Nick Timothy, the MP for West Suffolk, called on the Government to take urgent measures to exempt care organisations, other voluntary sector groups and front-line services such as GPs, pharmacies and hospices from its devastating National Insurance (NI) tax rise.
He made the call after visiting Haverhill Community Care on 23 April 2025.
The group, based in the town centre, delivers comprehensive care services aimed at empowering individuals so they can live independently and enhance their quality of life.
Meanwhile, the Thrive Hub — which works alongside Haverhill Community Care — provides a welcoming activity space for those with learning disabilities and physical and sensory impairment.
Haverhill Community Care is currently fundraising to purchase an accessible minibus. It is also working to build up a bank of volunteers and invest in a community kitchen.
Director and manager Nathalie Gilder wrote to Mr Timothy and to MPs from different parties to highlight the crushing burden facing care groups because of the NI rise, but also because of VAT and business rates.
The House of Lords backed measures to exempt care organisations from the NI rise in February, by 307 votes to 182.
So it was a cruel blow when Labour MPs overturned these amendments in March. The Bill to push up NI, amounting to a Jobs Tax, received Royal Assent on 3 April — with potentially devastating effects for front-line services and businesses across West Suffolk and the UK.
Care leaders have rightly described the overturning of the Lords exemption as a devastating blow to the sector.
Mr Timothy said: “Groups like Nathalie’s are doing brilliant work helping local people, but they are struggling under the burden of costs imposed by the authorities — whether it is the NI rise, VAT or business rates.
“I voted in Parliament to exempt front-line services from Labour’s devastating Jobs Tax.
Nick has also met community groups Reach Haverhill, The Link, Open Mind alongside other organisations at a roundtable to discuss tackling mental health challenges in Haverhill and West Suffolk.
