LAST week in this column, I said that I would go into more detail about the new health and social care levy that the Prime Minister announced on Tuesday 7th September.

The 1.25% levy will raise an extra £12 billion per year from the NHS and social care. Initially, most of this money will go to the NHS to help deal with the backlog of routine surgery and treatment, and also with the rising cases from people who couldn’t see the doctor or go to the hospital due to the pandemic.

I know there are mixed opinions about this levy – some people really don’t want a tax rise, and some people think that this is necessary to help the NHS.

I am no fan of additional taxes, but I think we must take into account the situation we are in as we emerge from the pandemic. We currently have a deficit of £350 billion because so much was spent to keep the country afloat and protect jobs during the pandemic. That spending was vital, but it has left us in a less financially sound position than we would have expected to be at this time.

We have additional pressures here in Dorset. The number of people over the age of 65 in West Dorset is almost double England’s average. Accordingly, Dorset Council spends £125 million on adult social care.

We need fundamental reform to do more to either better support local authorities who shoulder the responsibility for providing social care today, or totally reform the NHS.

We should not be in a position where the council tax system, has to bear the brunt of social care. It is not a fair way to deal with it and I am actively seeking reforms of it.

CHRIS LODER

WEST DORSET MP