Disability and poverty in the UK are inextricably linked—and both are escalating at an alarming rate. A punitive welfare system, the relentless cost of living crisis, lack of accessible medical care, and a deficit of societal compassion are leaving millions of British citizens vulnerable and without hope. This is not just a statistic; it is a national crisis that demands urgent action.   Understanding Poverty in the UK Poverty in the UK is measured in two key ways: Relative Poverty: A household income that is a set percentage below the median income (e.g., 50% or 60%), which measures inequality within society. Absolute Poverty: A household income that is insufficient to maintain basic living standards, such as adequate food, shelter, and housing. This measure allows for comparison across countries and over time. The numbers paint a stark picture. In 2022/2023, 9.5 million people (14%) were living in absolute poverty before housing costs, and 12 million (18%) after housing costs.   The Disproportionate Impact on Disabled People Disabled individuals are among the most affected. According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 31% of disabled people—nearly one in three—were living in poverty in 2021/2022. For those with ongoing and restrictive mental health conditions, this figure rises to 38%.   Why Are Disabled People Hit Hardest? Several factors exacerbate poverty among disabled people: The Cost of Living Crisis: Skyrocketing energy, food, and housing costs are forcing many into impossible choices—eat or heat? Pay rent or buy necessities? A Punitive Welfare System: Universal Credit and Work Capability Assessments have failed those unable to work due to illness, pushing them into destitution and emotional turmoil. Stigma and Isolation: Disabled individuals often face accusations of being “work-shy” or committing fraud, leading many to suffer in silence rather than seek help. Severe Cuts to Social Care: Over the past 14 years, austerity has slashed social and healthcare budgets, resulting in endless waiting lists and inadequate support for physical and mental health needs.   The Way Forward: Solutions for a Compassionate Society Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) is championing three pillars for a fairer, more inclusive society: Adequate Minimum Income: Every individual deserves a living wage that ensures they can afford basic necessities like food, housing, and heating. Truly Affordable Housing: An urgent investment in social housing for the vulnerable and affordable homes for working people is critical. Accessible Health and Social Care: Free, high-quality healthcare for physical and mental health must be a right, not a privilege. These solutions are ambitious but achievable. A compassionate society begins with ensuring everyone has a warm, safe place to call home and their basic needs met.   Our Role in Creating Change We cannot wait for someone else to act. It’s time to demand better for the millions struggling in poverty—and for the millions more living one unexpected expense away from it. Join us in advocating for a compassionate, fairer society. Here’s how you can help: Speak Up: Contact your MP and demand investment in social care, living wages, and affordable housing. Get Involved: Volunteer or donate to organisations like TAP that fight for systemic change. Stay Informed: Follow TAP’s work and share their message to build awareness. Together, we can create a society where no one is left behind. Let’s make compassion the cornerstone of our nation’s future.   Sylvie Rouhani Deputy Editor, Taxpayers Against Poverty December 2024

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, 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.”

London 5 July 2024.   Taxpayers against Poverty (TAP) welcomes the election of the new government and hopes it will be more responsive to the needs of the 14 million people living in poverty   TAP commented that poverty was virtually ignored during the campaign and none of the parties seemed to present a comprehensive and practical plan for resolving poverty   Taxpayers against Poverty  is a campaigning group seeking to minimise poverty through reform of the tax system and related economic measures. TAP was founded by the late Rev Paul Nicolson, the pioneer of the Real Living Wage and persistent campaigner on behalf of those struggling financially.   TAP plans to launch a new campaign that will offer economic initiatives that will help resolve poverty. More details will be announced in coming weeks.   Tom Burgess, Chair of Taxpayers Against Poverty said: “It was disgraceful that resolving poverty had such a low presence in the political debate during the election. This must change. There is a staggering that 14 million living in poverty in the UK, the six richest country in the world (as measured by GDP per capita). There are a few simple solutions that could make a big difference to the millions struggling every day. We need politicians that are bold enough to make strong decisions that will prioritise the poor over the wealthy.”       About Us Taxpayers against Poverty  is a campaigning group seeking to minimise poverty through reform of the tax system and related economic measures. TAP seeks to influence national and local policy with well-researched and robust evidence of hardship and promote practical policy proposals. TAP was founded by late Rev Pul Nicolson, the pioneer of the Real Living Wage and persistent campaigner who believed that n o citizen should be without an affordable home and an adequate income in work or unemployment combined with access to accessible healthcare. TAP is now led by Tom Burgess and is the sister organisation to Compassion in Politics , the think tank seeking to bring   more honesty, respect and kindness to the heart of politics . For www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk   Tom Burgess Taxpayers Against Poverty is chaired by Tom Burgess, who worked and supported Rev Paul Nicolson in his campaigning. Tom is the author of From Here to Prosperity , a practical policy agenda for a sustainable economy and greater social justice , which was very much in line with Rev Pauls view. Tom is the former CEO of an international communications firm which operated in 100 countries and has also been student union president, founder member of SDP, journalist and broadcaster and political candidate. He attended Robert Reich’s Wealth & Poverty lectures at University of California, Berkeley and worked on the Bernie 2016 campaign. Tom was chair of the Coalition for Economic Justice and founded The Real Agenda podcast series.   Media Contacts Tom Burgess, Taxpayers Against Poverty, 0788 772 4285 tom@tomburgess.com

