Fair Tax Week Welcomed

The council joins other cities, towns and district authorities in local government standing up for responsible tax conduct. Sunderland declared its backing to the Fair Tax Declaration at the beginning of 2021.

It joins authorities from across the UK including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Lambeth, Oxford, Greenwich, Exeter, Oldham, Peterborough, Northumberland, Lincoln, Trafford, South Tyneside and Cheshire West and Chester as supporters of fair tax.

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Graeme Miller said: "As society struggles with the after-effects of the coronavirus pandemic - and the challenge this presents to delivering crucial frontline services - everyone needs to pay their fair share. During Fair Tax Week it's important to champion the positive role that tax plays in our society."

Jon Ritchie, Executive Director of Corporate Services said: "We're proud to support the Declaration in Sunderland. It's great to have Fair Tax Week as a way of drawing attention to the need for honesty and transparency when it comes to tax, for the benefit of everyone."

Mary Patel, Networks Manager, Fair Tax Foundation, said: "Tax is so important when considered against the huge array of public services it helps support - from education, health and social care, to flood defence, roads and policing.

"Fair Tax Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate councils who are proud to stand up for responsible tax conduct. Backing fair tax and transparent financial reporting should be clear common ground for all parties as we seek to rebuild, level up and drive transparency."