A CAMPAIGN group has been set up to challenge government funding cuts to local services.

The newly established Waltham Forest Anti-cuts Union say savings imposed on local authorities, as the coalition government attempts to reduce the budget deficit, will have a devastating effect on society.

It claims the cuts will lead to the destruction of the NHS, the loss of 1.3 million jobs nationally, poverty and privatisation.

Under the headline "Con-Dem cuts can kill", the groups campaign poster also claims 38,000 people could die nationally as a result of the cuts, adding that the poor will be hit much harder than the rich.

The first campaign meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday, July 29, at the William Morris Community Centre in Greenleaf Road, Walthamstow.

The group is calling on Labour councillors to campaign against government cuts.

Members will lobby councillors before a cabinet meeting tonight, which is expected to agree large cuts across various council departments.

The coalition government insists that massive savings are necessary to ensure long-term economic stability and will not effect frontline services.

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