Betfred Brothers Lead UK's Top Taxpayer List with £400m Contribution

In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Betfred brothers, Fred and Peter Done, topped the UK's taxpayer list with a £400.1m contribution.
- Notable figures like Harry Styles and Anthony Joshua are among the UK's top 100 taxpayers.
- The total tax paid by the top 100 increased to £5.758bn, partly due to a rise in corporation tax.
- Some wealthy individuals have relocated abroad, potentially to avoid higher UK taxes.
- Despite the exodus, the Done brothers expressed commitment to paying taxes in the UK.
The billionaire brothers behind Betfred, Fred and Peter Done, have been named the UK's top taxpayers, contributing a staggering £400.1 million, according to the Sunday Times Tax List. This annual ranking highlights the significant tax contributions of the UK's wealthiest individuals, with the Done brothers' payment largely attributed to gambling duties from their betting empire.
Celebrities and Business Tycoons Among Top Taxpayers
The list also features high-profile names such as musician Harry Styles and boxer Anthony Joshua, who have made substantial tax payments of £24.7 million and £11 million, respectively. Styles, a former member of One Direction, is a new entrant on the list, while Joshua ranks 100th. Other notable figures include JK Rowling, who paid £47.5 million, and Ed Sheeran with a £19.9 million contribution.
Impact of Tax Policy Changes
The total tax paid by the top 100 taxpayers rose to £5.758 billion, up from £4.985 billion the previous year. This increase is partly due to a rise in corporation tax from 19% to 25%, implemented in 2023. The list's compilers suggest that this policy change, along with higher dividend tax rates, has influenced the increased contributions.
Wealthy Individuals Relocating Abroad
Despite the substantial tax payments, the list coincides with a trend of wealthy individuals relocating to offshore destinations like Monaco and Jersey. This exodus includes figures such as Revolut founder Nik Storonsky and sports promoter Eddie Hearn. However, Peter Done emphasized his commitment to the UK, stating, "We owe this country... Fred and myself are stopping here."
Diverse Range of Top Earners
The top 10 taxpayers include a mix of business magnates and celebrities, such as financial trader Alex Gerko, hedge fund manager Chris Rokos, and Wetherspoon founder Sir Tim Martin. Martin, who paid nearly £200 million in taxes, criticized the government for VAT policies but acknowledged the political nature of taxation.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The increased tax contributions from the UK's wealthiest individuals reflect both policy changes and economic growth. However, the trend of wealthy individuals relocating abroad raises concerns about potential tax revenue losses. If this trend continues, it could prompt the UK government to reconsider its tax policies to retain high earners. Experts suggest that balancing competitive tax rates with fair contributions is crucial to maintaining a stable economic environment. Additionally, the commitment of figures like the Done brothers to remain in the UK may encourage others to follow suit, reinforcing the importance of social responsibility among the nation's top earners.
Related Articles

UK Government to Reform Asylum Seeker Support and Employment Policies

UK Faces Dilemmas Amid Iran Conflict and China Spying Allegations

UK Reinforces Military Presence in Cyprus Amid Middle East Tensions

UK-Iran Tensions: Starmer Defends Cautious Approach Amid Trump Criticism

Persistent Safety Concerns in Nottingham Maternity Services Amidst Calls for Systemic Reform

Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Trump Criticizes Starmer's Iran Policy
Betfred Brothers Lead UK's Top Taxpayer List with £400m Contribution

In This Article
Ethan Brooks| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- The Betfred brothers, Fred and Peter Done, topped the UK's taxpayer list with a £400.1m contribution.
- Notable figures like Harry Styles and Anthony Joshua are among the UK's top 100 taxpayers.
- The total tax paid by the top 100 increased to £5.758bn, partly due to a rise in corporation tax.
- Some wealthy individuals have relocated abroad, potentially to avoid higher UK taxes.
- Despite the exodus, the Done brothers expressed commitment to paying taxes in the UK.
The billionaire brothers behind Betfred, Fred and Peter Done, have been named the UK's top taxpayers, contributing a staggering £400.1 million, according to the Sunday Times Tax List. This annual ranking highlights the significant tax contributions of the UK's wealthiest individuals, with the Done brothers' payment largely attributed to gambling duties from their betting empire.
Celebrities and Business Tycoons Among Top Taxpayers
The list also features high-profile names such as musician Harry Styles and boxer Anthony Joshua, who have made substantial tax payments of £24.7 million and £11 million, respectively. Styles, a former member of One Direction, is a new entrant on the list, while Joshua ranks 100th. Other notable figures include JK Rowling, who paid £47.5 million, and Ed Sheeran with a £19.9 million contribution.
Impact of Tax Policy Changes
The total tax paid by the top 100 taxpayers rose to £5.758 billion, up from £4.985 billion the previous year. This increase is partly due to a rise in corporation tax from 19% to 25%, implemented in 2023. The list's compilers suggest that this policy change, along with higher dividend tax rates, has influenced the increased contributions.
Wealthy Individuals Relocating Abroad
Despite the substantial tax payments, the list coincides with a trend of wealthy individuals relocating to offshore destinations like Monaco and Jersey. This exodus includes figures such as Revolut founder Nik Storonsky and sports promoter Eddie Hearn. However, Peter Done emphasized his commitment to the UK, stating, "We owe this country... Fred and myself are stopping here."
Diverse Range of Top Earners
The top 10 taxpayers include a mix of business magnates and celebrities, such as financial trader Alex Gerko, hedge fund manager Chris Rokos, and Wetherspoon founder Sir Tim Martin. Martin, who paid nearly £200 million in taxes, criticized the government for VAT policies but acknowledged the political nature of taxation.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The increased tax contributions from the UK's wealthiest individuals reflect both policy changes and economic growth. However, the trend of wealthy individuals relocating abroad raises concerns about potential tax revenue losses. If this trend continues, it could prompt the UK government to reconsider its tax policies to retain high earners. Experts suggest that balancing competitive tax rates with fair contributions is crucial to maintaining a stable economic environment. Additionally, the commitment of figures like the Done brothers to remain in the UK may encourage others to follow suit, reinforcing the importance of social responsibility among the nation's top earners.
Related Articles

UK Government to Reform Asylum Seeker Support and Employment Policies

UK Faces Dilemmas Amid Iran Conflict and China Spying Allegations

UK Reinforces Military Presence in Cyprus Amid Middle East Tensions

UK-Iran Tensions: Starmer Defends Cautious Approach Amid Trump Criticism

Persistent Safety Concerns in Nottingham Maternity Services Amidst Calls for Systemic Reform

Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Trump Criticizes Starmer's Iran Policy
