A public meeting on Monday examined what the future holds for Keighley people affected by drastic reductions in Government spending.

The event, at the Temple Row Centre, was organised by the Keighley Pensioners Action Group.

The speakers were Janet Morgan, of the Public and Commercial Services Union, and Neal Heard, of the Bradford Alliance on Community Care (BACC).

Ms Morgan reminded the 40-strong audience that Brit-ain had the lowest state pen-sion in Europe. She also discussed the rise in VAT and the Government’s comprehensive spending review.

She said alternatives to spending cuts could include targeting the “fat cats” who evaded paying tax and clamping down on massive bonuses in the banking industry.

Mr Heard explained the role of the BACC and high-lighted what people could do in the face of the impending cuts. He emphasised the importance of people becoming more involved in their communities through pursuing campaigns and carrying out voluntary work.