The Autumn Budget was announced earlier this week. The Budget revealed a number of changes including employers’ national insurance contributions, inheritance tax, capital gains tax and other duties, as well as increased investment and measures to tackle the root causes of ill-health inactivity.The British Chiropractic Association welcome the Chancellors acknowledgement in the Autumn Budget of the direct link between economic inactivity and ill health which must be addressed if we are to have a healthy workforce and increased productivity. We are encouraged to see these much-needed investments focused on reactivating the workforce and the opportunity for new initiatives as part of the Get Britain Working White Paper. Chiropractors are private, regulated healthcare professionals, ready to play their part in this, our membership is silently supporting communities across the country providing immediate access treatment to prevent people having the leave the workforce, and supporting their return where they have had to.
At the same time, we are delighted to see the £22.6 billion investment in the NHS and commitment to reduce waiting lists, improve services and focus on prevention, so that fewer people have to sign off of work in the first place. It is a clear sign that the Government recognises the need for swift, innovative solutions which we now need to put into action.
The BCA urges the Government and our NHS partners to consider the role that chiropractors can play in this vision. As private healthcare professionals with significant MSK expertise, we are well positioned across communities to be mobilised immediately. To help diversify patient pathways, offering timely, effective treatment options that support recovery, prevent prolonged absences, and ease NHS pressures. Chiropractors are ready to contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system that not only meets demand but also prioritises patient choice and long-term health outcomes.
