UK Spending Review: There is money, it’s just in the wrong hands

Commenting on the UK Government’s Spending Review on behalf of Tax Justice Scotland, Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said:  

“While total public spending is growing, many UK public services will continue to be fed a starvation diet while the bank balances of the richest grow ever fatter. These are political choices, and people in Scotland aren’t fooled. There are plenty of options on the table, but the Chancellor is choosing to ignore them – risking knock-on consequences for budgets in Scotland.  

“Scots overwhelmingly support a modest 2% wealth tax on the very richest millionaires and billionaires which could raise up to £24 billion a year: crucial extra cash to help care for people, tackle poverty and inequality, and protect the planet. 

“Fairness starts at the top: the richest must pull their weight so the services and support we all need aren’t left surviving on the scraps.” 

For more information and interviews, please contact: Rebecca Lozza, Oxfam Media and Communications Adviser, Scotland and Wales: rlozza1@oxfam.org.uk / 07917738450    

Notes to Editors 

• Tax Justice Scotland is a coalition of over 50 diverse civil society organisations, think tanks, trade unions, and academics, united in calling for a fairer tax system to tackle poverty and inequality. Find out more: https://taxjustice.scot/  

• Polling by YouGov for Oxfam Scotland found that 79% of people in Scotland would prefer a tax on the richest over cuts to public spending. A 2% wealth tax on assets over £10m would impact just 0.04% of the population. Read more here.