A Green Party motion committing Worcester City Council to sign the Fair Tax Declaration was passed unanimously by councillors at a meeting of full Council.
Proposing the motion at the meeting, Karen Lewing, Green Party Councillor for the Arboretum, said:
“This motion commits the council to sign up to the ‘Councils for Fair Tax Declaration’ to lead by example on our own tax conduct and demand to know who owns and profits from businesses the council buys from with greater transparency, accountability, and ethical sourcing.”
“This is important as the UK loses an estimated £17 billion in corporate tax revenues and in the current economic climate, this has an impact on the funding of public services where they are most needed. I wanted to champion the positive role that tax plays in our society and back responsible businesses that pay their fair share of tax. This would ensure more ethical procurement of our goods and services from supplier businesses.”
“There is no doubt that robust transparency through full financial reporting will also reduce the risk of corruption and fraud too whilst rewarding suppliers that demonstrate responsible tax conduct.”
Seconding the motion, Tom Piotrowski, Green Party Councillor for Battenhall, said:
“It goes without saying that everyone should contribute to the cost of the services they benefit from. And you all will agree with me – I believe – in saying that this applies to each legal entity: not only individuals, but also businesses.
“Businesses in fact benefit from public services in a way which is different and additional to the way their employees and directors do.
“If fair taxation is at the core of our country, then this has to change. This has to change now. To keep our country together, to keep delivering good public services.
“If we want taxes to be low for everyone, we need everyone – also large corporations – to pay their fair share of taxes.
“I want Worcester City Council to join be at the front of this change.”