Wealthy individuals contribute £5.758 billion to Britain’s Treasury
Britain’s wealthiest individuals contributed a combined £5.758 billion to the Treasury over the past year, according to the Sunday Times Tax List 2026 published today, reports BritPanorama.
Betfred founders Fred and Peter Done claimed the top spot for the first time, with an estimated £400.1 million payment. The brothers established their Warrington-based betting empire in 1967. This year’s total represents a significant increase from £4.985 billion recorded in the previous year.
Financial trading entrepreneur Alex Gerko secured second position with a £331.4 million contribution, closely followed by hedge fund manager Chris Rokos at £330 million. Stephen Rubin, chairman of Pentland Group, and his family ranked fourth having paid £325.6 million. The Coates family, behind Bet365, came in fifth with £227.1 million.
Hargreaves Lansdown co-founder Peter Hargreaves contributed £210 million, while Home Bargains’ Tom Morris and family paid £209.1 million. JD Wetherspoon founder Sir Tim Martin appeared eighth on the list with an estimated £199.7 million payment. Retail entrepreneur Mike Ashley followed at ninth with £175.9 million, and the Perkins family, known for Specsavers, completed the top ten at £121.7 million.
The annual ranking features a notable sporting contingent, with boxer Anthony Joshua appearing at number 100 after paying £11 million. Premier League stars Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah also secured places among the nation’s highest contributors. Haaland became the youngest individual to feature on the ranking at just 25 years old, securing 72nd place with a projected £16.9 million tax payment, while Salah is estimated to have a £14.5 million bill.
Former One Direction star Harry Styles made his debut on the ranking this year, contributing £24.7 million in tax. The Done brothers nearly doubled their previous year’s contribution of £273.4 million, with many on the list paying more following Labour’s corporation tax changes aimed at supporting increased welfare spending.
Robert Watts, who compiled the list, noted: “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 highlights the evolving landscape of wealth in the UK and the growing contributions from various sectors.
Ultimately, as taxation shifts alongside economic demands, these figures provide a snapshot of both individual responsibility and societal expectation, reminding us of the intricate relationship between affluence and public funding.
