London, 22 June 2026 – Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) has welcomed the prospect of a new Prime Minister, saying it represents an opportunity to reset the national conversation and deliver the bold leadership, clear vision and practical policies needed to tackle Britain's affordability crisis. TAP believes that the new leader must move beyond short-term political management and present a connected programme of reform that directly improves the lives of ordinary people. For too long, Britain has experienced slow growth, rising inequality, increasing financial hardship and declining confidence in politics. Millions of people are working hard yet still struggle with housing costs, taxation, stagnant living standards and the rising cost of everyday life. Tom Burgess, CEO of Taxpayers Against Poverty, said: "This is more than a leadership contest. It is an opportunity to redefine Britain's future. The next Prime Minister must offer more than a collection of policies. They need a compelling vision, a coherent plan and the courage to deliver it. People want to know that life can become more affordable, that hard work will once again be rewarded, and that their children will enjoy greater opportunities than they have today. Britain can absolutely achieve this, but it requires bold leadership, honest conversations and the willingness to modernise outdated systems that no longer serve the public." TAP believes that a bold progressive agenda should include practical reforms capable of delivering immediate improvements to living standards while laying the foundations for long-term prosperity. These include: Reducing the Cost of Living · Immediate abolition of Council Tax for renters. · Long-term replacement of Council Tax with a modern land value-based property tax paid by landowners rather than occupiers. · Reform of Business Rates through the introduction of land value taxation, reducing costs for independent retailers, small businesses and high streets. · Raising the Income Tax threshold to reduce taxation on low and middle earners. Fairer Tax Reform · Alignment of Capital Gains Tax with Income Tax. · Introduction of a carefully designed tax on significant personal wealth above a defined threshold. · Lower taxes on work and productive enterprise, funded through fairer taxation of accumulated wealth and land values. · Closing tax loopholes that distort competition and undermine confidence in the tax system. Building a Stronger Economy · Major investment in transport infrastructure, including rail, funded through capturing a proportion of the increase in surrounding land values. · A national programme of housing development around transport hubs to improve affordability while supporting sustainable economic growth. · Policies that encourage manufacturing, innovation and productive investment across every region of the UK. Devolution and Local Growth · Greater fiscal devolution, enabling cities and regions to retain land value tax revenues and invest directly in local transport, housing, regeneration and public services. · Stronger local leadership with greater responsibility and accountability for economic development. Modernising British Democracy · Electoral reform to ensure Parliament more accurately reflects how people vote. · Modernisation of Parliament, including replacing outdated procedures that belong to a two-party political era. · Reform of the House of Lords to create a more democratic, accountable and representative second chamber. Measuring Success Differently · Introducing national Wellbeing Indicators alongside GDP so that government measures success by improvements in people's lives, health, security and opportunity—not simply economic output. Tom Burgess added: "Preventing poverty is not simply a moral responsibility—it is one of the smartest economic investments a country can make. Poverty costs Britain tens of billions of pounds every year through poor health, lower productivity, increased demand on public services and lost economic potential. Preventing it benefits everyone. Britain needs a government prepared to think beyond the next news cycle. It needs leadership capable of bringing people together around a shared national mission: creating a country that is more prosperous, more compassionate and more confident about its future." Taxpayers Against Poverty's Prioritise Poverty Prevention campaign has already brought together MPs from across political parties, policy experts, charities and businesses behind practical proposals to reduce poverty, inequality and financial hardship. The organisation said it stands ready to work constructively with the next Prime Minister and ministers from all parties who are prepared to embrace bold, evidence-based reforms that improve the lives of the majority of people across the United Kingdom. ENDS For media enquiries, interviews, or comment: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against PovertyEmail: media@taxpayersagainstpovery.org Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk About Taxpayers Against PovertyTaxpayers against Poverty is a UK-based independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and economic injustice TAP seeks to influence national and local policy by promoting practical economic proposals that have a positive effect on reducing poverty and unnecessary financial hardship 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 is part of Real Agenda Ltd, a not-for-profit social enterprise bringing together campaigns, research, media and public engagement to tackle poverty, inequality and the barriers preventing people from thriving, this includes Compassion in Politics which seeks to bring more honesty, respect and compassion into political life as well as The Progressive Policy Unit (PPU) which develops practical, evidence-based proposals on poverty prevention, economic fairness, taxation, public services and social wellbeing.

