Boris Johnson is not the first to try to fix the problems that have made care costs unaffordable for manyWhether it is help with washing and dressing at home or long-term nursing support, most social care in England has never been automatically free at…
UK politics: Starmer says Labour will not back plan to raise national insurance to fund social care – live
Labour leader says increasing national insurance ‘hits low earners, young people and businesses’Keir Starmer rules out supporting national insurance rise 9.25am BST Good morning. I hope you all had a good summer.The first week in September always tends…
Johnson faces Tory battle over tax rise as cabinet reshuffle looms
PM’s plan to raise national insurance to fund NHS and social care set to be opposed by some of his own MPs as parliament returnsBoris Johnson faces a battle with his cabinet and MPs as parliament returns on Monday, with the prime minister poised to bre…
Pressure grows on Starmer to back tax on rich to pay for social care
Party and union figures urge new policy as Manchester mayor Andy Burnham tells Labour leader: taxing wealth is the fairest way The row over how to fund social care threatens to engulf Labour this weekend as Keir Starmer faces pressure from across the p…
Tax the wealthy to give care workers a pay rise, don’t raid ordinary workers’ pockets | Frances O’Grady
A minimum wage of £10 an hour should be funded by increasing capital gains tax, not national insuranceIn a week’s time, the TUC will hold its 153rd congress in London. Shortly before I get up to give my annual address, a short film will be played of so…
‘Chaos’ in No 10 as Johnson finalises social care funding plan
Growing backlash from cabinet ministers and MPs after leaks about plan for national insurance riseBoris Johnson is expected to make a final decision over the weekend about whether to press ahead with his controversial social care funding plan, in the f…
The Guardian view on social care funding: fairness is the key | Editorial
A plan to split the proceeds of a national insurance rise between the NHS and social care could worsen intergenerational injusticeAn announcement on social care funding is imminent, with a national insurance rise the probable outcome. But what ought to…
Tory plans to raise National Insurance are regressive. There’s a better way | Jonathan Meadway
Labour should seize the opportunity to make the case for alternative ways of funding social careThe Conservative government is reported to be considering an increase of up to 1.25p in the pound in National Insurance Contributions from 26 million people…
Raising national insurance to fund social care is fraught with political risk
Analysis: both employers and employees pay NI but the burden weighs heaviest again on younger workersAfter months of havering, the government is poised to make two big announcements in the coming weeks. Both break manifesto pledges, both are fraught wi…