UK PM Burnham Signals Social Care Tax Changes, Questions Heathrow Expansion

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened the door to new taxes to fund a major overhaul of England’s social care system while withholding support for Heathrow Airport’s proposed third runway.

Speaking ahead of Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool, Burnham said he wants social care for elderly and vulnerable people to operate on “NHS principles,” with services universally free at the point of use.

Asked whether the government could introduce higher taxes to finance the reforms, Burnham said “nothing is off the table,” adding that everyone would be expected to contribute. However, he pledged to maintain Labour’s manifesto commitments not to increase income tax or employees’ national insurance contributions.

Burnham disputed a Health Foundation estimate suggesting that making social care free across England would require an additional £18 billion ($23.8 billion) annually, around 50% more than current government spending on care.

The prime minister said further details would be released in the coming days. A comprehensive social care plan is expected to be presented to voters before the next UK general election, which must be held before August 2029.

Burnham argued that improving social care could ultimately reduce pressure on the National Health Service by focusing more heavily on prevention. He also highlighted the financial burden of the existing system, under which elderly people can face thousands of pounds in personal care costs.

Separately, Burnham repeatedly declined to endorse Heathrow Airport’s £49 billion ($65 billion) expansion project, including plans for a third runway approved under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Burnham described Heathrow expansion as a contested issue and said opinions submitted during the consultation process should be considered before the government reaches a final decision.

The long-running Heathrow expansion proposal remains controversial. The project would involve placing part of a major highway near London underground and demolishing hundreds of homes to accommodate the airport’s third runway.