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NHS Confederation - Public supports paying more tax for the NHS

Taxpayers in England, Scotland and Wales back paying more tax to help fund the NHS, according to research.

The survey, conducted by researchers YouGov, included two questions for 20,000 participants: ‘Would you support increasing the basic rate of National Insurance from 12% to 13% and using the money raised to increase spending on the NHS?’ and ‘Would you support increasing the basic rate of income tax from 20% to 21% and using the money raised to increase spending on the NHS?’

Support at 58% for increasing National Insurance is strongest among ABC1s and the over-55s. A total of 27% oppose with 15% undecided.

Backing is above 50% in all areas of England, Scotland and Wales, with the highest in the South West, lowest in London.

Approval for increasing the basic rate of income tax from 20% to 21% is less strong at 48% with 36% opposed and 16% undecided.

Agreement is stronger from ABC1s and older people. It is highest in the South West and lowest in the West Midlands.

Niall Dickson, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents organisations across the healthcare system, said:

“It is up to government how it raises funds for public services, but these figures clearly show not only that the public across the UK supports more resources for the NHS, but that they are willing to pay more tax to bring that about. 

“The case for more money for both health and social care has been made and it is overwhelming. Just about everyone is calling on the Chancellor to act - from the health secretary himself, the head of NHS England and all our members who actually run the system, to the medical royal colleges, local government, as well as those representing patients, users and carers.  

 “Without action, our health and care system will continue to deteriorate; millions will wait, more will suffer and some will die. It is now clear that, even within government, the cries for more funding are unequivocal.

“It is time for the Chancellor to do the right thing – our members are happy to be held to account but their plea is ‘give us the financial tools to do the job'.”
     
Notes  

The Confederation recently wrote to the Chancellor on behalf of a wide coalition of organisations including the NHS Employers, NHS Clinical Commissioners, Mental Health Network, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, Association of UK University Hospitals, Carers UK, NHS Providers, Richmond Group, including Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Arthritis Research UK, Asthma UK, Breast Cancer Now, British Heart Foundation, British Lung Foundation, British Red Cross, Diabetes UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Rethink Mental Illness, Royal Voluntary Service Stroke Association, and Royal College of Emergency Medicine 

Given the precarious state of the service and current finances, as well as the projected levels of inflation, the Confederation’s view is that £4 billion a year will be required just to sustain the NHS in England for each of the next two years, as well as a £2 billion a year Transformation Fund to drive much needed reform.

It has also argued that the cost of lifting the pay cap must be met by additional funds from the centre. It would be intolerable for this to add to the burdens on already stretched services. 

The Confederation has argued that while government is understandably distracted by Brexit, if it fails to address this challenge there will be a political price, on top of the price already being paid by those who rely on these services.

Original article link: http://www.nhsconfed.org/media-centre/2017/11/yougov-taxation-research

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