Commenting on today’s UK budget, UNISON Cymru regional secretary Jess Turner said today (Wednesday):
“Scrapping the two-child benefit cap is a hugely significant step and will be warmly welcomed across Wales. UNISON has long campaigned for its abolition because of the unacceptably high levels of child poverty in Welsh communities.
“Removing the cap will help families most in need and shows a real intention to tackle this issue.
“There’s also some financial relief for households with the measures to limit rises in energy bills. Using policy levers to drive down essential costs is vital when so many people continue to struggle with everyday expenses. But these steps only go so far.
“To make real progress, those with the broadest shoulders should pay their fair share.
“Keeping pace with the soaring cost of living is still a struggle and most people want to stop feeling poorer.
“Although this budget is an important step in reducing poverty, Wales needs greater funding if essential services are to be rebuilt and workers supported properly.
“With Labour governments at either end of the M4, much more could be done.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Jim Poulter M: 07904 342511 E: j.poulter@unison.co.uk