Reform UK is demanding that the government definitively rule out an £18 billion "death tax" intended to fund social care plans, urging Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to "end the uncertainty, end the worry today." The party's Treasury spokesman, Robert Jenrick, stated that if the Prime Minister fails to do so, he should "call a general election."
Jenrick voiced these demands at a press conference on Thursday, where he vowed that Reform UK would "fight a universal death tax" as an "unfair" and "cruel" levy. He also expressed that it was "strange" and "insulting" that Reform UK was not invited to cross-party talks on social care changes held on Wednesday, given the party's involvement in running 30 local councils that are responsible for social care services.
Reform UK argues that taxing estates after death would be an "unfair, impractical and cruel" measure. "Reform believes that money taxed when you earned it, taxed when you saved it, and taxed when you spent it should not be taxed a fourth time as you are laid to rest," Jenrick stated. He added that such a tax would make Britain the "single-worst place to hand down money to your kids in the Western world."
The potential cost of making social care free at the point of use has been estimated at an additional £18 billion per year. Prime Minister Sunak has indicated that tax increases may be necessary, having previously warned of "difficult decisions" regarding funding for the sector.
Fears have been raised that Andy Burnham's proposals for a "national care service" could include a 10% levy on people's estates, a concept previously floated by Burnham when he served as health secretary in 2010. Alternative plans reportedly being considered by officials include a new income tax to finance social care.
Jenrick insisted that Reform UK is committed to addressing the social care crisis, despite not yet having a dedicated health spokesman. He highlighted the party's experience managing social care responsibilities in the 30 local authorities they oversee. "We are absolutely at the coalface of this, trying to do our utmost to support people in difficult times," he said.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage had previously indicated in April that the party was looking to appoint a health spokesman. Jenrick noted that Reform UK had participated in Baroness Casey's review on the matter, but emphasized that Andy Burnham had chosen not to invite them to the recent discussions. He reiterated that Reform UK's condition for participation would be the immediate ruling out of a "death tax."