Andy Burnham Proposes National Care Service with Death Tax to Fund Free Social Care Andy Burnham proposes a National Care Service funded by a new death tax. Social care would be free at the point of delivery, but tax rises would need public approval at the next election. Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, today suggested he will introduce a new death tax to raise billions for an NHS-style social care system, insisting it must be free at the point of delivery. The proposal, announced as Labour conference kicks off in Liverpool, aims to create a National Care Service. Burnham said the death of his father Roy last week, who required care because of Alzheimer's, fuelled his determination to deal with social care's problems. Appearing on the BBC, Burnham said the change would be part of Labour's manifesto at the next general election, expected in 2029. He admitted that Labour's 2024 manifesto promises made it hard to do in this Parliament, so he would put his proposals to the public. He said he is prepared to put himself in that position, recognising that it might be difficult or unpopular with some.National Care Service and FundingA 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.He added that people are paying care charges now, spending tens of thousands of pounds from their savings, sometimes losing their homes. He said that is what is happening at the moment, so to suggest there is not a cost to people at this moment in time is wrong, as there is a huge cost. He described social care in England as unfair as American healthcare, where the most vulnerable in society can lose everything, wiped out financially not just by the condition they have.Burnham told the BBC social care must be run on NHS principles, which would mean everyone contributes and everyone is covered, although he stressed Baroness Casey has been tasked with coming up with precise proposals. He 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.Political Reactions and OppositionChris Philp, a Tory shadow minister, said they do not support tax increases, adding that the country is already taxed too highly. Burnham insisted social care must be free at the point of delivery but refused to say when and admitted there will be huge costs. He told the Mirror in another interview that he will not leave office without having grasped this nettle, and added that it is a priority for him and he will face it, even if it may make him unpopular.The announcement comes after years of wrangling over how to improve support. Burnham's personal experience with his father's care has clearly influenced his stance. He is ready to grasp the nettle and create a National Care Service, even if it makes him unpopular. The proposal is expected to be a key part of Labour's next manifesto.Next Steps and Public ApprovalBurnham has made it clear that the changes will not happen before the next general election, as they require public approval. He will lay out his vision in a speech to conference on Tuesday. Baroness Casey will develop precise proposals for the National Care Service. The funding mechanism, described as a death tax, would raise billions to fund the system. The next election is expected in 2029.Opposition from the Conservatives is immediate, with Chris Philp stating that they do not support tax increases. The country is already taxed too highly, he said. Burnham remains determined, saying he will not leave office without having grasped this nettle. He acknowledges the potential unpopularity but insists it is a priority.The cost estimate from the Health Foundation is 18.5 billion pounds a year in 2035/6, but Burnham argues there will be savings to the NHS. He points out that people are currently paying care charges, spending tens of thousands from savings and sometimes losing their homes. He compares the situation to American healthcare, where the most vulnerable can be wiped out financially. Social care in England, he says, is as unfair as that.Burnham's proposals will be part of Labour's manifesto at the next general election. He is prepared to put himself in a difficult position because he believes it is the right thing to do. The death of his father last week has fuelled his determination. The National Care Service would be free at the point of delivery, run on NHS principles, with everyone contributing and everyone covered. Baroness Casey will work out the details.