Levying higher taxes on the wealthy, large corporations and banks would command overwhelming public support, according to a new report. Unison said its research also uncovered strong backing for raising taxes on the most affluent individuals to finance public services.
Survey findings on tax preferences
The union said its survey of more than 2,300 people revealed the majority of respondents wanted to close loopholes that allowed wealthy individuals to reduce their tax liabilities. Some seven in 10 of those surveyed supported hiking taxes on the wealthiest individuals, with a similar proportion agreeing that large corporations ought to contribute a greater share.
Three in five respondents were in favour of tax increases for banks. Unison said it was heartening that the Government appeared to be weighing up making banks pay more, which it noted was clearly aligned with public sentiment.
Union calls for Budget action
Unison general secretary Andrea Egan said: "Massive investment to rebuild public services and restore wages is urgently needed. It should be paid for by taxing the wealthiest. These are common sense policies, backed by a large majority of the public."
Egan added: "Nurses, paramedics, social workers, teaching assistants and street cleaners are the backbone of this country. But public service workers – and the services we deliver – have been pushed to breaking point by years of underfunding and cuts. Communities deserve better."
The Chancellor must use the Budget to deliver a bailout for public services, through proper investment, fair pay and bringing outsourced services back in-house.
