TaxPayers’ Alliance

Reforming taxes, cutting spending and protecting taxpayers Dear Supporter,

or over eight years, the TaxPayers’ Alliance The publication of The Single Income Tax, the final F has campaigned for simpler, fairer and more report of the 2020 Tax Commission, is a vital step in competitive taxes and more efficient public services. setting out our plan for ambitious but realistic tax We hope you enjoy reading about some of our most reform. But we can’t let it gather dust on the shelf. recent achievements in the following pages. Over the next year we move on to the next phase of that project with hard-hitting campaigns making Our campaign works in three ways: through the case for tax reform. solid research which establishes the facts about the effects of high taxes and how your money is spent At the same time we need to expose wasteful (page 8); through strategic communications, spending, showing that the Government can and working with the media to inform the public (page must be more efficient. Ultimately, of course, the 10); and through sustained campaigning from best value comes when money is left in the pockets grassroots Action Days around the country to of the people who earned it. We will also stick up meetings with politicians in Westminster (page 12). for taxpayers, for example by stopping their cash being handed over to trade unions which then Our campaign is enhanced by our 75,000 disrupt public services with strikes. supporters and activists who have helped us push for reform and our grassroots activists have secured Thank you for supporting our work. some vital local wins. We really appreciate it, and everyone at the TaxPayers’ Alliance is looking forward to working With the economy in a dismal state, taxes rising and with you to reform taxes, cut spending and protect a huge deficit in the public finances, it has never taxpayers. been more important that we fight for lower taxes and cuts in wasteful spending. That is the only way With best wishes, we will get the economic growth, new jobs and higher wages that Britain needs.

Our campaign objectives are reforming taxes (page 26); cutting spending (page 28) and Matthew Elliott Andrew Allum Matthew Sinclair The TaxPayers’ Alliance protecting taxpayers (page 30) and we will be Founder Chairman Chief Executive 55 Tufton Street fighting for policy change in those areas. SW1P 3QL Telephone: 0845 330 9554 Email: [email protected]

The TaxPayers’ Alliance is a Company Limited by Guarantee in England No. 04873888  Welcome

A local TPA activist signing up John O’Connell discussing the TPA’s research Jonathan Isaby making the case new (and future!) supporters at an international conference for tax reform at No. 10

Our Campaign Manager attacking TPA staff past and present celebrating the launch wasteful spending Our operations team keeping supporters of the 2020 Tax Commission report updated with regular mailings

“Arguably the most influential pressure group in the country” – 3 Meet the team CAMPAIGNS GRASSROOTS FOUNDERS Matthew Elliott Matthew Sinclair Jonathan Isaby Andrew Allison Founder Chief Executive Political Director National Grassroots Coordinator Matthew launched the TaxPayers’ Matthew has a BSc in Jonathan joined the TPA in Alliance in 2004 as a non-partisan Economics and Economic August 2011 after more than a Andrew was born and grassroots campaign for lower History and an MSc in decade in political journalism, raised in Co. Durham. taxes and better public spending. Economic History from having worked for the BBC, He launched the Hull and Under his leadership, the TPA has the LSE. He joined the TPA Daily Telegraph and East Riding branch of the grown to become “arguably the in 2007 as a Policy ConservativeHome.com. He TPA in 2009 and became most influential pressure group in the country” Analyst and was then coordinates the TPA’s work National Grassroots according to the Guardian, with over 75,000 promoted to be Research Director and then campaigning in the media and Parliament, and Coordinator in October 2010, overseeing the supporters and a high media profile. the campaign’s first overall Director engages with journalists and politicians to make the work of activists across the country. managing the day-to-day campaign. As the case for lower taxes and more efficient public services. Matthew also founded Big Brother Watch (BBW) in recently appointed Chief Executive, he is now 2009 to campaign for civil and personal liberties. BBW leading the TPA in its fight to reform taxes, cut has become a leading voice in this debate, winning spending and protect taxpayers. Robert Oxley Tim Newark praise for its research and campaigns from leading Campaign Manager Grassroots Coordinator activists such as Henry Porter and long-standing groups Matthew has written and edited pioneering Robert studied International Tim is an historian and such as NO2ID. research – including the books How to Cut Relations and Politics at the author. He is also a veteran Public Spending and Let Them Eat Carbon and University of Sheffield. He local campaigner, once From September 2010 to May 2011, Matthew took a the landmark report The Single Income Tax. worked in the House of founding his own political sabbatical from the TPA and BBW to lead the NOtoAV He also represents the TPA in major broadcast Commons before joining the party to stand as an campaign in the nationwide referendum on changing interviews and at parliamentary hearings and TPA. He focuses on independent councillor. Britain’s electoral system. The NO campaign won by a other high-level meetings. communicating the TPA’s margin of over two to one, defeating electoral reform work to the media. by 67.9 per cent to 32.1 per cent.

