Member

I want to ask the Minister a number of specific questions. Does he accept that the LGA’s figures on the effect of the national insurance contribution change are correct, not only for direct but for indirect employment? Does he recognise the £1.227 billion shortfall in aggregate to councils? Why is local government being treated differently in respect of national insurance contributions from national government? What assessment has been made of the effect on the most vulnerable? What commitments can he give for the treatment of NICs being remitted back to councils after the comprehensive spending review? How does allowing councils, as I have heard, to borrow against the shortfall caused by NICs help with the Chancellor’s golden rules?