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

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

Harrogate and Knaresborough GP’s 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.

Tom Gordon MP has called today for crucial health and care services in Harrogate and Knaresborough to be exempted from the NI hike - or risk them shutting up shop. 

Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, Tom Gordon said: 

“When I speak to GPs and care providers in Harrogate and Knaresborough 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.
 

“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 Harrogate and Knaresborough from the tax hike.”

ENDS