More women now at the higher tax threshold

The number of women who are higher-rate taxpayers has increased by almost a fifth in the past year to more than 1.2 million, according to a new study.

The 17% increase compared to 13% for men, said investment firm Radius Equity.

Its research showed that the proportion of female high earners has increased to 28% of the total, up from 21% a decade ago - with many on incomes well above the £41,865 threshold of the 40% tax rate for high earners.

Gary Robins, director at Radius, said: “It’s great to see the gap between men and women close as the economy recovers.

“What’s important now is that the gap between the value of the assets owned by men and women closes as that will provide women with more influence.”