Media contact: Taxpayers Against Poverty📧  taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com 🌐  www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk London 9 November 2025 - As rumours swirl about the contents of the upcoming UK Budget, due to be announced on 26 November , Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP)  warns that early speculation points to half-hearted measures  — precisely the kind of sticking-plaster politics  Britain can no longer afford. Despite a new government promising change, the expected tweaks and token gestures will not touch the structural causes of poverty, inequality, and high living costs. TAP calls instead for bold, systemic reform : a fair tax system that targets extreme wealth , not working families, and reinvests the proceeds  into the public services that form the backbone of a fair society. “If the government wants to make a real difference to people’s lives, it must stop treating the symptoms of inequality and start tackling its causes,” said Tom Burgess, CEO Taxpayers Against Poverty .“Half measures won’t repair a broken system. Britain needs the courage to tax vast unearned wealth and use it to rebuild opportunity — through education, health, social care, and infrastructure that serve everyone, not just the privileged few.” TAP’s analysis, drawn from its forthcoming Nicolson Report: The Poverty Scandal , shows that the cost of poverty already runs into hundreds of billions each year  — through lost productivity, higher NHS demand, and the social toll of inequality. Yet the real price is human : millions struggling to afford food, rent, or heating, while a tiny minority accumulate fortunes that grow untaxed. TAP urges the Chancellor and Cabinet to reject short-term fixes and instead design a Budget grounded in fairness, long-term vision, and compassion . By addressing the root causes of inequality through wealth taxation and public investment, the government can begin to reduce the cost of living , lift families out of hardship , and restore trust in politics . “A truly compassionate government doesn’t tinker — it transforms,” Burgess added. “This Budget must be the moment Britain chooses a fairer path.” ENDS Media contact: Taxpayers Against Poverty📧  taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com 🌐  www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk About Taxpayers Against Poverty Taxpayers against Poverty  is a UK-based independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and social injustice by promoting economic policies that have a direct effect on reducing poverty and the unnecessary financial hardship. TAP seeks to influence national and local policy with well-researched and robust evidence of hardship and promote practical policy proposals using a direct approach to decision makers and other influencers.   TAP was founded by the late Rev Paul Nicolson and is led by Tom Burgess, author of From Here to Prosperity ,  a new political agenda for a sustainable economy and greater social justice, which proposes taxing wealth more and income less.   TAP’s sister organisation and partner is Compassion in Politics   which seeks to bring more honesty, respect and compassion into political life   For media inquiries, interviews, or to support our campaigns, please contact: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against Poverty  taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk   www.realagenda.org Partner & sister organisation: www.compassioninpolitics.com

Reeves' pre-Budget speech fails to rule out tax rises - BBC News Rachel Reeves refuses to rule out tax rises as autumn budget looms | Economic policy | The Guardian by Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against Poverty 6 November 2025 The Chancellor’s televised speech at Downing Street this week, in which she refused to rule out tax rises, shows the government is desperate to frame the news agenda and prepare voters and the markets for what’s coming in the budget later this month. Rachel Reeve’s said in early morning press conference on Tuesday, that “each of us must do our bit” for the country’s future. The UK economy is stagnating. So, to fill a £30bn gap, Rachel Reeves now seems set to break key Labour manifesto pledges, not to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT. But there is another option, one that would be much fairer, and is popular with the UK public: a wealth tax. Introducing a 2% tax on assets above £10m would raise up to £25bn annually to invest in health, housing, education and infrastructure. Polling shows the idea is consistently popular with the public. And the people most likely to pay the tax, millionaires, also support the idea. Here at Taxpayers Against Poverty, we want to reduce poverty and inequality, through practical and fair economic policies. We believe that one of the clearest ways to do this is by modernising the tax system so that wealth is taxed more, and income is taxed less. Nearly 50 MPs have now signed Early Day Motion 1725, which calls for the government to consider proposals for a fair wealth tax, ahead of the budget. Privately many more Labour MPs have been telling us they support the principle of a wealth tax, but are prevented from publicly adding their name, due to a party diktat on signing EDMs or pledges. The government seems intent on preventing open discussion of the merits of a fair wealth tax, despite its popularity amongst the public and its own MPs. And by doing so, it is missing a golden opportunity to genuinely reform the UK’s outdated tax system: reform that would see excessive wealth accumulated by the few, but created by us all, is reinvested in our country to reduce poverty and inequality and boost economic growth.

