POLITICIANS must spell out the full implications of policies to cut public spending, the North West TUC says in a statement ahead of the Budget tomorrow (Wednesday).
Regional Secretary Alan Manning has called on politicians who want to cut spending to “spell out what they mean, and not hide behind phrases such as ‘efficiency savings’ and ‘protecting frontline services’.”
Mr Manning said: “This must be a Budget for growth, jobs and a better balanced economy that stops sucking up to the bankers and the finance sector and invests in productive industries and green jobs.
“The economy is too fragile to make cuts – except in the bonuses of the bankers who caused this recession.
“The Chancellor should make the finance sector pay to clear up the mess they made by introducing a Robin Hood tax on financial transactions.
“Our demand to the politicians is that if they call for cuts in spending they should spell out exactly what they mean and not hide behind phrases such as ‘efficiency savings’ and ‘protecting frontline services’.
“Genuine efficiency savings can always be part of managing public services. But cutting spending and then refusing to say what services will be cut is dishonest.
“Nor should anyone pretend that front-line services can be saved by hitting the back-office. If politicians cut support for public servants who work with the public, public servants will have to do the back-up work instead. That means doctors, nurses, police officers spending their time doing admin tasks that could be done by support staff.
“Public services are vital in a decent society – the future of the public sector is a crucial issue. We need an honest debate about them, not mealy-mouthed words and smokescreens.”
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'Proud to serve the public’ is a North West TUC campaign to protect and promote public services in our Region. We believe public services are a vital part of the North West economy. They create jobs, stimulate growth and... 
