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nhs

On 12 Jan 2017 at 10:10am The Greek wrote:

NHS in freefall, being primed for privatisation no doubt. Can the Tories be trusted with anything? Is it time we removed the NHS from the political sphere and ran it by an independent cross-party committee of experts?

On 12 Jan 2017 at 12:22pm Clifford wrote:

Yes, The Greek, there's been a concerted project under both the Tories (and during the coalition, their Lib Dem poodles) and New Labour to work towards privatising the NHS. That's the problem with a 'cross-party committee of experts' - the three main parties are in favour of winding down the NHS. Corbyn isn't, but then the remnants of New Labour are waiting in the wings for his downfall.

On 12 Jan 2017 at 1:54pm The Greek wrote:

Wise words Clifford. PFI was probably the hammer blow that set all this in motion.

On 12 Jan 2017 at 1:55pm The Greek wrote:

The unfortunate side effect of having a state run health service is political interference. A more technocratic approach would suit it better. In education too for that matter.

On 13 Jan 2017 at 9:44am Angel wrote:

I heard some Tory minister calling for cross party cooperation on social care, then suggested a social care tax. Does he not understand the principle of National Insurance ?

On 13 Jan 2017 at 8:56pm Amon wildes wrote:

That's the problem Angel. National Insurance, although collected separately and employer also pays in, actually goes straight to the Treasury and is dumped into the general tax pot. I.e. It is not 'hypothecated' and used solely for the NHS. Many people have suggested that there should be separate tax taken for the NHS but it is claimed to be difficult to administer. Why, I can't imagine. Sounds very good idea to me. Polls suggest that most people would,be happy to pay more if it went direct to NHS and Social care.

On 14 Jan 2017 at 5:02pm robp wrote:

NI is actually ring fenced - it pays for benefits, including pensions, and the NHS. There are however some holes in the fence. Money from it can be "borrowed" to pay for other projects, but is supposed to be paid back - I have no information about how often this happens and whether it does actually get paid back.