Target pensions or welfare, not banks, IMF tells John Healey

Supporters of planned tax, however, say banks were bailed out by taxpayers during the financial crisis and can afford to pay more now

• John Healey poised to raise taxes on banks in budget

The International Monetary Fund has urged John Healey to target savings on pensions and welfare, instead of taxing Britain’s banks at the budget later this month.

Helge Berger, deputy director of the IMF’s European department, was asked about bank taxes after the Guardian revealed Healey plans to tap the sector for additional revenue.

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