L

Lord de Clifford (CB)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 24 February 2026

Debate

National Insurance Contributions (Employer Pensions Contributions) Bill

Contribution

I have had the privilege of putting my name to Amendment 27 in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Kramer; the noble Baroness, Lady Altmann, has added her name to it as well. I own an SME business, and this Government’s changes to NIC have significantly affected it. Of the 8% rise in salary costs to my business in the past 12 months, 25% of that figure—or 2%—was the NIC change. The changes proposed would increase that further. This amendment seeks a review of the effect of the change on SME businesses and on employment rates within SMEs. SMEs are the bedrock of employment in this country, as was covered by my noble friend Lord Londsborough. The addition of this pre-profit tax does nothing to encourage growth, investment or employment. This review is very much welcome to identify any changes within SME businesses, to ensure that we remain healthy and can create opportunities for growth and jobs for all generations, especially the young.

More from Lord de Clifford (CB)

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

Partner sites