Epsom & Ewell MP votes for Lib Dem amendment to exempt GPs and care homes from “health tax”
Epsom & Ewell’s Liberal Democrat MP, Helen Maguire, has voted to back a Liberal Democrat amendment which would exempt health and care providers from the Government’s rise in employers national insurance, set 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 despite the health service already being in crisis and many of these providers already on the brink of bankruptcy.
Strada Care in Epsom & Ewell, are on the front line of the social care crisis, having already closed four care homes over the past seven years due to chronic underfunding.
Helen Maguire MP expressed her “disappointment” at the Government’s decision and that the vote risked burdening GPs, care homes and pharmacies in Epsom & Ewell with a “health tax”.
The Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell pledged to continue standing up for the local health and care services 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.
Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom & Ewell, Helen Maguire said:
“I was proud to vote with my Liberal Democrat colleagues to protect local health services here in Epsom & Ewell from this health tax.
“After years of beyond shameful Conservative neglect, health services in our area are at breaking point with many suffering on endless waiting lists.
“That is why it is incredibly disappointing to see the Labour government voting to risk adding to these pressures. This decision means that on April 6th many GP surgeries and care providers will be hit with bills they simply cannot afford leaving our community without the care we deserve and many more suffering through awful pain.
“I will fight tooth and nail to stand up for health services here in Epsom & Ewell. I am calling on the Chancellor to scrap this health tax at the Spring Statement next week and exempt health and care providers from this tax rise.”