Matthew, Andrew Allum and Matthew Sinclair provide the strategic leadership for the TPA. OPERATIONS Andrew Allum Emma Bennett Sara Rainwater Maria Fort Chairman Operations Director Development Director Scheduling & Outreach Andrew graduated from Imperial Emma has a BA in Sara studied international Maria studied International College with a First in Physics International Relations Relations in the USA and has Affairs in the USA and has before taking a Masters at Oxford from Exeter University. an MSc in European Studies an MSc from the LSE in University. Before becoming the Emma joined the TPA in from the LSE. She joined the European Politics. After unpaid, non-executive TPA November 2009 and was TPA in 2008 as Operations joining the TPA in 2011 from Chairman, Andrew served as a promoted to Operations Director and is now the NOtoAV Campaign and Westminster City Councillor. He Director in January 2011. overseeing the TPA’s outreach Big Brother Watch, she now currently works as a Partner at a She is responsible for the organisation and programme, special projects and events. works closely with the operations team and the leading strategy consulting firm. finances of the TPA. TPA’s Founder, Matthew Elliott.

4 RESEARCH RESEARCH COUNCIL WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

John O’Connell Rory Meakin Mike Denham The TPA has helped launch the careers of many Research Director Research Associate Research Fellow key players in the fields of politics and policy-

John has an MSc in Rory studied Economics Mike studied PPE at making. Here’s what a few of our former staff Meet the team European Public Policy from and Politics at Oxford University, and are now doing: UCL. He joined the TPA in Southampton University has an MA in Economics February 2009 as an intern and holds the Investment from the LSE. He is a James Frayne and has since risen to Management Certificate. former Treasury (Campaign Director, 005-07) become Research Director. Before joining the TPA, he economist who worked Director of Communications, As well as overseeing the worked in the public sector extensively on public Department for Education 2020 Tax Commission, John manages the TPA’s for the NHS. Rory concentrates on spending and fiscal analysis during the 1970s busy and wide-ranging research programme. economics, finance and taxation. and 1980s. Blair Gibbs (Campaign Director, 006-07) Head of Crime & Justice, Chris Daniel Dominique Lazanski Dr. Lee Rotherham Policy Exchange Policy Analyst Digital Policy Analyst Research Fellow Chris has an MA in Politics Dominique has an MSc in Lee has led the TPA’s EU from Lancaster University. Information Systems research since 2009 and our Corin Taylor He joined the TPA in Management from the ‘Stop the EU Rip-Off’ (Research Director, 006-09) September 2010 and his LSE. She holds a BA from campaign. He has also Senior Policy Advisor, work concentrates on local Cornell University and is written two books on the Institute of Directors government waste and currently working on her subject – Ten Years On and public sector productivity. PhD. She has spent over 12 The EU in a Nutshell. He has years in the Internet industry with many advised three Shadow Foreign Secretaries and Fiona McEvoy of those years working in Silicon Valley. worked as Chief of Staff to the Rt Hon David (Campaign Manager, 007-10) Heathcoat-Amory MP. Campaign Manager, Charities Aid Foundation INTERNS Mark Wallace “It was an amazing work Research Fellow experience, where I got to Mark was previously Susie Squire see and learn how we can Campaign Director at the (Campaign Manager, 008-09) all make a difference for a TPA. He is now Head of Head of Press, better and fairer UK.” Media Relations at the Conservative Party – Sandra Fischetti Institute of Directors.

Jennifer Dunn (Policy Analyst, 009-10) “The TPA is a wonderful organisation Policy Researcher, at which to intern, offering invaluable Countryside Alliance insight into UK tax policy and its implications for society.” – Babatunde Onabajo 5 Campaign overview Phase 1 Solid research Phase 2 Strategic communications

By publishing reliable research, using Focus groups and opinion polls Newspapers and all available media to communicate our messages and knowing the right Market research is used to magazines doors on which to knock, we are identify how we can best make the case for lower Newspapers are critical proud to be influencing the public taxes and demonstrate to in reaching millions of policy debate like never before. politicians that there is people and setting the popular support for media agenda, so we cutting wasteful work closely with spending. leading print journalists.

Research notes Radio and TV and papers Television and radio have big audiences and are the Reports based on primary fastest way of reaching research – such as systematic large numbers of people. Freedom of Information TPA spokesmen frequently requests – and detailed appear on the BBC, Sky and analysis are the foundation a host of other channels. of our campaigns.

Cutting edge books Website, and Facebook Books are used to address Tools such as Facebook and major issues where there is a Twitter are an increasingly pressing need for heavyweight powerful way of engaging analysis, such as tax reform with new audiences, and the European Union. particularly young people, and the TPA has led the field in integrating our web and social media presence. 6 Phase 3 Sustained campaigning Policy impact

Lobbying Parliament Talking directly to politicians and officials is vital to build their

support for changes in Campaign overview policy and the TPA regularly briefs Ministers, MPs and civil servants.

Building coalitions Joining forces with other groups – both here in Britain and internationally – provides a powerful opportunity to build broader support for our policy objectives.

Organising activists Grassroots activists can fight local campaigns and ensure that the TPA is engaging with every level of government and trusted local media.

