Commenting on the chancellor’s speech today (Tuesday) ahead of the forthcoming budget, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“The UK’s public services are in a terrible state because of austerity and cuts. There can be no going back.
“The gloomy economic outlook demands a fiscal reset. That means raising taxes for those most able to pay more, and not those already struggling to pay their bills.
“It’s time for a wealth tax. And to start making big businesses and giant multinationals pay their fair share.
“Rachel Reeves is right to recognise the need to invest in the NHS, the police, schools, care and other essential local services.
“Boosting public spending on services would help deliver the economic growth that’s so far refusing to return. And bring about the change people were promised and expect.”
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