Public would support tax rises to help fund NHS

[Northerner]

Over half of people in England, Scotland and Wales would back an increase in National Insurance to help fund the NHS, new research suggests.

In a survey conducted by YouGov, 20,000 participants were asked whether they would support increasing the basic rate of National Insurance from 12% to 13% and using the money raised to increase NHS spending.

They were also asked whether they would support increasing the basic rate of income tax from 20% to 21% to help fund the NHS.

Of those asked, over 50% backed increasing National Insurance, with the strongest support coming from the South West and the lowest from London.

http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/home/fi...t-tax-rises-to-help-fund-nhs/20035691.article

The government would never do this as it would go against what they are trying to achieve

 

[SB2015]

It was a move like this when at one election the Lib Dems promised to increase tax to fund NHS and Education properly. It was the first time I voted for them and I had such high hopes!!!

 

[mikeyB]

I can’t understand why people imagine National Insurance is a hypothecated tax. It’s just additional tax, the government doesn’t have a separate account for social and health services, and pensions. It only ever did for a few years, in the fifties, then started raiding it for all the other stuff.

 

[Robin]

I can’t understand why people imagine National Insurance is a hypothecated tax. It’s just additional tax, the government doesn’t have a separate account for social and health services, and pensions. It only ever did for a few years, in the fifties, then started raiding it for all the other stuff.

Also, if they stick it on National Insurance, better off retired persons (like me) who could afford it, escape the charge, and people like my daughter, (who works and pays NI but doesn't earn enough to move out of our home yet) shoulder the extra burden.

 

[trophywench]

Also, if they stick it on National Insurance, better off retired persons (like me) who could afford it, escape the charge, and people like my daughter, (who works and pays NI but doesn't earn enough to move out of our home yet) shoulder the extra burden.

I completely agree Robin - however perhaps thy could impose an 'NI' surcharge on pensions in payment over X amount?

 

[Northerner]

I completely agree Robin - however perhaps thy could impose an 'NI' surcharge on pensions in payment over X amount?

I've often wondered why tax relief on pension contributions isn't set at the basic level for all contributions instead of allowing higher earners to get higher rate tax relief, it must cost a significant amount all told and the surplus could help fund the NHS.

 

[trophywench]

Don't be naive Alan - you know as well as I do those folk would no longer support whichever colour party they currently help fund, if that happened!