A Scottish Liberal Democrat campaigner has warned that Renfrewshire GPs and care providers will be "pushed to the brink" without a National Insurance exemption.

Grant Toghill warned that the UK Budget's National Insurance tax hike will add pressure to the sector and force small care providers and GPs in Renfrewshire to pay more in National Insurance Contributions, despite already being in crisis.

The UK Government has provided extra funding to the NHS and other public sector organisations to cover the cost of the tax rise.

However, as GPs and the majority of care providers operate privately, they will not benefit from this assistance.

Mr Toghill has called for crucial health and care services in Renfrewshire to be exempted from the National Insurance hike, warning that they may be forced to close otherwise.

He said: “GPs and care providers in Renfrewshire are already under immense pressure following years of SNP mismanagement and now Labour is looking to only add to this. “These decisions the Chancellor made at the UK Budget will push those crucial services to the brink.

“Some could even be forced to shut up shop. People must be able to access decent health and care services.

"To deliver this, the UK Government must change course and exempt GPs and care providers here in Renfrewshire from the tax hike.”