YouGov poll shows that over 70% support our call for tax justice

By Gavin Hayes

A YouGov poll commissioned by Compass has demonstrated overwhelming public support for the government to close in on personal tax avoidance which, it is estimated, loses up to £15 billion of public money each year. The results reveal that 77% indicated they agree that the government should do everything it can to close this £15 billion gap lost through personal tax avoidance.

In a demonstration of support of the Compass call for greater tax fairness in the 2009 Budget:

- 71% agree with a new wealth tax on earnings above £250,000.

- 61% agree that the Government should break its 2005 manifesto commitment not to increase any rates of income tax and immediately introduce a new top rate of income tax for all those earning above £100,000 per year.

- 52% agree with a new tax on all bonuses above £1,000.

With the financial crisis and with public borrowing rising fast the poll results pile even more pressure on the Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling and embattled Prime Minister Gordon Brown to ensure the government delivers greater tax fairness in the forthcoming Budget and therefore that any necessary tax increases are imposed on the very wealthy.

There can be no turning back to the pre-crash tax system and this poll vindicates what we’d thought all along: delivering greater tax justice is both radical and popular. Whether it’s closing in on personal tax avoidance, introducing a new wealth tax on those earning over £250K, immediately introducing a new top rate of tax on all those earning over £100K or a new tax on bonuses, these are just the sort of measures the government needs if it is to win back voters. The Chancellor must now demonstrate he’s on the side of the many not the few. It’s time he stood up, took decisive action and made sure the wealthy pay their fair share.

This Wednesday from 6pm, Compass (with the support of The Fabian Society, Tax Justice Network UK and The Other TaxPayer’s Alliance) will stage a major Tax Justice rally held at the TUC. Speakers include: Treasury Minister Angela Eagle MP, Jon Cruddas MP, Kate Green of Child Poverty Action Group, Richard Murphy of Tax Justice Network UK, the TUC’s Adam Lent, PCS Deputy General Secretary Hugh Lanning and the Fabian Society’s Tim Horton.

Visitors to LabourList can support the campaign for greater tax fairness in the 2009 Budget by attending the rally on Wednesday at 6pm at the TUC and by writing a letter to Alistair Darling. A full range dossier with all the facts and figures is also available.