A tax-based system will provide the most cost-effective way forward for the NHS over the next 20 yea...
A tax-based system will provide the most cost-effective way forward for the NHS over the next 20 years, according to an interim report looking at future funding solutions.
Former chief executive of NatWest, Derek Wanless, is to undertake a review of long-term health trends on behalf of the Government. The findings of the interim report, reported in the pre-Budget announcement, exclude the role of the private health sector in the future of NHS funding.
Wanless stated: 'There is no evidence that any alternative financing method to that currently in place in the UK would deliver a given level and quality of healthcare at lower cost to the economy as a whole. Indeed other systems seem likely to prove more costly. Nor do alternative balances of funding appear to offer a greater degree of equity in the way services are provided.'
Norwich Union (NU) is submitting a formal response to the report. Louise Zucchi, spokesperson for NU, said: 'As we understand it, the NHS needs more money and although the report suggests tax is the answer, we believe the Government should look at stakeholder health proposals. This has opened another door for debate.'
