A message from our chief executive John O'Connell
It’s been a rollercoaster twenty years for the British public. Elections, referendums, a financial crash and a pandemic - it seems like never-ending upheaval. Of course, all of that - and more - has kept the TaxPayers’ Alliance busy in its 20 years of existence. And given what we’re hearing about the upcoming Budget, it looks like the next few years will throw up some turmoil of their own, so unfortunately our campaigns feel more urgent and relevant. The tax burden has risen under pretty much every government since we were founded - but it seems like we're entering even more dangerous territory.
The TPA was formed in 2004, when Matthew Elliott and Andrew Allum grew weary with a cosy consensus on tax and spend. The government of the day was starting to turn up the dial on public spending, which would inevitably lead to big deficits, more debt and higher taxes. But there wasn’t a clear and consistent voice in opposition to this.
So they gathered together many people who agreed with them, and organised sustained campaigns. They carefully put together research on wasteful spending. And they started building a reputation for reliable and sharp commentary on fiscal policy.
It was Matthew and Andrew - with some help from other volunteers - who put the building blocks in place for the TPA to grow into the institution it is now.
We know we have big challenges, but we have to remain vigilant and optimistic. We’ve had huge successes, as the video above demonstrates. And we can have more as tax hikes start to pinch, services decline and people realise just how much of their money is squandered.
We wouldn’t have lasted two decades without our supporters. We’re up against a powerful blob and it can sometimes feel daunting. But we should all remember that the power should rest with those who pay, rather than those who spend.
Join the campaign today by signing up for our bulletin. And let's stick together for the next twenty years.