Jolly old Hols - not so jolly - @ No 10

Now, as you know, Arturo and I only have the odd day off - so many rodents run around Downing Street that a day off more could well spell a plague of rats - and we couldn't have that, could we? We don't actually get paid holidays, as such - but we do get our daily sardines and milk - and we have free board and lodging.

Today, we heard that Bagpuss Pickle's cuts to the local authorities' budgets are biting hard and it worried both Arturo and me. Did it foretell a time when even our meagre benefits would also be cut?

It seems that up North in Rochdale, Pickle's cuts have been quite drastic - I say Pickle's cuts - he did not personally issue an order like: 'Cut Rochdale to the quick - it's a bloomin Labour seat!' At least, we don't think he did. However, cuts there have been - and deep they have been too.

The cuts have been so very deep that the following was announced:

Between now and 2015 we need to save a further £64 million and in order to do that we need to consider everything we do and how we do it. ... That is why we are looking at what we provide and how we provide it, and it’s why we are looking at employee Conditions of Service.

These proposals will be considered by our Cabinet and following this, consultations will be undertaken with staff and trade unions. Savings have got to be made.

Among the Conditions of Service being 'looked at' are:
1. lower pay
2. miss out on three days of sickness benefit
3. a week's unpaid leave each year
4. 2.5 per cent could be cut from some workers' wages
5. managers at the council face taking a 5 per cent cut

Pretty drastic, eh? The council employees will be able to vote on these measures - but if savings aren't made - the alternative is job losses. Talk about the horns of a dilemma!

This is why the proposed cuts are having to be made:

The proposed changes are being made in light of the fact we are in effect having our budget halved over the next three years.

So said Rochdale Council's deputy leader, Peter Williams.

The local MP, Simon Danczuk, said:

This has come about because the government has cut too deep and too fast, with Rochdale council getting one of the biggest funding cuts in the country.

Mr Bagpuss Pickles re-think your policy! Have a heart - raise Income Tax levels on the wealthy - but turn again - like Dick Whittington! It can't go on like this - where will it end?

'Bye'