House of Commons · Westminster Hall
11 February 2025 · 8 other contributors · 6,847 words
Opened by Esther McVey Con Tatton
Responding minister: Dame Diana Johnson
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Esther McVey raised concerns about employer national insurance contributions: police forces in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Government should reconsider their policy changes and consult with police forces before implementing such measures. The impact on frontline policing is significant, potentially resulting in fewer police officers available to keep communities safe.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The planned changes to employer national insurance contributions will have a devastating impact on individual employers and businesses, but their impact on public services, particularly the police forces, has been widely overlooked. Late last year, Esther McVey submitted freedom of information requests to every police force in the UK, revealing that Cheshire constabulary alone faces an additional £3.7 million per year in employer national insurance costs.
Clarifies his stance as being driven by a love for country and tough on crime, in response to criticism from the Conservative MP.
Aphra Brandreth thanked her right hon. Friend for securing the debate and expressed concern that the changes could have a significant impact on rural crime, potentially diverting funding from rural to urban areas. Recognised the valuable role of neighbourhood policing in her area.
Noted the underfunding issue due to previous Conservative Government, highlighting the £230 million allocated in police grant report for national insurance rise covers only about £426 million of new cash. Stressed rural policing teams will face severe financial pressures. Spoke on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, discussed rural crime concerns.
Asked for the policy to be stopped and reversed, citing concerns about its impact on frontline policing.
The Government's failure to exempt the police from the policy is causing damage and hindering their ability to operate effectively. Contributed with an intervention during the debate.
John Slinger questioned the right hon. Lady's statement and raised concerns about unfunded national insurance tax cuts by the Conservative party, highlighting a £22 billion black hole. Questions whether the Government can fulfill their promise of recruiting 13,000 new neighbourhood police officers given the national insurance contribution black hole. Acknowledged the funding boost provided by the Government for policing which is a real-terms increase of 4.1% and cash increase of 6.6%. Emphasised that law and order support is not exclusive to any particular party.
The funding settlement for local police forces is inadequate, with estimates suggesting that the shortfall could see 1,800 fewer officers on our streets. The Minister conceded in questioning that it was challenging for police forces.
The estimated cost for the west midlands is £12.8 million, highlighting that when national insurance pressure is placed on businesses and public sectors, it impacts employment, training, and potentially leads to reduced public services. Expresses gratitude towards local neighbourhood police teams for their dedicated work and highlights the impact of increased employer national insurance contributions on Aldridge's policing resources. Acknowledged rural crime concerns, emphasised the importance of proper resourcing for police forces.
Government Response
Dame Diana JohnsonThe Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention
Thanks the right hon. Member for Tatton (Esther McVey) for securing the debate and acknowledges her engaging style of communication while disagreeing with her views. Acknowledged the impact of national insurance contributions on public sector budgets including policing. Provided £230.3 million funding to protect spending power from direct impacts of NI increase, similar to previous government's pension changes compensation. Emphasised increased neighbourhood policing investment and police officer recruitment goals. Confirmed compensation for national insurance increases, emphasizing commitment to maintaining officer numbers and investing in neighbourhood policing. Stressed ongoing engagement with forces and finance leads to address additional pressures.