Brits back tax to help elderly

News Article - 22 May 2012
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Three-quarters of UK residents would be happy to pay more tax if it meant improved care for the elderly, a new study has been revealed.

The survey, conducted by charity Counsel and Care, found that 82 per cent of respondents over the age of 55 are behind the idea, while 77 per cent of those between 45 and 54 also backed it.

Adding a penny in the pound on income tax could be applied to raise an additional £2 billion, accounting for 80 per cent of all domiciliary care fees, according to the organisation.

Stephen Burke, chief executive of Counsel and Care, said that the results clearly demonstrated the public's desire for better care provision for elderly people.

"If we can develop a co-payment option that is a true partnership between the state, the family and the individual, we can move towards a fairer system of paying for care in the future," he remarked.

A recent Help the Aged poll found that 63 per cent of people believe the government is not doing enough to tackle age discrimination.

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