Sunday Times Tax List 2023: Manchester’s top taxpayers revealed in new millionaires’ rich list

It’s often a controversial issue - whether the mega-rich are paying their fare share when it comes to UK taxes.

However, a new study by the Times/ Sunday Times newspapers reveals that not all the billionaires and millionaires based in Britain are shy when it comes to paying their bills. Its analysis which is out today (27 January) on its website reveals that among the highest UK taxpayers over the last 12 months are author JK Rowling, Wetherspoon’s boss Tim Martin, singer Sting and the landowner, the Duke of Westminster.

The complete Tax List also features betting firm bosses, business leaders and old-money aristocrats and the top 10 biggest taxpayers gave £2.3bn into government coffers.

Who is Manchester’s biggest taxpayer?

According to the most recently filed company accounts analysed by the Times as of 15 January, Salford-born BetFred founders Fred and Peter Done and their family are the Uk’s fifth biggest taxpayers, putting £136.8m into government coffers.

Property tycoon Chris Oglesby and his family are the next biggest taxpayers from Manchester. Chris took over his father Michael’s property empire Bruntwood which was founded in 1976 and provides office and retail space. They paid £27.3m in various taxes according to the survey and form a new entry on the 2023 list. That puts the family as the UK’s 51st highest taxpayer.

A fellow new entry from the property world is Daren Whitaker, who has built more than 5,000 new homes across Manchester in 12 years including developments in Deansgate, and is the founder of the Renaker group. He paid £23.9m in tax, making him joint 53rd.

Elsewhere in the North West, Liverpool-born Tom Morris and his family make the top 10, with the B&M Bargains bosses contributing £112.2m in tax.

Top of the overall taxpayer table is Russian-born trader Alex Gerko on £474m, who runs London-based XTX Markets and recently gave up his Russian citizenship. He’s followed by Denise, John and Peter Coates from Bet365 who paid £460.2m. Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley is in fifth on £133.5m.

• The Times said absence from their Tax List does not imply individuals are not paying their UK taxes - simply that the survey compilers have been unable to estimate how much they have paid.