The pursuit of additional public funds is a perennial challenge for policymakers, and a new report from Tax Policy Associates has put a precise figure on the ambition of Andy Burnham: £4.7 billion. This analysis details 37 distinct methods by which such a sum could theoretically be raised, with several proposals directly impacting the pockets of UK savers and investors.
The context for such considerations is clear. Public sector net borrowing stood at £23.3 billion in May 2026, contributing to a total of £46.3 billion for the financial year to May 2026. Public sector net debt, excluding public sector banks, reached 95.1% of GDP in May 2026. With HMRC having collected £938.8 billion in taxes in the 2025-26 tax year, the focus invariably turns to where additional revenue might be found.
What's on the Table: Key Tax Proposals
The Tax Policy Associates report delves into several areas, but some stand out due to their potential revenue generation and broad impact:
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Reform
CGT, levied on profits from selling assets like shares or property (excluding your main home), brought in £12.1 billion in 2023-24. This was an 18% decrease from the previous year, despite the annual tax-free allowance being halved from £12,300 to £6,000 in April 2023, and further to £3,000 in April 2024. These reductions brought an additional 87,000 taxpayers into the CGT net in 2023-24.
The report suggests that increasing Capital Gains Tax could raise '£6bn+'. However, it's worth noting that HMRC figures indicate a simple rate increase could, paradoxically, lead to a loss of revenue. This is a classic dilemma in tax policy: push rates too high, and people may simply choose not to realise gains, thus reducing the tax take. Most CGT revenue, around 40% in 2023-24, comes from less than 1% of taxpayers making gains of £5 million or more, suggesting that broad-brush changes might not be as effective as targeted ones.
Capping ISA Tax Relief
Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are a cornerstone of UK personal finance, offering tax-exempt growth on cash, stocks and shares, and other investments. The cost of this tax relief to the Exchequer is substantial, projected to rise to £6.7 billion in 2023-24, up from £4.9 billion in 2022-23. This increase is largely attributed to higher interest rates boosting returns on savings.
While over 22 million UK adults held an ISA in 2020-21, only 7% of them maximised their annual allowance. The Tax Policy Associates report suggests that capping tax relief on ISAs could raise 'several £bn'. This would represent a significant shift from the current system, where all income and capital gains within an ISA are entirely tax-free.
National Insurance Contributions (NICs)
NICs are a major component of government revenue, raising £145 billion in 2019-20. Recent changes include an increase in the employer National Insurance rate from 13.8% to 15% from April 2025, and a reduction in the Secondary Threshold to £5,000 per year. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has previously estimated that extending National Insurance to rental income alone could yield around £3 billion, a figure that would certainly contribute to the £4.7 billion target.
Other Avenues
The report also touches upon areas like Council Tax and Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). Council Tax and business rates combined generated £74.3 billion in 2023-24. SDLT receipts were £18.3 billion in 2024-25. While these are already significant revenue streams, reforms or adjustments could be considered.
What this means for you
If any of these proposals were to be implemented, the most immediate impact for many UK savers and investors would be a re-evaluation of their tax-efficient savings strategies. Changes to ISA tax relief or Capital Gains Tax would directly affect how much of your investment returns you keep. For those with substantial savings or investments outside of ISAs, particularly those approaching retirement or planning large asset sales, understanding the potential changes to CGT and the Personal Savings Allowance becomes critical. Currently, basic rate taxpayers can earn £1,000 in interest tax-free, while higher rate taxpayers get £500. Anything above this is taxable, making tax-free wrappers like ISAs particularly valuable.
Practical Guide: Navigating Potential Changes
While these are currently proposals, not enacted policy, it's prudent to consider their implications:
- Review your ISA contributions: If you're not already maximising your annual ISA allowance, consider doing so. The current tax-free status of ISAs remains a significant benefit. For first-time buyers, a Lifetime ISA offers a 25% government bonus on contributions up to £4,000 per year, potentially adding up to £1,000 annually to your savings.
- Assess your non-ISA investments: Understand your potential Capital Gains Tax liability on assets held outside of an ISA. With the annual exempt amount now at £3,000, more individuals are finding themselves subject to CGT.
- Consider your Personal Savings Allowance: Ensure you're aware of how much interest you can earn tax-free outside of an ISA. For larger sums, a Cash ISA remains the most straightforward way to shield interest from tax, especially as interest rates remain elevated.
- Stay informed: Tax policy is dynamic. Keep an eye on official announcements regarding any proposed changes to tax legislation.
When Effective
These are proposals from a think tank report, not government policy. Any changes would need to be formally announced, typically in a Budget or Autumn Statement, and then legislated. The earliest any significant changes would likely come into effect would be the start of a new tax year, April 2027, or later, following a period of consultation and parliamentary debate.
Where to Get Help
For personalised advice on how potential tax changes might affect your specific financial situation, it is always recommended to consult with an independent financial adviser or a qualified tax professional.
Sources
- HMRC — Tax receipts and National Insurance contributions for the UK
- Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) — Economic and fiscal outlook reports
- Tax Policy Associates — 37 ways Andy Burnham could raise £4.7bn report
- IPPR (Institute for Public Policy Research) — Estimates on National Insurance reform
This is not financial advice. Seek independent financial guidance. Interest on standard accounts may be subject to tax above your Personal Savings Allowance.