London, 12 November 2024: Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) welcomes the report “ A Blueprint for a 21st Century Parliament ” produced by TAP partner Compassion in Politics and the campaigning group 50:50 Parliament. This is important to TAP as we want to see a more effective and compassionate Parliament that will give priority to the needs of the 14 million people living in poverty in the UK. The report has been submitted to the newly formed Modernisation Committee at their request   The report provides an immediate starting point for modernising the UK Parliament into a more inclusive, supportive, and effective working institution. The report has received the backing of many people across politics including Alastair Campbell, Kim Leadbeater MP, former MP Caroline Lucas and former Home Secretary Amber Rudd.   To find out more and download a copy click here

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London, 1 November 2024: Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) welcomes the recent budget from the UK’s new Chancellor, particularly applauding the rise in the Living Wage, which aims to support low-income earners as they navigate the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. TAP has a longstanding commitment to ensuring fair wages, as championed by our founder, Rev. Paul Nicolson, who conducted the original research on minimum income standards in the late 1990s. His work was pivotal in the development of what we now know as the Real Living Wage, designed to reflect the actual costs of living with dignity in the UK.   While TAP acknowledges the positive steps taken to uplift wages, we are concerned by the minimal measures aimed at addressing wealth inequality. Though the budget introduced some tax increases on wealth, they fall short of the substantial reforms needed to reduce economic disparity and fund essential public services adequately.   Examples of where the budget missed opportunities include:   1. Capital Gains Tax Alignment: The budget could have aligned capital gains tax rates with income tax rates, ensuring that those earning through investments pay tax rates comparable to those on earned income.   2. Inheritance Tax Reform: Limited adjustments were made to inheritance tax, yet a comprehensive review could have better addressed the vast transfers of wealth across generations, providing fair contributions from those with significant estates.   3. Wealth Tax Implementation: Although discussions on wealth taxation have increased, the budget introduced no new tax on net wealth, which could have balanced the financial responsibilities of the ultra-wealthy with those of everyday taxpayers.   Rev. Nicolson’s legacy continues to guide TAP’s advocacy for fair taxation and economic justice. While the budget is a step in the right direction for working families, we call on the government to intensify efforts to ensure that the wealthiest contribute equitably to society’s collective needs.   Tom Burgess, Chair of TAP said “While we appreciate the government’s good intention not to inflict further taxation on “working people”, this budget does little to raise the incomes of those in poverty. At the same time, it could do more to create better public services by taxing those that have accumulated the wealth which we all helped to create, but our system means it is accumulated by a few. We need to change the narrative that is taxation on wealth is morally right and causes no hardship and taxing those whose income is not enough to live on only makes life worse”   We are pleased that there is an increase in putting the case for wealth taxation from such groups as the Fairness Foundation , Patriotic Millionaires UK  and Tax Justice UK ,     For more information or to support TAP’s campaign for inclusive economic growth, visit www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk  or contact us at contact@taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk       Media Contact:  Tom Burgess, Chair, Taxpayers Against Poverty  Email: contact@taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk     Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) is an independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and social injustice in the UK through evidence-based policy recommendations, public campaigns, and community engagement.