7 Phase 1

Solid research Few arguments are ever won without robust research means politicians are at the cost of mileage rates that are far reliable facts and figures to back up a finally acting to stop the subsidy. more generous than HMRC accepts. Producing regular, rigorous research case, which is why the work of our has always been an important part of research team is central to what we do. Our series of papers looking at the cost In addition to producing research papers our strategy for winning hearts and Whether it be poring over spending data of public sector pensions continues to at a rate of more than one a fortnight, minds – and eventually achieving released by Whitehall, analysing local raise alarm bells as to how a multi- the last year has seen us produce some those all-important policy changes. councils’ annual accounts or conducting billion pound black hole is ever going to additional big publications: our own Freedom of Information (FoI) be filled. We looked at how the number requests to obtain data direct from of retirees is fast catching up with the Let Them Eat Carbon by Matthew government departments or agencies, number paying into public sector Sinclair hit the shelves in August 2011 we remain determined to expose how schemes, as well as the huge annual and exposed how current climate taxpayers’ cash is being spent – or mis- cost of financing the Local Government change policies are dramatically pushing spent, as the case may be. Pension Scheme – it’s the equivalent of up household energy, petrol and £1 in every £5 of Council Tax. shopping bills – hitting those who can Eye-catching reports such as our Town least afford them the hardest. He Hall Rich List have helped set the terms And reports like Local Motoring Taxes followed that up in November with a of the public debate by providing hard and Total Lifetime Tax have brought paper analysing the burdens of bad evidence to taxpayers, the media and home to an overtaxed public the stark green policies on British industries; it politicians alike of where our hard- cost of electing politicians who for too was aptly titled Industrial Masochism as earned cash is going. This prominent long have been too keen to take more of we desperately need them to create jobs report has been published for a number our money. and growth, but hurt them with taxes of years, and its success means that and regulations. local authorities must now pro-actively The TPA has an active grassroots publish the details of senior salaries network across the UK, and we Dr Lee Rotherham’s book, The EU in a themselves. complemented that with papers which Nutshell, was published in July 2012, honed in on wasteful spending in the serving as a timely contribution to the Other reports such as Taxpayer Funding regions this year too. In the Midlands, we debate about the cost and benefits to the of Trade Unions have massively lifted the lid on the huge cost of council British taxpayer of the UK’s continued influenced Government policy. We staff who are suspended on full pay – membership of the European Union. showed that trade unions receive with one member of staff picking up full taxpayer-funding of at least £80 million pay while suspended for a massive 950 There was also the publication in May per year through staff on the public days. In Hampshire, we examined the 2012 of The Single Income Tax, the final payroll who are paid to work for a union. cost of expensive flights taken by council report of the 2020 Tax Commission. See The evidence we provided through staff and in we looked p. 26 for more on this landmark report. 8 TeTAsrsac nisqatt,qaiy infiac and significance quality, quantity, its in research TPA’s “The oivn hm u,takgons,te xs.Ad very flourish.” And, they exist. deservedly, they goodness, thank But, them. have invent would to someone exist, didn’t they If analysis. independent and be relevant solidly-researched, can provide they to system, upon tax relied competitive more and simpler the a or for EU need the of complexities horrendous our the of policies, follies energy the spending, sector public wasteful tackling they are Whether peers. its amongst unmatched remains influence – uhLea Ruth cnmcAvsr ruho akn Group. Banking Arbuthnot Adviser, Economic , vrteps er u eerhta a produced has team research our year, past the Over 3hr-itn eerhpapers research hard-hitting 33 ,0 reo fIfrainrequests. Information of Freedom 3,000 onoddmr hn10,000 than more downloaded ntefis ekatri a published. was it after week first the in u a omsinfia eotwas report final Commission Tax Our u eerhi ieydownloaded widely is research Our ytemdaadpublic. and media the by ae nnearly on based times

9 Phase 1 Solid research Phase 2 Strategic Every time a journalist covers one of our trusted mediums. Our London office is just Our digital presence has also been reports or invites us to comment on a a stone’s throw from the Westminster boosted over the last twelve months, with communications story, it means that we are helping to studios of the BBC, Sky and ITV, meaning our website being redesigned in order to set the news agenda and that our ideas that we can be on air within minutes of better showcase our work and maximise The media play a crucial role in our are shaping debates about public policy. the call coming from a producer wanting integration with social media. a contribution from us. campaigning, by helping to We regularly secure coverage in the We keep the world up-to-date with our publicise our work and spread our national daily and Sunday papers for our During the year, members of our team take on topical news stories via the blog messages to the wider public. reports: our campaign team have built up have appeared on all the main national on the website, which gets updated relationships with journalists from across TV news programmes, as well as every day. Fleet Street and they know that our international networks such as Fox News, research is reliable, rigorously-sourced and Al-Jazeera and Euronews. And while it’s We have also launched a series of relevant to their readers’ interests. always great to be able to convey TPA interactive apps to allow people to messages through appearances on relate our research to their local area or What’s more, TPA spokesmen are programmes like BBC2’s Daily Politics or individual circumstances. Among the always available for comment on other , we have enjoyed exposure to most popular was the Tax Buster – matters, even during evenings and completely different audiences through allowing people to tap in how much weekends. As a result, barely a day goes interviews for shows like ITV1’s Daybreak they’ve paid for fuel, alcohol, tobacco by when you will not see us defending and BBC1’s The One Show. and other goods and see just how much taxpayers somewhere in the press. of the price has gone straight to the This year saw a particular media Treasury in taxes and duties. Occasionally we will work closely with an landmark for us when our Campaign individual newspaper on a particular Director, Emma Boon, appeared as a We have also used new technology to campaign where our interests coincide. panellist on BBC1’s flagship discussion launch tools allowing people to tap their For instance, we have long supported programme, Question Time – the first postcode into our website and access a the Daily Express campaign for a time that the TPA has been represented whole host of data about their local different relationship with the European on the show. This one appearance council. Union and jointly hosted a fringe massively boosted our profile and meeting on the issue during the 2011 gained us many new supporters. Through our YouTube channel you can party conference season. We have also now catch up with many of our TV successfully backed the Sun campaign Local and regional media are also appearances, and if you are not already opposing rises in fuel duty. important to us: many of our reports following us on Twitter, then you should contain detailed information relating to be! We are @the_tpa. Also be sure to Many people get their news from the TV every local council in the country, allowing join our Facebook group at or radio, so we work hard to get our us to hone our messages to make them www.facebook.com/taxpayersalliance messages out through these highly- relevant to a particular locality. 10 nteps wlemonths. twelve past the in vr850mdahits media 8,500 over h P a had has TPA The oiia apinstsi rti,receiving Britain, in sites campaign political h P est soeo h otvisited most the of one is website TPA The

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11 Phase 2 Strategic communications Phase 3 Sustained Our grassroots supporters have always Ministers and opposition spokesmen alike We continue to host the monthly been instrumental to our campaign. have commended our research from the “Tuesday Meeting” in Westminster, campaigning front benches of both the Commons and bringing together campaign groups, We now have a network of 75,000 the Lords. think-tanks, parliamentarians and others taxpayers across the country who lead from the broad movement for free To secure the policy changes we local campaigns against hare-brained Whenever we publish a report or a markets and smaller government. seek, our campaigning leads us council schemes, defend taxpayers in the debate takes place that affects from the nation’s streets into the local media and raise national issues with taxpayers, we brief MPs and peers from This has become a vital forum for corridors of power. their MPs. across the political spectrum. collaboration on a wide-range of campaigns and issues. Our National Grassroots Coordinator, Our Chief Executive, Matthew Sinclair, Andrew Allison, plays a crucial role in our was asked for the first time in May 2012 The meetings generally attract an work. Keeping in touch with our activists to give oral evidence to the powerful attendance of nearly 100 people and across the UK, he oversees our Public Accounts Committee. We have speakers over the past year have campaigning at a grassroots level, with also made submissions to consultations included Rohan Silva, Senior Policy regular Action Days seeing our messages run by a number of government Adviser to ; being taken to high streets and market departments or agencies on topics MP,Minister for Policing; Toby Young, squares across the land. ranging from MPs’ pay and allowances founder of the West London Free to the structure of the tax system. School; Peter Oborne of the Daily If a local council is trying to increase tax or Telegraph; and Martin Callanan MEP, frittering away your money, a TPA protest We have also taken our messages leader of the European Conservatives or petition won’t be far away. straight to ministers and their advisers and Reformists group in the European inside Downing Street, the Treasury and a Parliament. We then take taxpayers' concerns straight host of other government departments. to the decision-makers in Westminster We are also in touch with groups and Whitehall. Since Jonathan Isaby We have also worked hard to build representing taxpayers around Europe joined us as Political Director in August coalitions of support around particular and the rest of the world and 2011, our voice has been heard in issues. That’s why we teamed up with occasionally meet to learn from each Parliament louder and clearer than ever the Institute of Directors to create the other and plan co-ordinated campaigns. before. 2020 Tax Commission, allowing us to draw on their expertise, alongside that In May 2012, the Australian TaxPayers’ Over the last year our work has been of other respected organisations such as Alliance was launched, with its founders raised countless times in the House of the Centre for Economics and Business citing our “significant success” here in the Commons, including several mentions Research and the Institute of Economic UK as having inspired them. during Prime Minister’s Questions. Affairs. 1 activists Over d otepwro u campaign. our of power the to add 500supporters 75,000 and 3,000 TeTxaes linern n ftems oenadeffective and modern most the of one runs Alliance TaxPayers’ “The osatyrmne ftene opoettxaes interests.” taxpayers’ protect to are need Parliament the in of we reminded that constantly vital is it because TPA the briefings from and reports receive to in delighted colleagues always my I’m Westminster, of many Like country. the in campaigns – hi etnHri MP Heaton-Harris Chris ulcAcut Committee Accounts Public ,

13 Phase 3 Sustained campaigning 16: New research 25: New research 2011 uncovers the multi- exposes the £1 million billion pound hidden bill for councils costs of the high speed attending award rail project ceremonies such as “Loo of the Year” SEPT 7: Lord Reay cites Let Them Eat Carbon in Parliament, saying it “dissects brilliantly” the effects of climate policy 30: Pin-up of the Month is Andrew Robathan MP, Pinhead is Cllr Gordon Matheson, City Council

18: The Guardian reports on mounting opposition to HS

7: Patrick O’Flynn argues that the Government should be open about the cost of climate policies, supporting the 16: New edition of the Information Tribunal case brought by Matthew Sinclair Trade Union Rich List launches

1: Matthew Sinclair argues that current climate policies impose an unfair 30: Re-introduction of burden on 19: TPA event at the weekly bin collections families and announced 12: Matthew Sinclair presents a special Liberal Democrat Party businesses segment for BBC’s Daily Politics about his Conference looks at how book Let Them Eat Carbon to cut council spending

