With the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) set to
be increased under government proposals, a number of constituents have
contacted me asking me to oppose the measure when MPs are presented with the
opportunity to vote on it.
Our NHS is always there whenever we need it, paid
for by British taxpayers.
It is right that immigrants are able to access NHS
services, but I also believe it is fair for them to contribute towards its
long-term sustainability.
The IHS applies to non-EEA nationals subject to
immigration control seeking to reside in the UK to work, study, or join family
members for more than six months. Those who pay the charge may access the NHS
on the same basis as UK residents for the duration of their lawful stay, i.e.
they receive NHS care generally free of charge.
The IHS is currently set at £200 per annum for most
temporary migrant categories, with a discounted rate of £150 per annum for
students and the youth mobility category. These rates have not changed since
the IHS was introduced in 2015.
In February, the Government announced that it
intends to increase the IHS from £200 to £400.
This followed a review by the Department of Health
and Social Care of the evidence regarding the average cost to the NHS of
treating surcharge payers.
The review found that the average annual cost of
NHS usage by those paying the surcharge is around £470 and that doubling the
IHS could generate an additional £220 million a year for the NHS across the UK.
The IHS has already raised over £600m and this
extra money could be vital to relieving financial pressures on the NHS.
It is also important to note that the new proposed
rate is below average annual cost to the NHS of treating surcharge payers,
which the review found to be around £470 per surcharge payer.
This means that the IHS remains a generous offer to
non-EEA nationals.
Students, as well as those on the Youth Mobility
Scheme, will continue to receive a discounted rate of £300.
Certain vulnerable groups such as asylum seekers
and modern slavery victims are exempt from paying the IHS.
I will therefore be voting in favour of the
Government’s proposals to increase the IHS because I believe it is a good deal
for both the IHS and to those seeking to live in the UK.
