London, 2 July 2025  – Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP)  today expressed its deep gratitude to the Members of Parliament who broke ranks to vote against the government’s latest round of welfare cuts. “These MPs put people before party. They voted with conscience, not calculation—and we thank them,”  said Tom Burgess, CEO TAP. “They stood up for dignity, compassion, and fairness at a moment when it mattered most.” TAP is calling on the government to now reset its approach —and show real leadership by developing a bold new economic agenda that prioritises poverty reduction and encourages inclusive growth , rather than pushing through policies that hit the most vulnerable hardest. “We need a government that understands poverty is not a budget line—it’s a national emergency,” said TAP. “Cutting support for those who need it most is not just unjust—it is economically short-sighted. While we acknowledge that the welfare system needs reform, it needs to be handled in a compassionate manner” TAP strongly supports Richard Burgon MP’s campaign to block disability benefit cuts  and introduce a Wealth Tax on the very richest . These proposals offer a credible alternative to austerity—one that ensures those with the broadest shoulders contribute fairly to the society we all share.   About Taxpayers Against Poverty Taxpayers 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 Poverty Email: taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk

Sylvie Rouhani Deputy Editor, Taxpayers Against Poverty 1 July 2025 TAP's founder, the late Rev Paul Nicolson, a constant campaigner against Council Tax On the 9th of June 2025, TAP launched the campaign to Cancel Council Tax for Renters . This tax is outdated and pushes many into debt. Failure to pay brings severe and unfair repercussions for the most vulnerable. This campaign is part of TAP’s anti-poverty manifesto, The Real Agenda .   What is Council Tax? Council Tax is a tax based on property value. It was first introduced, by the former Conservative Prime Minister, John Major, in 1993, by the Local Government Finance Act 1992, replacing the Poll Tax.  Each property is assigned a band (A to H), the higher the band, the higher the tax. Some individuals and some properties are exempts to the tax; others can get a reduction. Council Tax is collected by local authorities, called “collecting authorities”. The problems Since the localisation of council tax from central government to local authorities and, the abolishment of the Council Tax Benefit, in 2013, the tax has increased greatly. Under pressure, local authorities’ council tax schemes – replacing the Council Tax Benefit, have been less generous and has made whatever financial support available out of reach to many. In the London Borough of Lewisham, for instance, Residents could apply for and receive council tax benefit if they were too ill to work or/and unemployed, now for disabled people to be eligible for a reduction, or exemption, they need to have installed aids – such as a ramp. For those suffering with mental illnesses, only “severely mentally impaired”, those suffering with psychosis for instance, are eligible. These changes make it more difficult for anyone else to, who is financially struggling, to apply. Fundings to local authorities are decreased greatly, for the last 10 years. The way for them to balance their budget is to increase Council Tax, putting financial pressure on the most vulnerable and the poorest local residents. “Councils have weathered central government budget cuts of 40% over the last 10 years.” The Council Tax Collection Coalition  ( A group of organisations seeking to improve Council Tax collection practices for both residents and councils and to highlight the urgent need for reform) writes in a letter to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee.  writes.  “Council tax is an increasingly vital component of the local government funding system, accounting for 60% of councils’ core spending power 2021/22, up from 40% in 2009/10.3.” Furthermore, individuals failing to pay their monthly council tax bill, for lack of financial means, are then asked to pay the full yearly amount. If this is impossible, which it often is, tenants are fined £1000, on top of their exciting debts, increasing their debt further, without the offer of support. The last stage is a summons to court. If the court decides the person is still liable to pay their bill, might result in bailiffs knocking at their door and/ or a sentence of up to 3 months in jail.   The Impact on the most vulnerable tenants John* moved into a new build housing association 2 bedroom flat. When he contacted the Council Tax office, they had no record of this new building. John was asked to send them plans of the property and other proof of residency. After a year, one day, the council tax office withdrew £800 from his bank account without any notice. When he spoke to an officer, he was told they took the amount they thought was appropriate for his property. “I was never in debt with my bank before. I was in overdraft for the first time in my life. Since, I have been struggling to pay my council tax bills. I have been indebting for years now, as they keep fining me. I live in fear of bailiffs and summons.”   A letter from the Council Tax Collection Coalition t o The Rt Hon David Gauke, Chair of the Independent Sentencing Review. s tates : “The threat of imprisonment is often overemphasised, and the perceived risk of this alone is enough to cause long-lasting, damaging consequences  – for those who fall behind, and their loved ones. Single parents, most often women, describe immense stress and pressure stemming from this threat as the only adult in their household, fearing what would happen to their children should this become their reality. One debt advice client – a single mother in her 50s – said the fact this could be done made her “very anxious and scared” and meant her children “both suffered from anxiety and got upset when anybody came to the door.” TAP proposes cancelling council tax for all renters,  who tend to be lower income groups   “The campaign outlines how the £17 billion  shortfall in council tax revenue from removing renters could be offset by: ·       Shifting the burden to landowners and homeowners , who benefit most from rising property values (the cost of an average home goes up in value more than the cost of the average council tax), ·       Or recalibrating council tax bands to reflect modern property values and ownership status , not outdated 1991 valuations.”   It is clear: a tax based on property value, and not on what people can afford, with a collection system pushing renters into further debt and poverty; punishing them with fines, harassment from bailiffs and with the threats of imprisonment needs to be abolished. Uk renters deserve to live free of fears of repercussions to lead more fulfilling lives. * Name changed for anonymity                                                           * 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 July 2025

