Over two million GP appointments at risk due to National Insurance tax hike

EMBARGO: 22.30 Sunday 10th November

The rise in employers' National Insurance Contributions at the Budget could end up costing GP surgeries the equivalent of over two million appointments a year, Liberal Democrat analysis has revealed.

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to exempt GPs and other health and care providers from the rise, but so far ministers have refused to do so. The party is seeking to use amendments to upcoming legislation on the Budget to exempt GPs from the National Insurance tax rise.

The Institute of General Practice Management has estimated that the rise will mean the average GP surgery’s tax bill will go up by around £20,000 a year. This could end up costing GPs an estimated £125.5 million a year in additional costs, for all 6,275 GP practices in England.

This is the equivalent cost of providing 2.24 million GP appointments, at £56 per appointment. It means it could cost the average GP surgery the equivalent of 357 appointments a year.

Liberal Democrat Health and Social Care spokesperson, Helen Morgan MP said:

“Clobbering GP practices with higher taxes makes no sense at a time when many people are already struggling to get an appointment.

“Surgeries are already struggling and these increased costs will leave GPs with no choice but to cut services and staff numbers. Ultimately it is patients around the country who will pay the price.

“The Chancellor needs to urgently rethink these proposals and exempt GPs from this misguided tax hike."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Liberal Democrat analysis of additional costs to GPs due to employers' NICs rise can be found here.

Cost of a GP appointment estimated to be £56 by the King’s Fund can be found here.

The Institute of General Practice Management’s estimate that the rise will mean the average GP surgery’s tax bill will go up by around £20,000 a year can be found here.

The number of GP practices can be found here.