By Sylvie Rouhani Deputy Editor, Taxpayers Against Poverty - October 2025   With the cost of living crisis, the cuts on Winter Fuel Allowance, poor housing, and ever increasing energy prices, millions of individuals are in fuel poverty in the UK. Most people can not afford to keep warm and are living in fear of repercussions, while energy companies’ CEO enjoy high bonuses and financial success.   The definition of “fuel poverty” and how it is measured. Fuel Poverty is when a household can not afford to pay increasing energy bills. As a result, individuals are not able to keep their home sufficiently warm, and they often are in debts with energy companies.   National Energy Action  explains : The definition of fuel poverty that we use is that a household is in fuel poverty if it needs to spend 10% or more of its income on energy in order to maintain a satisfactory heating regime.” The government measures it, using the Low Income, Low Energy Efficiency (LILEE)  definition to measure fuel poverty in the UK (Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland use other definitions) For an household to be classified as fuel poor, it needs to meet 2 criteria: i)                Low energy efficiency. This includes all households with a Fuel Poverty Energy Efficiency Rating (FPEER) of band D or below. ii)              Low income. This includes all households whose residual household income would be below the official poverty line if they were to spend their modelled energy costs. However, Fuel Poverty Action declares that the LILEE definition distorts the real number of households in fuel poverty as it does not consider the ever increasing energy prices. To measure fuel poverty three factors, need to be included: 1.    Household income: as a results of the “Cost of Living Crisis”: the ever rising prices of food and rent, as well as a decline in financial support and of adequate wages, more and more household struggle to pay their energy bills, and go without heating and hot water. 2.    Energy prices: the “Energy crisis” started in 2021 and, since, fuel cost have been unstable, causing many instabilities. Part of the “Cost of Living Crisis,” the energy crisis is pushing the most financially vulnerable into further poverty. The most recent estimate of six million people living in fuel poverty, in the UK. 3.    Fuel Poverty Energy Efficiency Rating (FPEER) To be classified as fuel poor, a household needs to a Band D, and above, rating. Unfortunately, it does not account for the households in Band C and below, impacted by the cost of living crisis. FPEER is based on the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) meaning, prices are predicted rather than on who much energy costumers use.   “The SAP methodology details an approach to calculating how much energy is required to meet a standardised heating regime (e.g. heating the home for 2 hours in the morning and 7 hours in the evening on weekdays) to achieve prescribed indoor temperatures (e.g. 21°C in the main living area and 18°C elsewhere) in the dwelling being assessed. In addition, standardised assumptions are used about the amount of lighting required.” (Department of Energy & Climate Change – Fuel Poverty Energy Efficiency Rating Methodology) What started the fuel poverty crisis? ·      In July 1986 , former Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher announced the privatisation of energy fuel providers. She assumed privatisation equalled efficiency and that it will push competitors to keep their prices low. Unfortunately, privatisation created a space for high profit margins for CEO of the main energy suppliers. ·      More recently, a fuel crisis started on the 1 st  of October 2021, when Ofgem  increased the Price Cap (“ The maximum amount energy suppliers can charge you for each unit of energy and standing charge if you're on a standard variable tariff”. )  from £1,138 to £1, 277, with a 50% increase in the wholesale of gas price. The number of households living in fuel poverty reached to 4.5 million. ·      Another driving factor was the invasion of Ukraine, by Russia, which drove the fuel prices to increase. ·      On 1 st April 2022,  Ofgem announces further increase of the Price Cap, a rise of 54%, National Energy Action  estimated that 6.5 million households were pushed into fuel poverty. ·      On 1 st October 2022 , NEA, 6.7 million households were in fuel poverty, with an approximate annual energy bill of £2 500. ·      Up until 2025 , the Price Cap has been increasing and decreasing on a regular basis. Subsequent governments have issued “Home Warm Discount” and extra financial support towards energy bill, during the Covid 19 pandemic, and the lockdowns, for millions of UK citizens but, all were temporary, and not enough. ·      As of July 2025 , household pay an average £1,720 a year on energy bills. There are ten million households live in fuel poverty, in the UK.   Greed and profits Ofgem, first established to monitor energy prices, is letting costumers down by increasing energy bills 77%, since 2021. Whilst customers can no longer afford to pay their energy bills, Fuel Poverty Action  gives the following figures: -       “20 energy companies have made  over £500 billion  since the start of the energy crisis, enough to build more than  1000 hospitals -       British Gas owner Centrica’s CEO Chris O’Shea DOUBLED his pay in 2024 to a distorted  £8.2 million While millions are suffering as a result of high fees, CEOs enjoy financial success and power. How is the energy crisis impacted UK citizens? The most affected by the energy crises and its prices increases are the most vulnerable in our society: the poor, the sick, people with disabilities and the elderly. Keir Starmer first proposed to cut the Winter Fuel Allowance for all pensioners but now, has decided