The SNP has attacked Prime Minister Andy Burnham for excluding the party from talks to reform England’s social care system, amid speculation the Prime Minister could introduce new taxes to pay for it.
SNP demands inclusion in talks
MSP Clare Haughey said it would be unfair for her party to be left out of discussions if taxes set up to pay for the reforms impact Scotland. Social care is devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
Andy Burnham invited the Tory and Liberal Democrat leaders to talks on English social care on Wednesday, warning that the NHS south of the border would collapse without reform.
Reports have suggested the Prime Minister could consider a range of options to pay for it, including a so-called “death tax” as well as a new income tax.
Haughey urges Burnham to include Scotland
Ms Haughey urged the Prime Minister not to exclude the party from talks if they result in UK-wide taxes. Reform and the Greens have also complained about being excluded.
Ms Haughey said: “Andy Burnham is planning a tax on Scottish people to pay for reforms to English social care provision – at the very least Scotland should be involved in those discussions.
“Not only has Andy Burnham barred Scotland from talks about a substantial change to the tax regime, he has barred the only party that actually provides free personal and nursing care.
“Words are easy on social care, but what the Labour Government cannot do is treat nations like Scotland as an afterthought when it comes to radical reform – Scottish taxpayers will be completely miffed that their taxes are going up to pay for the English care sector.
“People receiving social care in Scotland save thousands compared to those down south thanks to the SNP and Andy Burnham would do well to recognise that we stand ready to work constructively in that context.”
