The cost of living crisis

the long version

"The research in this book is drawn from two booklets published by the Trade Union Co-ordinating Group. These are nine, largely politically unaffiliated unions that have campaigned vigorously against government policy on behalf of their own members and the wider public. Author Michael Calderbank, who led the Unions' research, examines why costs have risen for all items of expenditure, ranging from housing and child care to food and transport. He makes practical proposals on how these costs can be reduced. He also delivers an uncompromising message to the leaders of all mainstream Westminster Parties: it is time to end the politics of austerity, an ideological project to cut the size of the state permanently. A positive programme must replace austerity, with priority given to defending the public services, curbing excessive profits, taxing the obscenely rich and, at the same time, stimulating the economy by increasing the spending power of all wage earners."--Back cover.