Today, the Chancellor, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP announced the government’s plans for the upcoming months as part of the autumn statement. With the spiralling cost-of-living, and working people too often being forced to choose between heating their homes and eating, this statement comes at a crucial time.
Responding to the statement, Kate Dearden, Head of Research, Policy and External Relations at Community, said:
“Working people are seeing essential public services their communities rely on collapsing after years of cuts. They are working harder than ever, yet are left with less money in their pockets. Their mortgage payments, rent, weekly shopping and household bills are going through the roof.
What working people needed today was for the government to step up and propose concrete solutions to the difficulties they face. But at this crucial time, they failed to deliver anything substantial to help people through the crisis.
It should not be hard working people like our members who pay the price for the government’s dangerous games with the economy.
Instead of repeating failed experiments of austerity, the government should be investing in our communities and industries. Without a proper plan for the future and the funding to match it, vital industries like our steel industry could be gone forever.
Simply – with this autumn statement, the government have let down working people and communities once again.”
If you are a member of Community and need advice or support, please contact our Service Centre at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.
© Community Trade Union 2023