Westminster’s handling of social care and council tax has been sharply criticized by Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester. Burnham expressed concerns about the financial stability of local governments and suggested the implementation of a wealth tax and a tourist tax to support cities facing increased transportation costs due to growth and tourism.
Highlighting the inadequacies of Westminster, Burnham emphasized the long-standing issues surrounding social care and the stagnant state of council tax valuation since 1991. He pointed out the unfairness of the current system, where residents in the north east pay significantly more council tax compared to those in the southeast, despite the substantial rise in property prices across the country.
Burnham advocated for a reevaluation of council tax rates to address these disparities, even if it meant imposing a wealth tax on owners of expensive properties. The Mirror’s Fair Care for All campaign echoed Burnham’s sentiments, advocating for dignified treatment of older individuals, the establishment of a national care service alongside the NHS, and fair compensation for care workers.
During the Tory party conference in Manchester, Burnham also proposed the introduction of a tourist tax to alleviate the burden on local taxpayers and align with models employed in countries like France, Germany, and Italy. He stressed the need for sustainable funding solutions to support the city’s infrastructure amidst its growing population and visitor numbers.
