Response by Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition. TUSC is standing candidates in Ancoats and Clayton, Ardwick, Baguley, Chorton, Fallowfield, Moss Side and Sharston.
Cuts in Manchester
In 2010 Manchester City Councillors voted through £180 million cuts. These have already had a devastating impact on jobs and services and the lives of thousands of the most vulnerable people in Manchester. The City Treasurer estimates further cuts of between £55m and £80m for 2013/14/15. Will you vote against these cuts if you are elected?
Yes, of course!
All candidates standing for the Trades Unionist and Socialist Coalition are mandated to vote against budget cuts if we are elected.
Voting against cuts is the central platform on which we stand.
Tax evasion
Given that every year 120 billion pounds is lost in tax evasion, and only 1 billion is lost through benefit fraud, would you support a clamp down on tax evasion and closing tax loopholes?
Yes.
Many of the very corporations and banks that are tax evaders run businesses in Manchester. As Councillors we would visit these firms to seek assurances and ask for action plans that will ensure that tax evasion is eradicated. The ‘I Love Manchester’ publicity should not be extended to tax evading companies in a City that tops the league table for ‘severe child poverty.’
ATOS
Atos currently has a £100m a year contract with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to carry out examinations for disability benefits. The Atos testing system has already led to people with terminal illnesses and severe medical conditions being declared ‘fit for work’ and having benefits removed. Tragically some people with mental health problems and other conditions have committed suicide as a result of the decisions made by Atos and the stress involved with the process. 70% of Atos decisions declaring disabled people as ‘fit for work’ are overturned on appeal.
Do you support the campaign to end the contract with Atos?
Yes. Our Cllrs would join protests that demand the end of the ATOS contract.
Will you protect other vital services for disabled people that are threatened by the council cuts?
Yes. Some of the Council’s £190 million reserves should be used to help those most at risk and hurt by the cuts.
Do you oppose the closure of the Remploy factories?
Yes
Remploy factories should stay open and expanded to provide realistic work opportunities to those who want to voluntarily work.
Manchester Fire Services
The Fire Brigades Union are campaigning against cuts to the fire service. Manchester is the biggest borough and almost wholly consists of very high and high risk wards. 34% of all wards will have to wait longer for a fire engine seven of these wards are high risk. There will be a 7% cut in fire engines with night time cover being reduced at Moss Side. Crew sizes will also be reduced and this will give rise to safety concerns for both crews and public.
Do you support the campaign to Save Our Fire Service?
Absolutley. The planned further cuts that are yet to be announced must be vigourously opposed
Public sector strikes
Millions of people have taken, and continue to support the need for, strike action to oppose the government’s austerity package.
Will you support future strike action?
Yes. Trades Unionist and Socialist Coalition candidates will be building for the strikes, and supporting picket lines.
Do you support the Unite health workers strike on 10th May?
Yes. More trades unionists should be encouraged to join the action on May 10th, and future strikes over pension cuts.
Academies
In Chorlton there is a high profile campaign against Chorlton High School being converted to an academy.
Are you opposed to the academy scheme?
We oppose the entire Academy program, it is a stepping stone to the privatisation of the school system.
Will you support the campaign?
As well as support the campaign, our candidates are active, along side others, in the Anti Academies Alliance.
War
According to recent figures the British government has spent £20.34billion on military operations alone in Iraq and Afghanistan, not including soldiers’ salaries or healthcare.
Do you oppose the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Yes. All troops should be brought home from Afghanistan immeadiately
Will you oppose Britain supporting an attack on Iran?
We are opposed and active in opposition to any attack on Iran, or on sanctions against Iran.
Campaigning against cuts
What campaigns have you been involved with to oppose the cuts?
Our candidates have been involved in a variety of ways, depending on their personal circumstances and employment situation.
Mark Krantz : Manchester Chorlton
I have campaigned over cuts to the Library Service, the Youth Service, Metal Health Service as well as Social Care cuts. I have actively supported those striking against pension cuts.
I help with the orgainisation and the initiatives of the Manchester Coalition Against Cuts.
As an activist with the Right to Work Campaign I was chief steward working with the NW TUC organising the March For An Alternative! anti-Tory demonstration last October.
With Defend the Right to Protest I have supported those who have faced charges arising from anti cuts protests.
