Created by the Fair Tax Foundation, the movement involves local authorities committing to responsibly manage their own tax affairs, require greater transparency from suppliers and join calls for rule changes that would allow councils to tackle tax avoidance and award contracts to suppliers that demonstrate responsible tax conduct.

Cllr Beccy Cooper, the Leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “I’m really pleased we’ve shown our commitment to the Fair Tax Declaration. Ensuring a fair deal for our citizens is an essential part of our Council for the Community approach that will allow us all to thrive.”

“Local authorities should take the lead in promoting responsible tax conduct, and we look forward to supporting businesses in the region that are committed to supporting our communities.”

Recent research by the Fair Tax Foundation found that 66% of the public agree that the Government and local authorities should consider a company’s ethics and how they pay their tax, as well as value for money and quality of service provided, when awarding contracts.

The UK is estimated to lose around £17bn every year as a result of multinational companies moving the location of their profits from high-tax countries to low-tax authorities and tax havens, according to the Fair Tax Foundation.

Aggressive tax avoidance negatively distorts national and local economies and reduces the amount of funding for the vital public services on which communities rely.

Mary Patel, the Networks Manager at the Fair Tax Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to see Worthing Borough Council standing up for responsible tax conduct by supporting the Councils for Fair Tax Declaration.

“Together with our Fair Tax Councils, we are calling on the Government to change the rules so local councils and other public bodies can meaningfully reward supplier businesses that pay tax fairly and transparently.”

The decision to approve the Fair Tax Declaration was made by members.