Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to paragraph 2.40 of the Autumn Budget 2024, HC 295, published on 30 October 2024, what estimate she has made of the potential impact of the increase in the rate of employer National Insurance Contributions on (a) direct and (b) indirect departmental costs.

My right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, made an announcement at the Autumn Budget 2024 setting out changes to Employers National Insurance Contributions policy. Alongside this, she announced funding to the public sector to support them with the additional associated cost.

The department will work closely with HM Treasury (HMT) to understand the implications for our sectors. This process will conclude when HMT confirm funding allocations by department as part of setting baselines and planning assumptions for the second phase of the spending review.