London, 30 June 2025     Taxpayers Against Poverty  (TAP) Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) is pleased to support the Pay Up  campaign , organised by Green New Deal Rising , and their National Day of Action  on 4th July. The campaign calls for those with extreme wealth to pay more in tax—so we can reinvest in our country and lift millions out of poverty. “At a time when so many struggle to afford the basics, it’s obscene that vast wealth continues to pile up in the hands of a few,” said Tom Burgess, CEO at TAP. “We need a tax system that reflects the simple truth: we all help create this wealth, but the system allows it to be hoarded by a minority. That must change.” TAP strongly supports the campaign’s call for higher taxes on extreme wealth. Taxes on wealth cause no hardship—unlike taxes on income, which fall most heavily on those on lower incomes. The time has come to shift the burden away from earned income and onto the unearned accumulation of wealth. A fairer tax system would: Ensure the wealthiest contribute their fair share to society. Fund the investment we need in housing, health, education, and climate action. Create more opportunity for fulfilled and happy lives for all our fellow citizens. TAP urges the public, policymakers, and political parties to back the Pay Up  campaign and commit to real change: a tax system that puts people and planet first. Notes to Editors: Taxpayers Against Poverty  campaigns for tax justice, poverty reduction, and economic fairness. The Pay Up  campaign  is led by Green New Deal Rising ,  with a National Day of Action planned for 4th July 2025. About Taxpayers Against Poverty Taxpayers 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 Poverty Email: taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk

London, 27 June 2025: Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) today announced its full support for the campaign led by Richard Burgon MP calling for a fair Wealth Tax to fund essential public services, alongside his petition opposing any cuts to disability benefits. TAP, founded on the belief that taxing people in poverty is both unethical and economically unsound, welcomes this bold initiative to shift the burden of funding the nation’s needs onto those with the broadest shoulders. A Wealth Tax is an essential part of any fair tax system that seeks to reduce inequality and ensure the dignity and wellbeing of all citizens. Recent YouGov’s polling for Oxfam showed  77% of us would rather the UK Government increase taxes on the very richest  than see cuts to public spending. This  reporting in the Independent  demonstrated much the same. Richard Burgon MP said: "There is an alternative to disability cuts and underfunded public services - to make the extremely wealthy pay their fair share. I’m delighted to support the work of Taxpayers Against Poverty, who have long campaigned for a fairer tax system and justice for those struggling in poverty. I look forward to working closely with TAP on future campaigns for a tax on extreme wealth both inside and outside Parliament so that we can build the public and political pressure needed to make this a reality.” TAP calls on its supporters, partners and the public to sign Richard Burgon’s petition against disability benefits cuts, and to join the growing demand for a Wealth Tax that can properly fund the NHS, social care, and other vital services without forcing those in poverty to pay the price. Tom Burgess, CEO, TAP added: “Taxpayers Against Poverty stands with Richard Burgon MP in calling for urgent action to tax wealth fairly and protect the most vulnerable from cuts. A Wealth Tax is not just possible — it’s essential if we are to fund the services people need and build a compassionate economy.” Get Involved: Sign the petition: Link to Richard Burgon’s petition Follow TAP’s Wealth Tax campaign updates, sign up at: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk About Taxpayers Against Poverty Taxpayers 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.com Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk www.realagenda.org

