A significant majority of respondents to a public consultation expressed clear opposition to the introduction of a health levy.
The Treasury Minister has published a breakdown of the responses to the now axed levy.
In the introduction to the survey results, it is noted that it “was clear from the consultation that many responses were based on the assumption the Levy would be introduced despite the fact they did not agree with the overall principle”.
The breakdown adds: “A significant majority of these comments expressed clear and emphatic disagreement with the introduction of the Levy in any form.
“Respondents argued that the proposal of a Levy is unnecessary, unfair, or burdensome, with many stating that they already contribute enough through existing taxes and National Insurance. “Calls for ‘no levy at all’ and outright rejection of the proposal were frequent and forceful.”
Fairness
The consultation, which received 3,909 responses, revealed widespread concerns about the levy’s fairness, its potential impact on vulnerable groups, and government financial management.
Many called for reforms and better use of existing funds instead of a new charge.
The proposed levy was intended as a separate charge on income to provide additional ring-fenced revenue for health services, with spending on health having increased by an average of 14% per year over the last five years.
Following the consultation, the Treasury has decided not to proceed with the NHS Levy under the current Council of Ministers.
However, the document claims that the responses will inform the next administration’s policy development for future healthcare funding.
Whether that claim survives a general election will remain to be seen.
You can find the results breakdown here.