HEN representatives Anna O'Brien and I attended a meeting of the Community Empowerment Network (CEN) last Weds (21 July).  The CEN pulls together a wide variety of people in Hackney working for charities and the voluntary sector. It is an amazing diversity of committed organisations and individuals working to alleviate many of the worst consequences of our selfish, individualist society. Unfortunately Weds meeting was dominated by the cuts already hitting vital services like the Womens' Network combating domestic violence and Off-Centre working with troubled and disturbed children. The shocking reality of the bankers greed was brought home with caring people having to contemplate how to manage cuts to their already meagre budgets. The incompetent rich walk away with their bonuses whilst the vulnerable and dispossessed pay for their crimes.

I've opened a discussion on the politics of cuts see in the Community Politics Group on this site.