Taxpayers support tax increase to fund NHS

Taxpayers in England, Scotland and Wales are willing to pay more tax to help fund the NHS, new research has revealed.

YouGov’s survey of 20,000 people found that over 50 per cent of respondents in all areas of England, Scotland and Wales support the move, with the highest support coming from the South West and lowest in London.

The poll gathered views on support for increasing the basic National Insurance rate from 12 per cent to 13 per cent and raising the basic income tax rate from 20 per cent to 21 per cent, with the money used to increase spending on the NHS.

Support for increasing National Insurance is the strongest among ABC1s - people from the three higher social and economic groups - and the over-55s, at 58 per cent. A total of 27 per cent oppose, with 15 per cent undecided.

Approval for increasing the basic rate of income tax is less strong at 48 per cent with 36 per cent opposed and 16 per cent undecided. Agreement is stronger from ABC1s and older people - it is highest in the South West and lowest in the West Midlands.

Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “It is up to government how it raises funds for public services, but these figures clearly show not only that the public across the UK supports more resources for the NHS, but that they are willing to pay more tax to bring that about.

“The case for more money for both health and social care has been made and it is overwhelming. Just about everyone is calling on the Chancellor to act - from the health secretary himself, the head of NHS England and all our members who actually run the system, to the medical royal colleges, local government, as well as those representing patients, users and carers.

“Without action, our health and care system will continue to deteriorate; millions will wait, more will suffer and some will die. It is now clear that, even within government, the cries for more funding are unequivocal.

“It is time for the Chancellor to do the right thing – our members are happy to be held to account but their plea is ‘give us the financial tools to do the job’.”