National Insurance Hike Threatens GP Practices and Hospices with Financial Strain

Health Secretary Wes Streeting considers funding solutions as GPs and hospices face closures due to increased costs from the new Budget.

The recent Budget introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves includes a rise in employers' national insurance contributions, impacting GP practices and hospices not exempt from the increase.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has acknowledged the financial pressures on GPs and hospices and is exploring funding allocations to mitigate these impacts.
The British Medical Association warns that without financial support, GP practices might have to cut services or close, significantly affecting patient care.
Hospices, already under financial strain, may face existential threats from the tax hike, prompting calls for urgent government intervention.
Despite the tax increase, the government has announced an additional £22.6 billion in health spending, with details on specific allocations yet to be disclosed.