UNISONActive is an unofficial blog produced by UNISON activists for UNISON activists. Bringing news, briefings and events from a progressive left perspective.

Monday 14 January 2013

NHS tax haven for profit hungry private health firms?

The NHS is on course to become a tax haven for private health care companies. Monitor, the NHS 'regulator and promoter of competition' is reportedly sympathetic to private sector demands for an exemption from paying corporation tax on their profits. This is further evidence of the public services industrial complex calling the shots in public policy - this time in a Government commissioned review of competition in the health service. Andrew Street, professor of health economics at the University of York, states in the Guardian that Monitor had "been influenced by industry. This looks like pandering to special interests to me. If companies wanted to provide NHS hospital services and not pay tax then they could do so by becoming charities"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/jan/13/private-firms-corporation-tax-nhs-profits