Andrea Egan: Burnham Won't Deliver His Agenda Without a Fight
The General Secretary of UNISON responds to the Budget, calling on the government to grip the reins of the economy and stand up to profiteers.
TL;DR
- The recent budget's uplift in mileage rates was made permanent, a long-standing demand of UNISON members.
- The economic outlook is bleak, with energy bills set to rise significantly and living standards projected to fall.
- UNISON criticizes the government's focus on foreign wars over investment in public services and infrastructure.
- The article calls for a higher bank surcharge than the one implemented, advocating for a 16% rate.
- Radical measures are needed in the spring spending review to address the fundamental causes of economic hardship.
- Proposed solutions include reforming the tax system, ending profiteering from public services through outsourcing, and taking water, energy, and mail into public ownership.
- Implementing these changes, though difficult and facing opposition, is presented as the only way for Labour to transform the country and benefit the working class.