Torbay MP: Exempt GPs and care homes from tax hike before they shut up shop

GPs and care providers in Torbay will be “pushed to the brink” without an exemption from the Budget’s National Insurance tax hike, Lib Dem MP Steve Darling has said.

Torbay GPs and care providers are already under pressure, but the tax hike will add to this 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.

Steve has called today for crucial health and care services in Torbay to be exempted from the NI hike - or risk them shutting up shop. 

Steve added: 

“When I speak to GPs and care providers in Torbay they tell me of the immense pressure that they are under following years of Conservative mismanagement. 

“The decisions the Chancellor made at the Budget will push those crucial services to the brink. Some could even be forced to shut up shop. 

“A number of GP practices and care providers in Torbay have already contacted me. One GP practice warned that the increased financial pressure these changes will bring means they will no longer be able to fill a current GP vacancy - meaning reduced capacity when demand is at an all-time high. 

“People must be able to access decent health and care services. To deliver this, the government must change course and exempt GPs and care providers here in Torbay from the tax hike.”