London, 23 June 2026 – Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) is delighted to announce the appointment of Alan Murdie, one of the UK's leading experts on Council Tax law, to its Advisory Board. Alan has spent many years advising households, charities and organisations on Council Tax legislation, exemptions and reform. Alan Murdie (LLB) is a barrister, is a lawyer, consultant and author, specialising in debt, local taxation and welfare, wills and succession, and copyright. He was co-founder of the Poll Tax Legal Group in 1990, head of intellectual property law at the University of West London between 1995-1999, co-founder of the Zacchaeus 2000 Trust in 1996 and its senior lawyer between 2007-2013. He has been editor of the book 'Council Tax Handbook' since 1998 and the 'Fuel Rights Handbook' since 2004, both published by the Child Poverty Action Group. He is author of Questions and Answers on Intellectual Property, co-author of 'Enforcement of Local Taxation', chairman of Nucleus Legal Advice in London since 2004 and Principal of Council Tax Legal Services. He has advised a wide range of organisations, has extensive experience in legal test cases and Parliamentary lobbying, and writes and broadcasts extensively. His appointment comes as TAP expands its campaign for fundamental tax reform, including replacing Council Tax with a fairer system based on land values and reducing the tax burden on lower and middle-income households. Welcoming the appointment, Tom Burgess, CEO of Taxpayers Against Poverty, said: "Alan is one of the country's foremost experts on Council Tax, and we are delighted he has agreed to join our Advisory Board. His knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we continue our campaign to reform one of Britain's most outdated and regressive taxes. Council Tax has become increasingly disconnected from people's ability to pay. Millions of households are under enormous financial pressure, yet they continue to face a tax system that is widely regarded as unfair and outdated. Alan also has a long association with TAP’s founder, Reverend Paul Nicolson, whose tireless work exposed the human cost of poverty and inspired the creation of Taxpayers Against Poverty. We are proud to continue that legacy." Alan Murdie said: "For many years I worked alongside Paul Nicolson in challenging the injustices created by the current Council Tax system. It remains one of the most regressive taxes in Britain, placing a disproportionate burden on those least able to afford it. I am pleased to join the Advisory Board of Taxpayers Against Poverty and support its work in promoting practical reforms that make the tax system fairer, reduce financial hardship and help prevent poverty." TAP has recently launched its Prioritise Poverty Prevention campaign, calling on government to place preventing poverty and financial hardship at the heart of economic policy. As part of its wider programme of tax reform, TAP is advocating: · A phased abolition of Council Tax and its replacement with a fairer property or land value-based system. · Lower taxes on work and earned income. · Fairer taxation of wealth and capital gains. · A tax system that rewards productive investment while reducing poverty and inequality. The organisation believes reforming Council Tax is not simply about changing one tax, but about creating a system that is fairer, more transparent and better aligned with modern Britain. Alan's appointment further strengthens TAP's Advisory Board as the organisation develops practical policy proposals aimed at reducing poverty, tackling inequality and improving living standards across the UK. ENDS For media enquiries, interviews, or comment: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against PovertyEmail: media@taxpayersagainstpovery.org Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk About Taxpayers Against Poverty Taxpayers against Poverty is a UK-based independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and economic injustice TAP seeks to influence national and local policy by promoting practical economic proposals that have a positive effect on reducing poverty and unnecessary financial hardship 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 is part of Real Agenda Ltd, a not-for-profit social enterprise bringing together campaigns, research, media and public engagement to tackle poverty, inequality and the barriers preventing people from thriving, this includes Compassion in Politics which seeks to bring more honesty, respect and compassion into political life as well as Progressive Policy Unit (PPU) which develops practical, evidence-based proposals on poverty prevention, economic fairness, taxation, public services and social wellbeing.

Media comment from TAP 19 June 2026 Andy Burnham has backed a pledge committing politicians to prioritising poverty prevention, following his election as MP for Makerfield. The pledge—organised by Taxpayers Against Poverty and already supported by nearly 30 MPs, with more signing each week—states: "I pledge to prioritise policies preventing poverty and inequality, acting with integrity, respect, and compassion in Parliament and my constituency." Tom Burgess, economist and CEO of Taxpayers Against Poverty, welcomed Burnham’s support: “Andy Burnham said in his victory speech last night that Makerfield will be the touchstone for his commitment to changing the UK economy. “For too long, neoliberalism and trickle-down economics under successive governments have failed to raise living standards for the vast majority. Millions of families across the UK are struggling to make ends meet. Fourteen million people, including two million children, live in poverty. “Britain doesn’t just need more growth—it needs growth that works for everyone. That means taxing work less, taxing unearned wealth more fairly, and putting poverty prevention at the heart of economic policy. “It’s time for an economic reset. We hope an Andy Burnham-led government will deliver it. His early backing for our Prioritising Poverty Prevention Pledge is welcome—and shows he is returning to Parliament determined to drive the change the country desperately needs.” ENDS For media enquiries, interviews, or comment: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against PovertyEmail: media@taxpayersagainstpovery.org Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk About Taxpayers Against PovertyTaxpayers against Poverty is a UK-based independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and economic injustice TAP seeks to influence national and local policy by promoting practical economic proposals that have a positive effect on reducing poverty and unnecessary financial hardship 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 is Compassion in Politics which seeks to bring more honesty, respect and compassion into political life.

