Attitudes… to Tax

In this episode, Mark and guests explore public attitudes towards tax, wealth and public spending in Britain today. Drawing on findings from the latest British Social Attitudes survey and qualitative research on inequality and welfare, the episode covers why attitudes towards taxation may be shifting, how people think about wealth and fairness, and the role that trust, lived experience and perceptions of government play in shaping public opinion.

Kate Summers is a Research Fellow at the London School of Economics whose research explores public attitudes towards economic inequality, welfare and related policies.

Alex Scholes is a Research Director at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), where he leads on delivery of the British Social Attitudes survey.

Research and publications discussed

• BSA 43 | A First Look
• Living on Different Incomes in London: Can public consensus identify a 'riches line'?
• Claiming Deservingness: Social Security and Public Narratives During the Pandemic
• Deliberating Inequality: Developing Qualitative Approaches to Understanding Inequality Beliefs

About the data

This episode draws on findings from the British Social Attitudes survey and other research carried out by NatCen, as well as work produced by independent researchers and academic institutions exploring public attitudes towards taxation, welfare, inequality and public spending. References and further reading can be found via the links above.

Acknowledgments

With thanks to our guests, contributors and the team at Capital City College for their support with the recording and editing of this podcast. We're grateful to everyone who has taken part in NatCen's research over the years. Their experiences and perspectives help us better understand life in Britain today.

ATTITUDES explores a range of issues and viewpoints through conversations with expert guests. The opinions expressed during these discussions are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies or positions of the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen).