New Prime Minister Offers Britain a Rare Opportunity for National Renewal

TAP welcomes signs of a bold new agenda but warns that lasting reform will require courage, public support and resistance to vested interests

London, 20 July 2026 – Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) today said the appointment of a new Prime Minister offers Britain a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the country's economic and social future but warned that meaningful reform will only succeed if the Government remains bold in the face of inevitable opposition.

The organisation said there are encouraging signs that the new administration is prepared to embrace many of the ideas that campaigners have long argued are essential to reducing poverty, inequality and the cost of living.

These include reform of Council Tax, fairer taxation of wealth, greater investment in housing and transport infrastructure, stronger devolution, democratic renewal and a greater focus on inclusive economic growth.

Tom Burgess, CEO of Taxpayers Against Poverty, said:

"For the first time in many years there is genuine reason for optimism.

Britain has an opportunity to move beyond simply managing decline and begin building a country that is fairer, more productive and offers greater opportunity for everyone.

The early signs suggest there is a willingness to think more boldly about housing, taxation, infrastructure, democratic reform and economic renewal. Those are precisely the conversations Britain needs."

However, TAP warned that ambitious reform will not come easily.

History shows that proposals to modernise the economy and make the tax system fairer often face determined resistance from vested interests, sections of the media and those who benefit most from the status quo.

"Every significant reform in Britain's history has attracted criticism," Tom Burgess said.

"There will undoubtedly be pushback from some wealthy interests, sections of the media and political opponents who are comfortable with the current system.

The real test of leadership will not be announcing bold ideas. It will be having the determination to deliver them."

TAP believes any new economic programme must be built around a clear national mission:

Prevent poverty. Reduce financial hardship. Create opportunity.

The organisation argues that Britain has spent decades treating poverty as something to manage rather than something to prevent.

"As a country we have become very good at responding to the consequences of poverty," Tom Burgess said. "What we have failed to do is address many of its causes. Preventing poverty should become one of the central tests of every major government decision. If a policy increases financial hardship, it should be reconsidered. If it reduces hardship and expands opportunity, it should be prioritised."

TAP believes a successful programme for national renewal should include:

• Reducing the cost of living.

• Reforming Council Tax and Business Rates.

• Taxing work less and wealth more fairly.

• Building significantly more affordable homes.

• Investing in modern transport infrastructure.

• Giving greater powers and financial responsibility to cities and regions.

• Modernising Parliament and strengthening democracy.

• Measuring success through wellbeing alongside economic growth.

The organisation said these reforms should not be viewed as isolated policies but as part of one connected vision for rebuilding Britain.

"The public is looking for more than individual announcements," Tom Burgess added.

"People want to know where the country is heading.

They want a government with a vision, a coherent plan and the courage to see it through."

Over recent months, Taxpayers Against Poverty has submitted a series of policy briefings to parliamentarians and advisers covering poverty prevention, tax reform, housing, infrastructure and democratic renewal.

The organisation's Prioritise Poverty Prevention campaign now has the support of more than 10,000 supporters and 30 MPs from five political parties, demonstrating growing momentum behind the call for a prevention-first approach to public policy.

Tom Burgess concluded:

"Britain has a genuine opportunity to turn the page. But hope alone will not change the country. It will require leadership, persistence and the confidence to withstand those who will argue that meaningful reform is impossible. We believe it is possible. More importantly, we believe Britain cannot afford to miss this opportunity."

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.