November 21st 2024

By Ailsa Colquhoun

GP NIC raised in the Lords

DDA political adviser Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Con) has told the health department that promises about allocations to offset the budget’s employer NIC increase “simply will not wash”.

In a debate, she told the minister that GP practices, care homes and pharmacies will close their doors if the Government do not act urgently.

Responding, health and care minister Baroness Merron said established processes on NHS guidance, the national tariff system, and consultations on primary care contracts will play out in the normal way.

She added: “There is no intent to squeeze out any providers, which are much valued and appreciated. We will continue to listen to their concerns and consult them as we make allocations.”