The Guardian view on funding social care: building consensus requires candour about taxes | Editorial
The prime minister is right to want to change the political culture, but aversion to honesty about the funding options runs deep in WestminsterAndy Burnham is well qualified to speak...
By Editorial · The Guardian Opinion
The prime minister is right to want to change the political culture, but aversion to honesty about the funding options runs deep in Westminster Andy Burnham is well qualified to speak on the subject of what can go wrong with social care policy. As health secretary in 2010, he proposed reforms to be funded by a 10% inheritance levy. This was called a “ death tax ” by the opposition. It was never introduced. Where Mr Burnham failed, none have subsequently succeeded. David Cameron accepted the recommendations of the 2011 Dilnot commission , which proposed a cap on the amount any individual would pay for care, but the cost to the exchequer thwarted implementation. Theresa May suggested plugging the money gap with a revised means test and no individual cap. This was branded a “ dementia tax ” by opponents and never saw the light of day. Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here . Continue reading...