High Speed 2 is looking for a new chairman, and it's high time that taxpayers' interests are represented.

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Help the TPA derail HS2
High Speed 2 is looking for a new chairman, and it's high time that taxpayers' interests are represented. Even before the coronavirus crisis struck, HS2 was a burden too great for Britain's hard-pressed households to shoulder. That's why I am applying for the role of chairman. ([link removed])

I know what is needed to make the project successful for British taxpayers and that's to scrap HS2.
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It is fair to say that under the outgoing chairman’s watch, things have been a disaster. Since Allan Cook has been in the role, costs have soared from £56 billion to over £100 billion. Some estimate the final bill could be £170 billion. The benefit-cost ratio of the project has fallen to a woeful 1.3. Taxpayers are getting a bad deal.

HS2 must be stopped before it comes off the rails. I am the person for the job. My first act as chairman would be to cut any unnecessary spending before terminating the project. If successful in my application, I will refuse the advertised salary of £200,000 - another saving for the taxpayer.

I've already received the backing of MPs Greg Smith ([link removed]) and Craig Tracey ([link removed]) . I hope you will support me too.
Click here to be one of my referees. ([link removed])
TPA Talks with Lee Anderson MP
In the latest episode of TPA Talks ([link removed]) , we spoke to Lee Anderson MP about the issues that matter to working-class taxpayers. As a former Labour councillor turned Conservative MP who won his seat as part of the "red wall" phenomenon of the 2019 general election, Anderson offers a unique insight into the issues of the day; tackling everything from culture wars to council tax.
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His comments on spendthrift councils ([link removed]) were a breath of fresh air. Lee argues that there are "millions of pounds to be saved in local authorities". Adding that there are "too many managers" and "bone-idle councillors". Based on what I've seen over the years I have to agree! Click here to watch this must-see interview. ([link removed])

Please subscribe to our YouTube channel ([link removed]) so you never miss an episode of TPA Talks. If you prefer audio-only, TPA Talks is available as a podcast on several outlets:
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Briefing: Town Hall Rich List
It's nearly a month since we published the latest edition of the Town Hall Rich List ([link removed]) and it continues to cause a stir in local media. So we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to examine why this annual publication gets wall-to-wall press coverage. I joined colleagues Georgiana Bristol and Scott Simmonds to discuss this year's findings. ([link removed])
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As Georgiana explains the Town Hall Rich List is the "jewel in the crown" when it comes to our role as Britain's waste watchdog. And it thanks to the efforts of Scott who pored over the data that taxpayers are able to assess the performance of their local authority. Click here to watch this fascinating briefing ([link removed]) .

For even more insight be sure to read this great blog detailing the ten key talking points from this year's list. ([link removed])
TaxPayers' Alliance in the news
TPA warns chancellor not to copy America's tax rises

New tax plans by US president Joe Biden will see many Americans paying double the current rate of capital gains tax. There are fears that Rishi Sunak wants to do the same in Britain. ([link removed]) Naturally, the TaxPayers' Alliance didn't delay in explaining why this would be a terrible idea.
Our media campaign manager Danielle Boxall told the Daily Telegraph, "After the deepest recession in 300 years Britain should avoid implementing punishing new taxes. A wealth tax would lead to capital flight, declining investment and dwindling revenue for the government. After all, the sustained tax burden is already at a shocking 70-year high."

At every opportunity, the TPA is urging the government to cut taxes for everyone to get the economy back on track.
Bureaucrats bungled bookings

Highways England is back in taxpayers' bad books once again after The Times revealed it wasted just shy of £500,000 booking hotel rooms which it didn't use. The agency believed the rooms would be needed in the event of a no-deal Brexit back in October 2019. They also claim it was not possible to negotiate a deal for a full refund if overnight stays weren't required!
Standing up for taxpayers our digital campaign manager told The Times, "Taxpayers are right to feel ripped off by this bungled booking. While the need to take precautions is understandable, quangocrats failed to protect taxpayers’ money in the process.”
Counting the cost of compulsory courses

The Express has discovered that £82,000 of taxpayers' cash ([link removed]) was used for members of the Lords to take part in "training sessions aimed to combat bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct." Many peers complained that they were "being treated like children" on the compulsory courses.
Voicing his concerns, our political James Roberts told reporter Richard Percival, "Taxpayers won't be happy at having to pay for pricey courses telling politicians how to behave.”
Blog of the week
The public sector's top five woke non-jobs

According to the Office for National Statistics' recent employment figures, the public sector is the only area of the jobs market seeing any growth. As Danielle Boxall examines this week, some of the biggest non-jobs are in the social justice industry. ([link removed]) There are now taxpayer-funded diversity, inclusion and equality units packed into every corner of the state.
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For example, the Met Office is looking to hire an Equality Diversity & Inclusion Advisor. As Danielle rightly points out, "What does equality, diversity and inclusion have to do with whether or not it’ll rain on Tuesday?"

But unfortunately, jobs like this are just the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds of woke initiatives, all funded by taxpayers whether we like it or not. Be sure to have a go at our Woke Whitehall quiz ([link removed]) before it closes to see if you can work out what waste is true or false - some of the examples of waste are just as unbelievable.
War on Waste
Taxpayers foot the bill for botched council plans

Residents in Herefordshire are set to foot a bill of over £200,000 after redevelopment plans fell through ([link removed]) . Planning permission had been granted to a private company for the construction of a number of homes in the area. However, problems with land ownership put a stop to the scheme.

Consequently, the council will have to pay costs incurred by the developer totalling £201,222. Naturally many local residents are furious as the plans were strongly opposed. Given Herefordshire increased council tax by 5 per cent this year ([link removed]) - taking a band D bill to £2,052 - it's no wonder so many are angry. This money would have been better spent on frontline services.
Please send me your examples of public sector waste. (mailto:[email protected]?subject=War%20on%20Waste)

Harry Fone
Grassroots Campaign Manager

Make a donation to the TaxPayers' Alliance ([link removed])

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