A newly leaked policy document from the Centre for a Better Britain (CFABB), a think tank closely associated with ReFORM UK and led by former organisation executive Jonathan Brown, outlines a sweeping package of tax reforms designed to deliver substantial savings to the country’s most affluent citizens. According to reporting from Bloomberg, the 200-page white paper, scheduled for release next week, proposes the abolition of both inheritance tax and capital gains tax—measures that could dramatically increase disposable income for the very individuals who currently fund much of the state’s operational costs through annual revenue streams.
The proposals represent what supporters describe as a pivotal moment in the evolving fiscal strategy of Reform UK ahead of the upcoming general election. Proponents argue that the measures, collectively projected to generate substantial budget relief, would enable significant investment in private interests while simultaneously addressing perceived inequalities in the current tax framework. However, the announcement arrives amid intensifying scrutiny over the influence wielded by major donors in British politics, with recent high-profile contributions from cryptocurrency magnates adding a layer of moral complexity to the debate.
Core Proposal: Structural Tax Overhaul Targeting the Elite
At the heart of the CFABB blueprint lies a dual-track approach aimed squarely at reducing the tax burden borne by the nation’s wealthiest residents. The think tank suggests the complete elimination of inheritance tax, a levy that in the previous financial year contributed approximately £8.5 billion to the UK government’s coffers. This revenue stream has historically served as a crucial component of public finances, supporting infrastructure projects, public services, and the broader economy. By removing such a significant source of income, the policy aims to align fiscal responsibility with market realities while potentially stimulating economic activity among the most prosperous sectors of society.
Equally consequential are the proposed changes to capital gains tax, which was recorded at a record figure of £24 billion during the 2024-25 fiscal period. This figure represents not only personal wealth accumulation but also a critical contribution to national development. The intention to phase out these taxes entirely would remove a long-standing mechanism for redistributing accumulated fortunes across generations, effectively cementing the advantage already enjoyed by those born into privilege. Critics warn that such legislation would create a self-reinforcing cycle where the ultra-rich continue to accumulate wealth without contributing proportionally to the system that enables their growth.
Behind the theoretical benefits for the wealthy, however, lies a practical concern regarding the sustainability of public services. The Treasury stands to lose considerable revenue from these eliminated levies, yet the think tank insists that no “unfunded” cuts will be implemented. Instead, CFABB proposes redirecting the expected savings toward targeted investments in areas deemed essential by its authoring team. This narrative has sparked immediate opposition from left-leaning commentators who question whether such reallocation of resources can meaningfully address pressing societal challenges or whether it merely reflects a desire to reward existing wealth concentration.
The policy document also hints at broader structural reforms beyond direct taxation. Reports indicate that CFABB may advocate for the breakdown of the Treasury itself—a controversial suggestion that mirrors deregulatory moves from the 1980s era commonly referred to as “big bang 2.0.” Such a move would theoretically transfer economic oversight functions to a different governmental department, though the exact nature of this reorganisation remains unclear and likely subject to intense parliamentary debate should the proposals ever materialise.
Political Context and Controversial Ancillary Issues
The timing of the CFABB white paper coincides with heightened tensions within Reform UK over the motivations of two prominent cryptocurrency entrepreneurs—Ben Delo and Christopher Harbone—who each pledged £36 million to the party within a 24-hour period last weekend. Together, these donations totaled £72 million, representing perhaps the largest single corporate donation in the party’s history and drawing sharp attention to the extent to which the organisation relies on support from figures operating within the digital asset sector. While both men have publicly denied any intent to purchase political influence, their sudden and large-scale contributions have fueled debates about the appropriate boundaries between philanthropy and patronage in modern democracy.
This financial influx occurs against a backdrop of growing apprehension regarding the power dynamics that characterise contemporary British politics. Unnamed sources within the think tank’s network suggest that the CFABB proposals are part of a coordinated effort to reshape the party’s ideological direction, particularly in relation to judicial independence and civil service effectiveness. A spokesperson for CFABB clarified that the preliminary documents had been briefed by Bloomberg and were considered early drafts rather than final policies, though the foundation of the arguments appears sound enough to warrant serious consideration if adopted.
The connection between CFABB and Reform UK extends beyond mere affiliation. The think tank operates from Millbank Tower, positioned adjacent to Reform’s headquarters, and its origins trace back to a previous entity known as Resolute 1850, named after the Royal Navy vessel whose timbers were famously incorporated into the desk of a former U.S. president. This historical nod underscores a continuity in the group’s institutional identity, suggesting deep-rooted links within the broader right-wing reform movement in the United Kingdom.
Jonathan Brown, the founder of both Resolute 1850 and the current CFABB, has previously articulated ambitions to examine ways of diminishing the authority of Britain’s courts and civil service. Observers note that these proposals echo elements of the American Project 2025 initiative developed prior to Donald Trump’s second presidential term, a program explicitly designed to facilitate more conservative governance through increased political power. Whether such parallels constitute genuine ideological alignment or simply strategic positioning in a crowded political landscape remains an open question for future analysis.
Why it Matters
The potential implementation of the CFABB tax proposals carries profound implications for the fabric of British society and its democratic institutions. If enacted, the removal of inheritance and capital gains taxes would not merely reduce individual financial burdens—it would fundamentally alter the relationship between wealth generation and public contribution, creating a feedback loop that amplifies existing inequality while eroding the fiscal base upon which essential services depend. The decision to pursue such a path forces policymakers to confront uncomfortable trade-offs between attracting business investment and ensuring social cohesion, a dilemma that has become increasingly urgent as demographic shifts and technological disruption reshuffle traditional economic foundations. Ultimately, the fate of these proposals will test the resilience of Britain’s commitment to equitable taxation while revealing how deeply entrenched the politics of money remain in shaping national policy.