that only those earning £35000 or less, will be eligible to for the WFA, which is estimated to leave two million pensioners missing out. Families can no longer keep their houses warm, impacting the health of millions of children. Mould and damp are serious problems impacting over 30 000 children in the UK. All the financial support put in place during the COVID-19, and its subsequent lockdowns, have all been stopped, while energy prices keep going up. Those suffering with chronic illnesses needs to keep warm and some might be dependent on medical equipment and might need to forgo food to keep alive. They are left is desperate and life threatening situation. In winter 2024, 4 950 individuals  died as a results of fuel poverty. Living in a cold and damp properties and not being able to pay bills has an adverse impact on UK residents ’mental health. Living under duress creates stress and despair for many. 40 000 households have been victims of the forced pre-payment meters installations. In May 2025, £18.6 million in compensation and debt write-offs were announced to all the individuals who were pushed into further debts and despair by this unfair practice, targeting the most vulnerable. Standing up against justice - Tulsi Sana-Ra ’s story:   Moved by a sense of injustice, Tulsi decided, as a protest, to no not pay her energy bills. She makes it clear, she is not unwilling to pay for her energy bills, at the National Grid and UK power networks prices (only costing an average £120 per year, per household) but, refused to pay the current overpriced fees driven by inflation and greed.   “Since 2022, I have been investigating unduly onerous charges for electricity by suppliers, unfair, degrading treatment of vulnerable people from the utilities supplier EDF and trying to expose their often unlawful practices of installing unaffordable pre-payment meters into vulnerable families homes against Ofgem regulations.   I have worked for over 2 years on building a case against EDF for subjecting me personally to Duress, undue influence, onerous charges of electricity, breach of Ofgem regulations, breach of contract, breach of Human Rights ( Article 6  and Article 8 ).   On the 9th of July 2025, I was in the Crown Court at Norwich against EDF in house legal team, (for a mediation hearing.) and invoked a declaration of incompatibility to my human rights against the parliamentary Electricity Act 1989, governing deemed contracts. this is very much a David vs Goliath case, in which I believe I am 1 of the only people in the UK to challenge the legalities in the utilities sector, how they operate, evidence of lying, and generally forcing people to have to make difficult decisions as to whether they can afford to heat or eat.”      (TAP will update you on Tulsi’s progress with her campaign.)   How to end fuel poverty? -       Upgrade of UK Housing: building safe, eco friendly and affordable housing, which will be energy efficient. -       Stop the privatisation and going back to public ownership. -       Customers only paying for what they use, not an estimate set by greedy distributors and suppliers. -       Free energy for all. -       Stop punitive debt collecting systems and forced pre-payment meters installations. Having enough fuel to keep warm, to eat and to rest is a basic human necessity. It needs to be available to all, without discrimination. Our Role in Creating Change   We cannot wait for someone else to act. It’s time to demand better for the millions struggling in poverty—and for the millions more living one unexpected expense away from it. ·       Join us in advocating for a compassionate, fairer society. Here’s how you can help: ·       Speak Up: Contact your MP and demand investment in social care, living wages, and affordable housing. ·       Get Involved: Volunteer or donate to organisations like TAP that fight for systemic change. ·       Stay Informed: Follow TAP’s work and share their message to build awareness. Together, we can create a society where no one is left behind. Let’s make compassion the cornerstone of our nation’s future.   Sylvie Rouhani, Deputy Editor, Taxpayers Against Poverty - August 2025

TAP to publish The Nicolson Report: The Poverty Scandal London, 17 October 2025 – Poverty isn’t just a moral and social crisis – it’s an economic one. Yet the real cost goes far deeper than lost productivity or public spending. It ruins lives, crushes opportunity, and erodes hope. Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) today announced the forthcoming publication of The Nicolson Report: The Poverty Scandal   – an urgent new analysis linking the growth of extreme wealth to rising poverty and living costs, and setting out how Britain can fix the system through fair and modern taxation. The report, named after TAP’s founder Reverend Paul Nicolson, challenges the government to recognise that inequality is not inevitable – it is the outcome of choices about who pays, and who benefits. “Crucially, poverty is not just a social ill; it is also an economic deadweight. When a large segment of the population cannot participate fully in the economy – whether due to ill-health, lack of education, or inability to afford job search and training – the country’s productivity suffers. Research by the Trussell Trust and other experts quantifies this drag: hunger and hardship make it harder to find and sustain employment, costing the economy an estimated £38 billion per year  in lost productivity and lower workforce participation ( Big Issue ). At the same time, poverty increases public expenditure in reactive ways: the government must spend billions more on healthcare, social care, temporary housing, and other services to address the fallout from poverty. The NHS alone incurs an additional £29 billion annually due to poverty  ( The Guardian ). People