London MP: Tax hike could see capital’s GPs and Hospices “shut up shop”

GPs and care providers in London will be “pushed to the brink” without an exemption from the Budget’s National Insurance tax hike, Lib Dem Shadow Spokesperson for London Luke Taylor has said.

London’s GPs and care providers are already in crisis, but the tax hike will add to the pressure by forcing small care providers and GPs to pay more in National Insurance Contributions.

The government provided extra funding for the NHS and other public sector organisations to cover the cost of the tax rise. However, GPs and the vast majority of care providers are private and so won't benefit from this help.

Luke Taylor has called today for crucial health and care services across the capital to be exempted from the NI hike - or risk them shutting up shop. 

Liberal Democrat MP for Sutton and Cheam, Luke Taylor said: 

“When I speak to GPs and care providers in my own constituency of Sutton and Cheam, and across London, they tell me of the immense pressure that they are under following years of Conservative chaos and neglect.

“The Chancellor inherited an awful mess from the Conservatives, but that does not mean she can make the same mistakes. This tax hike will push crucial primary care services to the brink. Some could even be forced to shut up shop.

“I am particularly concerned about the impact on hospices - who are already at breaking point. This NI hike could be the thing that pushes these vital services, like St Raph’s in Sutton and Cheam, over the edge.

“The government must change course and exempt GPs and care providers from the tax hike.”