Carmichael backs amendment to exempt GPs, dentists and hospices from Government tax hike

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has backed a Liberal Democrat amendment during votes in Parliament today (Tuesday 17 December) to protect GPs, hospices and other health and social care providers from the Government’s National Insurance tax hike. 

The Liberal Democrat amendment to the Government’s National Insurance Contributions Bill would have exempted health and care providers from the planned tax hikes, as well as protecting social care providers, hospices and charitable providers of health and care, but was voted down 351-100 by the government.

Previous research by the Liberal Democrats has revealed that the tax hike could end up costing GP surgeries the equivalent of more than two million appointments a year because of an additional £125.5 million tax bill inflicted upon them. 

Mr Carmichael said:

“I have heard from local GPs and other care providers who are deeply concerned about the impact of the government’s tax hikes on the level of care they provide. 

“That’s why I am glad to back the Liberal Democrat amendment to protect local GPs, dentists and other health and care providers from the government’s tax hike. The government needs to focus on fixing local health services, not burdening GPs and care providers with even higher costs.”