LIBERAL Democrat councillors have criticised Harriett Baldwin for not supporting two Parliamentary motions aimed at tackling the health and care crisis.

But the West Worcestershire MP says she is working hard locally for better healthcare.

Tabled as part of the Liberal Democrats’ first Opposition Day since 2009, the first proposal focused on the Carer’s Allowance repayments scandal.

It called on the government to write off existing overpayments and conduct a full review of support for unpaid carers. 

The second motion urged ministers to boost access to community healthcare, lambasting the current wait times for GP, NHS dentist and local pharmacy appointments.

Data uncovered by the Liberal Democrats revealed that in the last year, 45 percent of Brits have tried - and were unable - to get an NHS appointment.

READ MORE: Dame Harriett Baldwin MP voices concerns over private school tax

The statistics further indicated that one in four people have been unable to work because of this lack of access to appointments. 

The Liberal Democrats’ proposal called for new healthcare mandates which would give everyone the right to see a GP within seven days (or within 24 hours if in urgent need) and guarantee emergency access to an NHS dentist.

Dan Boatright-Greene, Lib Dem spokesperson for West Worcestershire, said: “I’m deeply disappointed to see that the Labour Government opposed these motions.

“What was even more disappointing was to see our local MP Harriett Baldwin fail to support motions in Parliament that would see more support for health and care services in our community.

“The state of local healthcare is dire and the carers’ overpayment scandal is a national disgrace. Families, carers and pensioners across West Worcestershire are in desperate need of a fair deal. 

“That’s why Liberal Democrat MPs threw their support behind these measures - voting to rescue our GPs, NHS dentists, community pharmacists and of course our carers. 

“Locally, we’ll keep putting pressure on Harriett Baldwin to do the right thing. Health and social care must be their top priority.”

Dame Harriett said: “l believe this refers to a Liberal Democrat motion in Parliament last week when Labour MPs voted down their motion. Perhaps the issue should be more usefully taken up with Labour MPs.

“As an MP from the official opposition, I did not take part in the debate due to other parliamentary commitments.

“I shall continue to work hard locally to ensure constituents in West Worcestershire get access to good primary and emergency care, whether that is meeting with local health commissioners, providers or Labour Ministers. 

“As a result of these local meetings I welcome a recent decision to expand NHS dentistry in Malvern.”