Date: Thursday 9 Feb 2012
UNISON
Scotland has called for a review of local government funding to prevent further loss of vital
local services and job following news of local council budgets approved across
Scotland today.
Mike
Kirby, UNISON’s Scottish Secretary said:
“These
are tough times for local government, and for those employed to provide vital
services in local communities.
“In
the space of a year, the number of people working to deliver council services has
declined by over thirteen thousand. Today’s budgets will mean thousands more
jobs will go.
“Everyday
all of us use the services provided by local government. Many people don’t even notice them, we take
them for granted, but they matter most when they’re not there.”
“Workers
are also facing a pay freeze at a time of rising costs. We welcome commitments
to living wage, but this must apply also to those working for agencies
providing services. Councils can ensure contract compliance with living wage.”
“Public
services offer great value for money. But they must be paid for. Continuing the
council tax freeze is not right, not fair, in that it’s a real terms cut for
the wealthiest home owners.
It’s
damaging to local democracy, to jobs and to services. Simply removing the
freeze is not the answer. We call for a wider revue of funding services.”
“We
hope elections in May will bring a much-needed focus on the importance of local
government and the range of essential services it provides. UNISON welcomes the
fact that elections to local government are no longer overshadowed by the Scottish
Parliament election.“
ENDS
Note to editors
1. UNISON is Scotland’s largest trade union representing over 160,000 members working in the public sector in Scotland, including staff in local government areas.
1. UNISON is Scotland’s largest trade union representing over 160,000 members working in the public sector in Scotland, including staff in local government areas.
2. The UNISON Scotland Manifesto for the Scottish
Local Government election is available on our website www.unison-scotland.org.uk
.
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