William Eichler 08 May 2018

Social care could be ‘rescued’ with £2.3bn boost, report says

The struggling social care system can be ‘rescued’ with a funding boost of over £2bn raised from taxing property, an intergenerational commission argues.

The commission, which includes Lord Willetts, TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady and CBI director-general Carolyn Fairbairn, has published its final report on fixing the social contract between Britain’s generations.

It emphasises the importance of ‘giving older generations the health and care they deserve, need and expect’ and, to this end, proposes funding increases for the health and social care system.

The commission’s report — the final one of 22 in two years — proposes a £2.3bn NHS levy to put it on a firmer financial footing.

This would be funded by applying National Insurance Contributions to pensioners’ earnings and, at a lower rate, to the income of richer pensioners.

Similarly, the report also recommends £2.3bn be injected into the care sector to ‘rescue’ the social care system.

This could be funded by replacing council tax with a progressive property tax, including deferred payments for asset-rich, income-poor families.

The commission’s report also recommends a number of other measures which could help resolve intergenerational tensions including a payment of £10,000 to 25 year olds who wish to get on the housing ladder or start a business.

It also proposes halving stamp duty for first-time buyers and movers, but not for those owning multiple properties.

‘Britain’s contract between generations lies at the heart of society,’ said David Willetts, executive chair of the Resolution Foundation.

‘As families we provide for our children and parents at different times. We expect the state to support these natural instincts – but too often it is tilted in the opposite direction.

‘Many people no longer believe that Britain is delivering on its obligations to young and old. But our Commission shows how Britain can rise to this challenge.

‘From an NHS levy to put healthcare on a firmer financial footing, to building more homes and a Citizen’s Inheritance to boost young people’s career and housing aspirations, our report shows how a new contract between generations can build a better and more unified Britain.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Care Support Assistant (Obelisk House)

West Northamptonshire Council
£26,083
Obelisk House provides exceptional levels of support in residential and Dementia care. It is situated in a residential suburb in Northampton and it offers a wonderful living environment in which our residents can enjoy an enhanced quality of life. We ha Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Revenues and Recovery Manager - Braintree District Council

Essex County Council
£48945.0000 - £53082.0000 per annum
Revenues and Recovery Manager - Braintree District Council Full-Time, Permanent 37 Hours per Week £48,945 - £53,082 per annumClosing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Part Time Digital Skills Tutor

Essex County Council
£15 - £15.74 per hour
Part Time Digital Skills TutorPermanent, Part Time£30,377 per annum, full time equivalent / equal to £15.74 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Cherwell District Council
£68,930.00 - £73,320.50 per annum
We need someone with experience, drive and commitment to lead and manage the service. Banbury, Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Passenger Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£24,796 - £25,989 per annum pro rata
They are a team of over 300 drivers and passenger assistants that operate at locations throughout North Yorkshire. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner