Hunt hints he backs NHS tax to boost cash
JEREMY Hunt has signalled his backing for an NHS tax to fund a major boost in health spending.
The Daily Mail revealed last week that ministers are considering the levy – which could see a 1p rise in National Insurance rates.
Former Treasury mandarin Lord Macpherson has backed the idea, saying it could help ‘reconnect taxpayers with the services they pay for’.
Asked about his comments yesterday, Mr
Hunt replied: ‘[He] is an extremely wise and experienced public servant, and I always listen to what he says with a great deal of interest.’
The Health Secretary added: ‘We need to find the best way of getting money into the NHS as we face the pressures of an ageing population.’
A 1p rise in NI would raise around £5billion a year. Treasury chief secretary Elizabeth Truss has refused to rule out tax rises in future budgets.