PHIL MAXWELL

On Wednesday pensioners, trade unionists, the unemployed, musicians and campaigners descended on Liverpool town hall to protest against cuts in services in the city. Liverpool is ranked the 4th most deprived local authority area in England. As it was International Women’s Day women from The Merseyside Pensioners Association led a march from the Walker Art Gallery down to the town hall.

Women from the Merseyside Pensioners Association lead the march to the Town Hall. Liverpool 2017

The Council agreed budget cuts of £90 million over the next three years. It takes to £420 million the amount of central Government spending cuts since 2010, equivalent to a 68 percent reduction in funding. Three hundred jobs will be lost over the next three years and the Council Tax will be increased by 4.99% in 2017 /18. The future of the library service is uncertain and closures are now likely. All services will be impacted by the cuts.

A musician outside the Walker Art Gallery. Liverpool 2017

Protesters march towards the Town hall. Liverpool 2017

A protester outside the Town Hall. Liverpool 2017.

Protesters outside the Town Hall. Liverpool 2017.

Protesters outside the Town Hall. Liverpool 2017.

A protester with a library book. Liverpool 2017.

A protester with a library book (The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists). Liverpool 2017.

In his book ‘The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists’ Robert Tressell writes: “Every man who is not helping to bring about a better state of affairs for the future is helping to perpetuate the present misery, and is therefore the enemy of his own children. There is no such thing as being neutral: we must either help or hinder.”

Julie Lyon-Taylor, Chair of the Merseyside Pensioners Association. Liverpool 2017

To great applause Julie called on the Council to implement a budget based on the needs of the people of Liverpool.

Placards supporting a fully funded library service. Liverpool 2017.

Campaigners left books at the entrance of the Town Hall to symbolise their determination to keep all libraries open. Liverpool 2017.

None of the protesters were allowed into the Town Hall to watch the debate.

Lesley Mahmood speaking on behalf of the ‘Save Liverpool Women’s Hospital Campaign’.

Liverpool Socialist Singers entertained the crowd. Liverpool 2017.

Library campaigner Ruth Knox addresses the crowd. Liverpool 2017.

Placards supporting a fully funded library service. Liverpool 2017.

“Save Our Libraries’. Liverpool 2017.

Julie Lyon-Taylor during a live radio interview at the protest. Liverpool 2017.

You can support a feature length film I’m helping to make here: ‘Austerity Fight’