You will never have it so tough

VETERAN Oldham MP Michael Meacher says he “fears for Oldham” in the challenging financial climate — and believes the next two years will be the toughest experienced by many in their entire life.

The Oldham West and Royton MP claims cuts of up to 40 per cent being made by Government departments will hit the borough more than other areas — given some council wards are among the most deprived in the country.

He hit out at the coalition Government which he said was targeting the most vulnerable while letting the richest in society get away untouched.

The Labour MP fears Oldham will be disproportionately affected by health and housing cuts.

Mr Meacher said: “David Cameron and George Osborne pretend that the health service will be protected. That is not true.

“The NHS Trusts are already making cuts to deal with a coming £20bn black hole in their accounts, and while we cannot say where the cuts will be, the poorer areas will suffer the most.

“Oldham will be disproportionately affected by these health cuts.

“We are a relatively poor area and we need our services.

“Teenage pregnancy and obesity are higher than the national average.

“It is a damp area and therefore chest complaints are likely to be higher — this all has a knock on effect on the health service.”

Mr Meacher said the list of thousands of people waiting for a council home in Oldham or to transfer to another property will only grow because of cuts to housing benefit.

Mr Meacher added: “I fear for Oldham in these times.

“It will be two of the most difficult years people will experience in their lives. Housing is a pressure cooker and the demand is so strong. There is no leeway for movement.”