The MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough has said the extra funding for the NHS announced in the Budget must deliver improved health services for local people.
Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon spoke after yesterday's Budget and said improved services should be delivered through extra GP and NHS dentist appointments.
Mr Gordon said he will “hold the government’s feet to the fire” on delivering on their promises on the NHS.
He added that fixing social care will be crucial to take pressure off local health services and give older people the care they need.
Tom said:
“I have consistently campaigned for more investment in our local health services so I’m glad the Chancellor has finally listened.
“The Liberal Democrats will now be holding the government’s feet to the fire on the promises they’ve made, so people here in our part of Yorkshire can finally see a GP or dentist when they need to.
“Sadly the new government has repeated the Conservatives' mistake of neglecting social care.
“We urgently need cross-party talks to tackle this crisis so older people stranded in hospital beds can finally get the care and dignity they deserve.”
It was also revealed that employer national insurance contributions from 13.8% to 15%, alongside lowering the threshold where businesses start paying NI earnings from £9,100 to £5,000.
Tom Gordon expresses concern over this policy.
He said:
“Both Harrogate and Knaresborough have local economies that rely heavily on small and medium sized businesses.
“Labour’s policy is reckless in its approach and will put already struggling businesses in more jeopardy.
“In areas like ours, we all feel it when local businesses are struggling, so this change really worries me.
"The government should instead be raising the money we need by reversing tax cuts for the big banks and asking the social media giants to pay a bit more.”
The Chancellor also reaffirmed that VAT would become applicable to independent school fees.
Mr Gordon has expressed concern over this policy’s unintended consequences, including this weekend when he appeared on BBC Politics North.
He shared the story of a constituent who met him in Parliament who works in the NHS and will now have to leave for the private sector in order to afford the VAT implementation.
Liberal Democrats have been clear and consistent that taxing education is wrong.
Mr Gordon said he is "unimpressed" with the direction of the Budget.
He said:
“We’ve heard a lot from Labour about change both before and after the election - but the budget just reads as more of the same to me.
“The Conservatives left our economy stagnating, and Labour’s budget tells me that they’re only interested in continuing to stifle growth.
“Their budget is one that I’m afraid is going to impact those who are already struggling the most, from parents of SEND children to those who rely on buses to get to work and to the tenant farmers who will be shafted by Labour’s changes to agricultural property relief.
“I am however pleased to see that Labour have taken notice of the Lib Dem campaign to win carers a fair deal and are increasing carers allowance.
“I hope the government will continue listening to the Lib Dems on care and enact meaningful system reform and get rid of the ‘cliff edge’ many carers feel they face ”
Stars of Ripon community celebrated at annual awards event
Harrogate Neighbours golf day raises £1,700
Harrogate district bookshop included in ultimate book-lovers travel guide
CCTV appeal after watch stolen from Harrogate gym
Father Christmas set to visit children's ward at Harrogate Hospital
'Cancer does not end even when you are in remission', says Harrogate woman
Woman sentenced for trying to avoid speeding fine near Harrogate
Black History Month event held in Starbeck
Harrogate MP hits out at bus fare cap hike
Leeds Bradford Airport celebrates first easyJet flight to Paris
Harrogate law firm included in two of UK's leading legal guides
Harrogate vet offers advice for dogs scared of fireworks
Ex-England footballer to host event in Harrogate
Harrogate Town to sell Wrexham tickets at Stray Bonfire
Artisan market returns to Knaresborough Castle for final time this year
New Christmas song about Harrogate shooting for number one
Popular après ski dining event returns to Ripon
Ripon opticians hosts Halloween fun to make eye tests less scary
Harrogate Town offer discounted family tickets for Wrexham clash
Luxury Ripon hotel is first in UK to achieve world class accreditation
