New development: Time for a consequential impact tax to support the NHS?

Abstract

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is facing its most serious financial crisis since its inception and positive, enduring, fundamental changes need to be made if the NHS is to survive as a financially sustainable entity. This article looks at the costs of lifestyle self-abuse behaviour (over 15% of the total NHS spending) and proposes a new tax to offset the costs of treatment and preventative education. The idea is applicable to other countries facing similar problems.

Keywords:

• Alcohol
• consequential impact tax
• NHS costs
• obesity
• smoking