Reported plans for new UK wide taxes to help fund social care reform in England have prompted calls for Scotland to be included in discussions over any future changes.

According to reports, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has invited Conservative and Liberal Democrat leaders to talks on reforming England’s social care system, with proposals said to include a new income tax on UK workers and a 10 per cent levy on estates passed on after death.

No changes have been announced by the UK Government, but the reported proposals have raised questions about how any new taxes could affect people across the United Kingdom, including Scotland.

The SNP says Scotland should not be excluded from discussions if Scottish taxpayers could ultimately be asked to contribute towards reforms in England.

The party also points to Scotland’s existing system of free personal and nursing care, which is provided on the basis of need under the Scottish Government.

Clare Haughey MSP said:

“If Andy Burnham is planning to impose a tax hike on Scottish people to pay for reforms to English social care provision, then at the very least Scotland should be involved in those discussions.

“Not only has Andy Burnham barred Scotland from talks about a substantial change to the UK tax regime, he has barred the only party that actually provides free personal and nursing care, the SNP.

“Words are easy on social care, but what the Labour Government cannot do is treat nations like Scotland as an afterthought when it comes to radical reform.

“Scottish taxpayers will be completely miffed if their taxes are going up to pay for the English care sector.

“It is unthinkable that the Labour Party could raise UK income taxes on Scottish workers, and impose a major new tax on the inheritance Scottish families can pass on from their family homes and life savings while cutting Scotland out of the conversation.

“People receiving social care in Scotland save thousands of pounds compared to those down south thanks to the SNP, and Andy Burnham would do well to recognise that we stand ready to work constructively in that context.”

The reported plans have not been confirmed by the UK Government and no decisions have been announced on how any future reforms to social care in England might be funded.

Any proposals would be subject to further discussion and government decisions before being introduced.