London, 25 June 2025   Taxpayers Against Poverty   (TAP) today condemned the proposed increases in Council Tax, branding the rises as unfair, outdated, and regressive . TAP urges the Government to launch an immediate review of the Council Tax system, which has long failed to reflect the realities of property wealth and household incomes across the country.  Council tax is  set to rise by 5 per cent  across the country, with the government opening the door to allowing far higher increases in inner London boroughs. “Council Tax is a broken system that punishes those with the least while letting the wealthy off the hook,” said Tom Burgess CEO at TAP. “These proposed hikes will hit low-income households the hardest, at a time when millions are already struggling with the rising cost of living. Our founder the late Rev Paul Nicolson refused to pay his council tax as he tried to focus attention on the difficulties of lower income groups" (see photo) TAP fully supports the campaign for a Proportional Property Tax as proposed by Fairer Share . This modern approach would ensure that property taxes are based on up-to-date property values and paid fairly according to wealth, not outdated and arbitrary bandings from 1991. As an urgent interim measure, TAP calls on the Government to: Cancel Council Tax for renters , who now represent 36% of households in England and Wales and are disproportionately on lower incomes. Transfer the liability to landlords , who have benefited significantly from rising property values and can better afford to contribute. “Renters are paying the price for a housing market they don’t control and a tax system that ignores today’s inequalities,” added Tom Burgess. “It’s time to shift the burden to where the wealth lies: with property owners who have gained most from soaring house prices.” TAP urges MPs and councillors to reject Council Tax increases and join the call for a more compassionate tax system that reflects the realities of modern Britain. Notes to Editors: Taxpayers Against Poverty campaigns for a fair tax system that prioritises poverty reduction and economic justice. Fairer Share’s Proportional Property Tax proposal would replace Council Tax and Stamp Duty with a simpler, fairer levy based on actual property values.   About Taxpayers Against Poverty Taxpayers 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 Poverty Email: taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk

LONDON, UK — 23 June 2025  — Taxpayers Against Poverty ( TAP)  has today announced its full support for the Fairer Share   campaign to replace the UK’s outdated and unjust Council Tax with a Proportional Property Tax based on up-to-date property values and paid by owners, not renters. This aligns with TAP’s campaign to Cancel Council Tax for Renters  — a central plank of its Real Agenda Policy Platform  to reduce poverty and economic inequality by lowering living costs and boosting income for people on low and modest incomes. “The current Council Tax system is fundamentally unjust,” said Tom Burgess, CEO Taxpayers Against Poverty. “It penalises renters and people living in less valuable homes, while owners of multimillion-pound properties pay proportionally far less. A Proportional Property Tax would reverse that injustice and put fairness at the heart of local taxation.” TAP’s proposal would shift the burden of local taxation from tenants to landlords, reflecting who owns the asset and who has the long-term financial benefit. It would also bring much-needed clarity and transparency to the system and include safeguards to ensure no unfair rent increases. Andrew Dixon, Founder of Fairer Share , said: “We are delighted to have the support of Taxpayers Against Poverty. Council Tax is a broken system that punishes those with the least and lets the wealthy off the hook. A Proportional Property Tax would be fairer, simpler, and would put more money into the pockets of families who need it most.” TAP is calling on political leaders to back the Fairer Share campaign and commit to replacing Council Tax with a modern system that: ·       Reflects real property values ·       Makes owners, not tenants, responsible for payment ·       Reduces living costs for millions ·       Raises local revenue in a fair and progressive way This change would be a decisive step toward ending the poverty premium and building a more compassionate and inclusive economy. About Taxpayers Against Poverty Taxpayers 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 inquiries, interviews, or to support the campaign, please contact: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against Poverty taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk   www.realagenda.org

