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Grants / Projects we are funding

Tax Justice UK – Shaping the public narrative on the need for a fairer tax system

Grant details

Amount:£141,500

Awarded on:01/11/2019

Duration:27 months

Status:Live

Area of interest

Systems change

Themes covered

Regulation

The UK's current approach to taxation isn’t raising enough to fund vital services, and is exacerbating poverty and inequality. There is no solution to the challenges that the UK faces that does not involve progressive tax reform. This means raising more tax in and shifting the focus of tax from the poorest onto those better able to pay. A key obstacle to this is a belief that the backlash from any reform would be greater than the potential benefits. Part of what drives this is a narrative that often portrays tax as a “burden”. This needs to be challenged.

What is the issue?

The UK has high levels of poverty and inequality, with a majority of people feeling that the economy doesn’t work for them. A progressive tax system is a key way of tackling these challenges. This means raising more tax in the first place to support public services and shifting the focus of tax from the poorest onto those better able to pay.

Given the current political context, where questions around tax and spend are once again on the agenda, it’s vital to have up-to-date and tested messages to explain why tax reform is needed.

What will the project try to achieve?

The project will use public attitudes research to develop, and test, the most persuasive arguments in favour of tax reform that would provide more resources to tackle poverty, and reduce inequality. Tax Justice UK will then work with partner organisations to get these messages into the media.

Who might be interested in this project?

Organisations and individuals interested in public services, taxation and inequality.