London, 14 October 2024 — Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) welcomes the recent government-organised investment summit in London as a promising step towards boosting investment in the UK economy. The summit, which brings together global business leaders, investors, and policymakers, underscores the potential to stimulate economic growth and job creation across the country.   While TAP acknowledges the value of foreign and domestic investment in driving economic development, the organisation urges the government to leverage this momentum to address the pressing issue of poverty that continues to affect 14 million of UK citizens.   Tom Burgess, Chair of TAP, stated, "We applaud the government for its efforts in attracting investment to the UK. However, it is essential that this initiative is inclusive and benefits the entire population, especially those who are struggling with poverty. Economic growth must go hand in hand with social responsibility. We believe that targeted policies, aimed at ensuring the benefits of this investment are widely shared, can make a significant difference in reducing poverty."   Taxpayers Against Poverty offers the following recommendations to ensure that the government’s investment agenda contributes directly to poverty reduction:   1. Living Wage and Fair Employment Standards: Encourage companies benefiting from new investments to adopt living wage policies and fair employment practices, ensuring that job creation is both sustainable and lifts workers out of poverty.   2. Affordable Housing Initiatives: Direct a portion of new investments towards developing affordable housing. With housing costs a major driver of poverty, increasing the availability of affordable homes is crucial for long-term economic stability.   3. Skills Development and Training: Invest in education and vocational training programmes that equip low-income individuals with the skills needed for emerging industries. Ensuring that those in poverty can access high-quality jobs will reduce inequality and increase social mobility.   4. Regional Investment: Prioritise investment in underdeveloped and economically disadvantaged regions to close the gap between prosperous cities and struggling areas. Investment should focus on building infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and creating local job opportunities.   5. Support for Small Businesses and Social Enterprises: Encourage investment in small businesses, especially those with a social purpose, by providing tax incentives and access to funding. Social enterprises that prioritize community benefits over profits can play a crucial role in reducing poverty.   Tom Burgess added: "Attracting investment is only the first step. The real challenge is ensuring that the benefits of that investment are shared equitably. By focusing on fair wages, affordable housing, and targeted support for struggling regions, the government can turn this investment summit into a meaningful opportunity to lift millions out of poverty.   Taxpayers Against Poverty remains committed to advocating for policies that promote both economic growth and social justice. We look forward to working with government leaders and the private sector to ensure that investment leads to a fairer, more prosperous future for all.” For more information or to support TAP’s campaign for inclusive economic growth, visit www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk  or contact us at contact@@ taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk     Media Contact:  Tom Burgess Taxpayers Against Poverty  Email: contact@taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk     Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) is an independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and social injustice in the UK through evidence-based policy recommendations, public campaigns, and community engagement.     This release highlights TAP's support for the investment summit while emphasising the need for poverty-reduction measures.

London, UK—October 9, 2024: Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) is calling for an urgent shift in economic policy, urging that economic growth be made more inclusive and beneficial to all sectors of society. The organisation warns that growth focused solely on increasing GDP, without considering the well-being and financial stability of every citizen, exacerbates inequality and leaves the most vulnerable even further behind. TAP will be producing a brief overview of what actions can be taken.   As the new government aims for rising GDP figures, TAP cautions that these numbers alone cannot reflect the true state of economic prosperity if they fail to address the struggles faced by millions of households. With inflation eating away at incomes, and wages not keeping up with the cost of living, many are finding themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty despite being in work.   Tom Burgess, Chair of Taxpayers Against Poverty, said   "It’s time we redefine what successful economic growth means. Economic policies should lift people out of poverty, not push them into it. Growth that enriches a few while leaving others to struggle with basic living expenses is neither sustainable nor ethical."   TAP emphasises that inclusive growth should ensure fair wages, affordable housing, and secure access to essential services such as healthcare and education. Recent statistics reveal that despite economic growth, the number of families relying on food banks has risen sharply, highlighting a disconnect between government policy and real-life outcomes.   A Call for Change   Taxpayers Against Poverty is calling on policymakers to adopt a people-first approach by implementing policies that ensure everyone benefits from economic growth. This means focusing on quality jobs, accessible housing, and a social safety net that prevents people from falling through the cracks.     Tom Burgess added: “We urge the government to prioritise measures that create opportunities and security for all, rather than policies that disproportionately benefit those who are already financially secure. Economic growth should not come at the expense of social stability or basic human dignity.”   Inclusive Growth for a Better Future   TAP's vision for inclusive growth includes the introduction of the Real Living Wage, expanding social housing, and increasing investment in public services. The organisation believes that by aligning economic policies with the needs of the most disadvantaged, the UK can build a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits all.   Tom Burgess concluded: “True prosperity means more than just high GDP numbers. It means creating a society where every citizen has a fair chance to thrive.”