Tim Farron votes to protect GPs, dentists and hospices from Government tax hike

In Parliament last night, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron voted 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 have exempted health and care providers in Westmorland and Lonsdale including GPs, dentists, and pharmacies from the planned tax hikes.

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

However the proposal was voted down by 100 votes to 351.

Tim said: “I’ve heard from local GP surgeries and care homes 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 tax rise.

“That’s why I backed this Liberal Democrat amendment to protect local GPs, dentists and other health and care providers from the government’s tax hike.

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