Helen Maguire’s Budget response: I will hold the Government’s “feet to the fire” on NHS funding for Epsom & Ewell

MP for Epsom & Ewell Helen Maguire has said the extra funding for the NHS announced in the Budget must deliver improved health services for people in Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead.

Maguire said she would continue to pressure this government to deliver on its promises regarding the NHS. However, fixing social care will be crucial to alleviation pressure on local health services and giving older people the care they need.

Responding to the Budget, MP for Epsom & Ewell Helen Maguire said:

“Since being elected in July, I have consistently campaigned for more investment in our local health services, so I’m really glad the Chancellor has listened. But now we’ll hold the government to keep their promises, so people here in Epsom & Ewell can finally see a GP or dentist when needed.

“While we welcome the extra NHS funding set out in the Budget, it’s disappointing not to see a clear plan to keep moving forward with the previous government’s promising of building 40 extra hospitals. The building of an emergency care hospital in Sutton is one of them, which would help to relieve pressure on our local hospitals at Epsom and St Helier.”

On Employer’s National Insurance and the effect on small businesses and high streets:

“I am gravely concerned about the impact of the government’s increase in Employer’s National Insurance, a tax on jobs that will hit our small businesses and local high streets. The government should instead be raising the money we need by reversing tax cuts for the big banks and asking the social media giants to pay a bit more.”

On the Winter Fuel Allowance:

“It is incredibly disappointing to see this government push ahead with cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance, which will badly impact some of the most vulnerable pensioners across Epsom, Ewell, Ashtead and Leatherhead, who now must choose between heating and eating. Pensions, some of whom struggle to make ends meet, are being treated with total disregard, and this is not the care or consideration they deserve.

“I will continue to fight against these cuts that will harm our elderly, including Veterans, many of whom are already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.”

On SEND:

“I disagree with taxing education and do not support ending the VAT exemption for independent schools, especially as so many children with SEND provisions are supported by these schools across Surrey. I think those with special educational needs without an EHCP will suffer greatly as a result. It is a shortsighted decision that will lead to more harm than good.”