in the most deprived areas use emergency services at much higher rates – A&E attendance is nearly double, and emergency hospital admissions 68% higher, in the poorest communities compared with the most affluent ( The Guardian ). Such statistics translate into enormous costs. One study finds that health problems attributable to malnutrition (a direct consequence of extreme poverty) cost the UK £22.6 billion per year.” The Nicolson Report calls for bold reforms to make the system fairer and more efficient: ·       Tax wealth more and work less , ending the imbalance that punishes effort while protecting unearned income. ·       Reinvest the proceeds  in public services – health, education, social care, and housing – that lift families out of poverty and strengthen the economy. ·       Measure national success  by how well we reduce poverty and increase opportunity, not just by GDP growth. Tom Burgess , CEO of TAP, said: “The economic cost of poverty is staggering, but the human cost is far greater. Every statistic represents a life cut short, a child denied opportunity, or a family trapped in hardship. We can change this – but only if we have the courage to tax wealth fairly and reinvest in people.” The Nicolson Report: The Poverty Scandal  will be published in November 2025, ahead of the Autumn Budget. ENDS Media contact: Taxpayers Against Poverty📧  taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com 🌐  www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk About Taxpayers Against Poverty Taxpayers against Poverty  is a UK-based independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and social injustice by promoting economic policies that have a direct effect on reducing poverty and the unnecessary financial hardship. TAP seeks to influence national and local policy with well-researched and robust evidence of hardship and promote practical policy proposals using a direct approach to decision makers and other influencers.   TAP was founded by the late Rev Paul Nicolson and is led by Tom Burgess, author of From Here to Prosperity ,  a new political agenda for a sustainable economy and greater social justice, which proposes taxing wealth more and income less.   TAP’s sister organisation and partner is Compassion in Politics   which seeks to bring more honesty, respect and compassion into political life   For media inquiries, interviews, or to support our campaigns, please contact: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against Poverty  taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk   www.realagenda.org Partner & sister organisation: www.compassioninpolitics.com

By Tom Burgess, CEO Taxpayers Against Poverty, 7 October 2025 Britain is one of the richest nations on earth, yet millions of people live in poverty. Nurses, teachers and builders see more of their income taken in tax, while vast fortunes often go comparatively untouched. Our system over-taxes work, under-taxes wealth, and entrenches inequality. If we are serious about tackling poverty, we must modernise our tax system. Taxing wealth more, and income less, is not just fair – it is essential. Poverty is a policy choice Over 14 million people in the UK are in poverty. Families struggle with rent, food and energy bills. Disabled households face nearly £1,000 a month in extra costs. None of this is inevitable. It is the outcome of political decisions, particularly how we raise and distribute revenue. Council tax is regressive, hitting the poorest hardest. National Insurance weighs heavily on workers. Meanwhile, rising property and financial assets are undertaxed. The system rewards those who already have wealth, while those relying on wages are squeezed ever harder. Wealth taxes cause no hardship A modest levy on extreme wealth – for example, on fortunes above £10 million – would not change the lifestyles of the wealthy. But it could raise £20–25 billion a year. That revenue could fund affordable homes, better schools and childcare, stronger health and social care, and investment in communities. These are not handouts; they are investments that create opportunity and long-term growth. Fairness drives growth Critics say wealth taxes will drive investment away. Evidence shows the opposite. Reinvesting wealth in housing, transport and local services creates jobs, stimulates demand and increases productivity. Economists call it the multiplier effect: public investment pays back more than it costs. A fairer tax system would also rebuild trust. When people see that the burden is shared – that those with the broadest shoulders contribute more – it strengthens the social contract and creates the conditions for sustainable growth. A clear public mandate This is not a fringe proposal. Polling shows around three-quarters of the public, including a majority of Conservative voters, support wealth taxation. Even many millionaires themselves now argue they should pay more.    The choice before us We can continue with a system that keeps millions in hardship while wealth grows unchecked. Or we can modernise our tax system so that work is rewarded, wealth contributes fairly, and poverty falls. Taxing wealth is not about punishment – it is about responsibility. It is about reinvesting what has been created by us all into a society that works for us all. If we want to reduce poverty and inequality in Britain, we must start by taxing wealth, not work.   Tom Burgess Tom Burgess is CEO of Taxpayers Against Poverty and author of From Here to Prosperity ,  a practical policy agenda for a sustainable economy and greater social justice. Tom is the former CEO of an international communications firm which operated in 100 countries and has been involved in politics since he was a student union president.