Unions representing workers in Rhondda Cynon Taf are holding a march and rally opposing the privatisation of public services. The rally has been prompted by the decision of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, to outsource the remaining 10% of ‘in house’ home care to the private sector.
The rally will take place on Saturday 9th December, meeting at the old drinking fountain in Taff Street, Pontypridd, then marching to the new YM building, where they will be addressed by speakers (To be confirmed)
Peter Crews, UNISON Cwm Taf Local Government Area Branch Secretary stated: “This is the thin end of the wedge, it is unlikely that home care will be the only service effected. UNISON is very clear, money spent on public services should be spent on the services, and none of it should be siphoned off for profit.”
“I am surprised to hear that efficiency was the reason for the proposals around home care, since no officer of the council had discussed any concerns about efficiency of the in-house provision, or suggested ideas to make improvements. There is no evidence that privatising the service will either save money or improve the service.”
Simon Dunn UNISON Cymru/Wales head of bargaining and campaigns stated: “UNISON believes this to have been an ill thought out, hasty decision which will leave the council unable to respond to future failings of private sector providers, such as we have seen elsewhere in Wales.
“The decision appears to fly in the face of the Rebalancing Care and Support Act, which specifically wants to rebalance care provision towards the public sector”.
The rally follows on from a lobby of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council ahead of a cabinet meeting to decide the future of care in the region, held on 23rd October. It is part of an ongoing campaign to protect the provision of services to the public.