As speculation over the Budget continues, Best for Britain has tested where the public, and key segments of Reform UK's base, think the Chancellor should raise taxes.
The latest findings from the Decoding Populism study are based on a YouGov poll of more than 3,000 voters who are leaning towards Reform UK. It shows that new taxes on energy companies, banks and Britain’s wealthiest individuals are wildly popular among people who say they are planning to, or are considering, voting for Reform UK at the next general election.
Around three quarters would back a windfall tax on energy companies (77%) and banks (73%) that made larger than expected profits, while three in five (61%) say they would back a one-off 1% wealth tax on the 22,000 richest families in the UK, those with a net wealth over £10 million.
The findings expose a policy gulf between Reform UK’s leadership and its base. Nigel Farage, Richard Tice and Zia Yusuf have repeatedly and recently argued against introducing new wealth taxes but potential Reform UK voters disagree, with a majority believing that none of these measures will damage the economy.
Among the general population, not only those considering voting for Reform UK, these proposals are also popular with around three quarters backing windfall taxes on unexpected profits for banks and energy companies and 71% supporting a one off wealth tax on the richest. Of people who say they plan to vote for Labour, the Lib Dems or the Greens, these proposals are even more popular with each recording 80-90% support.
Across all people thinking about voting for Reform UK, energy companies have emerged as the least popular of the types of businesses tested, with three in five (59%) saying they have had a negative impact on the UK. When asked why, Reform UK voters who had this view of energy companies cited price hikes and undeserved bonuses. By comparison, only a quarter of Reform UK voters had this view of large supermarkets, which have also seen prices increase.
Earlier polling for the Decoding Populism study revealed five distinct groups among prospective Reform UK voters each with diverse backgrounds, motivations, beliefs and policy priorities. The polling published today shows that in the group who are most likely to be convinced to vote for a party other than Reform UK, a majority (55%) say taxes on millionaires are too low, which is the most popular answer for four of the five groups. These same four groups are also more likely to say taxes on big businesses are too low.
Poll of people planning to vote or considering voting for Reform UK: All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 3,035 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18th - 26th August 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults either intending to vote for Reform UK, or considering voting Reform UK (6+/10).
Nationally representative poll: All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,610 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18th - 21st August 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).