Britain’s Health Secretary Wes Streeting has confirmed that the government has no plans to impose a sales tax (VAT) on private healthcare services.
His statement comes in response to rumors that such a measure might be considered ahead of the upcoming November 26 budget. “It’s not happening,” Streeting emphasized, putting to rest speculation about potential levies on private health services.
The announcement comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares for a budget expected to include tax hikes, measures intended to address a significant fiscal gap estimated by economists to be in the tens of billions of pounds.
Despite the pressure to find new revenue streams, Reeves has reaffirmed her commitment to the Labour Party’s manifesto pledges: she vowed not to raise value added tax (VAT), national insurance contributions, or income tax rates. She did acknowledge, however, that the November budget will involve challenging trade‑offs.