Almost two thirds (64%) of adults in Britain think that taxes should be increased as a way of funding the NHS, according to a new poll carried out by independent charity the Health Foundation.
According to the poll, 88% believe that the NHS should be protected from any funding cuts.
The poll also revealed the public’s concerns over the quality of health and social care services. Forty four per cent of people think that the standard of NHS care has got worse over the past year, and almost half (48%) think it will get worse over the next year. Half of people think the quality of social care will deteriorate over the next year.
Respondents to the Ipsos MORI poll of 1,985 adults aged 15+ across Great Britain were asked whether, in light of the increasing costs of funding the NHS, they would support raising taxes, reducing spending on other services, or reducing the level of care and services provided by the NHS. The vast majority of people (64%) would prefer to increase taxes, with only nine per cent favouring reducing the level of care and 17% choosing to reduce spending on other services.
The poll follows the publication last week of the three main political party manifestos, which all included pledges to increase funding for the NHS. But analysis from the Health Foundation found that the funding commitments fell short of what was required to meet the demands on the health service over the next five years.
Ruth Thorlby, assistant policy director at the Health Foundation, said: “The NHS is seven years into this decade of austerity, and whoever forms the next government will need to provide additional funding for health and social care if services are to be maintained.
“The impact of this austerity - overloaded A&E departments, delays in getting people out of hospital, and longer waiting times for surgery - has been covered widely in the media, and has got through to the public, some of whom may well have had direct experience as well. The public has understood that the NHS and social care need more generous funding, and it is striking that such a significant majority say they are willing to see taxes rise, rather than reduce levels of service or see more cuts to other public services.
The Health Foundation has published a series of briefings ahead of the 2017 General Election with analysis that looks at key issues across the NHS and social care sector including finance, quality and workforce. All three briefings can be found here - http://www.health.org.uk/briefings
