Andy Burnham Proposes Death Tax to Fund NHS-Style Social Care Andy Burnham suggests a death tax to fund an NHS-style social care system. Labour plans a National Care Service, but tax rises face opposition. Andy Burnham has suggested introducing a new death tax that could raise billions to fund an NHS-style social care system, insisting it must be free at the point of delivery. The proposal, announced during the Labour conference in Liverpool, aims to create a National Care Service and is intended to be part of Labour's manifesto at the next general election, expected in 2029. Burnham's determination was fueled by the recent death of his father, Roy, who required care due to Alzheimer's. National Care Service Plan and FundingBurnham said he is ready to grasp the nettle and create a National Care Service, even if it makes him unpopular after years of wrangling over how to improve support. Appearing on the BBC as Labour conference kicks off in Liverpool, he said the change would be part of Labour's manifesto at the next general election. In a sign that some tax rises would be required, Burnham said Labour's 2024 manifesto promises made it hard to do in this Parliament so he would put his proposals to the public in the next election expected in 2029.He stated that he is prepared to put himself in that position, recognising that it might be difficult or unpopular with some. A care service which, like the NHS, is free at the point of use could cost up to 18.5 billion pounds a year in 2035/6, the Health Foundation think tank has estimated. Burnham rejected that assessment and pointed out there would be savings to the NHS from people who no longer needed emergency treatment or a hospital bed because they had better social care provision.Criticism and Cost ConcernsTory shadow minister Chris Philp said: We do not support tax increases. This country is already taxed too highly. Andy Burnham today insisted social care must be free at the point of delivery - but refused to say when and admitted there will be huge costs. He added that people are paying care charges now. They are spending tens of thousands of pounds from their savings, sometimes losing their homes. That is what's happening at the moment. So to suggest there isn't a cost to people at this moment in time, there's a huge cost.Social care in England is as unfair as American healthcare, where the most vulnerable in society can lose everything, they can be wiped out, not just by the condition that they have, but wiped out financially. Burnham told the BBC social care must be run on NHS principles. That would mean everyone contributes, everyone is covered, although he stressed Baroness Casey has been tasked with coming up with precise proposals.Political Reaction and Next StepsBurnham said his speech to conference on Tuesday will lay out a vision, but ruled out changes before the general election - insisting it will need public approval. He told the Mirror in another interview that he won't leave office without having grasped this nettle. Burnham added that it is a priority for him, and he will face it. And it may make him unpopular, but he's going to do it. The proposal faces opposition from the Conservatives, who argue against tax increases, and the exact details of the funding mechanism remain to be determined by Baroness Casey's review.