The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) is calling on the Chancellor to resist pressure from employer lobbyists and the super wealthy and use Budget 2008 to implement real change aimed at establishing a taxation system that is fair and equitable.
Grahame Smith, STUC General Secretary said:
“In recent years, the STUC’s annual Budget Submission has recommended action over a very wide range of public policy areas; from science and innovation to public services and pensions. However, in our 2008 submission, the STUC has deliberately confined its detailed comments to two key issues: taxation and public sector pay.
“The STUC believes that Budget 2008 must start to make progress towards a fiscal framework that is truly fit for purpose. The system is currently failing workers, particularly the low paid, and the complex and opaque business tax regime provides far too many opportunities for evasion and avoidance.
“Driving down public sector pay is, contrary to Treasury assertions, irrelevant when it comes to tackling current inflationary pressures. Indeed, reducing demand side pressures through keeping pay low is only likely to exacerbate the economic downturn this year and beyond. Whatever has happened up until now, the STUC calls on the Chancellor to use this Budget for a new approach to public sector pay. Central to this approach must be full respect by the Government for the integrity of independent pay review bodies”.
ENDS
The STUC Budget submission can be downloaded here
For further information contact
Stephen Boyd 0141 337 8100