Investment must be bigger to protect and strengthen valued public services

Local councils will need financial support to oversee building projects

Responding to the Prime Minister’s announcement today (Tuesday) of a “new deal” for capital investment in the UK, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:

“The pandemic has taken a massive toll on the economy and it’ll take a lot to get the country back on its feet.

“Investment in public services is the way forward. These moves are in the right direction but must be far bolder if they’re to do more than patch up the damage from a decade of cuts.

“The UK can’t simply build its way out of trouble while local authorities still have to shut local services like parks, libraries and children’s centres.

“The pandemic has made huge dents in council finances, and many are teetering on the edge. But their involvement will be key to every stage of any major project.

“The Covid outbreak has made everyone realise the value of public services. They’re at the heart of every community and must be protected and strengthened.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk