Stop The Cuts protest held in Derry’s Ebrington Square this afternoon
Said Cllr Harkin: “People power action has forced the Department of Education into U-turn on callous cuts to a range of Early Years programmes, Extended School programmes and Youth Services.
“The decision is to be welcomed and we commend the efforts of organisations and staff delivering these vital services, parents and everyone who joined mobilisations, lobbied and made their voices heard.
“Cuts to Sure Start, the Pathway Fund, Toybox and other services would be damaging for the prospects of many children, especially those from disadvantaged areas.
“People power action has made the difference when political representatives shrugged their shoulders saying nothing could be done.
“People came together across the divide to say these cuts were unjust and unnecessary.
“Households would have been stranded without an income. Children would have been denied vital services. All our communities would have suffered.
“Further united action will be key to undoing other callous cuts that have been made to Healthy Happy Minds and School Holiday Food Grant schemes.
“This shows Tory austerity can be opposed. It’s vital we build on this victory to resist the entirety of the budget cuts the Secretary of State aims to impose.”
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