A public petition calling for a significant increase in the income tax personal allowance has gathered tens of thousands of signatures, with only days remaining before the deadline to qualify for a debate in Parliament.
The petition urges the government to raise the tax-free earnings threshold from its current level of £12,570 to £20,000, reflecting widespread concerns about rising living costs and the financial strain facing many households across the United Kingdom.
As the signature count approaches the threshold required for parliamentary consideration, the campaign highlights ongoing discussions about tax policy and the cost of living.
Public petition seeks higher tax-free allowance
The petition, submitted through the official parliamentary website, requests that the personal tax-free allowance for income tax be increased to £20,000.
Supporters argue this change would help workers and families cope with increasing expenses related to housing, energy, childcare, and council tax. Proponents state that the current threshold, set at £12,570, does not reflect the reality of modern living costs.
They contend that higher tax-free earnings would offer relief for those struggling to meet basic expenses and could increase the incentive to work.
Key requirements to trigger parliamentary debate
For the petition to be considered for a full debate in the House of Commons, it must reach 100,000 verified signatures before the official cut-off date. As of the most recent update, the petition had collected approximately 75,000 signatures, leaving some 25,000 needed ahead of the deadline on Saturday, 28 February.
If the required number is reached before the deadline, parliamentary rules dictate that the topic must be considered for debate, bringing the issue to the attention of MPs and the government. The process offers the public an opportunity to influence the legislative agenda directly, particularly on matters of widespread concern.
Current personal allowance and tax thresholds
The personal allowance is the amount of income an individual can earn each tax year before becoming liable for income tax. For the 2025-26 tax year, which runs from 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026, the standard personal allowance remains at £12,570.
This threshold is gradually reduced for individuals with an adjusted net income above £100,000, falling by £1 for every £2 of extra income. Once adjusted net income reaches £125,140 or more, the allowance is reduced to zero.
Economic pressures driving public support
The campaign for a higher personal allowance arises amid increased costs of living and growing financial pressures on UK households. Supporters point to rising rents, mortgage rates, utilities, and childcare costs, which have left many struggling to make ends meet.
Advocates for the petition have stated, “Some families cannot afford to return to work after having children due to childcare costs wiping out their entire income.” They argue that increasing the threshold would address these pressures and provide meaningful financial relief.
Details on existing tax-free income provisions
In addition to the general personal allowance, taxpayers may benefit from various other exemptions, such as tax-free allowances on savings interest and dividend income.
Individuals receiving income from self-employment may claim up to £1,000 as a trading allowance, while those renting out property can also receive up to £1,000 tax-free, provided they are not using the Rent a Room Scheme.
These allowances are designed to support specific types of income and are available in addition to the main personal allowance threshold.
Final Summary
With only days remaining, the petition to increase the personal tax-free allowance to £20,000 approaches the milestone needed to prompt a parliamentary debate. Widespread public support is largely a response to persistent rises in everyday expenses and calls for greater financial resilience among working families.
While the current personal allowance has remained static despite increasing living costs, advocates believe a higher threshold could deliver needed relief and boost work incentives.
Whether the petition successfully reaches its signature target or not, its popularity illustrates strong public interest in tax reform, and any parliamentary debate could have a lasting impact on future policy.
For those interested in staying updated with further financial developments, the Pie app offers accessible information on taxation and personal finance matters.
