Northumberland County Council is one of nearly 50 UK Fair Tax Councils celebrating Fair Tax Week 2023, which runs 8-18 June. 
 

The Council is part of a growing movement of cities, towns and districts standing up for responsible tax conduct - the number of Fair Tax Councils more than doubled last year and continues to grow. 
 

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “By signing up to this initiative we are seeking to lead by example. As we continue to rebuild after the coronavirus pandemic – and the challenge this presents to crucial frontline services – everyone needs to pay their fair share of tax.”  
 

County Councillor Nick Morphet, who originally proposed the motion for the Council to sign up to the Fair Tax Declaration, added: “During Fair Tax Week we’re celebrating the organisations that are proud to pay the right amount of tax for the benefit of all, and to champion the positive role that tax plays in our society.” 
 

Mary Patel, Networks Manager, Fair Tax Foundation, explained: “Tax is so important when considered against the huge array of public services it helps support. Fair Tax Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate councils like Northumberland County Council who are proud to stand up for responsible tax conduct.  
 

“Recent research has found that the UK loses an estimated £17bn in corporation tax revenues as a result of profit shifting alone. Backing fair tax and transparent financial reporting should be clear common ground for all parties as we seek to rebuild, level up and drive out dirty money.” 
 

Recent polling has found that two thirds of people (66%) believe the Government and local councils should consider a company’s ethics and how they pay their tax, as well as value for money and quality of service provided, when awarding contracts to companies.*