Welsh Lib Dems Back Amendment to Exempt GPs, Dentists and Hospices from Government Tax Hike

David Chadwick MP and the Liberal Democrats secured a vote in Parliament this week 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 exempt health and care providers across Wales, including GPs, dentists, and pharmacies from the planned tax hikes. 

Labour voted against the amendment.

The Lib Dem amendment would have also protected social care providers, hospices and charitable providers of health and care, from the tax rise. 

David Chadwick has stated that one GP practice in the constituency has said that they are losing one day of practice nurse and one day of GP time from April 2025 as a direct result of the projected £30,000 increase in their national insurance bill alongside an overall lack of funding for general practices.

A second local practice is projected to have an increase in national insurance bills greater than £100k in April 2025.

Meanwhile, the CEO of Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations has stated the National insurance increase will: “place considerable financial pressure on voluntary sector organisations, many of whom are crucial partners in delivering essential services.”

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.

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader David Chadwick MP said:

“I’ve heard from local GPs and social care providers 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.

“That’s why I voted for the Liberal Democrat amendment to protect local GPs, dentists and other health and care providers from the government’s tax hike this week. It was disappointing that Labour chose not to listen.

“The Government must focus on fixing local health services, not burdening GPs and care providers with even higher costs. I will keep fighting for our local health and care services.”

ENDS