Carmichael calls for GP and care home exemption from National Insurance tax hike

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today warned that isles GPs and care providers must be given support to offset the Budget’s National Insurance tax hike. Mr Carmichael voiced concerns that the tax hike will add to existing pressure on services by forcing small care providers and GPs to pay more in National Insurance Contributions.

The UK Government provided extra funding for the NHS and other public sector organisations to cover the cost of the tax rise, but GPs and the vast majority of care providers are private operators and will not benefit from this funding increase. 

Mr Carmichael said:

“When I speak to GPs and care providers in the isles they tell me of the immense pressure that they are under following years of SNP mismanagement. The last thing they need on top of that pressure is a tax hike to the tune of thousands of pounds. 

“Decisions the Chancellor made at the Budget on National Insurance tax rises risk pushing vital health and care services to the brink. Some could even be forced to shut up shop.

“People must be able to access decent health and care services – and that means ensuring that those services remain viable. To deliver this, the UK Government must change course and give support to GPs and care providers here in the isles and across the UK to offset this tax hike.”