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“Anyone who wants to understand how they are affected, and what can be done about the gross failure and exorbitant cost of politicians’ attempts to 13: Matthew Elliott launches a new blog for the Daily Mail curb greenhouse gas emissions, will find it 3: The Daily Mail runs a double-page spread 19: Andrew Allison reveals invaluable.” covering our research into 15: Matthew Sinclair the true cost of taxpayer- – Lord Lawson of Blaby how taxpayers’ money is speaks at an IEA event funded ‘Pilgrims’ in Hull 27: New research finds on Let Them Eat Carbon subsidising trade unions about HS spends £10 million a year on salaries for surplus staff 14 x h 0 aecmag launches campaign Rate 50p the Axe nBinBne MP Binley Brian on 4: oahnIaypn u 0 badge 50p our pins Isaby Jonathan osraiePryConference Party Conservative 3: akdTAfig vnsa the at events fringe TPA Packed 23456789 1 3db the by 53rd Sinclair Matthew and winger’ ‘right- influential most 7th 7: ate lit snamed is Elliott Matthew al Telegraph Daily 0 ag nBBC’s on badge 50p 4: ee oeM rul er our wears proudly MP Bone Peter apyrfnigfrtaeunions trade for funding taxpayer of review a announces Maude 4: aie ffieMnse Francis Minister Office Cabinet nAto Day Action an with Branch Shropshire new launches Allen 15: oa ciitDennis activist Local al Politics Daily 01 21 41 61 81 02 22 42 62 82 031 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 Te’lawy itnt h rd nos u they’ll but unions, trade the to listen always “They’ll ee itnt h aPyr’Alliance." TaxPayers’ the to listen never te elhaesystems healthcare other to NHS the of performance the comparing launches, 13: – h asdthe MP raised Smith who Henry to answer in MPs opposition Cameron David Minister Prime atn LivesWasting report rd no ihList Rich Union Trade o pensionersfor protection with Insurance, National and Tax Income of merger full a for calls 18: e P research TPA New goads tPMQs at 26: page front its on research TPA local ot ae Echo Wales South fte“cuy protests “Occupy” the value of the over News Sky on Toynbee 23: oahnIaycahswt Polly with clashes Isaby Jonathan nos ae nTAresearch TPA on based unions, trade of funding taxpayer on debate Commons heated 26: ia ulyM initiates MP Burley Aidan reports otenIreland Northern in branch grassroots new launches Greer 27: oa ciitRosie activist Local abigsieCut Council County Clarke,Cambridgeshire Nick Cllr is Pinhead MP, Hodge 27: i-po h ot sMargaret is Month the of Pin-up Lords the in Policy Agricultural Common the on research TPA cites Knight Lord 28: aorpeer Labour OCT pnigo flights on spending councils’ Midlands 30: 20 e eerhon research New 11

15 Another successful year 5: Action Day in 23: John Whittingdale MP: “Is my right Bath calls for the 2011 hon. Friend aware of research by the next council boss TaxPayers’ Alliance that shows that to get 10 per cent residents of the Maldon district are less than the paying more in motoring taxes and £10,000 receiving less in direct benefit than currently paid out NOV anyone else in the entire country?” 30: Interactive tool launches so Prime Minister David Cameron: supporters can compare public and “That is why in the Budget we took the 24: Pin-up of the Month is Martin private sector remuneration decision not only to get rid of the tax Callanan MEP, Pinhead is Cllr Jason increases on petrol that were coming Kitcat, Brighton & Hove City Council down the track, but to make a cut in petrol duty.”

“I do not think full-time trade unionists 24: New research looks working in the public sector on trade union at how public sector pension schemes will business rather than serving the public is soon have more people right, and we will put that to an end." 1: Matthew Sinclair debates with actor Bill Nighy withdrawing than – Prime Minister David Cameron, at on the merits of a Financial Transactions Tax paying in 16: New interactive map PMQs, replying to a question from allows supporters to Tewkesbury MP, Laurence Robertson, compare their motoring who cited TPA research into taxpayer taxes with neighbouring councils funding of trade unions

11: Emma Boon 11: New report shows named as a ‘Rising that rural drivers pay 4: TPA Tax Buster app launches, available Star’ at the Public more in motoring taxes at tpataxbuster.co.uk Affairs News awards than city drivers

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7: Roundhouse founder 14: New video for the TPA by Sir Torquil Norman visualisation experts See What You 1: Douglas Carswell MP raises launches new video on Mean shows why Income Tax and 28: TPA/IEA briefing ahead of TPA proposal to simplify the our website National Insurance should be merged the Chancellor’s Autumn tax system in the Commons Statement 2: New report finds 18: New report attacks 24: New research reveals thousands of pounds carbon price floor as the £113 million wasted on credit cards at Industrial Masochism taxpayer-funded subsidy the Sustainable that will undermine to trade unions Development Commission British industry 16 5: usde otaeunions trade to subsidies BBC’s nevn,syn:“ att eraotteveso h aPyr’Alac rmtehn Gentleman!" hon. the from Alliance TaxPayers’ to the Speaker of the views required the and about noisy hear was to House want The “I Time. saying: Question intervene, at Pickles Eric questioning when unions 5: o isnM,KrnLme PadAde rffih Pct P eerhit apyrfnigo trade of funding taxpayer into research TPA cite MP Griffiths Andrew and MP Lumley Karen MP, Wilson Rob 23456789 1 al Politics Daily ie P eerhon research TPA cites rseslaunches Brussels from repatriated be should and could that powers 6: e eerho the on research New 0 days 900 over for some – councils Midlands at suspended staff of cost the 14: e eerhreveals research New BBC’s on live MP Fallon Michael Endearment 7: oyof copy A 01 21 41 61 81 02 22 42 62 82 031 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 al Politics Daily em of Terms shne to handed is ai 4 Radio the on Monbiot George environmentalist debates 15: ate Sinclair Matthew Today 20: amsubsidies farm Carbon Eat Them Programme hi etnHri Pcites MP Heaton-Harris Chris nasec nwind on speech a in nallowances in million £10 over claimed Authorities Police of members the that 16: Let e eerhreveals research New debate Adjournment Christmas the during transparency spending government local on research for TPA the thanks MP Tomlinson 20: ann o yourself for earning start and regulation and spending of share your off pay finally you when day that 26: Justin e eerhreveals research New 0i uy,teday the 6, July is 01 oto Government of Cost oni,Pnedi ez ue MEP Buzek Jerzy is Pinhead Council, Fulham & Hammersmith Greenhalgh, 27 i-po h ot sCl Stephen Cllr is Month the of Pin-up DEC 20 11

