Chancellor's spending plans are toxic, says TUC

date: 26 June 2013

embargo: For immediate release

Responding to today's (Wednesday) Comprehensive Spending Review TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said: 'This is a toxic mix of bad economics, nasty politics and dishonest presentation.

'The last thing our struggling economy needs is further cuts to spending to try to close a deficit made worse by the Chancellor's earlier cuts. When the medicine is not working and side effects are choking the patient you need a change in treatment not more of the same.

'Many services will be hard hit. Worst of all is a new attack on some of the most vulnerable in our society through the seven day wait and other conditions for social security payments. The Chancellor may think attacks on welfare go down well with voters, but these will lead to parents not having enough cash to feed their children.

'And for all the talk of new investment, the truth is that the overall capital spend in 2015 will be exactly the same as the Chancellor forecast in his Budget earlier this year.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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