HL Deb 03 April 2000 vol 611 cc106-7WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many self-employed people will be subject to increased Class 4 National Insurance contributions from April 2000; and what the total value of this increase will be to the Treasury. [HL1595]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

Reform of National Insurance for the 2.8 million self-employed includes a substantial reduction in the rate of Class 2 contributions. Taken together, the measures will mean that 0.9 million self-employed will pay less National Insurance contributions. The measures will mean that 0.9 million people with profits of less than £9,215 will actually pay less National Insurance Contributions and those 1.9 million with profits above that amount will pay more. The exchequer effects of changes are detailed in table A2.1 of the March 2000 Financial Statement and Budget Report.