17 Another successful year 2012

19: TPA submits response to IPSA consultation on JAN MPs’ expenses and costs

27: Pin-up of the Month is 20: Victory in Bath as new council MP, Pinhead is Cllr David Seaton, chief executive hired on lower pay Peterborough City Council after TPA campaign

17: TPA ranks nd in top transparency and good 11: Julian Sturdy MP cites TPA research 11: Jesse Norman MP quotes TPA research government think tank 31: Labour MP Andy Slaughter and Labour peer Lord Bach cite Matthew Elliott’s in Westminster Hall debate on Empty on abolishing taxpayer funding of trade global rankings Daily Mail blog on cuts from the Opposition front benches in both Property Rates unions in Ten Minute Rule Bill debate houses of Parliament

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4: TPA reveals that the 10: New research reveals 15: New research reveals 25: TPA report reveals how 30: New research finds that British Council spent a incredible credit card Midlands councils’ middle 20: Ben Gummer MP presents Ten taxpayer contributions to the total lifetime tax for an total of £6.7 million on spending at Scottish managers cost taxpayers Minute Rule Bill on tax transparency local government pensions average family is £656,000 its credit cards Enterprise £465 million in one year statements are equivalent to £1 in every £5 in Council Tax 18 apinlaunches campaign Tax Council tak nte rpsdrs nCuclTax Council in rise proposed another attacks 28: defeated are Hove & Brighton in increase tax 24: oni staff council jet-setting of cost the on study new a with launches 1: aphr branch Hampshire itr o apyr spasfrcouncil for plans as taxpayers for Victory cinDyi ihod ot Yorkshire, North Richmond, in Day Action 23456789 1 oni Tax Council in rise proposed a attacks Day Action Cleveland 24: oni Tax Council increasing councils those attacking launch campaigns 12: xctv tBitlCt Council City Bristol at Chief Executive the of pay the in cut 11: P local TPA ecrand Redcar cinDyi rso al o a for calls Bristol in Day Action 01 21 41 61 81 02 22 42 62 829 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 rtfrteTPA the for first a asi programme flagship 2: maBo per nteBBC the on appears Boon Emma 13: P eel 4000cs ffi re nParliament in trees fig of cost £400,000 reveals TPA usinTime Question ’s – tk-nTetCt Council City Stoke-on-Trent Hill, Sarah Cllr is Pinhead Council, Maidenhead & Windsor Burbage, 27: i-po h ot sCl David Cllr is Month the of Pin-Up o uprest naewt u campaign our with engage to supporters for 20: P est eanhs aigi easier it making relaunches, website TPA rwhi the in growth economic deliver to cuts tax for calls TPA backs Pollard Stephen 28: edn commentator Leading FEB 2012 al Express Daily

19 Another successful year 2012

MAR “I commend the work of the TaxPayers’ Alliance in publishing the Town Hall Rich List… That list of shame, which is regularly updated and published, 30: Pin-up of the Month is Ben 20: At a meeting in Brussels the TPA joins forces with other European is a great public service." Gummer MP, Pinhead is Cllr Kay Cutts, taxpayer groups to plan a major European Citizens’ Initiative on Nottinghamshire County Council – Labour frontbencher administrative spending in the EU Andy Slaughter MP, praises TPA research on senior executive pay in local government

17: Action Day 1: Answering a written in Tameside parliamentary question calls for an about the local government immediate cut pension scheme, Minister in Fuel Duty of Bob Neill says the DCLG does .5 pence per litre not hold the relevant 9: Major polling firm YouGov 24: Nottingham Action Day slams the information and instead lists the TPA as a pressure council as the last holdout refusing to 28: The Sun features defers to recent TPA group to which MPs should provide information about how it our public-private pay research pay attention spends taxpayers’ money comparison tool

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1 Another successful year 2012 Campaign for tax reform launches 21: The final report of the 00 Tax Commission, The Single Income Tax, MAY launches with strong support in Parliament and the media

31: Rory Meakin writes for the prestigious Taxation magazine about The Single Income Tax proposals

