Greater Manchester becomes first combined authority in England to encourage fair tax standards

Greater Manchester has become the first combined authority in England to encourage businesses and organisations in its region to pay the right amount of tax and adhere to Fair Tax Mark standards. Fair tax is newly included in GMCA’s refreshed Social Value Framework, which the authority says should guide the actions of all organisations across the city region to help rebuild our economy and tackle inequalities.

Matt Baqueriza-Jackson, Chair of the Greater Manchester Social Value Network, said: “We’re really pleased that fair tax is recognised as a core social value consideration. It’s about all businesses and organisations taking practical steps to ensure ‘good’ tax conduct both internally and through their supply chains. Tax matters more than ever – it helps fund vital public goods and services and when paid fairly, it ensures a level playing field for businesses large and small.”

Mary Patel, Networks Manager at Fair Tax Mark, said: “Greater Manchester is emerging as something of a leader on fair tax. Alongside Fair Tax Mark accredited businesses The Co-operative, Unicorn Grocery, The Eighth Day Co-op, Timetastic, and trade body Co-operatives UK, both Oldham and Trafford Councils have approved our Councils for Fair Tax Declaration which sees them commit, amongst other things, to requiring greater transparency from suppliers. As a Manchester-based social enterprise ourselves, we’d love to have more local businesses and councils come on board. ”

Find out more about becoming a Fair Tax Mark accredited business, or about signing your local council up to the Councils for Fair Tax Declaration.