Over-50s could be hit for £300 a year in extra National Insurance to fund social care under Tory plans.
Former Cabinet minister Damian Green, an influential backbencher, will argue in a speech today that the care system should adopt a model similar to the state pension.
But Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said: “ Theresa May ’s top ally and close adviser has today let the cat out of the bag about Tory intentions to punish people with a tax on getting old.”
The 1% National Insurance hike is among a range of measures Mr Green sets out to fill a £2.75billion funding gap.
He suggests it as is a “last resort” to bring in £2.4billion.
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Another £350million could be generated by taxing the winter fuel allowance.
On top of the £6billion provided by the Government, these would cover the cost of the “universal care entitlement”, which could be boosted by a privately funded “care supplement” to cover luxuries.
Recently, Labour announced it would provide home care packages for more than 160,000 older people who get no help, including 50,000 with dementia — reversing key Tory cuts.
The £2.8billion Labour has earmarked to increase home care packages is alongside £350million to train carers.
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More is pledged to help people with learning disabilities back into the community.
Labour would also guarantee rises in the Carers Allowance in line with the Real Living Wage, a key demand of the Mirror’s Fair Care For All campaign.
Our campaign also demands a national commission on funding the care revolution and the creation of a National Care System.
Lib Dem former minister Norman Lamb – who has called for cross-party work to tackle the care crisis – blasted Labour for dismissing Mr Green’s plan.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We need to be prepared to put aside our party differences and work in the national interest.”
He added: “The money has to come from somewhere. If the Labour Party dismisses this, and that’s fine, where are they suggesting the money comes from?”
