Tax the rich to fund NHS, say Lib Dems

The intention was revealed in the 'Alternative Budget 2001' on Monday, which set out the third party's major priorities in the run-up to the general election. Health spokesman Nick Harvey told optician: 'The Liberal Democrats have always had a commitment to preventative healthcare. People are not having eye tests on a regular basis when there are obvious problems that could be detected.' He said the extension would be paid for by a change in the tax rate for those earning more than &\#163;100,000 per year from 40p to 50p in the pound. 'It's targeting the very rich to redistribute wealth. It's one of the things where money can make a difference immediately, and has been costed in for year one. There are areas in the NHS that need planning and implementation but we believe this should be relatively straightforward.' Mr Harvey said that the party planned to review the 'outdated' payment system for both optics and dentistry. He also said there needed to be a 'carrot and stick' approach to getting more people to attend regular eye examinations. He said the party would be open to suggestions for new policy, such as introducing frequent sight tests for drivers. - The Conservative Party plans to prevent those who earn more than &\#163;35,000 per year from receiving NHS treatment, according to The Observer newspaper (February 25).