15 GP SURGERIES IN EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE AT RISK OVER LABOUR TAX HIKE

LOCAL MSP: ‘UK GOVERNMENT MUST RECONSIDER’

Rona Mackay MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden has urged the UK government to reconsider their planned tax hike after figures show that 15 GP practices in East Dunbartonshire would be impacted.

The UK government has increased employers’ national insurance contributions, but Ms Mackay said they had failed to take into account this will put more pressure on the finances and services of local organisations such as charities, care providers, and GP surgeries.

Local charity Deafblind Scotland, based at Kirkintilloch, echoed the SNP MSP’s misgivings. Its Chief Executive said this week she was “deeply concerned” at the impact the changes to employer national insurance contributions will have on the third sector.

Scotland has 911 GP surgeries nationwide who all perform a vital role in front line health care – helping to look after and keep our communities healthy.

Any tax hike from the UK government which harms the operation of GP surgeries would be “totally unacceptable” said Ms Mackay. This follows warnings from the BMA that some GP surgeries would have to close if they are not exempted from the national insurance rise.

Ms Mackay added: “I am deeply worried about the negative impact this will have on the operations of GPs, charities, care providers and hospices.

“Throughout East Dunbartonshire we presently have 15 GP practices performing a vital role in our community – any tax hike from the UK government which impacts on their services would be totally unacceptable.

“As MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden, I am demanding the UK government urgently reconsiders and excludes charities, GP surgeries, care providers and hospices from this tax rise. These organisations help so many people across my constituency and we should be supporting them, not increasing their tax burden.”

Isabella Goldie, Chief Executive at Deafblind Scotland added: “We are deeply concerned at the impact this increase will have on the third sector.

“This policy from the Chancellor seems deeply unfair. In Scotland, many social care services are provided by charities that support people at the most vulnerable points in their lives.

“Unlike private businesses, charities do not make profits, often operating at losses and therefore have no additional funds to draw upon to address this significant increase to the costs of employing support staff. This will put their future at significant risk.”

ENDS