Thornbury & Yate MP votes to exempt GPs and care homes from “health tax”

Claire Young MP has voted to back a Liberal Democrat amendment which would exempt health and care providers from the Government’s rise in employers national insurance, set to come into force on April 6th.

The Government voted down the amendment meaning that local care homes, pharmacies, GPs and dentists face a national insurance tax hike despite the health service already being in crisis and many of these providers already on the brink of bankruptcy.

Ms Young said she was “disappointed” at the Government’s decision and that the vote risked burdening GPs, care homes and pharmacies across South Gloucestershire with a “health tax”.

She has pledged to continue standing up for the local health and care services and called on the Chancellor to U-turn at the Spring Statement next week, so patients don’t have to pay the price of fewer health and care services.

Liberal Democrat MP for Thornbury & Yate Claire Young said:

“I was proud to vote with my Liberal Democrat colleagues to protect local health services across our area from this health tax. After years of shameful Conservative neglect, our health services are at breaking point with many suffering on endless waiting lists.

“That is why it is incredibly disappointing to see the Labour government voting to risk adding to these pressures. This decision means that on April 6th many GP surgeries and care providers will be hit with bills they simply cannot afford, leaving our community without the care we deserve and many more suffering through awful pain.

“I will fight tooth and nail to stand up for health services across Thornbury & Yate. That is why I am calling on the Chancellor to scrap this health tax at the Spring Statement next week and exempt health and care providers from this tax rise.”