UK chancellor weighs windfall tax on major banks ahead of Burnham's budget
Bank executives are anxious as Chancellor John Healey contemplates a windfall levy on the UK's biggest lenders before Andy Burnham's autumn budget, with unions urging the tax to fund household cost-of-living relief.
As the autumn budget draws near, Chancellor John Healey is said to be considering a windfall tax that would target the United Kingdom's four largest banks—HSBC, NatWest, Barclays and Lloyds Banking Group—alongside oil companies. Campaigners such as the Trades Union Congress and Positive Money argue the levy could provide funds to alleviate soaring household bills, with TUC general secretary Paul Nowak criticizing banks for earning record bonuses from high interest rates.
The idea mirrors windfall taxes introduced in Spain, Lithuania, Czechia and Italy, each producing varying fiscal returns and industry resistance. Banking representatives, including JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon and UK Finance chief David Postings, caution that additional taxes may undermine the sector's international competitiveness. Proponents cite Positive Money's estimates that the UK could raise between £2.2bn and £10.9bn depending on the model adopted. The debate forms part of Mayor Andy Burnham's broader effort to tackle the cost-of-living pressure ahead of his inaugural budget.
Why it matters
A new tax on banks could generate billions for the UK Treasury to help offset rising household costs.
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