Wealthy tax exiles benefit from furlough

We’re a year on since the UK went into lockdown for the first time. It’s been an extremely hard time for all of us, especially those that have lost loved ones. 

This weekend the Guardian reported that some wealthy tax exiles have benefited from furlough. It’s galling to see wealthy business owners who are tax exiles use state bailouts when times are tough. 

Their employees deserve the right to go on furlough. Workers shouldn’t be punished for the behaviour of their bosses.

But it’s not fair that some very wealthy individuals can move offshore to pay less tax, but still benefit from UK government spending. 

This is just another example of how the financial impact of the pandemic hasn’t been even. 

Wealthier people have on average saved money during lockdown. 

Whereas poorer people have lost their jobs in greater numbers. They are also more likely to have gone into debt or dipped into their savings. 

As we build back from this crisis we need a fairer tax system. Our Executive Director, Robert Palmer, has written what this should look like here. We need to start with profitable companies and really wealthy people paying more in tax. This would support the high quality public services we deserve. Fairer taxes would also help tackle inequality. 

Along with our allies we will be campaigning to make this vision a reality. There’s all to play for. 

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