Tories have failed NHS workers who face £3billion tax raid, Lib Dem leader says

The Tories have failed NHS and care workers as they are facing a £3billion tax raid amid the cost-of-living crisis, the leader of the Liberal Democrats has claimed.

Sir Ed Davey launched his party’s election campaign in Colliers Wood, South West London, vowing to deliver a fair deal for struggling pensioners and NHS staff as living costs spiral.

The party chief used his speech to claim the Tory Government “either doesn’t care or doesn’t get it” when it comes to the cost-of-living crisis.

The party chief spoke to the Mirror from Colliers Wood, South West London, a seat his party is set on winning from the Tories on May 5.

He blasted Boris Johnson for “going out and clapping” NHS and care staff before taxing them “quite hard”, without increasing funding for the healthcare system.

Sir Ed Davey arrives at the launch of the Lib Dem's local election campaign (PA)

“Everyone has struggled through Covid, but none more so than NHS and care workers'", Sir Ed said as he urged the Government to use money lost to Covid fraud to fund the NHS.

Wednesday saw the rise in national insurance come into force, with millions of workers and employers hit with a 1.25 percentage point increase.

Research shows NHS and care workers are set to face a £3billion tax raid as a result of the Conservatives' National Insurance tax hike which came into force yesterday.

The latest Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts analysed by the party finds health and social care workers will pay approximately £534million more in National Insurance over the next year because of Rishi Sunak's tax hike.

Unless the Conservatives scrap the hike, workers in the healthcare sector will pay around £3 billion more over the next five years.

He claimed the triple whammy of increased national insurance contributions, rising VAT bills and the decision to freeze income tax thresholds demonstrates that ministers have a “tin ear” to the plight of struggling families.

Sir Ed Davey helps to clear rubbish from the River Wandle in south west London (PA)

The Government “either doesn’t care or doesn’t get it” when it comes to the cost-of-living crisis he said after his speech.

“There is money there if you have a fairer tax system," Sir Ed said.

“It is just wrong, when people are really struggling, to pile on these unfair taxes, which, let’s be clear, are hitting the lowest paid.

“They are clobbering the lower paid with that freeze in tax allowance – that keeps getting missed out in all that discussion. It shouldn’t be.

“I think the Conservatives have lost the plot on tax.”