Received from: NASUWT
Merged into composite C07
Congress condemns the austerity policies of the Conservative-led Westminster governments between 2010 and 2024. They created a profound crisis affecting all public services and the staff delivering them.
Congress notes the harm caused by fourteen years of substantial real-terms cuts which continue to impact adversely on children’s life chances and on the living standards, morale and wellbeing of our communities. In 2024, the country voted for real change and to end austerity.
Congress is dismayed that too many public buildings, including schools and hospitals, are in a dire state of repair.
Congress further asserts that real-terms cuts to spending on our public services and welfare system will reduce opportunity for our children and young people, further damaging life chances and hit the poorest hardest.
Congress calls on the General Council to:
i. campaign for full funding of our public services to ensure that schools, colleges and other frontline services can recruit and retain the staff needed to deliver the high-quality services that the public expects of the welfare state
ii. support the removal of opportunities for CEOs and corporations to exploit our public services for profit and to line their own pockets
iii. support a crack-down on tax avoidance and tax evasion
iv. campaign for the implementation of a progressive programme of wealth taxes
v. campaign to restore and expand welfare support for children and families in need
vi. campaign for capital budgets to be increased across the whole public sector to ensure buildings are safe and well-maintained.
NASUWT
AMENDMENT
Add new bullet after bullet vi.:
“vii. organise a national demonstration against austerity in spring 2026.”
National Education Union