Liberal Democrats Unveil £9 Billion NHS and Care Rescue Plan
The Liberal Democrats are set to announce a nine-billion-pound package aimed at rescuing health and care services as part of their election manifesto. The plans include giving everyone the right to see a GP within seven days, offering free personal care for older or disabled people, and significant investments in social care, hospital infrastructure, and public health. The funding will come from reversing tax cuts for banks and closing tax loopholes used by the wealthiest individuals.
The Liberal Democrats are set to announce a £9 billion package aimed at rescuing health and care services as part of their election manifesto.
The plans will be funded by reversing tax cuts for banks and closing tax loopholes used by the wealthiest individuals.
The manifesto emphasizes healthcare and social care, promising every individual the right to see a GP within seven days and offering free personal care for older or disabled people in England.
Leader Sir Ed Davey, who has personal caregiving experience, has placed carers at the forefront of the party's campaign, marking the first time the manifesto includes a dedicated chapter on care.
The party pledges to increase the Carer's Allowance by £20 per week and to raise the eligibility threshold for the allowance.
Care workers would earn at least £2 above the minimum wage, costing an additional £3.7 billion annually on social care.
The Lib Dems also mention investments in hospital infrastructure and public health, guaranteeing cancer patients start treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral and ensuring NHS dental access for urgent care needs.
Mental health hubs for young people and dedicated mental health professionals in schools are also proposed.
The funding will come from reversing big bank tax cuts (£4 billion) and closing capital gains tax loopholes used by the top 0.1% wealthiest individuals (£5 billion).