Helen Morgan votes for amendment to exempt GPs and care homes from “health tax”

North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan has voted to back an amendment which would exempt health and care providers from the Government’s rise in employers’ national insurance contribution.

Helen, the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health and Care, has led a campaign against the tax hike which is due 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 that will increase their costs despite many of these providers already being on the brink of bankruptcy.

It comes days after the National Pharmacy Association warned that pharmacies will soon have to reduce services to cope with the pressure they are under and weeks after social care providers marched in London in an unprecedented day of action.

Helen Morgan has pledged to stand up for health and care providers 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.

Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire said, “I was proud to vote to protect health services here in Shropshire and across the country.

“Health and care providers have already been pushed to the brink by years of Conservative neglect and now they are being forced to cope with a Labour government that is increasing the pressure.

“Labour’s refusal to see sense means many GP surgeries and care providers will be hit with bills that they simply can’t afford on April 6th.

“I will continue to fight for better health and care here in Shropshire and call on the Chancellor to listen to reason and cancel the health tax as soon as possible.”