Unison members and supporters in central Edinburgh have come together to launch a campaign, entitled ‘Our City’s not for sale’, in protest of the city council’s ‘alternative business models’, it has been reported.

Attempts to reduce costs in areas such as customer service, catering, cleaning and grounds maintenance are the driving force behind council plans to use joint ventures and strategic partnerships, according to The Guardian in Edinburgh.

John Stevenson, President of Edinburgh's UNISON branch told The Guardian the move could cost the council more money, not less: "The only way that you can get cheaper services by farming them out is cheaper wages and poorer service conditions" he said.

"And your tax, instead of paying for services, is paying for a private company’s profits."