A dedicated NHS tax aimed at managing the growing cost of health care in the UK may be introduced, the Lib Dems have suggested.
Former health minister Norman Lamb has announced a panel of medical experts will consider the case for a special wage levy to fund the NHS and care system.
He said it could mean the public paying an "extra penny in the pound" via their National Insurance contributions.
Carving out a special revenue stream for the NHS would also help to ensure investment in other vital services such as education is not distorted by the demands of the health system, he said.
Speaking at the Liberal Democrat party conference in Brighton, he said he wants to be honest with the public about the funding crisis at a time when other political parties are "too scared" to talk about raising taxes.
He said: "Political parties are scared, very nervous about saying anything about tax.
"They see it as not in their interest to be completely honest (with the public) about the scale of the problem and so nothing is said.
"There's a complete dishonesty with the public about this."
He told party members: "It's no good just condemning the Government for its failure to invest in the NHS and social care. We have to surely come up with our own solutions.
"We must lead the debate.
"That's why I want this party to consider a dedicated NHS and care tax."
Mr Lamb said he believed the public would be willing to pay the tax because they would know where the money was going.
The panel will consider whether local authorities would be able to adjust the rate depending on local need.
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