National Insurance Contributions: Healthcare Debate

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Department: Department of Health and Social Care

National Insurance Contributions: Healthcare

Harriett Baldwin Excerpts
Thursday 14th November 2024

(2 days, 16 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Karin Smyth Portrait Karin Smyth
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The hon. Gentleman makes an excellent point about pharmacies. We absolutely understand their importance, both in urban constituencies such as mine and in rural areas. I remember from when I became an MP in 2015 the changes that the previous Government made to the pharmacy contract, and I am aware of the precarious situation that pharmacists have been in. We will continue to talk to them as part of the normal process, but we understand how important they are to building a neighbourhood service and to the future of the NHS.

Harriett Baldwin Portrait Dame Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)
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Acorns children’s hospice, St Richard’s hospice and GPs, care homes and pharmacies across West Worcestershire have all been in touch with concerns about the extra cost burden that the Government have imposed on them. Can the Minister explain how it fits in with her strategic plans to slap extra cost on the community sector while rebating the NHS trust sector?