MP pushes for local healthcare providers’ protection after tax hike vote

The MP for North Devon, has pledged to continue fighting for local healthcare providers following a vote in Parliament on Tuesday 17 December.

Ian Roome and the Liberal Democrats secured a vote on an amendment to the Government’s National Insurance Contributions Bill, which seeks to exempt GPs, dentists, pharmacies, hospices, and other charitable health and care providers from the planned tax hike.

The amendment would protect these vital services from the tax increase, which the Institute of General Practice Management has estimated could cost Devon’s 118 GP practices a collective £2.36 million. 

Nationally, the tax hike is expected to result in an additional £125.5 million bill for GP surgeries, potentially reducing the equivalent of over two million patient appointments annually.

Hospices, which provide care to 300,000 people each year and rely heavily on charitable funding, would also face significant financial challenges.

Mr Roome expressed concerns about the impact of the tax hike on local healthcare services.

“I used to work for the Children’s Hospice South West, so I know how vital these services are to our community and I’ve heard from the North Devon Hospice and many different local GP practices who are really worried about the impact of the government’s tax hikes on the level of care they provide. Ultimately it’s local patients who will pay the price for this self-defeating tax rise,” he said.

He added: “The government must focus on fixing local health services, not burdening GPs and care providers with even higher costs. As your MP, I will keep fighting for our local health and care services.”

Mr Roome has vowed to continue raising the concerns of healthcare providers in Parliament and campaign for further support to ensure the sustainability of essential services in North Devon.