Burnham doesn't rule out tax rises to fix social care

Burnham doesn't rule out tax rises to fix social careImage source, ReutersByRichard Wheeler Political reporterPublishedJust nowAndy Burnham has promised to end decades of government inaction by fixing adult social care in England - and did not rule out tax rises to help pay for it.The prime minister said it was a "major dereliction of public duty" that successive governments had failed to address the crisis, adding there would be "difficult decisions" on funding but he was determined to "get it right." His plans include a new national care service, with more pay and better training for care workers, and closer integration with the NHS.He announced that a review of social care by veteran Whitehall troubleshooter Baroness Casey would now be published next summer instead of 2028.Care system needs fixing before assisted dying debate, says PMPublished1 hour agoAndy Burnham wants to fix social care - what are the options?Published3 hours agoBurnham to hold social care talks with Tories and Lib DemsPublished5 hours agoIn an emotional speech he praised those caring for his father, who has Alzheimer's, and said he wanted to deliver changes to help "my dad and the millions like him".He is attempting to get cross-party consensus on any changes and has held initial talks with the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives in an attempt to get them on board.Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey took part in the talks but Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch could not be there and sent shadow health secretary Stuart Andrew instead.Andrew said any changes must be "backed by a clear, credible and fully costed plan that delivers better care for the public and value for taxpayers".Burnham did not invite the leaders of Reform UK or the Green Party of England and Wales to the talks. Both parties have expressed disappointment at this.Making a speech at a care home in north London, Burnham said there was a feeling in Westminster that...