LEFT-wing writer and Guardian columnist Owen Jones will be in Swindon on March 5 for a Question Time-style event discussing the Government’s austerity measures and their effects.

The Swindon People’s Assembly has organised the event and is keen for people to attend and ask questions about austerity cuts and the alternatives.

Owen, who has written several books, including Chavs And The Establishment: And How They Get Away With It.

He was also a confidant of comedian Russell Brand during the writing of his controversial manifesto for change, Revolution, and will join the Swindon event alongside a raft of notable voices and experts.

Comedian and activist Francesca Martinez, chairman of Swindon Churches Together, Rev Mark Barrett, Rosie McGregor, the chairman of the South West TUC and Sam Fairbairn, the national secretary of the People's Assembly Against Austerity, will complete the top table.

“This will be a lively and informative evening, discussing what austerity actually means for people and what the alternatives are,” said Kate Linnegar from the Swindon People’s Assembly.

“There are many things to bear in mind; the rise in foodbank use and homelessness in Swindon, the announcement by the leader of the council David Renard that we face £70m in budget cuts in the next three years which could put vital services at risk, the rise in zero hours contracts and the number of people being sanctioned, the lack of affordable housing, the closure of children’s centres, the privatisation of the NHS and the tendency to blame immigrants and the unemployed for the financial cuts.

“Come along and ask your questions.”

The event will take place at the Gorsehill Community Centre, in Chapel Street, on Thursday, March 5, getting under way at 6.30pm, running to 8pm.

Tickets, available from www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/swindon-peoples-assembly-question-time-tickets-15554242157, are free, but a donation of £5 is suggested.

For more information call 01793 522824 or email peoplesassemblyswindon@gmx.co.uk.

Questions can also be submitted via the email address or when registering for tickets.