They are a stealth tax on the sick, the vulnerable, on families, and our hard-working NHS employees. And nearly 50 per cent of hospitals charge blue-badge holders.
From community services and mental health treatment, to alleviating PFI debt, the extra cash must be used to prepare the health service for the future.
The move formalises a precedent with disturbing longer-term implications for the relationship between the citizen and government.
This is not so much a pro-market position as an anti-democratic one. There is more to politics than market versus state.
Penny Mordaunt, Liz Truss, Dan Hannan, Liam Halligan, Steve Baker, Tom Tugendhat & others will speak. And there’s a special discount for ConHome readers.
This fiscal rule would leave governments free to borrow for infrastructure investments – but day-to-day spending would be paid through your and my taxes.
The public are consistently reported as being entirely relaxed about who provides their care. What matters is that it is high quality and free at the point of use.
Our new, outcome-focused, and patient-centric plans fit into a long tradition of careful Conservative stewardship of the Health Service.
Plus: beware of claims that we’ve reached Peak Corbyn. Don’t raise fuel duty. Scrap hospital car parking charges. And: Hands keeps his promises.
What changed? When did we lose the global vocation that infused the Cabinet, Leavers and Remainers alike, two years ago?
Plus: Shame on the Conservative whips. And away with Julian Assange: most of us would happily pay his airfare.
Individuals must be held account. It is the least we owe the relatives and patients. But we should be precise and forensic in focusing on areas where further reforms can make the most impact.
There is zero chance that the public are going to back any meaningful reform of the service any time soon.
But some of the reforms listed above would improve the quality of healthcare, save money and set the service on a more long-term footing.
Prevention, detection and treatment are three means of building on the progress that we’re already making.