Oxford's Wealthy Giants Avoiding Their Fair Share: The Shocking Truth Behind Tax Loopholes for Oxford University, The Crown, and The Church!
How the City’s Richest Institutions Are Escaping Council Tax – and What It’s Costing YOU!
Fair Share Tax for Wealthy Institutions: A Call for Justice in Oxford
As we prepare for the 2025 Oxfordshire County Council elections, particularly here in the Isis division, it's time to address an issue that many of us in Oxford and beyond have been quietly aware of but not loudly enough—the unfair advantage that wealthy institutions like Oxford University, the Crown, and the Church have in avoiding their fair share of taxes. This is a call for justice, fairness, and equality.
These institutions claim to be “charities” or “for the public interest,” and while they undoubtedly do good work in certain areas, they also own massive properties and generate millions of pounds. Yet, they avoid paying council tax, leaving the burden to fall on local people. In a cost-of-living crisis, it’s simply unfair.
The Oxford University Tax Loophole
Oxford University is one of the wealthiest institutions in the country, yet it pays no council tax on its vast property portfolio. The University is exempt due to its status as a charity. But this exemption, while it may be reasonable for genuine charitable work, does not reflect the university’s huge financial power and influence.
Consider Oxford Science Park or Begbroke Science Park. These business hubs, full of tech startups, research facilities, and highly profitable companies, are owned by the University. Yet, because they are considered part of the University’s charitable status, they do not contribute the council tax that would otherwise go to improving local services. This is a huge loophole that costs our local authorities millions.
Just imagine if the University paid its fair share. That money could go toward:
Affordable housing for local people in Oxford
Better healthcare services at local NHS facilities
Improved roads and public transport
Enhanced education resources in local schools, supporting students of all backgrounds
Instead, the University’s vast wealth is shielded behind a tax-free status, leaving ordinary residents to shoulder the costs of local services. It’s time for this to change.
The Crown’s Property Portfolio in Oxford
The Crown Estate, owned by the monarchy, also has vast holdings in Oxford. These properties, many of which are commercial properties in prime locations, generate significant rental income. But because of its status, the Crown Estate doesn’t pay council tax either. In a city like Oxford, with its dense population and growing demand for services, this tax-free advantage allows the wealthiest landowners to profit without contributing to the local community.
By ensuring these institutions—whether it’s the Crown Estate, Oxford University, or any other massive entity—pay their fair share, we can dramatically improve our local infrastructure and public services.
The Church’s Special Status
The Church of England is another major institution that benefits from tax exemptions. Churches and religious buildings are exempt from paying council tax under the argument that they serve a charitable and public purpose. While this may be valid for actual places of worship, what about the hundreds of church-owned properties—including vicarages and even residential properties rented out for commercial purposes? In many cases, these properties benefit from tax exemptions, despite being used for private gain.
It’s important to ask the question: Should churches, especially those with significant property holdings and wealth, continue to enjoy these tax breaks while local residents bear the brunt of funding essential services?
Why It’s Time for Change
In the face of a cost-of-living crisis, the wealthiest institutions in our society must contribute fairly. They should not be allowed to hide behind tax exemptions that are supposed to apply only to charitable activities. The fact that Oxford University, the Crown Estate, and the Church don’t pay council tax on their properties is a national scandal, and it’s high time that the people of Oxfordshire stood up and demanded a fairer system.
If elected to Oxfordshire County Council, I will:
Campaign for fair taxes from these wealthy institutions, including universities, the Crown Estate, and religious organizations.
Push for a Land Value Tax (LVT) or other measures to ensure that landowners like Oxford University pay their fair share, based on the value of the land they hold.
Work to close the loopholes that allow these institutions to profit while contributing little to the public good.
Ensure that businesses and organizations making millions in profit—whether it’s through commercial research hubs or retail holdings—pay their fair share to improve local services.
What We Could Do with the Money
If we were to close these loopholes, the impact on our local community could be transformative. With more money coming into our local councils from wealthy institutions:
We could fund social services for those who need it most, particularly in the face of a housing crisis.
We could improve the quality of our education and provide more resources to our local schools.
We could create green spaces, parks, and recreational areas for everyone in the community, especially those in inner-city areas.
We could invest in sustainable public transport to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
We could make Oxfordshire a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable place to live, work, and raise a family. But we need to ensure that all of us contribute to the local pot, not just the ordinary people who are already struggling to make ends meet.
A Call for Fairness
This is about fairness, equity, and making sure that those who benefit the most from living and working in Oxfordshire—whether they’re running highly profitable businesses, holding large swaths of land, or occupying vast residential properties—pay their fair share. We’re all in this together, and it’s time that our wealthiest institutions took responsibility for the community they benefit from.
The Green Party stands for justice for all citizens, and that includes ensuring that the wealthiest contribute fairly to our local services. Let’s make Oxfordshire a place where everyone’s fair share is valued—not just the few who can afford to avoid their taxes.
Vote for fair taxes, fair services, and a better future for Oxfordshire.
