NHS: the obvious solution

Whilst at first glance, Steve Richards`s idea for a referendum, his solution to "the underfunded NHS and elderly care service", appears plausible, but it would, if won, add to the already unfair tax levels currently in place (Another referendum? Yes, but this time on the NHS,03/12/17). May`s government, according to Richards, is "struggling to find a means of providing a tiny bit of extra cash", but this is misleading, as it can afford to reduce corporate tax to lowest levels in modern times, and to refuse to "reverse the cuts to the bank levy", costing the Treasury over £1bn a year (McDonnell calls for end to bank "tax giveaway", 03/12/17). Funding the NHS to adequate levels simply is not a government priority, whilst doing nothing to redistribute wealth is!

    Prior to Richards`s referendum, the government would be required to "explain the costs and the tax rise required", but May`s government would frame this so perversely that the resulting tax increases would be expected to effect everyone. The over-used right-wing threat about the country being unable to afford more, unless everyone pays more, would undoubtedly be heard, and repeated in the Tory press. Can Richards really envisage a Tory government telling the voters that the NHS can be funded properly by insisting that the rich, starting at those earning over three times the national average, pay, say 45% income tax, those earning over £100,000 50%, over £150,000 55% and over £200,000 60%, and putting it to a popular vote? No, nor me, but that`s the sensible way to fund the NHS and care services adequately, and more besides!