London, 16 June 2025 — Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) welcomes today's report from the All‑Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Poverty and Inequality, which highlights the disproportionate impact of poverty on disabled people. The report reveals stark evidence that disabled individuals are significantly more likely to suffer hardship, including: ·       Almost three times higher rates of material deprivation —34% of disabled people experience food, heating, or clothing shortages, compared with 13% of the non-disabled population ·       41% of disabled people unable to afford to keep their homes warm , versus 23% non-disabled ( disabilityrightsuk.org , appgpovertyinequality.org.uk ) TAP applauds the APPG’s findings that the inadequacy of social security benefits lies at the heart of this crisis. The report warns that current benefit rates are pushing disabled people into deeper poverty, and calls for reforms including: 1.    Uptake of independent assessments  to uprate benefits to actual living needs 2.    Reform of deductions and realignment with objective needs 3.    A new “Essentials Guarantee”  to ensure people have enough to live, not just survive ( disabilityrightsuk.org ) “The health and wealth of a nation is measured not in its success in battle, on the sports field or in GDP growth, but in its level of well-being and the compassion its people show for their fellow citizens,”  said Tom Burgess, CEO Taxpayers Against Poverty. TAP supports the APPG’s call and stresses that action cannot wait any longer. TAP urges policymakers to act on the APPG’s recommendations and to expand them by introducing bold, targeted measures such as: ·       Cancelling council tax for renters , shifting liability onto property owners benefiting from unearned land value gains ·       Raising the income tax threshold to the Real Living Wage , to ensure work truly pays ·       Introducing a tax on extreme wealth , unlocking funds for affordable housing, healthcare, education, and a strengthened social security system “We have the wealth—and the evidence—to build a nation that cares for all its citizens,” Tom Burgess added. “Now is the time for policymakers to step up and act.” TAP invites MPs from all parties to join this urgent call to build a stronger, fairer, and more compassionate UK. For media enquiries, interviews, or comment:  Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against PovertyEmail: taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk   www.realagenda.org   About Taxpayers Against Poverty Taxpayers 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

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 Poverty Taxpayers 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.com Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk    www.realagenda.org

London, 9 June 2025  — Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) has launched a major new campaign calling for the abolition of council tax for renters , a move that would relieve financial pressure on over 10 million UK households  and inject fairness into one of the country’s most regressive taxes. Currently, renters—who make up 36% of all households —are required to pay council tax, regardless of income or wealth. TAP argues that this is both unjust and unsustainable and is one way to ease the pain for those below the Poverty Line. “Council tax punishes the poorest in our society,” said Tom Burgess, Executive Director for TAP. “It’s based on outdated property values from 1991 and takes no account of a person’s actual income or ability to pay. Renters, often among the lowest earners, are shouldering a disproportionate burden. That must change.” A Regressive and Broken System Council tax is widely acknowledged as a regressive tax . The poorest 10% of households pay around 7% of their gross income  in council tax—compared to just 1.5% for the richest 10% . Support schemes vary by local authority and often fail to provide adequate relief . The TAP proposal would save the average renting household £1,620 a year , a life-changing boost in disposable income—especially during a cost-of-living crisis. With an average household income of £35,000, this reform would be the equivalent of a 6% tax-free pay rise  for renters and much more than that for lower income families. A Fairer Alternative The campaign outlines how the £17 billion  shortfall in council tax revenue from removing renters could be offset by: Shifting the burden to landowners and homeowners , who benefit most from rising property values (the cost of an average home goes up more than the cost of the average council tax), Or recalibrating council tax bands to reflect modern property values and ownership status , not outdated 1991 valuations. TAP emphasises that homeowners would still benefit  from an updated and fairer system, while renters—many of whom are young families, low earners, and key workers—would finally get a break from an unjust charge. TAP believes that it is pointless taxing people who have no money as it only makes matters worse. TAP wants to ensure that those 14 million people below the Poverty Line are not further burdened with financial stress which reduces the income they have available for basics like food and heating. While we acknowledge that Council Tax support is available for those on low incomes, it needs to be applied for and why take with one hand and give with another. Just abolish council tax for those in poverty. However, this would also require means testing so better just to abolish for all renters for the reasons stated above. TAP supports the Fairer Share campaign which seeks to replace Council Tax and Stamp Duty with a Proportional Property Tax levied on property owners based on the value of their property. TAPs proposal is a measure that could be bring quick relief to those renters who are struggling with the cost of living. Call to Action TAP is calling on MPs, councillors, civil society groups, and members of the public to support this transformative reform. The campaign aims to reshape the national conversation on how we fund local government— with fairness, compassion, and economic justice at its heart . About Taxpayers Against Poverty Taxpayers 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 inquiries, interviews, or to support the campaign, please contact: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against Poverty taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk   www.realagenda.org Partner & sister organisation: www.compassioninpolitics.com

