Britain's biggest taxpayers revealed as Rachel Reeves accused of 'stifling investment'

Since last year, at least 14 per cent of the list have left to reside in Europe, the Middle East or the United States.

For 2026, the Betfred brothers, Fred and Peter Done, top the list. After winning a bet of their own on England to win the 1966 World Cup, the duo set up a bookmaker of their own. Fast-forward 60 years, and the brothers are the biggest contributors to the state.

The pair paid just over £400million in tax last year, with Betfred paying nearly £200million in gambling duty alone, along with £14million in business rates.

Despite the eye-watering figures, the Done brothers insist they will buck the trend of executives leaving the country.

"We owe this country," Peter, 78, previously said. "I feel there is an obligation for people that have made the money in that country to pay the tax in that country. Fred and myself are stopping here."

Alex Gerko, who owns 75 per cent of a London-based XTX that paid £426million in corporation tax last year, follows the brothers, paying £331.4million. Billionaire hedgefund manager Chris Rokos, who paid himself £476.8million last year, contributed £330million to make up the top three.

Elsewhere in the top 10, Bet365 chair Denise Coates, along with her family John and Peter, paid £227.1million, and Hargreaves Lansdown co-founder Peter Hargreaves sold a stake in the company worth £550million, which is liable to at least 14 per cent tax. He paid £210million.

Tom Morris, Home Bargains owner, controversial Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley, and Specsavers founders Dame Mary and Douglas Perkins are also among the largest contributors.

JD Weatherspoons chief Sir Tim Martin entered the list at eight, paying a whopping £199.7million. Each of his 794 pubs across the country delivers an average of £1million in tax every year.

"I can’t complain about the level of taxation really — that’s a political issue," Sir Tim said.

"Parties put forward their ideas and voters decide. What is unfair and economically counterproductive is the way pubs have to charge 20 per cent VAT on food while supermarkets don’t.

"We and the rest of the hospitality industry should have equality with the supermarkets. If we did, you’d have more pubs and restaurants … ultimately paying even more tax."

Manchester City's Erling Haaland was the youngest entry on the list. His bumper new contract 12 months ago, reported to put him on £500,000 per week, means he contributed £16.9million at the age of 25.

Some 45 per cent of those on the list paid more this year than last, with many being caught up in the Chancellor's tax raid.

Ms Reeves then raised an additional £26billion in taxes in her November Budget, headlined by extending the income tax and National Insurance threshold freeze to 2030-31.

HMRC data shows the UK's highest 1 per cent of earners are responsible for more than a quarter (26.6 per cent) of all UK income tax. This number has fallen from 30.7 per cent in 2021/2022, with a large exodus of wealthy individuals to destinations such as Dubai.

Mike Warburton, an accountant who was previously national head of tax services at Grant Thornton, said that the Chancellor has driven big taxpayers to leave the country.

"Many left because they resent their estates being caught for 40 per cent inheritance tax on their global wealth," he said.

"Such individuals will continue to pay tax on their UK assets, including any UK businesses. What will inevitably happen, however, is that it will limit further UK investment as both they and other entrepreneurs decide to invest their money, talent and enterprise elsewhere."

A Treasury spokesman said: “The UK remains an attractive place to live, invest and run a business, with a highly progressive tax system. Our tax-to-GDP ratio and main capital gains tax rate are lower than any other European G7 member, and the headline rate of corporation tax is capped for the rest of this Parliament at 25% – the lowest in the G7.”

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