Government “still doesn’t have a plan” for giving families long-term financial security

Commenting on the government’s cost of living support package announced today (Thursday), TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Unions have repeatedly called for an Emergency Budget to help families, and a windfall tax on energy companies.

“The Chancellor should have acted far sooner after his inadequate Spring Statement. His dither and delay has caused unnecessary hardship and worry for millions.

“While today’s intervention is badly needed, we should have never been here in the first place.

“Years of attacks on wages and universal credit have left many households on the brink.

“The government still doesn’t have a plan for giving families long-term financial security.

“With energy bills rising 23 times faster than wages we urgently need to get pay packets rising and to pay universal credit at a permanently higher rate – not just a one-off boost.

“That’s the best way to protect livelihoods and to support the economy.”