“We need vision—not point-scoring. We need leadership grounded in compassion and justice, not another attack.” London, UK — 30 May 2025 Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) a leading advocacy organisation tackling inequality and poverty in the UK, has today criticised the government for its lack of vision and failure to deliver meaningful change nearly a year after taking office. The group says the initial hope that accompanied the election of a new administration has given way to widespread disappointment. “When this government came to power, many of us were hopeful,” said Tom Burgess , CEO of TAP. “There was a sense that the nation might finally move toward a fairer, more compassionate society. But a year later, we’re still waiting. We were expecting a new era of mission driven politics, but the mssions appear confused and no one seems to be driving. W e have also failed to see any real strong initiatives that would help resolve the hardship of the 14 million of our fellow citizens in poverty. While there are 100,000 less in poverty, this is minuscule, and even worse, child poverty has increased up to 4.5 million children suffering everyday” TAP says its own decision to step up campaigning efforts was driven by the belief that a new government would be more open to practical ideas to improve life for the millions living in hardship. “Instead of bold direction, we’ve had box-ticking exercises and checklist politics. The country doesn’t need more gimmicks. We need leadership.” TAP warns that the government appears more concerned with managing the rise of opposition parties than setting out a coherent plan for the future. “We need vision—not point-scoring. We need leadership grounded in compassion and justice, not another attack.” TAP is calling for a renewed national focus on the real issues affecting people’s daily lives: ·       Affordable housing ·       Secure, well-paid jobs ·       A fair tax system ·       Universal ease of access to education and healthcare ·       Investment in modern, reliable infrastructure “These aren’t partisan goals—they’re the foundations of a decent society,” said Burgess. “What we’re asking for is simple: the kind of compassionate, just future we all want. The government still has a chance to lead. But the clock is ticking.” About Taxpayers Against Poverty Taxpayers 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 Poverty Email: taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk    www.realagenda.org

London, UK Thursday 29 May 2025 – Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP), a leading advocacy organisation tackling inequality and poverty in the UK, has today   announced the launch of its new policy platform under the banner The Real Agenda —a clear, focused call to action against poverty and inequality in the UK. The Real Agenda , originally the title of a successful podcast series created by TAP’s Executive Director Tom Burgess, will now serve as the headline name for TAP’s manifesto . The podcast reached thousands of listeners monthly before going on hold over a year ago due to other commitments. While the podcast may return in future, TAP is now absorbing the brand and its values to drive forward a powerful, practical policy message. “The Real Agenda podcast was always about tackling the economic roots of poverty and financial hardship, as that is indeed The Real Agenda,” said Tom Burgess. “Now, it’s more than a podcast—it’s the backbone of a campaign that will propose real answers for the millions struggling in the UK today.” TAP’s new Real Agenda manifesto will be announced in stages starting with this initial three-point agenda: End Council Tax for People in Poverty Raise the Tax-Free Threshold to the Real Living Wage Stop Public Contracts from Funding Poverty Wages More details and a briefing note will follow This is only the start, The Real Agenda will be rolled out through a staged series of public campaigns and policy pushes over the coming months, with support from partners including sister organisation Compassion in Politics. “This isn’t about repositioning—it’s about being clearer, louder, and more focused,” said Tom Burgess “We’ve always been about defending people pushed to the edge. The Real Agenda gives that mission a name—and now, a platform.” About Taxpayers Against Poverty Taxpayers 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   Media Contact: Tom Burgess, Executive Director, Taxpayers Against PovertyEmail: taxpayersagainstpoverty@gmail.com Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk    www.realagenda.org

