Reform UK's private health insurance plan would cost 1.7bn, Streeting to say

"The party claimed in its manifesto that this would improve the general standard of care by reducing demands on the NHS. Its leader, Nigel Farage, appeared to double down on this commitment at a press conference last summer, saying: Perhaps if we gave people a bit of tax relief on paying for private health care, we might just relieve the pressure off the National Health Service."

"Farage says he wants an insurance-based system of healthcare, Streeting will say. Just last year, he rejected the public funding model that survived since 1948, saying: I do not want it funded through general taxation. It does not work.' And if you don't believe his words, look at his actions. Reform is committed to spending 1.7bn, not on staff, buildings, or technology, but on tax relief for customers of private healthcare."

The health secretary will say Reform UK's proposal for 20% tax relief on private health insurance could cost £1.7bn. Civil servants used LaingBuisson data valuing the UK private healthcare market at about £8.6bn to calculate the potential cost. Reform pledged the relief before the 2024 general election and claimed it would reduce demands on the NHS and improve overall care. Nigel Farage has endorsed moving toward an insurance-based system and rejected funding through general taxation. The proposed relief would be directed at private customers rather than staff, buildings, or technology, and Labour plans to focus on NHS issues in upcoming elections.

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