Rio Ferdinand has chosen to relocate from the UK to Dubai, and believes taxpayers are questioning whether their contributions are genuinely improving their quality of life back home. The former Manchester United star decided to move to the United Arab Emirates, citing the Government’s handling of taxpayers’ money and the ongoing difficulties facing the NHS as key factors behind his decision to leave.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled £40billion in business tax increases in last year’s Budget, and has suggested she may break Labour’s manifesto pledge by raising income tax in this month’s Budget, insisting that voters would “all have to contribute” towards repairing Britain’s finances. Ferdinand departed the UK in August and, whilst he is not liable for tax in his new residence, he argued that British citizens would be prepared to accept paying tax if the Government were managing things effectively – but he doesn’t think they are.
He told LBC: “If there were things like the health service and what not, and they were flying and working perfectly well then I think people wouldn’t mind paying tax.
“But when things are falling apart, going wrong, you did sit there and go ‘well I’m paying all this tax, but is it really going towards thew things that benefit the people that live here’. And that’s the big question that needs answering – and I think a lot of us know the answer to that.”
The 46-year-old, who departed his punditry position with TNT Sports last season, has also revealed he now enjoys significantly more time with his loved ones following the relocation. “My family is seeing me so much more and I’m spending some quality time with them and I think that’s just been a great thing for me,” he said.
“I love England and I’m a patriotic guy in that sense, but a new journey, a new chapter, something different, I think is a refreshing new chapter in my life.”
Ferdinand and his partner, Kate, are embracing an opulent lifestyle in Dubai. Kate previously offered a peek at their £6.5million residence on Instagram, situated in the exclusive gated estate of Al Barari.
The property is understood to feature seven bedrooms, a family swimming pool, and a rooftop terrace offering coastal panoramas and a home cinema.
Before their relocation, Ferdinand and his wife resided in a multi-million pound property in Bromley, South East London, though they frequently visited Dubai for family getaways.