Ahead of Fair Tax Week which begins today, we are proud hold the Fair Tax Mark – a UK-wide recognition of the companies and organisations that promote responsible tax conduct.
At Leeds Building Society, we became the first national high street financial institution to receive the Fair Tax Mark in December 2018.
And in September last year, the Fair Tax Foundation confirmed that we had been reaccredited for the fifth consecutive year – a testament to the hard work and procedures put in place by our teams across the Society.
To be recognised for continuing to do the right thing when it comes to tax transparency and paying our fair share of tax is important to us, especially after some of the world’s biggest brands have come under fire for how much – or how little – tax they pay.
The accreditation is recognition that we, at Leeds Building Society, continue to champion a level playing field for businesses.
Businesses must play their part in contributing to a fairer economy for all. Tax transparency is a clear reflection on how businesses conduct themselves.
Corporation tax funds the vital public services our members and colleagues all rely on. At Leeds Building Society, our purpose is to put homeownership within reach of more people, so it’s important to us that we pay our fair share of tax, which with the help of the Government, can go towards building more homes.
As a successful and profitable business, paying our way is important – something our members have highlighted as a priority for them too.
At our recent AGM, we heard from members who spoke about tax transparency, and their trust in Leeds Building Society to do the right thing.
Paying our fair share of tax is nothing new for us and as a mutual, we were founded on the principle of people helping people.
Leeds Building Society is owned by its members and run in their best interests so taking note of what matters to them has been at the heart of our business for almost 150 years.
Holding the Fair Tax Mark means we work alongside a growing number of organisations to become a force for positive change in this area, and we are proud to celebrate Fair Tax Week.
Caroline Dale is director of finance operations at Leeds Building Society