A Guide for a Future Prime Minister Introduction Leadership is not about power. It is about trust. People do not follow leaders because they have a title. They follow leaders because they believe the leader understands them, shares their values, and can take them somewhere better. The task of a Prime Minister is not merely to manage government. It is to provide direction, unite competing interests, make difficult decisions, and maintain public trust through success and failure. The best leaders understand one fundamental truth: People follow stories before they follow policies. Rule 1: Tell a Story People Can Repeat Every successful leader answers three questions: Who am I? Explain your values. Not your biography. Not your qualifications. Your values. People need to know what you believe and why. Who are we? Create a shared identity. The public must feel that you are one of them, not one of a separate political class. The most successful leaders constantly use "we" rather than "I". Where are we going? People need hope. Not vague aspirations. A believable destination. A nation without a clear direction becomes anxious and divided. Rule 2: Start with People, Not Policies Most politicians begin with statistics. Most successful leaders begin with a person. Never talk about poverty before talking about a family. Never talk about housing before talking about a tenant. Never talk about healthcare before talking about a patient. People remember stories. They forget spreadsheets. Rule 3: Trust is Your Most Valuable Asset Everything else can be recovered. Trust cannot. Trust is built when: · Words match actions. · Promises are kept. · Mistakes are admitted. · Facts are respected. Trust is destroyed when: · Leaders blame others. · Leaders refuse accountability. · Leaders say one thing and do another. A leader without trust is merely a manager with security guards. Rule 4: Lead by Example People watch what you do. Not what you say. If you demand discipline, be disciplined. If you demand honesty, be honest. If you demand sacrifice, sacrifice first. The public forgives mistakes. They rarely forgive hypocrisy. Rule 5: Listen Before You Speak Many politicians think leadership means talking. Leadership often means listening. Spend time with: · Workers. · Small businesses. · Pensioners. · Farmers. · Nurses. · Teachers. · Police officers. · Young people. Listen far more than you lecture. Good leaders learn. Bad leaders instruct. Rule 6: Build a Team Strong Enough to Disagree With You Weak leaders surround themselves with loyalists. Strong leaders surround themselves with truth tellers. Encourage challenge. Reward honesty. Never punish people for bringing bad news. The greatest political disasters occur when leaders hear only what they want to hear. Rule 7: Make Decisions Leadership requires judgement. Gather facts. Seek advice. Listen carefully. Then decide. Indecision creates uncertainty. Uncertainty destroys confidence. No decision is often worse than the wrong decision. Rule 8: Focus Relentlessly on Outcomes Governments often measure activity. Citizens measure results. People care about: · Whether they can afford a home. · Whether their streets are safe. · Whether healthcare is available. · Whether wages cover living costs. · Whether their children have opportunities. The public experiences outcomes, not policy papers. Rule 9: Unite Rather Than Divide Every nation contains different groups. Different classes. Different generations. Different regions. Different political views. A Prime Minister must speak to all of them. Do not build support by creating enemies. Build support by creating common purpose. Rule 10: Tell the Truth About Difficult Choices The public can accept difficult decisions. What they cannot accept is dishonesty. Do not promise everything. Do not pretend trade-offs do not exist. Treat voters like adults. People may disagree with difficult decisions. They often respect honesty about them. Rule 11: Develop Future Leaders Leadership is not about personal success. It is about leaving the country stronger than you found it. Create opportunities for others. Encourage talent. Promote competence. A great leader creates more leaders. A poor leader creates followers. Rule 12: Stay Grounded Success is dangerous. Power creates isolation. Isolation creates arrogance. Arrogance destroys judgement. Keep people around you who will tell you when you are wrong. Stay connected to ordinary life. Never believe your own publicity. Rule 13: Remain Calm During Crisis The public takes emotional cues from its leaders. In difficult times: · Stay calm. · Stay factual. · Stay visible. · Stay honest. Panic spreads quickly. Confidence spreads too. Rule 14: Have a Moral Purpose Management maintains systems. Leadership changes them. The most successful leaders stand for something larger than themselves. People want competence. But they also want meaning. Give the country a mission. Give people a reason to believe. Rule 15: Remember Why You Were Elected Governments often become obsessed with Westminster. The public cares about real life. Every decision should answer one question: "Will this improve the lives of ordinary people?" If the answer is unclear, reconsider the decision. The Prime Minister's Test Before every major decision ask: 1. Is it honest? 2. Is it fair? 3. Will it improve lives? 4. Can it be explained simply? 5. Will it build trust? 6. Would I defend it ten years from now? 7. Would I be proud if it appeared on tomorrow's front page? If the answer to most of those questions is yes, proceed. If not, think again. Final Thought The public does not expect perfection. They expect honesty. They expect competence. They expect fairness. And above all, they expect leadership. A leader's job is not to tell people what they want to hear. A leader's job is to help people see a better future—and then persuade them that together they can reach it. This guide was created by Tom Burgess, CEO of Taxpayers Against Poverty and draws directly on Gavin Esler's emphasis on storytelling, identity, trust and vision, and Michael Shea's focus on integrity, communication, accountability and leading by example, combined with lessons from successful prime ministers, presidents, military leaders, reformers and movement builders. Lessons from the Top by Gavin Esler. Leadership Rules by Michael Shea

By Tom Burgess 16 June 2026 The next Labour leader may inherit one of the most difficult political landscapes in modern British history. Living standards have stagnated. Housing is increasingly unaffordable. Public services are under strain. Trust in politics is fragile. Too many people feel that despite working hard and doing the right thing, they are falling behind. The temptation for any new leader will be to announce a series of attractive policies aimed at fixing individual problems. A housing policy here. A tax change there. A new initiative on welfare. A speech about growth. A review of public services. But Britain does not suffer from a shortage of policies. Britain suffers from a shortage of vision. What the country needs from the next Labour leader is not a collection of proposals. It needs a clear and compelling explanation of where Britain is going and how we get there. People want to know that someone understands what has gone wrong. They want to know that someone has a plan. And they want confidence that difficult decisions will be taken when necessary. The next leader must recognise that the challenges facing Britain are connected. The cost of living crisis is connected to housing. Housing is connected to inequality. Inequality is connected to low growth. Low growth is connected to weak investment. Poor health, educational disadvantage, homelessness and poverty all feed into each other. Treating each problem separately simply papers over the cracks. The public is smarter than many politicians give them credit for. People can see when government is reacting to events rather than shaping them. They can see when policies are driven by headlines rather than by a long-term strategy. And they know when leaders are avoiding difficult conversations. The next Labour leader must be willing to level with the country. Britain cannot build prosperity while millions are trapped in poverty. It cannot rebuild public services without economic growth. It cannot generate sustainable growth while housing remains unaffordable. It cannot reduce inequality without confronting how wealth, opportunity and power are distributed. None of these are easy challenges. But leadership is not about avoiding difficult decisions. It is about explaining why they are necessary and bringing people with you. That means developing a coherent national mission. A mission that people can understand. A mission that connects economic growth with rising living standards. A mission that puts poverty prevention at the centre of government rather than treating it as a consequence of other policies. A mission that asks not simply whether the economy is growing, but whether people’s lives are improving. Most importantly, it means communicating that vision relentlessly. Not through slogans. Not through endless announcements. But through a simple, consistent story about where the country is headed. Successful leaders understand that people will accept difficult decisions if they believe those decisions form part of a larger plan. What they will not accept is drift. They will not accept government that appears to move from crisis to crisis without a clear destination. The next Labour leader must therefore do two things simultaneously. They must develop a serious plan for tackling the structural problems holding Britain back. And they must communicate that plan in a way that gives people confidence that the country has turned a corner. The public does not expect miracles. But they do want hope. They want competence. They want honesty. And above all they want to believe that someone has a plan that matches the scale of the challenges we face. The next Labour leader’s greatest challenge will not be winning an election. It will be persuading the country that Britain can once again become a place where hard work is rewarded, opportunity is widely shared, and future generations can look forward with confidence rather than anxiety. That requires more than policies. It requires vision. And it requires leadership.

New umbrella organisation will bring together campaigning, policy, media and public engagement to build a stronger, fairer and more compassionate Britain London, 11 June 2026 — Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) today announced that its parent company has officially changed its name from TAP Ltd to Real Agenda Limited (RAL) marking an important new chapter in the organisation's development. The change reflects an expanded vision to create a collaborative platform that brings together campaigning, policy development, media and public engagement under one umbrella organisation, while maintaining the distinct identities of its established campaigns. Importantly, nothing changes for supporters of Taxpayers Against Poverty or Compassion in Politics. Both organisations will continue as the public-facing campaigns, retaining their names, identities and missions. Real Agenda Limited will initially comprise four complementary initiatives: · Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) – campaigning to prevent poverty, reduce inequality and reform Britain's tax system. · Compassion in Politics (CIP) – promoting compassion, integrity and constructive dialogue in politics and public life. · Progressive Policy Unit (PPU) – developing practical, evidence-based policy proposals to tackle Britain's biggest social and economic challenges. · Real Agenda Radio (RAR) – a media platform featuring interviews, podcasts and discussion focused on practical solutions and positive change. Real Agenda Limited has also been established to support collaboration with other organisations that share similar values, enabling them to retain their own identity while benefiting from shared communications, research, campaigning and fundraising support. Tom Burgess, CEO of Real Agenda Limited and Taxpayers Against Poverty, said: "This is much more than a name change. It represents a significant step forward in building a stronger platform for positive change. Britain faces complex challenges that no single organisation can solve alone. Poverty, inequality, financial hardship, political division and declining trust in our institutions are deeply connected. Real Agenda has been created to bring together organisations, ideas and people who want to work collaboratively to address these issues. Taxpayers Against Poverty and Compassion in Politics will continue exactly as before, but they will now be supported by a broader organisation that adds research capacity, media platforms and opportunities for collaboration. We believe the public is looking for practical solutions rather than political division. Real Agenda is about creating the space where those solutions can be developed, communicated and put into practice." The new structure reflects Real Agenda's commitment to bringing together campaigners, researchers, policymakers, businesses, charities and community organisations around shared objectives, including: · Preventing poverty before it occurs. · Reducing inequality and financial hardship. · Promoting compassionate, evidence-based public policy. · Supporting democratic renewal and public participation. · Developing practical solutions to Britain's economic and social challenges. Real Agenda is designed as a collaborative network rather than a merger, allowing participating organisations to retain their independence while working together where common goals exist. Over the coming months, Real Agenda will continue expanding its work through new policy initiatives, media programmes, strategic partnerships and national campaigns focused on building a fairer, more prosperous and more compassionate Britain. ENDS For more information, media enquiries, interviews, or comment: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against PovertyEmail: media@taxpayersagainstpovery.org Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk About Real Agenda Ltd Real Agenda Ltd is a not-for-profit social enterprise bringing together campaigns, research, media and public engagement to tackle poverty, inequality and the barriers preventing people from thriving. Through its network of organisations, Real Agenda works to promote practical, evidence-based solutions that create a fairer and more compassionate society. Taxpayers against Poverty (TAP) is a national campaigning organisation founded by the late Rev. Paul Nicolson. TAP works to expose the causes and consequences of poverty and advocates for policies that ensure everyone can meet their basic needs and participate fully in society. Compassion in Politics (CIP) is a cross-party movement dedicated to putting compassion at the heart of political decision-making. It works with politicians, public institutions and citizens to encourage a more human-centred approach to public policy and public life. The Progressive Policy Unit (PPU) is Real Agenda’s research and policy development arm. It develops practical, evidence-based proposals on poverty prevention, economic fairness, taxation, public services and social wellbeing. Real Agenda Radio (RAR) is the media platform, providing podcasts, interviews and commentary that amplify under-reported issues, challenge conventional thinking and give a voice to people working for positive social change. RAR has been dormant for a couple of years and due to be reactivated later in 2026) Together, these organisations combine campaigning, research, media and public engagement to advance practical solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen communities and build a more inclusive economy.

