Moray SNP News

LABOUR MUST COMPENSATE GP SURGERIES AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS FOR NIC TAX HIKES

Richard Lochhead, MSP for Moray, has urged the UK government to reconsider their planned tax hike on GP surgeries after figures showed that 12 practices in Moray would be impacted. 

The Labour UK government has hiked employers national insurance contributions, but failed to take into account this will put more pressure on the finances and services of local organisations such as charities, care providers, and GP surgeries.

Local MSP Richard Lochhead has said that any tax hike from the UK government which harms the operation of GP surgeries would be “totally unacceptable”. This follows warnings from the BMA that some GP surgeries would have to close if they are not exempted from the national insurance rise.

Scotland has 911 GP surgeries nationwide who all perform a vital role in front line health care – helping to look after and keep our communities healthy.

Commenting, Richard Lochhead MSP said:

“The UK government’s hike to employer national insurance contributions is extremely concerning – I am deeply worried about the negative impact this will have on the operations of GPs, charities, pharmacies, and care providers.

“In Moray we currently have 12 GP practices performing a vital role in our community – any tax hike from the UK government which impacts on their services would be totally unacceptable.

“As MSP for Moray, I am demanding that the UK government urgently reconsiders and excludes charities, GP surgeries, and health and social care providers from this tax rise. These organisations support so many people across Moray – we should be supporting them as much as possible, not increasing their tax burden.”