Freezing tax brackets has "detrimental" impacts for middle-income earners
Kent campaigner Richard Winstone says Labour’s plans would push 1 million more people into the higher tax bracket
Richard Winstone, known as “The Regulator Guy” on social media, is calling on Government to unfreeze PAYE tax bands after the recent budget extended the freeze further.
Richard, who lives in Chatham, Kent, had called for income tax bands to be unfrozen by 2026, bringing relief for workers facing increasing financial pressure.
However, changes announced in the budget yesterday mean the freeze will now last until 2028, leading Richard to pivot the focus of his petition to challenge the extension.
Speaking to Greatest Hits and Hits Radio, Richard explains he started the petition due to what he sees as the unfair impact of the freeze on middle-income earners.
He said, “The injustice of so many people being moved into a higher rate tax band, which isn't designed for the average worker, prompted me to take action.”
Richard highlighted how long-serving teachers, digital marketers, accountants, and others classed as middle earners are now paying higher rate tax.
He said that by 2031, Labour’s plans would push 1 million more people into the higher tax bracket, which could represent 25% of the UK’s workforce.
Following the budget announcement, his petition is approaching 7,000 signatures, but Richard hopes this number will grow significantly in the weeks ahead.
Addressing Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Richard said, “You said last year in parliament that pushing the freeze on PAYE tax bands is an attack on working people. You said you wouldn't do it and yet here we are.”
You can find more information about the petition on https://theregulatorguy.co.uk.