©2012 photograph by John Russell 31: Heritage Foundation, 22: Tax Commission Chairman Allister Heath, 22: Busy parliamentary 26: Matthew Sinclair the world’s largest centre- Editor of City A.M., and Simon Walker, Director briefing, letting MPs, peers appears on BBC’s Daily right think tank, praises 2: Emma Boon appears on Newsnight General of the Institute of Directors, at the and their staff know about The Politics to discuss The Single The Single Income Tax to discuss public sector tax dodgers launch of The Single Income Tax Single Income Tax proposals Income Tax proposals report

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1: Australian Taxpayers’ Alliance launches, citing the TPA as an inspiration 31: Pin-up of the Month is David Gauke MP, Pinhead is Cllr Richard 12: Second Nottingham Action Day 19: Cardiff Action Day attacks 20: TPA reveals the cost of 26: Action Day in Beverley Williams, Southampton City Council repeats calls for the council to be proposals for a plastic bag tax, collecting tax has barely challenges the proposed more transparent about how it with strong support from local fallen in over 50 years increase in Fuel Duty spends taxpayers’ money shopkeepers

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1: Major TPA book on the EU by Dr Lee 20: Trade Union Rich List launches, Rotherham 7: Matthew Sinclair appears on BBC showing that many union bosses published Breakfast, arguing against a new tax on organising disruptive strikes take plastic bags six-figure remuneration packages

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5 Another successful year Objective 1 Reforming taxes We set out how lower, simpler and more We have already had productive The centrepiece of our plan is a single transparent taxes could be achieved in discussions inside 10 Downing Street flat rate tax of 30 per cent on all labour Our dysfunctional tax system puts The Single Income Tax, the final report and at the Treasury, and we have a or capital income, meaning that any of the 2020 Tax Commission. continuing programme of meetings with stream of income would only be taxed people off working and investing in MPs, peers and ministers on a one-to- once. Britain. It needs to be reformed so When we convened the Commission one basis to talk them through our people pay no more or less than under the chairmanship of Allister proposals. Moves are already afoot for a We propose the abolition of eight their fair share. Heath, Editor of City A.M., we brought parliamentary debate on the issues existing taxes, including the pernicious together a wide range of tax experts, covered by the report. Inheritance Tax, Stamp Duty and Air academics and businessmen to come up Passenger Duty, as well as suggesting with a long overdue plan for tax reform We will also continue to talk to that local authorities should have to and tax simplification in this country. newspaper columnists, political raise half of their spending power from commentators and other opinion local taxes. More than that, it should form the formers to keep the plan at the forefront cornerstone of the Government’s of their minds, as well as liaising with Overall, we foresee taxes being cut to agenda for getting out of recession and like-minded think-tanks to help build a 33 per cent of national income, a move restoring the economy to growth. coalition to promote the plan. which would serve to kickstart the economy and help restore much-needed The product of the Commission’s During the coming months our team will economic growth. 18-month labour, The Single Income Tax, be working on additional research to was published in May 2012 to further highlight various elements of our The respected Centre for Economic and widespread critical acclaim from plan, not least the need for honesty Business Research modelled our commentators ranging from Fraser from the Government that both elements recommendations and calculated that Nelson in to Trevor of National Insurance Contributions are all households would enjoy substantial Kavanagh in The Sun and Mary Dejevsky Income Tax by another name, with which tax cuts, GDP would be nearly 10 per in . they should be merged. cent higher by 2030 and business investment would be 60 per cent higher The Government also warmly welcomed We will of course also be using our by 2030. The budget deficit would also the report’s “contribution to the long- digital media capabilities to promote be wiped out much more quickly. term debate on tax policy”. the message that a simpler, flatter, more transparent tax system should be a We are confident that The Single Income Now that we have the right plan for tax fundamental part of the Government’s Tax is the plan for growth the reform, our campaign for its growth strategy. Government is looking for. implementation really kicks in.

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7 Objective 1 Reforming taxes Objective 2 Cutting spending When the TaxPayers’ Alliance was At the national level too, politicians of those in power to pull the plug on a founded in 2004, one of our earliest continue to press ahead with misguided few of their more ridiculous spending pieces of work was to conduct a and expensive projects, while the wheezes, we are sadly confident that The Government is spending beyond thorough audit of what actually bloated Brussels bureaucracy of the there remains a substantial deal of taxpayers’ means and needs to happens to the hundreds of billions of European Union continues to be an waste to be rooted out. deliver better value for money to pounds we pay in tax each year. expensive burden for UK taxpayers. leave more in the pockets of the Over the coming year our team of people who earned it. This research resulted in the publication Much of our work uncovering waste has researchers will redouble our efforts to of several editions of the Bumper Book traditionally been done using the expose wasteful spending. of Government Waste, exposing tens of Freedom of Information Act. While this billions of pounds of unnecessary continues to be an immensely important We will pore over the latest releases from spending at a local, national and tool for taxpayers to hold politicians to bodies like the Office for National European level. account, our task has now been made a Statistics and the National Audit Office to little easier than it was previously. find out how public sector organisations By providing solid and often eye-catching have wasted taxpayers’ cash. examples of waste which the media Following our long campaign for keenly reported, we were able to spending by councils and government to We will also rigorously inspect persuade people that there really were be published – on the basis that they Government data releases to see if the ways of cutting back on public spending spend our money and we therefore have promised reductions in spending which could, in turn, allow for tax cuts. a right to know what they do with it – materialise and we will highlight any the Government has started publishing needless spending. There is still a lot to do. Grassroots much of this data online and is obliging supporters from across the country are local authorities to do the same. All of this intensive work will lead to the constantly flagging up examples of publication of an updated edition of The profligacy in their local council, such as The format in which some of this data is Bumper Book of Government Waste. Crawley Council’s £600 spend on made available often leaves more than translating just one copy of its a little to be desired. But the TPA uses it This exciting project will show that even magazine. and we are better placed than ever after initial, modest budget cuts, the to scrutinise how taxpayers' cash is Government is still spending billions on Quangos continue to waste taxpayers’ being spent. schemes and projects that we don’t cash too – for instance a Scottish NHS need and simply cannot afford. body spent over £1 million on a fleet of And whilst the very fact that this data is luxury cars. being published will have caused some

