Torfaen is first Welsh council to commit to fair tax practices

Torfaen Council has become the first Welsh council and the 19th in the UK to join a growing movement of cities, towns and counties standing up for responsible tax conduct. Covering the towns of Pontypool, Cwmbran and surrounding areas north of Cardiff in South Wales, the council has voted to approve a motion in support of the UK Councils for Fair Tax Declaration.

The Declaration commits cities, towns and districts to pursuing exemplary tax conduct in their affairs, require greater transparency from suppliers and join calls for more meaningful powers to tackle tax avoidance amongst suppliers when buying goods and services.

Councillor Anthony Hunt, Torfaen Council’s leader, said: “By signing up to this initiative, we are seeking to lead by example. It’s vital that companies pay their fair share of tax and support the services and infrastructure we all rely on. Local government has a proud history of standing up for responsible conduct, such as our existing commitment to the Living Wage here in Torfaen. Fair tax is no different.” 

Mary Patel, Networks Manager at the Fair Tax Foundation said: “We’re delighted that Torfaen Council is standing up for responsible tax conduct by approving the Councils for Fair Tax Declaration. In doing so, Torfaen Council is committing to the highest possible standards of tax conduct in its own affairs, and is joining other supporters of the Declaration in calling for greater powers to tackle tax avoidance amongst suppliers. 

The council joins 18 other authorities from across England and Scotland as supporters of fair tax. 

If you are a councillor, you can find the Sample Motion and Councils for Fair Tax Declaration (in English and Welsh) on our website. 

We have also drafted an email and a template letter (in English and Welsh) individuals can send to their local councillor to ask them to support the Declaration.