Andy Burnham has indicated that he could introduce a new “death tax” capable of raising billions of pounds to finance an NHS-style social care system, arguing that support must be free at the point of use.
The Prime Minister said he was willing to “grasp the nettle” and establish a National Care Service, even if the move made him “unpopular” after years of political deadlock over social care reform.
Mr Burnham said the death of his father, Roy, last week had strengthened his resolve to tackle the care system’s shortcomings. His father needed support after developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Speaking to the BBC as the Labour conference opened in Liverpool, Mr Burnham said the proposed reforms would feature in Labour’s manifesto for the next general election.
His comments suggested that tax increases could be needed. Mr Burnham said Labour’s 2024 manifesto commitments made it “hard to do in this Parliament”, meaning he would present his plans to voters at the next election, expected in 2029.
“I am prepared to put myself in that position, recognising that it might be difficult or unpopular with some,” he said.
Chris Philp, the Tory shadow minister, responded: “We do not support tax increases. This country is already taxed too highly.”
The Prime Minister said he was willing to “grasp the nettle” and create a National Care Service, despite the risk of becoming unpopular after years of debate over how to improve support
Speaking to the BBC as the Labour conference began in Liverpool, Mr Burnham said the proposed change would be included in the party’s manifesto at the next general election
A care service modelled on the NHS and free at the point of use could cost as much as £18.5 billion a year by 2035/36, according to estimates from the Health Foundation think tank.
Mr Burnham dismissed that figure, arguing that a stronger social care system would reduce pressure on the NHS by preventing people from requiring emergency treatment or hospital beds.
He added: “People are paying care charges now. They are using tens of thousands of pounds from their savings and, in some cases, losing their homes.
“That is what is happening at the moment. So to suggest there is no cost to people today is wrong — there is an enormous cost.”
“Social care in England is as unfair as American healthcare, where the most vulnerable people can lose everything. They can be wiped out not only by the condition they have, but financially as well.”
Mr Burnham told the BBC that social care should operate according to NHS principles.
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Under that approach, “everyone contributes, everyone is covered”. However, he noted that Baroness Casey has been asked to develop the detailed proposals.
Mr Burnham said his conference speech on Tuesday would set out a “vision” for reform, but ruled out introducing changes before the general election, insisting that the public would need to approve them.
“I won’t leave office without having grasped this nettle,” he told the Mirror in a separate interview.
“It is a priority for me, and I will face it. And it may make me unpopular, but I’m going to do it,” Mr Burnham added.
Mr Burnham is also facing a turbulent Labour conference, with ministers divided over migration and figures on the Left accusing him of “ghosting” them.
The PM is in Liverpool kicking off his first gathering since ousting Keir Starmer – but with mounting evidence that the same bitter infighting will blight his leadership.
Tensions have flared after Angela Rayner doubled down on her criticism of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s ‘un-British’ plans to make it harder for migrants to gain permanent residence in the UK.
Ms Rayner insisted this morning that there were ‘no splits’ and pointed out that Mr Burnham wanted ministers to ‘do politics differently’ by speaking out. ‘We’re not having an argument about immigration, we’re having a conversation – a national conversation,’ she told Sky News.
But the Housing Secretary’s intervention has been described by MPs as a ‘drive-by shooting’.
Meanwhile, Left-wingers have been openly sniping at Mr Burnham’s approach. Clive Lewis – once such a fervent ally suggested he could stand down so the former Manchester mayor could re-enter the Commons – said the PM had ‘left his allies behind’ on entering No10 and behaved ‘terribly’.
The PM also fuelled fresh doubts about the Heathrow Airport expansion – just weeks after his Chancellor backed it.
Mr Burnham repeatedly refused to endorse the scheme to build a third runway, suggesting it was a matter ‘for London‘ and the Government was waiting for the outcome of a consultation.
But John Healey told the Commons earlier this month that the Government supports the project.
Mr Burnham has a record of attacks on the proposal going back years. In January last year the then-Manchester mayor branded it a ‘model for an ever-overheating UK economy’, warning it could not come at the ‘expense of essential investment in northern infrastructure’.
Yesterday Heathrow revealed that the project could be delayed four years until 2039.