Willie Black from North Edinburgh Fights Back, 6.1.14
Willie said that it had always been their
intention to broaden out the campaign to oppose all cuts and they were still
looking for ways to do this. Latest news of more cuts tonight show the
coalition is only half way through the whole cuts programme. The questions are
how to mobilise and fight back – lessons for RIC? The pressures are on the
poorest communities who are trying to get by. Lessons from the housing stock
transfer campaign which had hardly any resources- pitted against £12.5 million
budget utilised by the government and councils. The campaign was done on a
shoestring and was won because people mobilised.
Strathclyde was successful in imposing the
transfer of housing stock because it had already shifted most of its social
housing to private organisations and housing associations. It was therefore
harder to mobilise tenants. With the bedroom tax, it has been possible to
target the councils and gain some concessions. When the anti-cuts alliance
started in Edinburgh there were 80 people at the first meeting and a lot of
excitement. Seduced by the idea of drawing in the STUC, went to the conference
in Glasgow rather than hold a local meeting and were put in a dismal room and
had dismal discussions. The lesson was, we need the trade unions but the relationship
has to be negotiated carefully to ensure it strengthens what you are doing.
The Tory Conference in March – plans to wear
panda hats
Through mobilisation and lobbying of council
meetings, the Bedroom tax is now a dead tax in Edinburgh. Plan to have a rally
at the full Council meeting in February when the budget cuts of £36 million
will be decided.
Important for people to see the figures
regarding the future economy of an independent Scotland – too much scare
mongering. Need to target those people who are getting on with their lives and
still not made up their minds.
George L from Disability History Scotland
Questioned who is involved with these community
campaigns? A whole swathe not involved, dealing with their everyday concerns.
Cuts and stigmatising labels are impinging everyday on those with physical or
mental disabilities. RIC needs to talk to them and encourage their involvement,
as they have the most to lose. Many feel that they have any power to
influence the course of events. But individuals can influence major changes eg
the individual woman (Mary Barbour) who started the rent strikes in Glasgow.
Les concerned about state pensions being
wiped out almost entirely and this frightens older people thinking about
independence .No campaigners have indicated Scotland wouldn’t be able to afford
them.
Irene said she had gone to the Glasgow
conference and been inspired to come tonight. Concerned that in her work and
involvement with pensioners and local community groups, she was shouted down
when she raised independence – felt RIC really needs to make contact with
people who would not come to these meetings or be politically involved. There
are a lot of myths people have absorbed - the fear factor.
Pat reminded the meeting that communities are
where you live, your street, your pals, your workplace – all locations we can
raise discussion and encourage people to vote yes. We have a great resource in
RIC – various experiences and expertise. We have to engage with those who are
thinking of voting ‘no’. RIC is the place to get advice/help with any
information and to put forward your ideas
Kevin spoke about how people start defending
something – like the Meadowbank campus and then they get involved in other
issues – like Edinburgh at Risk (EAR) and Portobello and the common goods.
Donny –Thought the Tory party conference an
important event to publicise their £12 bill cuts programme and make a link to
the ‘yes’vote.
Terry thought we have to be careful of the
arguments we put forward. Why have we got to have cuts in the first place when
wealth is soaring for some? Edinburgh is a divided city – we can afford to run
our own lives in an independent Scotland.
Many different visions of independence –
the SSP/Greens/SNP – RIC stalls give us an opportunity to talk to a
wide range of people and learn what their concerns are. .
Iain wondered if we are defeating the Bedroom
tax – we have some concessions but it will continue.
Ayesha said that in Craigmillar we have had stalls
and gained lots of signatures for petitions on fuel poverty, bedroom tax – many
from those in Unison. Good support in the community.
Willie suggested, in relation to Matt’s
point- we have another discussion about TU’s for independence. We also need to
think imaginatively – he was encouraged hearing people talking about a
different world that might be possible at the Carlton Hill rally.
Tony said Arts/ road show needed – Iain
responded that National Collective was doing this. Also national RIC initiative: Winning Scotland coming
up.
