TACKLING inequality has been placed firmly on the Labour Party’s agenda with the addition of a new shadow cabinet role.

Along with his shadow strategic planning portfolio, Coun Jim Robbins, who represents the Mannington and Western ward, has been tasked with looking at inequality in Swindon and the impact it is having on the town.

He said: “I’m really pleased to have been given this opportunity to work across departments to better understand the impact that the cuts are having on the town.”

He stressed the need to work towards making “joined-up decisions that will limit the negative impacts of inequality and help people build a better future".

“For example, I know that the decisions made by the housing team can have impacts on other areas such education, children’s services and health. The financial cuts being placed on the NHS and other services also cause huge issues for people.”

Labour Group leader Jim Grant said he was keen to have a spokesman looking at all areas of inequality and developing policy that would look to reduce it.

He said: "I’m really keen to hear from residents if they feel they are being treated unfairly and to see what we can do to improve their situation.

"I’m looking to Jim Robbins to work across the usual policy areas and see if there are areas where one issue is having a big impact on another area.”

Coun Robbins added: “I’d like to hear from people about the issues they face. Please get in touch: jrobbins@swindon.gov.uk.”