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE London, 30 September 2025  – Responding to Sir Keir Starmer’s speech to the Labour Conference, Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) said that while parts of the address were rousing and emotional, much of it was “the same old rhetoric” — a speech heavy on slogans but light on solutions. TAP Chief Executive Tom Burgess  said: “It sounded more like government by cliché than government by vision. Britain is crying out for systemic answers to poverty, inequality, and the cost of living crisis. Yet instead of setting out a bold plan, the speech skirted around the structural reforms we urgently need.” TAP expressed particular concern at Starmer’s dismissal of a wealth tax as a “magic solution to every problem.” “No one is saying that a wealth tax is a silver bullet,” Burgess said. “What we are saying — and what the evidence shows — is that taxes on wealth are critical to resolving inequality, alongside other tax reforms. If we want to make work pay, restore public services, and invest in growth, wealth must contribute its fair share.” TAP insists that real fairness requires modernising the tax system: Tax wealth more, tax work less . Invest in housing, health, education, and green infrastructure . Reduce poverty, boost inclusive growth, and rebuild trust in politics . With the Autumn Budget on 26 November , TAP is urging the Prime Minister to seize the moment and deliver substance, not soundbites: Shift the burden of tax from work to wealth . Commit to long-term investment in homes, transport, and public services . Show that Labour is serious about tackling inequality, not just talking about it . Polling shows overwhelming public support for wealth taxes — across all political parties, and even among many millionaires. “The country doesn’t need more rhetoric,” Burgess concluded. “It needs courage, vision, and leadership. Tax wealth fairly, invest wisely, and reduce poverty. That’s how you deliver a Britain that works for everyone.” ENDS Notes to Editors For media inquiries, please contact: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against PovertyEmail: taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk    www.realagenda.org   About Taxpayers Against Poverty Taxpayers against Poverty  is a UK-based independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and social injustice by promoting economic policies that have a direct effect on reducing poverty and the unnecessary financial hardship. TAP seeks to influence national and local policy with well-researched and robust evidence of hardship and promote practical policy proposals using a direct approach to decision makers and other influencers.   TAP was founded by the late Rev Paul Nicolson and is led by Tom Burgess, author of From Here to Prosperity ,  a new political agenda for a sustainable economy and greater social justice, which proposes taxing wealth more and income less.   TAP’s sister organisation and partner is Compassion in Politics   which seeks to bring more honesty, respect and compassion into political life

London, 29 Sept 2025 Campaign group Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) is calling for reform of the UK’s outdated and unfair tax system, including the introduction of a wealth tax, to address long-term poverty and inequality. It is launching a cross-party campaign called “ Tax Wealth Not Poverty ”, targeting MPs, in the run-up to the budget on November 26th. Tom Burgess, CEO of TAP said: “Refocusing UK taxes on wealth rather than income isn’t about punishing wealth. It’s about modernising the way we raise revenue, so it is fair, efficient, and fit for the 21st century. We know from our work behind the scenes that there are many MPs who back the idea and just need some encouragement to speak out ahead of the budget.” As part of its campaign, TAP is asking MPs to sign up to the following statement – its Tax Demand -ahead of the budget. “I want to see tax reform that means the excessive wealth accumulated by the few, though created by us all, is reinvested in our country to reduce poverty and inequality and boost inclusive economic growth which improves opportunity for all.” A growing number of MPs from all parties have already publicly shown their support for wealth taxes by signing Early Day Motion 1725 . This EDM is already backed by nearly 40 Labour, Lib Dem, SNP, Green and Independent MPs, with more expressing support every day. Fourteen million people are living in poverty across the UK, despite being the world’s sixth largest economy. Rising costs and stagnant wages mean millions more are struggling to get by. TAP is also encouraging supportive MPs and Members of the Lords to ask questions, seek parliamentary debates and lobby the Chancellor to introduce a wealth tax in November’s budget. TAP’s call for reform of the UK’s tax system is overwhelmingly backed by public demand. Polling consistently shows that around three-quarters of the British public would support the introduction of a 2% tax on wealth above £10 million. Overwhelmingly so do the people who would likely be paying the tax – millionaires. (source: YouGov and Patriotic Millionaires June 2025) A wealth tax is an annual levy on an individual’s total assets, including things like property, investments, cash, antiques or art – above a certain threshold. Estimates suggest the introduction of an annual wealth tax of just 2% on assets over £10 million, would raise an estimated £24 billion each year. (source: Tax Justice UK, based on ONS & HMRC data) TAP wants to see reform of the UK’s tax system, so that the emphasis shifts from taxing work to taxing wealth, as part of its Real Agenda platform for tackling the causes of poverty.  