London, 2 June 2026 – Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) is delighted to announce the appointment of Helen Goodman to its Advisory Board. Helen brings extensive experience from both Parliament and government, having served as Member of Parliament for Bishop Auckland from 2005 to 2019 and as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions, with responsibility for child poverty and childcare. In her position, she oversaw the passage of the Child Poverty Act. Throughout her public life she has been a respected voice on social justice, welfare reform, poverty, and economic fairness. Her appointment comes at a time when poverty, inequality, and financial hardship are becoming increasingly important issues in public debate, and as TAP expands its Prioritise Poverty Prevention campaign across Parliament and wider civil society. TAP CEO Tom Burgess welcomed the appointment. "We are absolutely delighted that Helen has agreed to join our Advisory Board. She brings a wealth of experience, deep policy knowledge, and a long-standing commitment to tackling poverty and inequality. At a time when millions of people across the UK are struggling with the cost of living and financial insecurity, Helen's insight and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to develop practical policies aimed at preventing poverty before it occurs. TAP is building a broad coalition of parliamentarians, experts, charities, campaigners and citizens who believe Britain can do better. Helen's appointment is another important step in that journey." Helen Goodman said: "Poverty is not inevitable. It is the result of political and economic choices. I am pleased to join the Advisory Board of Taxpayers Against Poverty and support its efforts to promote policies that reduce poverty, tackle inequality and improve the lives of people across the UK. The organisation's focus on prevention is particularly important. It is always better – for individuals, communities and taxpayers – to prevent poverty than to deal with its consequences later." The appointment strengthens TAP's growing network of advisors and supporters as it works to build support for practical solutions to poverty and inequality, including tax reform, housing affordability, poverty prevention, and measures to reduce financial hardship. Recent initiatives include the publication of The Nicolson Report: The Poverty Scandal, the launch of the Prioritise Poverty Prevention campaign, the establishment of a cross-party Poverty Prevention Caucus of MPs, and the forthcoming public petition calling for poverty prevention to become a national policy priority. TAP believes that tackling poverty is not simply a moral imperative but an economic necessity. Poverty and financial hardship impose significant costs on public services, communities and the wider economy. Preventing poverty delivers benefits for individuals, taxpayers and society as a whole. ENDS For further information, media enquiries, interviews, or comment: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against Poverty Email: media@taxpayersagainstpoverty.org Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk About Taxpayers Against PovertyTaxpayers against Poverty is a UK-based independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and economic injustice TAP seeks to influence national and local policy by promoting practical economic proposals that have a positive effect on reducing poverty and unnecessary financial hardship 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 is Compassion in Politics which seeks to bring more honesty, respect and compassion into political life.

London, 25 May 2026 – Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) has welcomed recent comments from potential future Labour leadership contenders suggesting a growing willingness to discuss bolder economic reform, including fairer taxation of wealth. TAP noted that both Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham have raised the issue of taxing wealth more fairly as part of the wider national debate around economic reform, inequality, and living standards. TAP said this reflects a growing recognition that Britain cannot continue relying on short-term economic management while millions face increasing financial pressure. However, the organisation warned that bold policies alone are not enough. Tom Burgess, CEO of TAP, said:“There is clearly growing recognition across politics that Britain needs more ambitious thinking on taxation, inequality, and the cost of living. That is welcome. But bold policies only gain wide public support if they are accompanied by a clear, honest, and well-designed narrative about why change is necessary and how it will improve people’s lives.” TAP said the affordability crisis remains the single biggest issue affecting large parts of the electorate. “Millions of people are working hard yet still struggling with housing costs, taxation pressure, financial insecurity, and declining living standards,” Burgess added. “Any future Labour leader—or any political leader seeking public support—must have a serious and credible plan to address that reality directly.” TAP has long argued for practical policies designed to reduce poverty, inequality, and cost-of-living pressures, including: · Reducing tax pressure on low and middle incomes · Reforming council tax and stamp duty · Fairer taxation of wealth and capital gains · Building affordable housing near transport infrastructure · Investing in long-term economic resilience · Preventing poverty rather than endlessly managing its consequences The organisation said one of the biggest frustrations in recent years has been the reluctance of mainstream politicians to address these issues head-on. “For too long, politics has been dominated by caution and short-termism,” Burgess said. “Meanwhile, public frustration has continued to grow.” “But perhaps there are now early signs that the political debate is beginning to shift. If political leaders are finally prepared to speak honestly about inequality, financial insecurity, and the need for structural reform, then there may still be real hope for change.” TAP is currently building cross-party support for its Prioritise Poverty Prevention campaign and public petition calling for policies that directly reduce poverty, inequality, and financial hardship. ENDS For media enquiries, interviews, or comment: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against PovertyEmail: taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.comWebsite: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk About Taxpayers Against PovertyTaxpayers against Poverty is a UK-based independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and economic injustice TAP seeks to influence national and local policy by promoting practical economic proposals that have a positive effect on reducing poverty and unnecessary financial hardship 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 is Compassion in Politics which seeks to bring more honesty, respect and compassion into political life.

By Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against Poverty 15 May 2026 Britain feels increasingly stuck. Millions of people are working harder while feeling less secure. Housing costs remain painfully high. Public services are under pressure. Inequality continues to widen. And many people feel politics no longer offers a serious long-term vision for improving the country. At Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP), we believe the central challenge facing Britain is no longer whether change is necessary. It is whether politics is prepared to think boldly enough to deliver it. Because the reality is this: Britain cannot continue spending billions managing the consequences of poverty, inequality, and rising financial hardship while leaving many of the underlying causes untouched. We need a different approach — one focused on prevention, long-term thinking, and improving the wellbeing of the majority of people. That means being willing to rethink taxation, housing, democracy, infrastructure, and how we measure national success itself. A New Way of Measuring Success For too long, governments have measured success almost entirely through GDP growth. But GDP alone does not tell us whether: · people feel financially secure · families can afford housing · communities are thriving · living standards are improving · people feel hopeful about the future That is why Britain should adopt the National Wellbeing Dashboard alongside economic growth measures. Government policy should ultimately be judged not just by economic output, but by the quality of life it creates. Ten Bold Moves Britain Could Take Now 1. Reduce the Cost of Living Through Tax Reform The tax burden on work and ordinary households has become too high. Council tax is increasingly seen as outdated and regressive. Millions of renters and lower-income households are under constant financial pressure. TAP proposes abolishing council tax for approximately 35% of households, particularly lower-income renters, while moving toward a fairer proportional property or land value-based system. Stamp duty should also be abolished for ordinary residential transactions. People should not be penalised simply for trying to move home, relocate for work, or improve their living situation. At the same time, the income tax threshold should be raised significantly — potentially to £30,000 — so that working people can meet basic living costs before paying substantial tax. The principle is simple: Tax work less. Tax accumulated wealth more fairly. 2. Rebalance the Tax System Britain increasingly taxes earned income more heavily than accumulated wealth. That imbalance contributes to rising inequality and declining economic mobility. A modest wealth tax on assets above £10 million, alongside aligning capital gains tax more closely with income tax, could generate significant revenue while affecting only a very small proportion of the population. This is not about punishing success. It is about restoring balance and reducing pressure on ordinary households. 3. Modernise British Democracy Britain increasingly operates as a multi-party democracy while still using political structures designed for a two-party system. That creates frustration and weakens trust. Introducing proportional representation would: · better reflect voter preferences · encourage collaboration · reduce tribal politics · strengthen democratic legitimacy Parliament itself also needs renewal. Rather than spending vast sums endlessly repairing an ageing Palace of Westminster, Britain should consider developing a modern parliamentary structure better suited to a collaborative multi-party democracy, alongside reforming the House of Lords and reducing the influence of large political donations. 4. End Homelessness Homelessness in one of the wealthiest countries on earth should not be accepted as inevitable. Evidence increasingly shows that preventing homelessness costs far less than managing its consequences through emergency accommodation, health pressures, and social breakdown. A serious national homelessness prevention strategy would not only improve lives but reduce long-term public expenditure. 5. Build Affordable Communities Around Rail Infrastructure Britain faces a housing crisis not simply because of housing shortages, but because of poor planning and unequal economic concentration. TAP proposes building up to 1.2 million homes on publicly owned land near rail stations outside major cities while retaining public ownership of the land itself. T his could: · improve affordability · strengthen regional economies · reduce pressure on London and the South East · increase connectivity and opportunity 6. Treat Climate and Energy as Economic Issues Energy insecurity and rising utility costs increasingly affect living standards and national resilience. Britain should take a far more ambitious approach to: · renewable energy · insulation · grid infrastructure · long-term energy independence Reducing emissions and reducing household costs should be viewed as complementary goals, not competing ones. Why Boldness Matters Britain now risks: · entrenched inequality · permanent financial insecurity · political fragmentation · declining trust in institutions Incrementalism alone is unlikely to solve challenges of this scale. What is increasingly required is: · bold leadership · long-term thinking · a credible national vision Not endless management of decline. But a serious plan to build a fairer, more resilient, more hopeful country. At TAP, we believe these ideas are not radical because they are extreme. They are radical because politics has become too cautious to discuss meaningful long-term change. And that must change. And that starts with leadership, new leadership Ends For more information, media enquiries, interviews, or comment: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against PovertyEmail: taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.comWebsite: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk About Taxpayers Against PovertyTaxpayers against Poverty is a UK-based independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and economic injustice TAP seeks to influence national and local policy by promoting practical economic proposals that have a positive effect on reducing poverty and unnecessary financial hardship 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 is Compassion in Politics which seeks to bring more honesty, respect and compassion into political life.

