm on weekdays, and no longer providing a free pass for a companion.  Up to 6 Community Recycling Centres are also threatened with closure.

Austerity is certainty not coming to an end in Surrey.  The County Council are planning massive cuts to key services used by vulnerable residents, that is not right.  I urge everyone to respond to the Council’s consultation here: www.surreycc.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/have-your-say/consultations.