With inequality at record levels, the UK economy flatlining and the Chancellor not wanting to break her promises to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT to balance the books, campaigners believe now is the time to act. Tom Burgess, TAP CEO said: “Wealth in Britain is undertaxed, while work is overtaxed. That imbalance drives poverty and inequality. TAP is calling on the government to modernise the tax system—tax wealth more, tax work less—and use the proceeds to invest in health, housing, education, and infrastructure. That’s how we reduce poverty and grow the economy inclusively. Now is the time for MPs who agree to speak up.”   Notes to Editors For media inquiries, please contact: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against PovertyEmail: taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk    www.realagenda.org   About Taxpayers Against Poverty Taxpayers against Poverty  is a UK-based independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and social injustice by promoting economic policies that have a direct effect on reducing poverty and the unnecessary financial hardship. TAP seeks to influence national and local policy with well-researched and robust evidence of hardship and promote practical policy proposals using a direct approach to decision makers and other influencers.   TAP was founded by the late Rev Paul Nicolson and is led by Tom Burgess, author of From Here to Prosperity ,  a new political agenda for a sustainable economy and greater social justice, which proposes taxing wealth more and income less.   TAP’s sister organisation and partner is Compassion in Politics   which seeks to bring more honesty, respect and compassion into political life

London, 16 September 2025  – Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) will intensify its push for reform of the tax system in the run up to the Autumn Budget on 26 November . This effort is backed by public demand: polling consistently shows that around three-quarters of the British public support fair taxation on extreme wealth. With inequality at record levels, campaigners believe now is the moment for action. Tom Burgess, TAP CEO said: “Wealth in Britain is undertaxed, while work is overtaxed. That imbalance drives poverty and inequality. TAP is calling on the government to modernise the tax system—tax wealth more, tax work less—and use the proceeds to invest in health, housing, education, and infrastructure. That’s how we reduce poverty and grow the economy inclusively.” TAP is working closely with Richard Burgon MP  who is the lead sponsor of an Early Day Motion (EDM 1725 ) calling  for a wealth tax. TAP aims to increase the support for the EDM. and the proposals to tax wealth more. Richard Burgon recently organised a petition which received over 80,000 signatures calling for a wealth tax and met with Patriotic Millionaire Gary Stevenson of @garyseconomics outside Downing St before he delivered the petition to Number 10. TAP also expressed gratitude to the Thirty Percy Foundation , whose recent grant has enabled the organisation to strengthen its capacity, broaden collaboration, and scale up campaigning efforts in the months leading up to the Budget. TAP will provide evidence, briefings, and practical proposals showing how taxing wealth more fairly can:   ·       Raise billions in new revenue without causing hardship ·       Reduce inequality and ease the cost of living ·       Fund vital public services and infrastructure investment ·       Support long-term, inclusive economic growth ENDS Notes to Editors ·       The Autumn Budget is scheduled for 26 November 2025. ·       Recent polling by YouGov and Oxfam shows around 75–78% of the UK public support wealth taxes on fortunes over £10m. ·       Taxpayers Against Poverty works with MPs, campaign groups, and grassroots organisations to highlight poverty and inequality and press for economic reform.   About Taxpayers Against Poverty Taxpayers against Poverty  is a UK-based independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and social injustice by promoting economic policies that have a direct effect on reducing poverty and the unnecessary financial hardship. TAP seeks to influence national and local policy with well-researched and robust evidence of hardship and promote practical policy proposals using a direct approach to decision makers and other influencers. TAP’s sister organisation and partner is Compassion in Politics   which seeks to bring more honesty, respect and compassion into political life For media inquiries, interviews, or to support our campaigns, please contact: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against Poverty   taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk   www.realagenda.org Partner & sister organisation: www.compassioninpolitics.com

London, 8 September 2025 — Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) today announced the next phase of its campaign to modernise the UK tax system and reduce hardship for millions. With the Autumn Budget due on 26 November, TAP will focus on building a cross-party coalition of MPs to ensure wealth taxation is firmly on the political agenda.   