National insurance: MPs vote not to exempt GPs from hike in contributions

MPs have voted down a House of Lords amendment that would have exempted general practices from paying increased national insurance contributions (NICs) from April.

In October 2024 the chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves, announced an increase in NICs paid by employers to 15% on salaries above £5000, up from 13.8% on salaries above £9100.

Some employers such as NHS hospital trusts are exempt from the hike, but general practice is not, prompting concerns that some GP …