A report published by The King’s Fund has shown that 61% of people support tax rises to increase NHS funding, an increase of 21% since 2014.

Based on data from the British Social Attitudes Survey, the report ‘Does the public see tax rises as the answer to NHS funding pressures?’ also shows that 86% of people say the NHS has a major or severe funding problem.

Commenting on the findings, Norman Lamb said:

“This reinforces what the Lib Dems have been arguing for.

“We took a stand at the election last year and were the only party to make the case for a penny on income tax for the NHS and social care. And, as a long term plan, we propose a dedicated tax for the NHS and Care.

“Now, as we approach the 70th anniversary of the NHS, we desperately need the Conservative Government to accept the case for a tax increase.

“There is a desperate need for more cash to ensure that people get the best support in their hour of need.”

Jackie says,’Locally, fantastically dedicated teams are raising funds for a Children’s Unit at Southampton, and in Winchester, for a Hospice for palliative care, including Hospice at Home.
Surely, these should be part of the NHS services- and not an relying on acts of charity?
If the NHS is to look after us all to an agreed standard of care, it will need more money-and better organisation too, and not need to rely on charity fund raising.

I liken budgets to our own monthly incomes. We have to prioritise what we spend our own money on- and keeping healthy (by eating healthier foods and exercising etc) is one of those priorities that many of us make.
If we are doing our part, we want the Government to dedicate a significant part of their tax income to keeping us healthy. Other countries do it. We can do it too.’

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