B

Baroness Stedman-Scott (Con)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 25 February 2025

Debate

National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill

Contribution

My Lords, I have not spoken on the Bill so far, but I want to speak now on behalf of charities. Charities are not for profit and they are not for loss. The impact of the Bill’s proposals provides a fiscal challenge, whichever way we look at it. I understand that the increase proposed will impose on charities about £1.4 billion in additional annual costs, and 87% of charities are worried about absorbing these and other costs that are forthcoming. Charities are emotionally driven and business-led organisations; they give their heart and soul to the people they get up in the morning to serve, and we must make sure that the people who need their services are not impacted detrimentally in any way. While people in the finance departments of organisations, not least the Government, are focused clinically on money, and I understand that, I ask that they look at the impact that the Bill will have on individuals. My dad used to say to me, “Debbie, measure twice and cut once”, and I would like that saying to be applied to decisions in the Bill.

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