November 23, 2015 1.17 pm This story is over 99 months old

Lincoln union members to protest against ‘savage’ cuts to public services

Union protest: Trade unionists will hold a protest in Lincoln city centre on Wednesday, campaigning against further cuts to public services.

Lincoln trade unionists have announced their plans for a protest in the city centre against cuts to public services on Wednesday, November 25.

The protest called by Lincoln & District TUC will take place from 1pm in front of the War Memorial on High Street, shortly after Chancellor George Osborne delivers his Autumn Statement in the House of Commons.

Unions fear that the Chancellor will announce further cuts to the public sector, which they believe could lead to tens of thousands of additional job losses.

Police cuts as high as 20% by 2020 are possible after analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said the Home Office could have to cut 27% overall.

Changes to tax credits may be introduced and HM Revenue and Customs is being asked to make savings of 21% by 2020.

As previously reported, HMRC has announced that 137 offices, including two in Lincoln, will close in a bid to save £100 million by 2025.

Further cuts to council budgets are also possible in the statement but an additional £12 billion will be spent on defence equipment and support over the next decade, including a 10-year extension to the operational lifespan of RAF Typhoon jets.

Nick Parker, Secretary of Lincoln & District TUC

Nick Parker, Secretary of Lincoln & District TUC

Nick Parker, Secretary of Lincoln & District TUC, said: “If George Osborne has his way, the public services that our forefathers fought to create will be devastated.

“This means more savage cuts to provision of vital services in Lincolnshire, on top of already brutal cuts to our libraries, our fire and rescue services, our NHS and social care for elderly and disabled people.

“We say enough is enough. Austerity has to end before it destroys all the gains made through decades of struggle by ordinary working-class people.

“Join our protest on Wednesday and let’s send a message to George Osborne that we demand an end to cuts and austerity.”