Context
The Labour Government's decision to hike national insurance is causing concern among businesses, particularly in Scotland. A recent business survey highlighted that one large business plans to cut up to 25 jobs due to these changes.
Question
I have spoken to many businesses across my constituency in recent months, and all have said how worried they are about the changes. In response to my recent business survey, one large business said that it is now looking to cut up to 25 jobs because of the NICs changes, and that it is beyond belief that the Labour Government have decided to do this. Given that this example will be replicated in constituencies across Scotland, including the Minister’s, can she really stand at the Dispatch Box and say she believes in this policy, which so directly hits jobs, employment and growth across Scotland?
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Kirsty McNeill)
I do believe in this policy, in the same way I believe in all the announcements we made in the Budget. As is so often the case with Conservative Members, they will the ends of the Budget but not the means. If the hon. Lady wants changes to the public services that people in both our constituencies rely on, we need to have the revenue to pay for them. That is what this Budget was all about: cleaning up the mess we inherited and getting the investment into public services that is so desperately required.
Not addressed: The negative impact of NICs changes on employment and growth
How: As Is So Often The Case With Conservative Members, They Will The Ends Of The Budget But Not The Means.
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