8 9 Objective 2 Cutting spending Objective 3 Protecting taxpayers We are the only group in the UK that pounds appear to have been jettisoned We have also exposed in the last year represents the concerns of taxpayers for now – although we remain vigilant how millions of pounds of our cash has who are consistently let down by and will oppose any future attempt to funded environmental groups and For too long, it was easy for politicians politicians wasting their money, by allow politicians to raid Treasury coffers campaigners. Not only have taxpayers to ignore taxpayers. Your money HMRC committing blunder after to fund their own parties. been clobbered again when these should not be squandered and you blunder and by councils not listening to organisations have successfully lobbied should be treated fairly by the taxman. their needs. But there are numerous other ways in for more green taxes, but also when they which our money ends up backing have launched legal action against the We force politicians to pay attention controversial causes. Government, leaving taxpayers with the to taxpayers. We were at the forefront bill for both sides of the case. of holding HMRC to account when they Foremost among these is the subsidy charged 6 million people the wrong given each year to trade unions. Our Much of this funding has come via the amount of tax and we liaise closely most recent research into the subject European Union, which is especially fond with MP and the found that the unions enjoy an annual of subsidising political activity. Previous Public Accounts Committee to make taxpayer subsidy equivalent to more TPA research has exposed just how much sure taxpayers are represented in their than £113 million – both through of taxpayers’ money is given directly to vital work. direct grants and the salaries of union political groups in the European officials working within the public Parliament. It funds blatantly Another important way we work for sector. ideological campaigning and is another you is by exposing when taxpayers’ area which we will continue to scrutinise. cash is handed to those lobbying on This subsidy means that unions’ other behalf of a particular viewpoint or funds are freed up for all the political vested interest. donations they make and the partisan campaigns they support. Taxpayers Few things are more invidious than should not foot these bills. those in power channelling taxpayers’ money to political causes, campaigns In October 2011, our findings on the or organisations which we would never taxpayer funding of unions formed dream of supporting with our own the basis of one of the best-attended cash if we could spend it ourselves. House of Commons adjournment debates in recent memory. We will Thankfully, proposals from the update our research, so keep your eyes Committee on Standards in Public Life peeled for our renewed campaign to Challenging the Unions for taxpayer funding of political parties end this scandalous subsidy. to the tune of tens of millions of 30 I would like to support the TaxPayers’ Alliance by Get involved receiving your weekly e-bulletin becoming an activist in my local area 1. Sign up for our weekly e-bulletin making a financial contribution of Keep up to date on all the latest TPA news, research and activities, receive £ invitations to special events and learn about more ways you can get involved. Return the form or email us at [email protected] and we’ll make sure you start receiving our updates. Also join our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/taxpayersalliance and follow us on Twitter @the_tpa Mr Mrs Miss Other: Keep up-to-date with our latest Name: news and activities Address:

2. Become an activist in your local area Postcode: Tel/Mob: If you would like to become an activist and help us fight wasteful spending in your area, fill out the form and return it to us. Or email our Grassroots Email: Coordinator, Andrew Allison, at [email protected] and he will be in touch about how you can help. Method of donation: Grassroots activists play a vital role in campaigning for change Please contact me to discuss options Cheque made payable to ‘The TaxPayers’ Alliance’ 3. Donate to the campaign Credit/debit card (complete below) It’s never easy asking for money, but without supporters like you we couldn’t campaign so effectively for lower and simpler taxes and less wasteful spending. CVV2 last 3 Number on card: digits on back We have been extremely grateful for the generous donations – big and small – from our network of activists and supporters. There are several ways you can donate:

• By filling out the form and sending a cheque or your credit card details to us Name on card: Postcode: • Online at www.taxpayersalliance.com/donate Valid from: Expiry date: Issue no: • Calling our Development Director, Sara Rainwater, on 020 7340 6021 and making a credit card donation over the phone Everything we do depends on // your generosity • Emailing Sara at [email protected] for a standing order form so you can make regular donations Complete and return to: The TaxPayers’ Alliance, 55 Tufton Street, London SW1P 3QL ©01 Designed by www.nichecreativeservices.com ✃ 31 Back row: Robert Oxley, Andrew Whitehurst, Chris Daniel, Rory Meakin Middle row: John O’Connell, Dominique Lazanski, Emma Boon, Maria Fort, Henry Wilson Front row: Matthew Elliott, Babatunde Onabajo, Sara Rainwater, Matt Sinclair, Emma Bennett, Jonathan Isaby www.taxpayersalliance.com