Reform UK's Robert Jenrick has urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to rule out future tax rises to fund his plans for adult social care in England. Mr Jenrick proposed that any reforms should be financed by cutting foreign aid and benefit payments for migrants.
Prime Minister Burnham has indicated he wants to examine existing budgets before considering tax increases, but he has not ruled them out. He added that "difficult decisions" lie ahead, with funding options to be detailed in a review set for publication next year.
Mr Burnham has stated that fixing the social care system is a top priority and has accelerated a review by Baroness Casey, which will now be published next summer. He also said he would immediately begin working with Chancellor John Healey to boost the pay and training of care workers, which he stated would be "fully funded" from existing budgets.
The Conservatives have also called on the Prime Minister to rule out tax rises and further borrowing for social care. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch wrote to Mr Burnham this week, emphasising that any solution must be fair to those who have made provisions and saved.
Mr Jenrick's comments follow talks held by Mr Burnham with Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey and shadow health secretary Stuart Andrew to seek cross-party support for changes. Reform and the Green Party were not invited to these discussions.