London 5 August 2024:  Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of our 23,000 supporters on Facebook for their continued engagement and commitment to our cause. Your dedication has been instrumental in amplifying our voice as we advocate for fair and compassionate policies for the most vulnerable in our society.   With the election of a new government, Taxpayers Against Poverty is launching a communications programme designed to directly influence future policy decisions. This initiative will focus on ensuring that the voices of those most affected by poverty are heard by decision-makers at all levels.   The programme will centre around three key areas: 1. Housing Reform: Advocating for sustainable, affordable housing policies that prevent homelessness and support low-income renters. 2. Social Security Improvements: Calling for a more equitable benefits system that ensures dignity and financial security for all. 3. Local Community Empowerment: Collaborating with grassroots organisations to amplify local voices and push for community-based solutions to poverty.   Through this new programme, TAP will work to build stronger connections with politicians, stakeholders, and community leaders. We will also launch an online campaign to encourage the public to engage with their local MPs and advocate for changes that reflect the needs of those living in poverty.   We look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks as we prepare to mobilise our supporters across the country to push for meaningful change.   Tom Burgess, Chair of Taxpayers Against Poverty said: “When the founder of TAP Rev Paul Nicolson died in March 2020 just before the pandemic changed our world, he had over 23,000 followers on Facebook and over 3000 on X. Since TAP  has kept up our postings alerting followers to the injustices suffered by so many and offering potential solutions. We have been working closely with our sister organisation   Compassion in Politics , the think tank seeking to bring   more honesty, respect and kindness to the heart of politics . Four years later TAP still has over 23,000 followers on Facebook and over 3000 followers on which is a testament to the determination of our supporters and their determination to see change. Thank you once again to our incredible Facebook community. Together, we will continue the fight for justice, dignity, and equality.   For more information, visit our website at www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates.   Media Contacts Tom Burgess, Taxpayers Against Poverty, 0788 772 4285 tom@tomburgess.com

London 5 September 2024:  Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) expresses deep concern over the lack of vision demonstrated by the new UK government in addressing the critical issues of poverty and social inequality. Despite widespread calls for action, the government's current policies fall short of creating the structural changes necessary to lift millions of people out of poverty and provide meaningful support for the most vulnerable.   Failure to Address the Real Crisis   While political leaders continue to promise economic growth, their plans have largely ignored the urgent social crisis that is affecting millions of families across the UK. Rising housing costs, inadequate social security, and escalating energy prices have left too many people struggling to make ends meet. The new government's approach does little to offer hope for those caught in this vicious cycle of poverty.   Reform is desperately needed to ensure that low-income individuals and families receive the support they need to thrive, rather than merely survive.   TAP Calls for Immediate and Long-Term Solutions   Taxpayers Against Poverty is calling on the UK government to adopt a bold, forward-thinking approach to tackling poverty. Our vision for meaningful change includes:   1. Affordable Housing for All     The government must invest in truly affordable housing by increasing the stock of social housing and regulating the private rental sector. Strong rent controls and protections for renters are urgently needed to prevent people from losing their homes and becoming trapped in precarious housing situations.   2. A Fair Social Security System     Social security benefits must be reformed to ensure they provide a real safety net. This includes raising the basic allowance of Universal Credit to reflect the true cost of living and ensuring timely access to benefits without unnecessary delays or sanctions.   3. A Real Living Wage     Every worker in the UK deserves a wage that meets the cost of living. TAP urges the government to implement the Real Living Wage that is deemed sufficient to cover housing, food, utilities, and other essentials. This is key to reducing the working poor population.   4. Energy and Food Security     Immediate action is needed to cap energy prices and ensure that families do not face the impossible choice between heating and eating. Support for food banks, alongside policies aimed at reducing the need for them, must be central to the government’s strategy.   5. Empowering Local Communities     Local councils need greater funding and autonomy to develop tailored, community-based solutions to poverty. Devolving power will enable more effective decision-making that directly reflects the needs of local populations.         Tom Burgess, Chair of Taxpayers Against Poverty said: “The new government’s lack of vision on these key issues is not just a policy failure—it’s a moral failure. We need leadership that prioritises the needs of ordinary citizens over abstract economic goals. It’s time to invest in people by building an economy that works for everyone, not just a select few.   Growth is not good unless it is inclusive growth benefitting all. Growth is meaningless to those in poverty suffering every day. Taxpayers Against Poverty urges the government to engage with civil society organizations, local communities, and those living in poverty to co-create policies that are both practical and humane. Only through bold, inclusive leadership can we achieve a fair and just society for all.”   TAP will announce policy proposals to address poverty over coming weeks   For more information, visit our website at www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates.   Media Contacts Tom Burgess, Taxpayers Against Poverty, 0788 772 4285 tom@tomburgess.com