Global Markets
Home›Global Markets›North America›UK proposes a “care first” year tied to 50% off fees f…
UK proposes a “care first” year tied to 50% off fees for services
The plan is framed as a way to fund improved care worker compensation without raising income tax, VAT, or national insurance.
The Guardian Business discusses a proposed approach to the UK social care crisis that links a “care first” year to a discount on fees for participants, as costs spiral and councils devote larger shares of budgets to care.
The piece says the government is aiming to address care system problems and families’ out-of-pocket pressure from nursing home fees, while noting that any plan to improve care worker pay must also work within constraints on taxes.
According to the article, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to fix Britain’s social care system, but it remains unclear how the government would pay for higher compensation because it has kept a commitment not to raise income tax, VAT, or national insurance.
The proposal draws comparisons to other countries’ models for national service and civilian work, including examples where those who opt out of military service can perform health or social care work, with the Guardian Business arguing the concept could be adapted into a deal for school leavers.