Speak out against cuts

The government's online 'consultation' on spending cuts has entered a new phase. People are now being asked to vote on suggestions submitted to the Treasury spending challenge website.

The coalition wants people to vote for the 'best' idea on how to cut public spending and public services.

Many see this as a way to claim public support for cuts that neither the Conservatives nor Liberal Democrats have an electoral mandate for - cuts that will damage our local communities and throw people out of work in the public and private sector.

We want to challenge the government's programme of devastating cuts and show that there is an alternative to the coalition's small state austerity agenda.

That's why we're asking you to vote for suggestions that tackle the deficit, but help protect services.

Our favourite suggestion on the Spending Challenge website, and the one we'd really like you to vote for, is:
Don't cut public sector jobs

UNISON has drawn up a list of other suggestions from the website. If you'd like to make sure the government has to consider them, please vote for:

• Renationalise rail
• Stop all outsourcing
• Scrap Trident
• Support green workplace reps
• Raise taxes to fund an anti-evasion drive
• Make the banks cover the cost of the crisis
• Support public services, introduce a Robin Hood Tax and cut Trident
• Engage staff and trade unions

Invite others to take this action:

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Subject:	Speak out against cuts
*Message: (required)	Hi, UNISON has drawn up a list of suggestions to vote for from the government's spending challenge website. If you'd like to make sure the government has to consider them, please visit: http://action.unison.org.uk/savingchallenge And vote for as many as you can. If you haven't already done it, sign up to the Million Voices for Public Services campaign: http://million-voices.org
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While you're online, go to the Robin Hood Tax Saving Challenge site to talk about what needs to be saved rather than what vital services should be cut.

Finally, On September 29 and in the week of 18 October there will be events happening across the UK as part of our campaign to defend public services.

There is also a lobby of parliament on 19 October in Westminster or you can lobby your MP locally.

In Scotland, there will be an STUC demonstration on 23 October.

Contact your UNISON regional office to find out what is planned in your area and how you can help get our message out to UNISON members, potential members and local communities.