Two-thirds support higher taxes to maintain NHS funding

[Northerner]

Two in three people are prepared to pay more tax in order to ensure the cash-strapped NHS has the money it needs to provide good care.

New polling for the King’s Fund thinktank found that two-thirds (66%) of the public are willing “to pay more taxes in order to maintain the level of spending needed” on the health service.

Only one in five (20%) would endorse cuts in spending on other services such as welfare and education so that the NHS could receive a boost to its budget. Even fewer – 10% – believe that the health service should reduce either its level of care or range of services to balance its books.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/sep/16/two-thirds-support-higher-taxes-to-fund-nhs

 

[Abi]

I personally would agree more taxes but only if not wasted on PFI, increasing tiers of management, constant pointless re organisation and obscene compensation payouts/ legal fees

 

[Northerner]

I personally would agree more taxes but only if not wasted on PFI, increasing tiers of management, constant pointless re organisation and obscene compensation payouts/ legal fees

Yes, it needs to be targeted at frontline staff in hospitals and surgeries (including ancillary staff), beds and equipment to raise morale, ease pressures and improve recruitment and retention 🙂

 

[Ljc]

I personally would agree more taxes but only if not wasted on PFI, increasing tiers of management, constant pointless re organisation and obscene compensation payouts/ legal fees

I agree wholeheartedly.
When I worked in the NHS, I used to shudder when I heard about yet another reorganisation. More chiefs more work, more hoops to jump through with no extra staff on the ground floor.

 

[Ditto]

We don't mind paying for the NHS, we don't want to lose it however there are too many chiefs and red tape, go back to the old ways, bring back the matrons and the nursing homes and proper teaching.

 

[Northerner]

We don't mind paying for the NHS, we don't want to lose it however there are too many chiefs and red tape, go back to the old ways, bring back the matrons and the nursing homes and proper teaching.

And bring back bursaries for nurses! 🙂

 

[mikeyB]

The problem with raising taxes is that it is anathema to Tories. Traditionally, it's toxic when it comes to votes, though I'm not so sure.

In Scotland this is an active topic, with a majority in parliament supporting the idea. "A penny for the NHS". (1% across the board). And a 50p higher rate.

When Thatcher was in power, the highest rate never fell below 60%, so it's obviously liveable with.