Unite tells the STUC that the SNP's freeze on council tax will harm the most vulnerable in society

21 April 2008

Unite the union, Scotland's biggest union, will warn Finance Minister, John Swinney that the SNP's manifesto pledge to freeze council tax will harm the most vulnerable in society.

John Swinney is speaking at the STUC conference this afternoon and Unite will urge the conference to oppose any cuts in voluntary sector funding which the SNP proposes to use to fund a council tax freeze.

Unite Regional Secretary, John Quigley says, "The SNP's manifesto pledge to freeze council taxes will harm the most vulnerable in society. Hundreds of jobs and thousands of services supporting the most disadvantaged communities will be lost. This policy must be opposed.

The voluntary sector is a core part of Scottish community life. 50,000 voluntary groups bring together around one million volunteers and 100,000 paid staff; all seeking to make Scotland a better place. The sector generates over £2 billion a year to spend in our communities."

A recent study revealed that almost three quarters of health charities across Scotland have warned that they have no funding beyond this month and may have to close.

The SNP- Lib Dem controlled Aberdeen City Council has decided to make £27 million worth of cuts as well as introduce a council tax freeze. These cuts have led to volunteers and staff losing £900,00 in funding with at least four projects under threat.

In response to the Aberdeen City Council cuts, the First Minister said: "How the council goes forward is a matter for Aberdeen Council." Unite believes that this SNP logic is an attempt to shift the blame to local authorities.

John Quigley added, "Shifting the blame is unacceptable. First Minister, accept your responsibility. We will oppose these cuts which are affecting the most vulnerable in our society. The cuts are a result of your administration's budget. As trade unions, we will be the workers defence."