At the same time as the Conservatives were let off the hook by not having to shell out £35,000 to RAWS (or to answer awkward questions) that they had promised, they were simultaneously refusing to back a Labour proposal to give £20,000 instead to Chorley and South Ribble Home-Start who were struggling to find the money to keep providing a valuable service to families in difficult circumstances across the area.
The story generated many letters in the local newspapers. There were letters in support of the great work Home-Start does locally and others were disgusted at the seeming double-standard in operation in the treament of the two groups and their causes.
Conservative Council Leader Margaret Smith who had come to power on the back of the pledge to give money to RAWS said that they would not give the £20,000 needed by Home-Start on the grounds of being prudential with the budget. But one astute letter pointed out that the Conservatives "must explain how giving £35,000 to the RAWS campaign group would have been prudent, whereas giving £20,000 to Home Start is not?"
Further information: Home-Start is a national voluntary organisation who offer free, confidential and non-judgemental family support to families who find themselves in difficult circumstances such as being in poverty, having a disabled child or during bereavement or who are simply needing a little bit of extra support to bring up their children. Support is provided by trained volunteers who have parenting experience themselves. If you need support or want to be a volunteer or donate money visit their website at www.home-start.org.uk
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