Public support fairer taxes to build a better Britain

Today's TUC polling confirms that across the UK there is support for fairer taxes - both to properly fund vital public services and to build a fairer country.  

The public know we need to invest in the health, education and local services we all rely on, and they also want a sensible discussion about how to fairly raise the revenues needed. Voters want to see change - and support tax reforms to deliver it. 

Our polling showed significant support for using a package of wealth taxes to:  

• Deliver real growth in school budgets so every school has enough money for textbooks, basic repairs and equipment: 78% support these changes, funded by a wealth tax package, while just 13% oppose
• Reduce NHS waiting lists so that by 2029 we meet the target of more than 90% of people who need care for a non-urgent condition receiving it within 18 weeks: 82% support these changes, funded by a wealth tax package, while just 12% oppose.
• Deliver a major cash boost for local services to improve bin collections, leisure centres and libraries: 77% support these changes, funded by a wealth tax package, while just 15% oppose.
• Ensure more investment in community policing, to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve community cohesion: 79% support these changes, funded by a wealth tax package, while just 13% oppose.

Specific tax changes also command strong public support, including from key groups of voters who shifted to support the government at the last election. When we tested specific tax reforms we found support for:  

• Raising capital gains tax to the same level as tax on wages from employment: 51% support and 34% oppose. This rises to 68% support among Conservative  to Labour switchers in the 2024 general election and 57% support among Labour voters from the 2024 election now leaning to Reform.
• A windfall tax on the profits of banks and other financial institutions 66% support and 21% oppose. This rises to 83% among Conservative to Labour switchers in the 2024 general election and 73% among Labour voters from the 2024 election now leaning to Reform.
• Higher taxes on online casinos, gambling machines and sports betting 71% support and 19% oppose. This rises to 84% among Conservative to Labour switchers in the 2024 general election and 74% among Labour voters from the 2024 now leaning to Reform.
• A 2% annual wealth tax paid by people with assets worth more than £10 million 68% support and 22% oppose. This rises to 79% among Conservative to Labour switchers in the 2024 general election and 75% among Labour voters from 2024 now leaning to Reform.

The public know fair tax isn't just a means to an end – they also understand it can help to build a fairer country. While cutting NHS waiting lists was the top reason for the public supporting tax rises (chosen by 64%), closing tax loopholes came second  (49%). We also found widespread support for a modernised and simplified system – three in four  would support such an approach (73%), including 83% Labour to Reform switchers.  

There are many voices making the case against any tax rises – and those who want to protect unearned wealth and historic tax privileges are entitled to make their case. But they are wrong to claim public support for their position. Most voters want better funded public services and a fairer country, and know that to achieve these ambitions we need tax reform.