Taxing times for the NHS
From: Andrew Shaw, Netherton, Wakefield.
DR Rajeev Gupta in his letter on ‘UK tax and pension rules hitting the NHS’ (The Yorkshire Post, February 22) was very reasoned in outlining the effect of the retroactive pension tax changes on consultants and the NHS.
His reasoned approach is typical of consultants within the NHS, and therein lies part of the problem – they are all far too fair and reasonable people. A bit more worldliness would not come amiss, and benefit patients.
The NHS relies heavily on the goodwill of consultants to enable it to function. There are not enough consultants, most of whom have always worked extra sessions for little or no reward anyway to keep the NHS afloat, but who are now being hit by retrospective tax demands on top of their PAYE contributions, due to the changes in the pension tax regulations covering annual and lifetime allowances.
This double and retroactive taxation does not only affect hospital consultants, but a wide range of public sector workers, but do not apply to MPs or Government ministers.
There is a ‘drip, drip’ effect on morale and goodwill within the NHS. Demand is increasing, but the pool of experienced staff is not keeping pace.
Some may say that consultants are fortunate to be in this position, but waiting lists are increasing as a result.
The consultants, and others, have my sympathy. In the meantime, others who are able to be more ‘creative’ in their remuneration, or are not affected by the insidious tax changes, will carry on as before, oblivious or intentionally blind.