The IMF's Helge Berger has urged the Chancellor, John Healey, to look at the pensions triple lock and better-targeted benefits rather than a bank tax, according to a news summary published by KuCoin.
Berger said Britain's tax-to-GDP ratio is high, KuCoin reports. If more revenue were needed, he said property tax or VAT reform might be a good starting point.
His comments follow a Guardian report that Healey is considering raising the bank surcharge from 3% to 8%. That remains a report. The Treasury has not confirmed any change to bank taxes ahead of the Budget on 28 October.
KuCoin's summary does not quote Berger directly. His comments, including his assessment of the UK's tax burden, have not been independently checked.