§ Mr. DawsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate the effect on Treasury revenue of abolishing the ceiling on national insurance contributions. [46134]
§ Mr. DenhamIf the Upper Earnings Limit on employees' Class 1 contributions and the Upper Profits Limit on Class 4 contributions had been removed in 1998/99, estimated additional revenue of some £4.6 billion would have been raised in respect of earnings in that year.
The figure assumes that the current 10 per cent. contribution rate would apply to earnings above the present Upper Earnings Limit and that the current Class 4 contribution rate of 6 per cent. would apply to profits above the present Upper Profits Limit. The figure also assumes that the Upper Earnings Limit would remain in place for the calculation of employee and employer contracted-out rebates.
Source:
Government Actuary's Department.
244Wsickness and disability benefits as outlined in The Green Paper, "New Ambitions for our Country: a New Contract for Welfare". [46714]
§ Ms HarmanI am pleased to announce the first meeting of the Disability Benefits Forum took place today. This is an important step forward to ensure a proper dialogue between Government and disability organisations.
The terms of reference of the Forum are: To consider possible options for changes in the gateways to benefits for long-term sick and disabled people and carers, and how to ensure that help is directed to those who need it.
The Forum will bring together representatives of disabled people and experts in disability issues, to conduct an open and detailed dialogue with the Government.
The members of the Forum are: