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The truth about NHS pay – where is the money going?
Yesterday’s strikes by NHS workers elicited strong responses from patients, NHS workers and politicians. Nurses and midwives were understandably put front and centre of the unions’ campaigns – the...
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New research reveals a Kremlin-sized union subsidy
New research conducted by the TaxPayers’ Alliance suggests public bodies are providing trade union representatives with office space in taxpayer-funded buildings at knock-down rates Government...
View ArticleOur tax code is too complicated – of course there’s a tax gap
News broke this week from The Treasury that the “tax gap” between what is owed to HMRC and what is actually collected hit £34 billion last year. It’s an eye-catching figure and it understandably makes...
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The NHS has enough money. It needs to spend it better.
“NHS needs extra cash and overhaul” scream the headlines today, with NHS England boss Simon Stevens making the case for an additional £5bn in funding per annum to stave off a funding crisis. There is...
View ArticleMapping a smarter deficit reduction strategy
New Office for National Statistics figures published this week have shown that the Government is on course to fail to meet its deficit reduction target again. Indeed, so far, the deficit is higher now...
View ArticleThe time is now for Real Recall
Other than perhaps estate agents or bankers, it’s hard to think of a group of people more unpopular than Britain’s political class. Votes for fourth parties – of both green and purple stripes – are...
View ArticleRoadworks grind to a halt in Bath
“These things can happen” is the lame excuse given by the leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES), Paul Crossley to the news that work has halted on four major roadworks in and...
View ArticleForeign aid fuelling corruption in the developing world
A new report from the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI), the watchdog tasked with monitoring Britain’s aid spending abroad, has found that UK taxpayers’ money is fuelling corruption in...
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Why the Garden Bridge could well be a white elephant
In theory, there’s nothing not to like. The planned new “Garden Bridge” across the Thames will no doubt be a striking addition to the capital’s already stacked roster of tourist attractions. Designed...
View ArticleAnnual Tax Summaries hit the doormat
This week sees a quiet revolution, as the first Annual Tax Summaries hit the doormats of some 24 million people. These Summaries will demonstrate how much individuals have paid in Income Tax and...
View ArticleWhy Councils shouldn’t try to be businesses
Once again we have cause to question the business sense of Thanet District Council. Ramsgate Port still lies unused by any ferry operator with no takers – unless you include the highly controversial...
View ArticleOverseas aid needs more targeting, not more money
As we reported last week, a report form the Independent Commission on Aid Impact rated DfID’s strategy towards tackling corruption in recipient countries as seriously flawed. Although the Department...
View ArticleIf you really care about the Health Service, be honest about its shortcomings
The worst secret in British politics is exposed again today, as the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AMRC) suggests waste in the NHS has hit unacceptable levels. The report produced by the AMRC...
View ArticleTaxPayers’ Alliance research cited in the House of Commons
At Business Questions to the Leader of the House, David Nuttall MP cited our paper on aid effectiveness, which revealed that foreign aid is failing to increase freedom in the developing world. Mr...
View ArticleUnderstanding quangos is important but not the ultimate goal
The UK’s system of public bodies is inconsistent, overlapping, confused, cluttered and ultimately lacks accountability. Taxpayers need to know what is going on, but it is often a monumental task for...
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