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MU Joins Calls for Emergency Budget

The Union also supports Labour’s proposal to freeze energy bills, which are currently due to increase in October and again in January.

Published: 17 August 2022 | 12:32 PM
Electricity meter with one pound coins in front. Concept for energy supplier, high bills, price rise, cost of living, inflation and fuel poverty.
“We call on the Government to look at proposals made by the TUC and the Labour Party, amongst others, and call an emergency budget immediately". Image credit: Shutterstock.

The MU has joined the Labour Party, the TUC, numerous charities and other bodies in calling for the Government to bring forward an emergency budget at the earliest opportunity to address the spiralling cost of living crisis.

We have also welcomed the Labour Party’s proposals to freeze energy bills, which were set out this week. Under the proposals, the energy price cap would be frozen at the current level, meaning a planned 80% rise in October, taking the average household bill to about £3,600, would not happen. This would be funded in part by an increased windfall tax on energy companies.

Comments from the General Secretary

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl says:

‘Whilst everyone is currently feeling the pinch, musicians are amongst some of the workers who were worst hit during the pandemic and the spiralling cost of living crisis coming so soon after is causing real financial issues for many of our members.

“More than half of our members did not benefit from furlough or from the self-employed assistance (SEISS) during the COVID 19 crisis, so for the Government to use the money spent during the pandemic as an excuse for lack of action now is particularly galling.

“We call on the Government to look at proposals made by the TUC and the Labour Party, amongst others, and call an emergency budget immediately.”

 

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