Some of Britain’s wealthiest celebrities and business figures are handing over record sums to the Treasury, but concerns are mounting that tougher policies are pushing more and more high earners out of the country just as the state depends on them most.
Harry Styles, JK Rowling and Anthony Joshua have all featured among the UK’s top taxpayers in the latest Sunday Times Tax List, which estimates that the 100 biggest contributors paid a combined £5.758 billion last year, up sharply from £4.985 billion the year before.
Topping the table for the first time were gambling tycoons Fred and Peter Done, the billionaire brothers behind Betfred, who are thought to have paid £400.1 million in tax over the past year. The Warrington based firm was founded in 1967, and the siblings are reported to have left school at 15 with no qualifications before building their betting empire.
Their bill was a significant jump on last year’s £273.4 million, and they were among 45 people in the top 100 who paid more tax than in the previous list.
Football star Erling Haaland, 25, of Manchester City was the youngest name to appear, ranking 72nd with a projected £16.9 million payment, while Liverpool forward Mo Salah is believed to have handed over £14.5 million.
J.K. Rowling, a regular on the list, placed 36th with an estimated £47.5 million bill. Musician Ed Sheeran ranked 64th after paying £19.9 million, and boxer Joshua scraped in at number 100 with £11 million.
Harry Styles, the former One Direction singer turned solo artist, was among the new entries, with a tax contribution of £24.7 million.
Pub chain JD Wetherspoon founder Sir Tim Martin came eighth, with an estimated £199.7 million payment.
Those compiling the rankings said much of the rise reflected changes in recent years, including an increase in corporation tax from 19 to 25 per cent and higher rates on dividends.
Robert Watts, who put together the list, said: “This is an increasingly diverse list, with Premier League footballers and world famous pop stars lining up alongside aristocrats and business owners selling pies, pillows and baby milk.
“This year there’s been a big jump in the amount of tax we’ve identified, largely because of higher corporation tax rates.”
Financial trader Alex Gerko placed second with a £331.4 million bill, narrowly ahead of hedge fund manager Chris Rokos on £330 million.
The top 10 taxpayers were:
Fred and Peter Done and family, Betfred, £400.1m
Alex Gerko, trader, £331.4m
Chris Rokos, bond trader, £330m
Stephen Rubin and family, Pentland Group chair, £325.6m
Denise, John and Peter Coates, Bet365, £227.1m
Peter Hargreaves, Hargreaves Lansdown co founder, £210m
Tom Morris and family, Home Bargains, £209.1m
Sir Tim Martin, JD Wetherspoon, £199.7m
Mike Ashley, retail, £175.9m
Dame Mary, Douglas Perkins and family, Specsavers, £121.7m
However, the list also highlights a growing trend of wealthy individuals leaving the UK. Six of those named are already said to have moved abroad in the past year amid reports of relocations linked to higher taxes and the end of non dom status.
They include Revolut founder Nik Storonsky, Wren Kitchens entrepreneur Malcolm Healey and boxing promoter Eddie Hearn. More are expected to follow.
Critics warn that Britain relies heavily on its richest residents to fund public services and that policymakers must tread carefully to avoid driving them away. With Labour facing scrutiny over its tax plans, some argue that uncertainty alone could accelerate the exodus, with more high earners departing every day.
