National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: HM Treasury
Lord Cromwell
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National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill
Lord Cromwell ExcerptsMonday 24th March 2025
(2 days, 21 hours ago)
Lords ChamberRead Full debate National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill 2024-26 View all National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill 2024-26 Debates Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts Amendment Paper: HL Bill 85-I Marshalled list for Consideration of Commons Reasons - (21 Mar 2025)
Lord Cromwell (CB)
My Lords, I will genuinely be brief. I agree with the spirit of the Government in rejecting carve-outs, no matter how emotionally appealing they may be. However, looking at these amendments, which I support, I do not understand why the Government are resistant to the Treasury having a practical route to act if there is a change of policy in due course. Otherwise, we are binding future Governments to have to produce new legislation to create carve-outs if they wish to do so. It seems to me rather obstinate not to accept these amendments, which give that flexibility without overturning the nature of the Bill and agreeing to carve-outs. So, I hope the Minister will either explain why the Government are unwilling or will accept these amendments.