Caroline Voaden MP’S Budget Response: I Will Hold the Government's “FEET TO THE FIRE” on NHS Funding for South Devon

Local Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon, Caroline Voaden has said the extra funding for the NHS announced in the Autumn Budget must deliver improved health services for local people, including extra GP and NHS dentist appointments.

Local Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon, Caroline Voaden has said the extra funding for the NHS announced in the Autumn Budget must deliver improved health services for local people, including extra GP and NHS dentist appointments. 

 Caroline Voaden MP said she will “hold the government’s feet to the fire” on delivering on their promises on the NHS. She added that fixing social care will be crucial to take pressure off local health services and give older people the care they need. 

 She shared her concern over several of the policies announced yesterday, including the “unfair tax on jobs”, the increase in business rates for the hospitality industry, the introduction of VAT on independent school fees, and changes to Agricultural Property Relief.   

 Responding to the Budget, Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon, Caroline Voaden, said: 

“While I’m pleased the Chancellor has listened to Liberal Democrat calls for greater investment in the NHS to start repairing the damage done by the Conservatives, the Government is still ignoring social care. It must understand you can’t fix the NHS if you don’t fix social care too, and we urgently need cross-party talks to tackle this crisis.  

 The previous Conservative government left our NHS on its knees, with soaring GP waiting times and crumbling hospital buildings. Liberal Democrats will hold the government to account to ensure this extra funding is delivered for patients, including through extra GP and dentist appointments. 

 While I welcome additional funding for the NHS, schools and local government, as well as for the infected blood scandal and Horizon Post Office scandal compensation schemes, I am deeply concerned by some of the policies announced by the Chancellor.  

 Raising employer’s National Insurance is an unfair tax on jobs that will deal a hammer blow to our small businesses and high streets while they are already struggling. 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 their fair share. 

 Hospitality businesses will face a devastating increase in their business rates bill, as the current 75% business rates relief for the industry will be reduced to 40% in March 2025. As Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hospitality and Tourism, I recently wrote to the Chancellor appealing for the current rate of business rates relief to be extended, so am disappointed my calls and those of the whole sector were ignored.  

 Ending the VAT exemption for independent schools could force the closure of many institutions that tailor their education for children with SEND. Parents shouldn’t be penalised for choosing to send their children to a school which suits their needs, and the Liberal Democrats will oppose this blanket change.  

 The changes to Agricultural Property Relief could spell the end for hardworking local farmers, decimation of small family farms and all the businesses who rely on them. It is disappointing to see Labour following in the Conservatives’ footsteps by taking rural communities for granted.  

 I will now be working to hold the Government’s feet to the fire on the promises they’ve made, to ensure residents of South Devon receive the support they deserve.”