“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.”
Are you a member and worried about the cost of living?
The cost of living crisis is a major concern for us all. That’s why we’ve put together advice on financial assistance, campaigns to get involved in and how you can use your MU membership to save money.
View our dedicated guidance page