Sylvie Rouhani Deputy Editor, Taxpayers Against Poverty 21 May 2025 On 25th April 2025, Amnesty UK published a damning report “Social Insecurity”  describing, in details, how subsequent governments have progressively upheld abusive and punishing campaigns against disabled and unemployed UK citizens. It highlights, how the Government is in breach of social security rights. What is Social Security? Amnesty UK describes social security as follow: “ Social security is money and support from the government to protect people who are in need.”  Some of the social security in the UK: Pension, Universal Credit (UC), Personal Independent Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA). 24 million people receive social security payment in the UK. How is the Government in breach of Social Security Rights? Article 25  of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – 1948 (HDHR). “Everyone has the right to a decent standard of living, including food, clothing, housing, medical care and social services . “ Article 9  of the International Covenant on Economics, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) – 1976, The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR):”  The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to social security, including social insurance.’   Article 26 , of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989:             1. States Parties shall recognize for every child the right to benefit from social security, including social insurance, and shall take the necessary measures to achieve the full realization of this right in accordance with their national law.          2.The benefits should, where appropriate, be granted, considering the resources and the circumstances of the child and persons having responsibility for the maintenance of the child, as well as any other consideration relevant to an application for benefits made by or on behalf of the child. The UN Committee on Economics, Social and Cultural Rights (CESR) highlights 3 core elements of the right to social security: 1.     Availability : Social security needs to be easily available to manage needs and to support those experiencing sickness, disability or unemployment. 2.     Adequacy : Social security needs to provide enough so all are able to have a good standard of living. 3.     Accessibility: Social security needs to be accessible to all; it needs to be transparent and non – discriminatory. The Government is failing on all account. 1.     Information is complex and confusing. People aren’t always aware of their rights to claim and of their eligibility. There is little to no help to help them through the claiming process. 2.     Benefits have been cut or frozen while inflation has kept soaring, to the point when claimants can’t pay their bills, can’t buy food and can’t live a decent life. When first claiming Universal Credit, many wait for months before receiving their first payment, accumulating rent arrears and pushing them into deeper debts and poverty. 3.     Disabled and the poorest UK citizens are the one suffering the most, under the proposed drastic measures: The Social Insecurity report declares: “Life costs more for disabled people These social security schemes still fail to meet the real needs of disabled individuals. Research by the disability equality organisation Scope found that even with both universal credit and PIP, many disabled people still experience significant financial shortfalls.212 Households with a disabled adult or child face additional costs of over £975 per month, and in some cases, this rises to £1,122 per month when adjusted for inflation.”  It is evident, the UK social security system, at the present, does not maintain dignity and respect for UK Citizens. It erodes them and leaves its most vulnerable people in appalling living conditions that threaten their life itself. With the failure of adhering to Social Security Rights, the UK is also breaching other Rights: the right to life, liberty and security; right to a fulfilling life; right to shelter and more, Austerity, discriminatory campaigns against unemployed, disabled and withholding financial help to those who need it the most, are stripping citizens of their most basic rights. What needs to change? Article 22  of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reads: “Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.” The Government needs to create a commission ( a  group  of  people  who have been  formally   chosen  to  discover   information  about a  problem  or  examine  the  reasons  why the  problem   exists )   to make big changes, such as: ·      Amends laws and consult those most affected by proposed laws. ·      Different parts of the government (Department for Work and Pension, Parliament) should work together. ·      Setting a clear plan on how to meet UN’s Human Rights and to check these rights are upheld. ·      Help courts to ensure government follow Human Rights rules. ·       Department for Work and Pension urgently needs to get rid of rules hurting people (limiting the number of children who can get benefits, applying unfair and punitive sanctions to unemployed individuals, conducting demeaning Work Capability Assessments.) and needs to build a safer and more compassionate social security system. ·      Parliament should look at how DWP perform their health checks to social security applicants. It also needs to look at why the government as not examined how its new rules affect human rights.   *   Our Role in Creating Change   Taxpayers Against Poverty believes in social justice, adequate minimum income, affordable housing, and equitable economic policies for all. TAP is campaigning for a fairer wealth distribution for everyone to have the opportunity to build a fulfilling and secure life. It also fights to build a more compassionate society in which the most vulnerable are supported and cared for.   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 May 2025