Construction union UCATT will this week launch a political education campaign for UCATT members across Yorkshire in order to challenge the Government's cuts programme.

The event, one of a series throughout the country, is targeting activists in local government, especially in social housing. It is this group and the services they provide which will be the most severely affected by the Government's cuts.

The event titled "Cuts of Mass Destruction" will take place at Doncaster Trades, 19 South Mall, Frenchgate Centre, Doncaster DN1 1LL on Friday 26 November.

Speakers include: shadow chief whip Rosie Winterton MP, Linda McAvan MEP, Alan Ritchie General Secretary of UCATT, Bill Adams Regional Secretary of Yorkshire TUC, and John Thompson President of UCATT.


Steve Murphy, Regional Secretary of UCATT's Yorkshire Region, said: "Workers in local government and social housing are increasingly finding themselves at the sharp end of the Coalitions’ cuts. It is vital that workers understand what the Con-Dem cuts will entail and what effect they will have on communities and on jobs."

Under the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review local authorities will have their funding reduced by 28% by 2015. A situation made worse by the Government’s announcement that Council Tax will be frozen in 2011.

The situation in social housing is of even greater concern. Funding for new social housing has been cut by over 60%. In future new tenancies will be temporary and set at 80% of market rates.

Mr Murphy, added: "The Government is systemically redrawing society, which will most adversely affect the poorest and most vulnerable. It is essential that workers and communities understand the true nature of the cuts and work together in order to oppose them."

(CD)