Globalisation:Taxpayers' Alliance

Ross McLauchlan Catherine MacDonald Angela Devine Katie Blair

Introduction

• Globalisation:Taxpayers' Alliance: History and Ideology
• Globalisation:Taxpayers' Alliance: Funding
• Globalisation:Taxpayers' Alliance: People

Campaign and Issues

"The TPA's mission is:

• To reverse the perception that big government is necessary and irreversible • To explain the benefits of a low tax economy • To give taxpayers a voice in the corridors of power"

and they will do this by;

• Oppose all tax rises • Oppose EU tax harmonisation • Criticise all examples of wasteful and unnecessary spending • Champion opportunities for votes on tax and spending

Research

The TPA carries out research into public spending, taxation and broader economic policy. The alliance claims to be a primary source which is used by ordinary people as well as media workers and academics. For example, the TPA may research issues such as MP's Expenses abuses and the cost of wastefullness of the E.U. It claims to be an non-partisan in it's campaigns and research. History

However, it has been claimed that the BBC's Helen Boaden has stated that she does not think the TPA are non-partisan. Furthermore she said she would discuss ways in which to avoid reporting the alliance as a non-partisan organisation in the future. This was in reply to a letter written by John Prescott who complained that the BBC had been reporting the TPA as impartial. It is suggested by many that the TPA are a Conservative front and therefore a change in the way they are reported by the BBC could be seen as necesary.

Media

In recent years the TPA has became one of the most frequently quoted pressure groups in the UK media. The alliance has approximately ten hits per day in the print media. This includes articles covering MP's expenses, the cost of crime and local government salaries. However, it has been stated by The Independent that the TPA seems to be taking on much of the work load which would be expected to be carried out by journalists. The Independent suggest that the TPA have created their own media profile by writing articles and including their own headlines for newspapers to print. Elliot claims that the reason for this is that journalists have too much work to do and don't have time to read 'long and dry reports' from pressure groups. He claims therefore that the Alliance make use of the Freedom of Expression Act and get statistics from both government and councils to make up their own articles.

Paul Lashmar of University College of Falmouth sees a clear connection between the TPA's influence and the every day pressures of news organisations. He claims that news groups no longer have enough time to carry out the necessary extensive research for the articles they write. They need groups like the TPA to take on tasks such as calling round MP's to ask for their individual opinions on an issue.

The TPA construct their stories in a way that will encourage the public to take an interest in the issues they discuss and furthermore encourage the public to be in favour of the TPA. For example, by ranking local councils by which wastes most money the TPA are focussing on creating an interest among a particular group.