The fight to end the tax trap continues

摘要

Recently announced changes will bring relief to thousands of NHS doctors—and patients. But underlying problems remain. Other public servants face similar problems, and they're also fighting back. The prospect of lengthening NHS waiting lists and a consultant exodus to avoid massive tax bills led to the government promising on 7 August "immediate action" and a consultation on giving senior clinicians more flexibility in how much they can pay into their pension pots. Waiting lists have risen by 50% in some hospitals because doctors have refused extra shifts. Rules from 2016 imposed new limits on how much higher earners could contribute to their pensions without incurring tax charges. A tapered annual allowance gradually reduces the tax free limit. About a third of NHS consultants and GP partners were affected, the government said.