'Hike in National Insurance will put care homes out of business'

RACHEL Reeves has been warned she risks putting care homes out of business with her "devastating" tax on jobs.

- By David Williamson CHIEF POLITICAL COMMENTATOR

It is feared the Chancellor's tax hikes will push up costs and force providers to close or make cutbacks. Her decision to increase employers' National Insurance contributions has been denounced as "madness".

Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride warned it will be "devastating" and risked fuelling inflation and unemployment - with women and part-time workers particularly vulnerable.

He was concerned families trying to secure care for their loved ones will find "diminishing supply" and "increased cost".

The National Care Association says "about a quarter of care services" will be at risk of closure. The Nuffield Trust has warned the NI hike could cost the adult social care sector more than £900million.