THE Welsh Liberal Democrats have today called for a penny to be put on income tax in order to properly fund health and social care and to transform mental healthcare in Wales.
The penny on income tax would directly fund health and social care in England, with Wales receiving its Barnett consequential of this spending.
This would give Wales almost £2bn extra over five years, an average of just under £400m a year.
We would urge the Welsh Government to spend this additional money on health and social care in Wales; with transforming mental healthcare in Wales our priority.
Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said:
“The Welsh Liberal Democrats plan to raise income tax by a penny will unlock almost £400m more for health and social care services across Wales.
“After years of unrelenting Conservative cuts, this desperately needed funding will enable us to transform our mental health services and ensure everyone gets the care they deserve.
“With NHS services across Wales already experiencing severe staff shortages, leaving the EU will only make it harder to recruit the dedicated staff we need.
“That’s why it’s so important we stop Brexit. We must protect the rights of EU citizens that do such vital work in our NHS, and invest in the future of our health services.”
More Stories
Conservatives’ Lack of Action on Obscene Energy Profits “Indefensible” says Welsh Lib Dems
New Audit Office Report on Poverty in Wales supports Plaid Cymru’s calls
Successful Operation targeting anti-social driving across Newport and Monmouthshire