The Tory cuts in the rate support grant have left Birmingham £45 million short of a standstill budget. The withdrawal of last years "damping grant" will also force up the council tax.
Given the unpopularity of the Tories, their dismal prospects at the local elections, and the election to leader of a long term attender of the Socialist Campaign Group, will we see Birmingham pioneer the fightback over local government cuts?
Not a bit of it!
Plans have been drawn up for a level of cuts unknown in years: children's and old peoples' homes, libraries, swimming pools and neighbourhood offices are to be closed.
It is a massive attack on social services - 6 per cent cuts across the board outside of education.
Up to 1,000 job cuts are in the pipeline, although it is possible they will be all voluntary redundancies.
There has been some talk of a public campaign over the council tax hike but the vast majority of Labour councillors are intent on doing the Tories' dirty work for them.
At present there are only three councillors who have declared they will vote against cuts budgets. That number will have to be more than doubled to bring a halt to this betrayal.
The campaigning is being led by the "Birmingham Community Conference" in liaison with trades union branches.
Lobby
Thousands of leaflets and posters have been produced. A lobby of the Labour Group on January 30 followed by a rally is planned.
There could well be a city centre demonstration before the budget is finally set in March. And there have been calls for industrial action.
There can be no compromise with the Labour council which is reneging in this wayon its priorities.
Our banner will have written on it 'No cuts or job losses; act and unite to defend public services and jobs!' • Job Seekers Allowance • Incapacity Benefit O cussion University of l