TAP Welcomes Investment in Housing and NHS But Says Poverty and Inequality Must Be Addressed at the Root

Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) today welcomed the government’s announcement of increased spending on urgently needed social housing and NHS support — but warned that poverty and inequality will persist unless the country tackles the systemic issues at the heart of economic injustice.

“This is good news — but it doesn’t go far enough,” said Tom Burgess, CEO Taxpayers Against Poverty. “You can’t build a fairer Britain without addressing the root cause: the extreme concentration of wealth and the chronic lack of reinvestment in the real economy.”

TAP argues that Britain is not short of money — it’s short of fair distribution. A vast pool of capital is available for investment, but it remains locked in the hands of a few. Without a fair tax on excess wealth, millions will remain trapped in poverty while essential services struggle to keep up with demand.

That’s why TAP has launched The Real Agenda Policy Platform — a bold new programme designed to confront the causes of poverty, not just the symptoms. It includes practical, evidence-based proposals that will directly improve lives and drive inclusive economic growth.

The first of these proposals announced last week, is clear and immediate:➡️ Cancel council tax for renters and shift the liability to property owners — the ones benefiting from rising land values and the long-term wealth accumulation it brings.

“Council tax is outdated, regressive, and wrongly targets those who don’t own the asset being taxed,” said Tom Burgess. “If we want to support working people, we need to stop taxing them like landlords and start taxing actual property owners. It’s time to rebalance the system.”

TAP is calling on the government to match its spending announcements with bold structural reform. Investment is welcome — but unless it is accompanied by fair taxation and inclusive policies, inequality will continue to rise.

Notes to editors:

The Real Agenda Policy Platform will be released over coming months, including proposals on housing, taxation, welfare, and local government reform.

About Taxpayers Against PovertyTaxpayers Against Poverty is a UK-based independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and social injustice by promoting economic policies that have a direct effect on reducing poverty and the unnecessary financial hardship. TAP’s sister organisation and partner is Compassion in Politics which seeks to bring more truth respect and compassion into political life

For media enquiries, interviews, or comment: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against PovertyEmail: taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.comWebsite: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk   www.realagenda.org