Reeves' Tax Hike on GPs Sparks Fear of Mass Exodus, Straining NHS
Rachel Reeves' proposed tax hike on partnerships has raised alarm bells among GPs, who fear it could lead to a mass exodus and further strain the NHS. The move comes as the number of patients per GP nears 2,200, 400 more than the clinically safe limit.
GPs are already grappling with financial pressures. Last year's Budget saw them lose an estimated £200m due to minimum wage and employer NIC hikes. Reeves' plans for partnerships could exacerbate this, potentially costing the sector £2bn and leaving GPs uncertain about their future incomes. Katie Collin, a partner at Ramsay Brown LLP, warns that the tax hike could 'decimate' the GP workforce.
If GPs leave en masse, it could spell disaster for the NHS's broader ambitions. Without GPs to staff new neighbourhood health hubs, Labour's NHS 10-year plan, championed by Sir Keir Starmer and Wes Streeting, may falter. Many GPs are already considering moving abroad due to disillusionment with the UK government's treatment of the sector.
General practice, often overlooked and mismanaged, is now facing another challenge. Reeves' tax hike could push GPs to retire early, reduce hours, or leave the UK, further impacting patient care and the NHS's ability to meet its goals. The government must address these concerns to prevent a crisis in primary care.
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