UK PM Burnham Signals New Taxes to Fund Free Social Care

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham signaled on September 27, 2026, that he will propose new taxes to fund a reformed social care service, raising the prospect of higher levies on British households and businesses. Speaking at his party's annual conference in Liverpool, Burnham said elderly and infirm care should operate "on NHS principles" — universally free at the point of use — and did not deny it would be financed through tax increases. He rejected estimates that free social care across England would cost £18 billion ($23.8 billion) a year, but said everyone would be expected to contribute. Burnham said he would provide more detail on funding later in the week, leaving the scope and structure of any tax rise unclear.