Stephen Morgan MP has voted against a government Bill that will raise National Insurance for local working families as Labour sets out its alternative vision for social care reforms.
The Health and Social Care Levy Bill, which is being debated in the House of Commons today before votes this evening, would raise National Insurance by 1.25% for working families and businesses across the country.
The government legislation is facing wide-ranging criticism for how the social care reforms will be funded, particularly for those on low income.
Under current proposals, a graduate on a typical entry level salary would a pay marginal tax rate of almost 50%.
In addition, The British Chamber of Commerce, Make UK, the CBI and the Federation of Small Businesses have all slammed the government’s suggested solution to the social care crisis as harmful for businesses and for our economic recovery, with the FSB saying it will lead to 50,000 fewer jobs being created.
Labour has set an alternative plan, which would:
- Give older and disabled people the chance to live the life they choose, shifting the focus of support towards prevention and early help.
- Ensure every older and disabled person who needs care and support gets it when and where they need it, improving their lives and delivering better value for taxpayers’ money and;
- Build a strong and skilled social care workforce, with a new deal for care workers to create a well-motivated, skilled and properly rewarded workforce, with more support for unpaid carers
The member of parliament of Portsmouth South, Stephen Morgan, commented:
“When it comes to social care, for many, it’s personal. This is about services for our loved ones. Our friends. Our neighbours.
“For me, it was the lack of social care available for my grandad that was one of the key reasons I put myself forward for public office.
“The barriers to access affordable social care for people like him was unacceptable then, and it’s unacceptable now.
“That’s why I voted against these deeply regressive proposals today and will continue to fight on behalf of local people for the better access to the vital services they need.”
