BURY Action Group is spearheading a protest over proposals which could see all local authority services provided by voluntary groups, charities and even the private sector.

They have launched a petition against Bury Council’s draft transformation strategy, which focuses on changes affecting the delivery of services.

One of the programme commitments states: “Each review will consider a range of options for providing the service in the future. These include stopping the service, working with partners, self-management by community or voluntary groups, volunteering and commissioning to secure best value.”

The proposals have already been labelled “privatisation” by Bury South MP Ivan Lewis and there are fears the strategy could lead to “blanket outsourcing”.

Bury Action Group is urging people to oppose the plans before the consultation period surrounding the Transforming Bury draft strategy closes on Sunday.

Group member, George Heron, said: “The key idea is the council will start its review by assuming it will not directly deliver services.

“Those services which are not cut will be provided by private firms or voluntary groups.”

Group chairman Sue Arnall added: “Each council service will be put to the test over the next few months — and we will be watching, making things public and criticising every false move by the council.”

Leader of Bury Council, Cllr Bob Bibby, has said: “This doesn’t mean closing down services overnight but we have to look at the survival of the council.”

l The draft strategy went before Bury Council’s overview management committee on Tuesday and will go forward to a meeting of the full council on March 30 for approval.