Liverpool’s Labour MPs slammed for voting down Lib Dem amendment to exempt GPs and care homes from “health tax”

Labour’s Liverpool MPs have been slammed for voting down a Lib Dem amendment which would have exempted health and care providers from the proposed rise in employers national insurance, set to come into force on April 6th.

As a result of the Government’s decision, 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.

Liverpool Lib Dems said that Labour MPs had voted to burden GPs, care homes and pharmacies in Liverpool with a “health tax” and far from fixing local health services, they were risked adding to already immense pressures.

Local Lib Dems called on the Chancellor to U-turn on this "disastrous" policy at the Spring Statement next week so patients don’t have to pay the price of fewer health and care services.

Liberal Democrat Leader for Liverpool, Cllr Carl Cashman said:

“Labour MP have voted to hit GPs, pharmacies and care homes in Liverpool with a health tax and it is patients in our area who will pay the price.

“After years of beyond shameful Conservative neglect, health services in our area are at breaking point with many suffering on endless waiting lists.

“Now the Labour government risks adding to those pressures. This disastrous jobs tax 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.

“At the Spring Statement next week the Chancellor needs to see sense and reverse this health tax by exempting health and care providers from this foolish policy.”