Spending Review: fundamental rethink called for by Christian campaigners
Christian charity the JustMoney Movement has called for a fundamental rethink from the Government in the wake of today’s Spending Review. Against a backdrop of growing inequality, high rates of poverty and the continuing climate crisis, the charity is urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to start a national conversation about what kind of society we want to live in, and how we pay for it.
While increased funding for the NHS and moderate investment in social housing and regional infrastructure are welcome, deep cuts were confirmed to disability benefits and overseas aid, as well as a range of cuts in the day-to-day spending of unprotected departments like the Home Office. These decisions herald tough times ahead for many of the most vulnerable in our society, and around the world.
The JustMoney Movement equips individuals and congregations to take action with their own finances and campaign for a fairer, greener economy. The charity expressed deep concern about the impact of cuts already imposed on the poorest and most vulnerable1, amidst stubbornly high poverty rates of over 1 in 5 of the UK population2. Meanwhile the 50 wealthiest UK families now own more than the poorest half of the population combined3. The JustMoney Movement has been calling for a wealth tax, and other measures to tax wealth more, for several years, to help tackle inequality and raise revenue to pay for public services.
Sarah Edwards, Executive Director of the JustMoney Movement said,
“While increased NHS funding, investment in housing and infrastructure are welcome, today’s confirmed cuts will harm some of the poorest people in society, amidst unacceptably high levels of inequality. A small minority of the super-rich are not paying their fair share while many people struggle to afford even a basic quality of life. As Christians we believe that every person – rich or poor – is made in the image of God and has a fundamental dignity. This is why we need a wealth tax, to redress the balance and help build the kind of society where everyone can thrive.”
Bishop Mike Royal, General Secretary, Churches Together in England, and Patron of JustMoney Movement, commented:
“In the turbulent times in which we live, we urge those who have been impacted the least and those who might have benefited from the turbulence to make a fair contribution to a flourishing society. An appropriate tax on wealth would help to protect the services those most in need rely on now more than ever.”
Please contact us to arrange an interview, to request a written article for your publication or any further engagement. Queries to info@justmoney.org.uk
Notes to editors
The JustMoney Movement (formerly The Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility) is an ecumenical Christian charity campaigning and educating across the UK churches for a just use of money. Find out more www.justmoney.org.uk
The JustMoney Movement is calling for changes to the tax system including the introduction of a 2% Wealth Tax on assets over £10 million, reforms to existing taxes, such as equalising capital gains with income tax rates, and ending some tax reliefs and loopholes. These changes combined could raise up in the region of £60 billion of revenue to tackle poverty and fund public services. Find out more https://justmoney.org.uk/speak-out/good-measure-campaign/
- The Government’s recent changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Universal Credit, for example, are predicted to push some 400,000 people into poverty: https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/400000-people-be-pushed-poverty-health-and-disability-benefit-cuts
- https://www.jrf.org.uk/uk-poverty-2025-the-essential-guide-to-understanding-poverty-in-the-uk
- https://equalitytrust.org.uk/evidence-base/billionaire-britain-2025/ and https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/may/19/uk-50-richest-families-hold-more-wealth-than-50-of-population-analysis-finds