TAP has appointed Simon Thomson as Campaign Director to lead this initiative. Simon was Head of European and International Media, People’s Vote Campaign. where he helped grow MP support from under 10 to nearly 300. He has also been Strategic Communications Manager at FareShare, a national charity fighting hunger and food waste where his campaign work helped secure £15 million in UK government funding to combat food poverty. Simon is an award winning former BBC reporter, news editor and film maker and has twice stood as Labour Party Parliamentary Candidate. Over 14 million people in the UK live in poverty. Rising costs and stagnant wages mean millions more are struggling to get by. TAP argues that the current system — which relies heavily on taxing earned income while leaving vast wealth under-taxed — is broken, unfair, and economically harmful. “This is not about punishing wealth,”  said Tom Burgess, CEO of TAP . “It’s about modernising the way we raise revenue, so it is fair, efficient, and fit for the 21st century. Those who work hard should keep more of what they earn, while those in a stronger position contribute fairly to our shared prosperity.” TAP’s campaign will: ·       Engage and brief MPs  who have spoken out on poverty, inequality, and wealth taxes. ·       Build a parliamentary coalition  prepared to support wealth taxation measures. ·       Press for amendments  to the Autumn Budget if it fails to shift the balance towards wealth. ·       Mobilise public support  for the principle of “Tax Wealth, Not Work.” By focusing on MPs across parties who are committed to reducing inequality, TAP aims to generate sufficient parliamentary momentum to influence government policy directly. “Reducing poverty isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s an economic growth strategy,”  Burgess added. “Fairer taxation means stronger local economies, higher productivity, and lower long-term costs. The Autumn Budget is the moment to act.” About TAP Taxpayers Against Poverty is an independent UK-based advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and social injustice. TAP campaigns for practical, evidence-based policies that reduce hardship and ensure fairness in the economy.   These policies are presented as The Real Agenda, TAP’s policy platform, it is a clear, focused call to action against poverty and inequality in the UK. The aim is to refocus the public debate  on what really matters: decent incomes, affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and fair taxes, because that is the Real Agenda! Contact :Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against Poverty📧  taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com  | 🌐  www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk  | www.realagenda.org

London, UK — 5 September 2025 Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) has today unveiled a bold new vision for Britain—one rooted in fairness, dignity, and shared responsibility. A Vision for a Thriving and Compassionate Britain  sets out TAP’s belief that the country can and must do better, not only for the 14 million people living in poverty but for everyone who believes in a future built on opportunity, justice, and care. “This is not just a policy framework. It’s a promise—to each other, to our communities, and to future generations,” said Tom Burgess, CEO of TAP. “We believe most taxpayers want a country that lifts people up, not locks them out.” The TAP vision outlines five key pillars: A Nation of Equal Opportunity  – Where every child, regardless of background, can thrive, and where healthcare, education, and opportunity are accessible to all. A Greener, Healthier Future  – Where the UK leads the way in clean energy, climate action, and sustainable living. Communities Built on Compassion  – Where no one is homeless or hungry, and social care is a right, not a privilege. A World-Leading Example of Justice and Equality  – Where fairness defines both foreign policy and domestic law. A Better Quality of Life for All  – Where well-being, culture, connection, and mental health are priorities—not afterthoughts. This long-term vision builds on TAP’s Real Agenda  platform of practical policy proposals and will underpin a series of upcoming campaigns and announcements. Together, they represent a unified call for policies that reduce inequality, tackle systemic hardship, and ensure public money serves the public good. “We’re offering a direction of travel. A roadmap for a country that works better—not just for some, but for all,” added Tom Burgess. “This is what wealth equity looks like in action.” This is not a distant or utopian vision. It is rooted in practical change and public support. TAP argues that fairness, security, and sustainability are not just social goods—they are economic essentials. Investing in people, protecting our environment, and reforming the systems that keep people trapped in hardship are essential to the country’s long-term resilience. The launch of this vision will form the backdrop to a series of campaigns under TAP’s Real Agenda  platform. Each campaign will focus on one area of urgent reform—starting with tax justice, ending public contracts that pay poverty wages, and scrapping unfair taxes on the poorest households. TAP will be working in partnership with organisations such as Compassion in Politics to deliver a joined-up approach to change. About Taxpayers Against Poverty Taxpayers Against Poverty  is a UK-based independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and social injustice by promoting economic policies that have a direct effect on reducing poverty and the unnecessary financial hardship. TAP’s sister organisation and partner is Compassion in Politics   which seeks to bring more truth respect and compassion into political life For media enquiries, to read the full vision or schedule a briefing with TAP, please contact: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against Poverty taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk   www.realagenda.org

With special thanks to the creators of Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minster: Antony Jay & Jonathan Lynn and full acknowledgements to BBC TV For those that can remember the 80s, what if Sir Humphrey Appleby was still at the Treasury and could give the current Prime Minister a briefing on the inevitability of a wealth tax shift while making it sound both prudent and politically irresistible. Sir Humphrey: Prime Minister, if I may be permitted to venture a modest observation on the fiscal conundrum presently vexing Her Majesty’s Treasury, it is this: the current system of raising revenue relies disproportionately on taxing income, which — as you will be aware — is something the vast majority of voters would prefer to keep. Conversely, wealth — being more abstract, less visible in its accrual, and, one might add, rather more concentrated in the hands of those with the means to avoid drawing attention to it — represents a hitherto insufficiently tapped reservoir of fiscal opportunity. Now, I do appreciate that the term “wealth tax” can induce a certain, shall we say, operatic response from the editorial pages of the more excitable press. However, if framed as a “modernisation of the revenue base” or a “realignment of fiscal fairness,” we could sidestep the unhelpful imagery of grasping bureaucrats rifling through the jewel boxes of the landed gentry. Instead, the policy could be presented as a prudent rebalancing: reducing the burden on earned income — the fruit of hard work — while modestly increasing contributions from unearned accumulations, the fruit, if you will, of time and compound interest. The genius of this approach, Prime Minister, is twofold. First, it allows you to announce a tax cut (on income) — which is universally popular — and second, it enables you to claim the moral high ground by ensuring “those most able to contribute do so commensurately with their means.” Meanwhile, the economically literate will note that this stimulates enterprise and productivity whilst mildly discouraging the unproductive hoarding of idle capital. Of course, implementation would require the utmost delicacy. The wealthy, though few in number, are long of memory and deep of pocket — both of which can be mobilised against any perceived injustice. Thus, the measure must be accompanied by soothing assurances, ample transitional arrangements, and preferably a respectable international precedent. If, for example, the French, the Canadians, or even the Australians could be persuaded to introduce something similar simultaneously, we could describe the whole exercise as “aligning with global best practice” rather than “plundering the silver.” In short, Prime Minister, the proposal is simplicity itself: reduce taxes on what people do  (earn, work, produce) and increase them slightly on what people merely have . Present it as the forward-looking reform of a modern, fair, and efficient economy, and you will be applauded by the industrious many, whilst the indignant few will, in the fullness of time, adapt — as they always do. Prime Minister : Hmm, I like the sound of that, Sir Humphrey, prepare a proposal for the Cabinet immediately

By Tom Burgess, CEO Taxpayers Against Poverty and author of   From Here to Prosperity (this article was originally published in 2018 in inequality.org , it seems little has changed, and how the proposal is still very relevant) 18 August 2025 Bermuda is beautiful — and broken. Its pink-sand beaches and mild climate make it a dream home for some. But beneath the postcard surface lies a global problem: over 18,000 companies are registered in Bermuda, many funnelling profits from other countries to exploit secrecy and low tax rates. This isn’t smart capitalism — it’s legalised theft. According to leading economist Gabriel Zucman, nearly 40% of multinational corporate profits  are now parked in tax havens like Bermuda. That’s trillions withheld from public services, infrastructure, and communities — all to inflate the wealth of shareholders and top executives. In the USA, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act supercharged this injustice. Instead of using tax breaks to create jobs or raise wages, CEOs used the windfall to buy back shares — boosting their own compensation while workers struggled with flat wages and rising living costs. This is not an accident.It ’s the result of an outdated, shareholder-first economic model that no longer serves the common good. And it’s time we fixed it — not with more punishment, but with better incentives . The Solution: Social Offsetting Social offsetting  is a new approach to corporate tax policy. Instead of punishing bad behaviour, it rewards good behaviour with meaningful tax breaks. Here’s what it looks like: ✅ Companies pay all workers a real living wage✅ Executive pay is capped at 20x the lowest-paid employee✅ Profits are shared with workers✅ No political donations✅ Flexible working hours and strong training programs✅ Investment in renewable energy✅ No use of offshore tax havens Firms that meet these standards would qualify for reduced corporate tax rates  — aligning financial incentives with social responsibility. Why It Matters It’s fair : Corporate income tax is paid only on profits — not revenue or payroll. It doesn’t hurt business; it rewards responsibility. It attracts talent : Companies seen as good employers will win the race for top talent. It restores trust : People are tired of rigged rules. This is how we level the playing field. It brings wealth home : Instead of hiding profits offshore, firms will reinvest in the communities where their wealth was truly created. A Badge of Honour Under a social offsetting model, a company’s tax return becomes more than a filing — it’s a statement of values. Good employers will wear it as a badge of honour.Bad actors will stand exposed. If we want an economy that works for everyone — not just the top 1% — we must redesign the rules to reflect our values. Social offsetting does just that. Let’s make taxes a tool for justice.Let’s reward companies that put people and planet before profit. Let’s bring the wealth home. Tom Burgess is the author of  From Here to Prosperity: A New Political Agenda for a Sustainable Economy and Greater Social Justice, and former CEO of a global public relations firm operating in 100 countries. Currently he is CEO of Taxpayers against Poverty and a director of Compassion in Politics