Edinburgh protestors rally before budget vote. Potential cuts threaten charities that support vulnerable citizens.
Groups picketed outside Edinburgh City Chambers. The city council members arrived to discuss the budget. Unison, Unite, and Safe Consumption Edinburgh were there.
Unison protested cuts to the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board. This board helps fund health and social care charities. These charities operate in Edinburgh.
Tracy Anne Miller spoke about the potential impact. Most charities would close if the board’s money is cut. The money pays for staff, salary, and rent.
These charities help vulnerable people. Homeless and poor people receive support. Charities ease the pressure on the NHS. If charities close, the NHS will face increased demand.
Some charities have already given redundancy notices. They anticipate the cuts will be approved soon. Safe Consumption Edinburgh also attended the meeting. They want safe consumption sites created in Edinburgh.
These sites could help combat drug deaths citywide. 333 people died from drugs between 2020 and 2023. The group has tried to secure dedicated funding.
Council members seemed agreeable in past discussions. No funding has been guaranteed, so the group continues advocating. The next step is to ensure the council commits funds. Council members will vote on EIJB funding. The vote occurs at the February 20 council meeting.