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MP outlines Scotland will benefit from health and social care levy


By Kyle Ritchie

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A MP has responded to a statement that the UK Government is hiking taxes in Scotland to pay for health and social care in England.

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie was responding to Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam.

In welcoming Holyrood's Programme for Government the MSP said: "Compare that to the UK government who have recently announced plans to hike taxes in Scotland to pay for health and social care in England."

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie.
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie.

Mr Bowie has highlighted the creation of the health and social care levy from 2023 onwards will raise £36 billion for frontline services in three years.

Under the plans, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive 15 per cent more than they will pay in, or roughly £300 million per annum. The amount forecast for Scotland is +£1.1bn over three years.

The MP outlined that apart from what the government said, the Institute for Fiscal Studies forecast yesterday that Scotland would receive more back in Barnett consequentials than Scots would be paying out for the rise in National Insurance.

Mr Bowie said: "The levy is a major response to the greatest challenge to our health and social care since the creation of the NHS.

"Workers across the UK are being asked to contribute to its future, so that generations to come will be able to rely on high-quality care, free at point of use.

"Scotland will receive more money than it will contribute.

"Instead of seeking to deceive the public, the SNP should welcome this massive boost for our health and social care."

Related story: Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP condemns UK Government’s ‘Union Tax’


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