Northampton GP warns tax hikes will put strain on surgeries

A GP has voiced concerns that tax increases announced in the Budget could put significant strain on private GP practices.

Dr Jamie Green, who runs Delapre Medical Centre, in Northampton, warned that the rise in National Insurance (NI) and the National Minimum Wage could create a “huge upset” for surgeries that operate independently, such as his.

The Institute of General Practice Management, which represents GP practice managers, has estimated the rise will cost the average surgery about £20,000 more a year.

Dr Green added: “A typical member of staff on minimum wage working 35 hours a week will cost the surgery in the region of £2,300. That’s a 10.5% increase in costs. That’s huge.”