UNISON, Douglas House, Edinburgh
5pm: Drinks reception and introductions
6pm: Film 'A Tale of Two Barnets'
Followed by informal discussion.
7.30 Event closes.
Tickets at www.unison-edinburgh.org.uk/barnet
Barnet, site of the famous workhouse from the story Oliver Twist. Two hundred years after the birth of Charles Dickens, how has the area changed and how has it stayed the same?
In 2012, Barnet is faced with the biggest economic crisis since the second world war. The council, faced with budget pressures has embarked on a massive outsourcing program under the title of "One Barnet", which removes all democratic accountability, but keeps all the financial risk. They have sought to plug gaps in finances by bringing in a whole raft of parking charges, which threaten the very existence of the local High street.
The makers of "A Tale of Two Barnets" visited every part of the Borough and allowed the people of Barnet talk about their lives and their concerns in 2012. The film is stark and enlightening.
The film has received national acclaim. It has had the rare privilege of being shown at the House of Commons and has also been shown at the UNISON conference.
Earlier this year, Edinburgh rejected mass privatisation of council services after a successful trade union and community campaign. The people of Barnet face an even bigger threat. One that will put almost all of their services outwith their control for years to come.
Edinburgh UNISON is hosting this screening during the internationally acclaimed Edinburgh Festival as a small part of the campaign to build awareness of UNISON Barnet’s campaign and of the folly of the ‘One Barnet’ project.
A Tale of Two Barnets website
Barnet UNISON website
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