The Midlands region's most substantial contributors to the UK's public finances have been unveiled in the latest Sunday Times Tax List for 2026, showcasing a diverse array of wealthy individuals and families whose tax payments total billions of pounds.
Record-Breaking Tax Contributions from Midlands Elite
The comprehensive list identifies 100 of the UK's highest taxpayers, who collectively paid an astonishing £5.758 billion in tax over the past year. This represents a significant increase from previous years, largely attributed to higher corporation tax rates implemented across the country.
Betting Magnates Dominate Regional Rankings
Topping the Midlands list is the Coates family, founders of the Bet365 gambling empire, who contributed an eye-watering £227.1 million in tax. This remarkable sum places them fifth on the national ranking and establishes them as the region's most substantial taxpayers.
Denise Coates, Britain's richest self-made woman, paid herself a salary of £104.3 million from Bet365 last year, contributing significantly to the family's overall tax bill. The Coates family's contribution highlights the substantial financial impact of the gambling industry on national revenues.
Retail and Construction Tycoons Follow Closely
Retail magnate Mike Ashley secured second position on the West Midlands list with a tax payment of £175.9 million, demonstrating the continued financial might of the retail sector despite challenging economic conditions.
Other notable Midlands contributors include Staffordshire's JCB tycoon Lord Bamford and his family, who paid £28.6 million in tax, and construction industry leaders the Kirkland family with a £30.4 million contribution.
Celebrity Contributions: From Pop Stars to Footballers
Former One Direction star Harry Styles, born in Redditch, Worcestershire, represents the entertainment industry's substantial tax contributions, ranking 54th nationally with a payment of £24.7 million. The pop icon's inclusion comes as he returns to the top of music charts worldwide.
Premier League footballers also feature prominently on the national list, with Manchester City forward Erling Haaland paying an estimated £16.9 million in tax (72nd nationally) and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah contributing £14.5 million (81st nationally).
National Leaders and Regional Powerhouses
For the first time, gambling founders Fred and Peter Done of Betfred top the national rankings with an estimated tax contribution of £400.1 million, a substantial increase from £273.4 million the previous year.
Robert Watts, compiler of The Sunday Times Tax List, commented: "The Sunday Times Tax List features household names as well as some of our economy's hidden heroes, quietly successful entrepreneurs who have set up companies employing hundreds of people and plugging vast sums into the public finances."
Watts further 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 year there's been a big jump in the amount of tax we've identified — largely because of higher corporation tax rates."
West Midlands' Top Ten Taxpayers Revealed
The detailed breakdown of the West Midlands' biggest taxpayers includes:
- Denise, John and Peter Coates (Bet365) - £227.1 million
- Mike Ashley (retail) - £175.9 million
- John Bloor (housebuilding and motorbikes) - £86 million
- Ranjit Singh and Baljinder Boparan and family (food) - £62.8 million
- Mark Samworth and family (food) - £52.4 million
- Sir Will Adderley and family (home furnishings) - £51.5 million
- Sir Peter, James and Steve Rigby (computer, aviation and hotels) - £34.3 million
- The Kirkland family (construction) - £30.4 million
- Lord Bamford and family (JCB) - £28.6 million
- William Lloyd and family (animal feeds) - £25.2 million
All individuals and families appearing on the complete national list contributed at least £11 million to the Exchequer over the past year, with fourteen entries paying £100 million or more. The list demonstrates the crucial role wealthy individuals and successful businesses play in supporting public services through substantial tax contributions.
