Strikers biting the hand that feeds them
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Subsidised strikers
The new year has begun in the same way the old one finished - with railway workers on strike once again! With unions demanding massive pay increases, our research team took a look at just how much the taxpayer is already paying for this failing service.
Our team shockingly revealed ([link removed]) that rail subsidies since the beginning of the COVID pandemic will have cost a massive ÂŁ42 billion by March 2023. This means that every taxpayer in the land is on the hook for a mega ÂŁ1,300!
The average subsidy per journey will be ÂŁ7.51, more than the actual average fare of ÂŁ6.12!
Clearly, with rail usage unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels anytime soon, any pay increases over and above forecast average earnings will have to be met by taxpayers through an increased subsidy.
Our research led the reaction ([link removed]) to the strikes in some of Britain’s top newspapers ([link removed]) , featuring in their leader columns as editors expressed their utter shock at our figures
As our head of research, Phil Basey, put it: “For years taxpayers have been covering the costs of the rail industry, yet militant union bosses are now biting the hand that feeds them.”
We’re urging ministers to stand firm and protect taxpayers in upcoming pay deals. But we can only keep up the fight with your help. Click here to chip in and support our campaign. ([link removed])
Inclusive prisons
A TPA investigation has exposed over £11 million was spent on equality, diversity, and inclusion staff in His Majesty’s prisons over the last two years. Our findings showed that, on average, prisons employ 1.5 diversity staff, but eight had three in 2021/22.
Slamming the infuriating sums, TPA investigations manager, Elliot Keck, told The Times ([link removed]) : “This looks like an open and shut case of misplaced priorities costing the taxpayer a pretty penny. While prisons have statutory obligations on equality and diversity, they shouldn’t need multiple staff devoted to the task.”
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John O’Connell, our chief executive, spoke to LBC’s Nick Ferrari ([link removed]) and explained that, whilst prisons need to abide by the 2010 Equalities Act: “We see a lot of issues to do with drugs in prisons; violence, not enough staff on the wings relative to the number of prisoners…every moment spent looking at issues that aren't necessarily core priorities is pennies taken away from the front line service.”
The investigation caused quite a stir, with Times columnists poring over the figures ([link removed]) . Prisons should be focusing on keeping lags in line, not creating right-on roles in an already bloated public sector!
TaxPayers' Alliance in the news
Empty offices
With the news that nine out of ten Welsh civil servants are still working from home, Elliot joined Nigel Farage on GB News to talk about the situation.
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Elliot called out Mark Drakeford, telling viewers ([link removed]) : “How on earth Welsh civil servants, on very good pay, working from home nine days out of ten brings benefits to local businesses is absolutely beyond me”.
Highlighting the costly offices going to waste, John took to the pages of the Telegraph ([link removed]) saying: “If the Welsh government is insistent on its staff working from home, then taxpayers will wonder why they are underwriting expensive office space that is sitting empty.”
Civil service - the director's cut
When civil servants do make their way into the office, another TPA investigation ([link removed]) shows they’re not exactly fully focused on fulfilling their roles. As reported in the Telegraph, at least 4,413 Whitehall staff spent 4,100 hours attending film clubs, parties, and talks in the last two years.
Blasting the ridiculous indulgences, Elliot said: “Whitehall bosses must cut out these endless events and get bureaucrats back at their desks.”
Change of culture
Reports this week confirmed Michelle Donelan, the culture secretary, has wasted no time in u-turning on the previous government’s plans to privatise Channel 4, in a betrayal of one the Tories’ landmark broadcasting promises..
Our digital campaign manager, Joe Ventre, shot straight back and explained to Mail readers ([link removed]) : “Not only could selling off the broadcaster be a boon for the public finances in tough times, but it would allow the channel to become truly competitive in the digital age.”
TPA research ([link removed]) has shown the merits of selling off the second state broadcaster. It’s high time ministers stood up to the self-serving luvvies and ended this anachronism once and for all!
Blog of the week
With the new year came speeches from Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer, each looking to set out their agenda for the year ahead. But was there any hope for taxpayers, or was it more of the status quo? ([link removed])
Our new media campaign manager, Conor Holohan, takes a look at what was said and it’s fair to say, he’s not convinced. As Conor says in his blog ([link removed]) , “If our leaders want us to be inspired by their visions for the year ahead, taxpayers deserve better than that.”
War on Waste
There will be few people who object to the planting of trees. They’re good for the environment and they can add much needed beauty to local areas
Sadly, whilst councils have spent ÂŁ11 million planting new trees, in some areas, 90 per cent of those planted have died ([link removed]) ! Rather than rushing to plant as many trees as possible to brandish their eco credentials, local authorities should take better care of the ones already in the ground.
Please send me your examples of wasteful public sector spending (mailto:
[email protected]?subject=re.%20Weekly%20bulletin)
Benjamin Elks
Fundraising, Operations, and Events assistant
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