MP calls to exempt GPs from National Insurance rise

The Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon, Ian Roome, is urging the government to exempt GPs, health and care providers, and charities from the recent rise in employers' National Insurance announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the latest budget. 

According to Liberal Democrat analysis, this increase could put over 42,000 GP appointments at risk across Devon due to the financial burden on medical practices.

The Institute of General Practice Management estimates that the tax hike will add around £20,000 per year to the average GP surgery's tax bill. 

Across Devon’s 118 GP practices, this could amount to a total of £2.36 million in added costs. 

With GP appointments valued at approximately £56 each, this expense translates to the loss of 42,143 potential appointments, or roughly 357 per surgery annually.

“GPs in our area are set to be hammered by higher taxes at a time when they have already been run into the ground by the previous Conservative government,” Mr Roome stated.

“This tax rise will severely impact health and care services for patients and worsen the crisis in our NHS and social care sector.”

The MP voiced concerns that many residents are already struggling to access GP appointments, and further cost increases would only exacerbate this issue.

“I have heard from many hardworking GPs in our area already who have said that all this GP penalty will achieve is to make it harder for people in North Devon to get an appointment when thousands are already struggling to do so,” Mr Roome explained.

In his statement, Mr Roome urged the government to “urgently rethink these proposals and exempt GPs from this misguided tax hike.” 

He warned that adding further financial strain on healthcare providers would hinder efforts to support local health services and address the existing challenges within the NHS and social care sector.