11 May 2026 My fellow citizens, For too long, politics in Britain has been dominated by caution, short-term thinking, and the management of decline. People have worked harder, worried more, and felt less secure. Millions of families who do everything right still struggle with housing costs, taxation, financial pressure, and a growing sense that the country no longer works for ordinary people. Tonight, I want to speak honestly: Britain cannot build a stronger future while so many people feel economically trapped, insecure, or left behind. And so today, this government is choosing a different path. A bold path. A fairer path. A path built not around managing poverty and hardship — but preventing them. Because the purpose of a modern economy is not simply to create wealth. It is to improve the wellbeing, security, and opportunities of the people who live within it. And from this moment forward, that will be the guiding principle of this government. We will begin with the biggest pressure facing millions of households: the cost of living. Council tax is outdated, regressive, and unfair. It punishes ordinary households regardless of real ability to pay. So we will abolish council tax for approximately 9 million lower and middle-income households, those renting their homes — immediately reducing financial pressure for millions of families. At the same time, we will abolish stamp duty for ordinary homeowners and movers. Because people should not be taxed simply for trying to move closer to work, downsize, upsize, or build a better life. We will also raise the income tax threshold to £30,000. If you are earning modest wages, working hard, contributing to society, you should not be taxed before you can comfortably meet the basic cost of living. This will increase disposable income for millions of people and restore a basic principle of fairness: work should provide security and opportunity. And we will fund these changes fairly. Not through austerity. Not through more borrowing. But by rebalancing a tax system that has increasingly favoured accumulated wealth over work. We will introduce a modest wealth tax on assets above £10 million. And we will align capital gains tax more closely with income tax so that income from wealth is not taxed more lightly than income from work. This is not about punishing success. It is about restoring balance, fairness, and social stability. But economic security is not enough on its own. A successful country must also provide dignity. So this government will commit to ending mass homelessness in Britain. In one of the wealthiest countries on earth, hundreds of thousands of people remain without stable housing. This is not inevitable. It is a political choice. And we are choosing differently. We will also launch the largest community housing and transport regeneration programme in generations. Using publicly owned land around rail stations outside major cities, we will support the development of up to 1.2 million new homes. Beautiful, connected communities. Homes linked to transport, jobs, and opportunity. Crucially, local government will retain ownership of the land itself — ensuring long-term public value rather than permanent private extraction. Because housing should serve society, not merely speculation. And we will change how government measures success. For too long, governments have focused narrowly on GDP while ignoring the daily lived experience of the population. From now on, Britain will introduce a national Wellbeing Index alongside economic growth measures. Because what matters is not simply how wealthy a country becomes. What matters is: whether people feel secure whether communities thrive whether families can build stable lives whether opportunity is genuinely shared And finally, we must renew our democracy itself. Britain is no longer a two-party country. People increasingly feel unheard and unrepresented. So this government will begin the process of introducing proportional representation, ensuring that Parliament more accurately reflects the voices and choices of the British people. Because democracy functions best when people believe their vote matters. At the same time we will start on a new Houses of Parliament, one fit for modern times and our multi party society and also we will democartise the House of Lords My fellow citizens, None of this is small. None of this is timid. And none of this can be achieved through fear of change. But Britain has never moved forward through caution alone. We built the NHS. We rebuilt after war. We created great institutions because previous generations were prepared to think boldly about the future. Now it is our turn. The challenges we face are real. But so is the opportunity before us. We can build a country that is: fairer more secure more prosperous and more hopeful A Britain where prosperity is widely shared. Where work delivers dignity. Where housing is attainable. Where poverty is prevented, not endlessly managed. And where politics once again serves the wellbeing of the many. That is the future we choose tonight. And together, that is the future we will build. Written by Tom Burgess for the person who is the next visionary leader of the United Kingdom For media enquiries, interviews, or comment: Tom Burgess, CEO, TAP / +44 7887 724285Email: campaigns@taxpayersagainstpoverty.org Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk About Taxpayers Against PovertyTaxpayers against Poverty is a UK-based independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and economic injustice TAP seeks to influence national and local policy by promoting practical economic proposals that have a positive effect on reducing poverty and unnecessary financial hardship 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 is Compassion in Politics which seeks to bring more honesty, respect and compassion into political life. For media enquiries, interviews, or comment: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against PovertyEmail: media@taxpayersagainspoverty.org Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org

London, Saturday 9 May 2026 – Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) says the results of the local elections reflect a growing public demand for bold leadership, a credible long-term vision, and practical solutions to the economic pressures facing millions across the UK. TAP said the elections exposed increasing frustration with politics that feels reactive, short-term, and disconnected from the day-to-day realities of ordinary people. Tom Burgess, CEO of TAP, said:“These results show that many people no longer feel the traditional political approach is working for them. Voters are looking for something more than slogans and short-term announcements. They want a clear vision, a practical plan, and leadership with the courage to address the deeper problems affecting the country.” TAP said rising financial insecurity, pressure on living standards, housing costs, inequality, and in-work poverty are now affecting a significant proportion of the population and cannot continue to be treated as isolated issues. “The reality is that millions of people are working harder while feeling less secure,” Burgess added. “Until we seriously tackle poverty, inequality, and the wider financial hardship now experienced across much of society, trust in politics and confidence in the future will continue to decline.” TAP believes meaningful change requires a shift away from constant crisis management toward long-term prevention-focused policy. Through its Prioritise Poverty Prevention campaign, TAP is advocating for: · Lower tax burdens on low and middle incomes · Fairer taxation systems that reduce inequality · Reform of outdated property taxes · Action on housing and energy costs · Policies that prevent poverty before crisis occurs “These are not abstract political ideas,” Burgess said. “They are practical reforms that would make a real and immediate difference to the lives of the majority of people.” TAP warned that without a coherent long-term economic and social vision, political fragmentation and public frustration are likely to deepen further. “The country does not lack resources or potential,” Burgess said. “What has been lacking is the leadership and long-term thinking needed to build a fairer, more stable and more hopeful future.” TAP is currently building cross-party support for its Prioritise Poverty Prevention Pledge, with MPs from five political parties already backing the initiative. ENDS For media enquiries, interviews, or comment: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against PovertyEmail: taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.comWebsite: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk About Taxpayers Against PovertyTaxpayers against Poverty is a UK-based independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and economic injustice TAP seeks to influence national and local policy by promoting practical economic proposals that have a positive effect on reducing poverty and unnecessary financial hardship 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 is Compassion in Politics which seeks to bring more honesty, respect and compassion into political life.

