DAUK’s GP committee says general practice has been ‘thrown a lifeline’ by a House of Lords vote to exempt practices from having to pay increased National Insurance contributions.
Peers voted to exempt health and care providers, including NHS GP services, from the higher rates when they are introduced in April.
They voted in favour of an amendment to the National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill that practices would continue to pay current contributions.
The amendment also extends to NHS-commissioned dentists and pharmacists, charitable providers of health and care, and those providing hospice care.
Dr Ellen Welch, DAUK’s vice chair and a GP, said: “GP surgeries are struggling to survive. Hundreds have already closed their doors, and many GPs are struggling to find work.
“There are fears across the GP community that an increase in employer national insurance costs could have dire consequences and might well be the expense that makes many unviable.
“This is a welcome intervention by the House of Lords and feels like general practice has been thrown a lifeline.
“This needs to be the moment the government invests properly in general practice and in the health of the nation.
“There is huge efficiency to be gained when GPs can build trust and continuity with their patients.
“It provides better outcomes, lower admissions, higher patient satisfaction, and savings to the public purse.”
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