UK public calls for greater transparency on tax avoidance and evasion

22 Jun 2020

According to an annual survey carried out by Fair Tax Mark, the UK public is using the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown to take 'decisive action' against tax avoidance practices.

79% of people polled would rather shop with a business that can prove it's paying its fair share of tax, according to the survey.

78% of individuals believe that all businesses should have to publicly disclose the amount of tax they pay in the UK. Additionally, 77% of people think the UK should take the lead and require multinational businesses to disclose how much income, profit and tax they pay in each country they do business.

'For many, lockdown has provided an opportunity to reflect more on societal values – whether it's supporting our vulnerable, shopping locally or gaining a greater understanding of how employers act at a time of crisis,' said Paul Monaghan, Chief Executive of Fair Tax Mark.

'The vast majority of people want to support and celebrate the businesses that reject the use of tax havens and tax avoidance.

'That's why during the coronavirus crisis we have been calling on the UK government to ensure that any bailouts are conditional on recipients committing to responsible tax conduct and transparency.'