London 23 April 2026: Twenty MPs have become founding supporters of a new Parliamentary Poverty Prevention Caucus, alongside a national pledge and public petition calling on the Government to make poverty prevention a central priority of national policy.   The initiative, led by campaign group Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) in partnership with Compassion in Politics, brings together MPs from across parties to develop a coordinated, prevention-led approach to tackling poverty and inequality. With global instability, economic uncertainty, and ongoing cost-of-living pressures continuing to affect the UK economy, campaigners warn that more households risk falling into hardship, unless government action shifts from managing poverty to preventing it.   At the core of the initiative is a unified pledge signed by all Parliamentary supporters: “I pledge to prioritise policies preventing poverty and inequality, acting with integrity, respect, and compassion in Parliament and my constituency.”   Alongside the parliamentary initiative and pledge, TAP is also launching a national petition, enabling the public to call on the government and MPs to prioritise poverty prevention in national policy.   TAP says the UK lacks a coherent national poverty prevention strategy, and that billions are spent managing hardship’s consequences rather than its root causes. The Parliamentary Poverty Prevention Caucus will bring together MPs, policy experts, and civil society organisations to develop practical solutions for addressing the structural causes of poverty and improve long-term economic resilience.   Tom Burgess, CEO of Taxpayers Against Poverty, said: “In a time of global instability and economic pressure, we are seeing more families pushed to the edge. Britain spends billions dealing with the consequences of poverty, yet far too little preventing it.   The recently published Nicolson Report makes clear that a prevention-led approach is not only the right moral choice, but an economic necessity. Preventing poverty reduces long-term pressure on public services, strengthens public finances, and improves life chances across the country.”   A launch event for the Parliamentary Poverty Prevention Caucus will take place in Westminster later this year. / ENDS   Notes to Editors:  The founding MPs are: Neil Duncan-Jordan Labour Poole Ann Davies Plaid Cymru Caerfyrddin  Iqbal Mohamed Independent Dewsbury and Batley  Ellie Chowns Green Party North Herefordshire Steve Witherden Labour Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr Richard Burgon Labour Leeds East Andrew George Lib Dem St Ives Bell Ribeiro-Addy Labour Clapham and Brixton Hill  John McDonnell Labour Hayes and Harlington  Siân Berry Green Party Brighton Pavilion  Dr Simon Opher Labour Stroud Cat Eccles Labour Stourbridge Carla Denyer Green Party Bristol Central Adrian Ramsay Green Party Waveney Valley Hannah Spencer Green Party Gorton and Denton Nadia Whittome Labour Nottingham East  Kim Johnson Labour Liverpool Riverside  Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North Seamus Logan SNP Aberdeenshire North and Moray East  Clive Lewis Labour Norwich South   The Nicolson Report, Poverty Benefits No-One, draws on existing research, official statistics, and case studies to assess the scale, cost, and causes of poverty in the UK, and to propose practical policy responses. You can view a draft copy of the report here:  Constituency level poverty figures for child poverty available in attached excel file - source: Households Below Average Income (HBAI) statistics Households Below Average Income (HBAI) statistics - GOV.UK   For media enquiries, interviews, or comment:Tom Burgess, CEO, TAP / +44 7887 724285Email: campaigns@taxpayersagainstpoverty.org Simon Thomson, Director of Communications and Campaigns, TAP  Email: simon@taxpayersagainstpoverty.org  Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk    About Taxpayers Against PovertyTaxpayers against Poverty is a UK-based independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and economic injustice TAP seeks to influence national and local policy by promoting practical economic proposals that have a positive effect on reducing poverty and unnecessary financial hardship 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 is Compassion in Politics which seeks to bring more honesty, respect and compassion into political life.   For media enquiries, interviews, or comment: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against PovertyEmail: media@taxpayersagainspoverty.org Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org