"The council might be financially poor but we cannot use that to justify creating poverty of hearts, mind and soul," said Labour councillor Mandy Anderson. In a debate regarding budget cuts, she emphasized the importance of libraries beyond mere economics.
"What is the social cost of closing that library? It's a lot more than 300,000," argued Councillor Phil Ruck. He highlighted the broader implications of library closures affecting community well-being.
Deputy leader Gillian Ford stated, "Havering does not receive enough funding from central government. We cannot balance the budget or sustain things," indicating the financial strain and necessity for tough decisions regarding public services.
Finance cabinet member Chris Wilkins expressed dire concerns, stating, "The council is in serious trouble financially, predicting an overspend of 33m by year's end," reflecting the severity of the budget crisis.
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