Call to tax social media giants

THE Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to triple tax for social media firms to fund a dedicated mental health professional in every school in England.

The proposal, which will be debated among delegates at the autumn conference in Bournemouth, would see the 2% digital services levy raised to 6% of company revenues. This would provide funding for a mental health worker to be placed in 22,000 state schools across England, the party says.

It comes as deputy leader Daisy Cooper warned mental health has “dropped off the political radar” as she introduces a wider package of proposals, including regular check-ups on the NHS for those at risk.