Milton Keynes Council’s Labour Administration last night recommended that Milton Keynes become the first council in England to specifically put in place protection for HIV services from financial cuts.

Councillor Peter Marland, Labour Leader of Milton Keynes Council and Chair of the Milton Keynes Health and Wellbeing Board made the following statement:

“Milton Keynes Council’s Labour Administration last night recommended that we become the first council in England to specifically put in place protection for HIV services from financial cuts.

As part of our new Council Plan, to be voted on by Full Council on Wednesday 13th July, we have recommended no cuts to HIV, sexual health or domestic violence services.

We believe that such cuts are short sighted and unnecessary. Here in MK we have one of the worst late diagnosis rates in England for HIV, and that is unacceptable. Only by investing in prevention, sexual health advice and early diagnosis can we ensure people lead longer, healthier lives. Cuts to these services are a false economy as it will cost more in financial and human terms later on. Our most vulnerable citizens should get the help and support when they need it most.

We believe by protecting budgets where needed, better commissioning, working with our health partners and Voluntary and Community Services (VCS) organisations, that no cuts are necessary, and in fact are counterproductive.

Obviously we face some really tough choices as a local authority after 6 years of savage cuts from a Tory Government, but I’m proud to be listening to organisations such as #StopHIVcuts and UNISON on these really critical issues, hopefully others will follow our example.“

Notes: Our Council Plan can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/hwmn72c

Kind Regards

Cllr Peter Marland

Leader, Milton Keynes Council & Wolverton ward member

Twitter: @pete_marland