Local Election Results Show Growing Demand for Vision, Leadership and Real Economic Change

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·       Reform of outdated property taxes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.