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

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Service Manager for the Multi Agency Child Protection Team

Nottingham City Council
£58,602 - £62,109
You will play a pivotal role in leading and shaping child protection practice across Nottingham Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Hybrid
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Head of Regulated Services

Nottingham City Council
£75,323 - £84,396
You will provide strategic leadership for our Residential Children’s Homes, our Fostering Services, and our, Permanence service Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Hybrid
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Head of Children's & Education Services Transformation

Nottingham City Council
£75,323 - £84,396
You will play a critical leadership role in driving Nottingham's ambition to deliver outstanding services for children, young people and families. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Hybrid
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Assistant Head of Legal Services (Regeneration & Property)

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO9 - £71,181 - £74,802
The role will involve legal advice and support to committees, members and senior officers, and taking any appropriate measures London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner