Prime Minister Andy Burnham wants an NHS-style social care system in England, with everyone covered and care free at the point of use. He plans to put it to voters at the next general election, but funding is unresolved and he has not ruled out tax rises.
Burnham said everyone would contribute, though not necessarily through the same arrangements as the NHS. He called a cited estimate of £18bn a year too high but gave no alternative figure. Baroness Casey is to advise on options; Burnham has brought her review forward to next summer, with cross-party talks planned.
In England, people with savings above £23,250 are not entitled to council help with care costs. Labour’s 2024 manifesto pledged not to raise national insurance, income tax or VAT; Burnham said those commitments would make reform difficult in this Parliament. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the proposal implied more tax rises, which the Conservatives would not support.
