Treasury Explains Why Finance Bill 2026 Did Not Reduce PAYE

The National Treasury defended the absence of immediate PAYE relief measures in the Finance Bill 2026 in response to growing criticism. It explained that the government is pursuing a more inclusive tax reform strategy targeting historically under-taxed sectors. Despite expectations for a reduction in PAYE for salaried workers, the bill did not include a restructuring of PAYE bands, triggering criticism from stakeholders.