Tom Gordon MP Continues Fight for Local Health and Care Services
Yesterday (Tuesday 17th December), Tom Gordon MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, joined his Liberal Democrat colleagues in a determined effort to shield health and social care providers from the planned rise in National Insurance Contributions (NICs).
As part of their campaign, the Liberal Democrats secured a vote in Parliament on an amendment to the Government’s National Insurance Contributions Bill. The proposed amendment aimed to exempt vital health and care providers – including GPs, dentists, pharmacies, hospices, and charitable care organisations – from the tax increase. Unfortunately, the amendment was voted down.
Although the amendment did not pass, the Liberal Democrats remain steadfast in their commitment to defending health and social care services. They will continue to push back against Labour’s damaging policies and advocate for meaningful support for health and care providers, rather than leaving them to face these challenges alone.
Recent research by the Liberal Democrat’s revealed that not only is Labour’s tax hike careless, but also counterproductive as it was found that the tax hike could cost GP surgeries an additional £125.5 million annually – equivalent to the loss of more than 2 million patient appointments.
Tom has consistently highlighted the devastating impact this policy would have on local health and care services. Since the announcement, he has spoken with numerous providers and charities across the constituency who have expressed their concerns about how this tax hike will affect their finances and ultimately their ability to deliver care. During a recent visit to a local charity supporting unpaid carers, Tom learned that the tax hike would cost them an extra £90,000, forcing them to cut vital services.
Commenting on the issue, Tom said:
‘I’ve heard from GPs, hospices and other health and social care providers in Harrogate and Knaresborough who are deeply concerned about the impact of the government’s tax hike. Many are already stretched thin, and this additional burden could mean drastic cuts to the care they provide.
‘Ultimately, its local patients who will pay the price for this self-defeating tax rise. I cannot stand by and let that happen.
‘That’s why I was proud to back this Liberal Democrat amendment to protect our local GPs, dentists, and other health and care providers from higher costs.
‘It is disappointing that this amendment did not pass. The government must focus on fixing our overburdened health services, which are at breaking point after years of neglect – not burdening them with further financial pressures. As your MP, I will keep fighting to ensure that the health and care services in Harrogate and Knaresborough get the support they deserve.’
ENDS