William Eichler 18 January 2022

Council chief urges Holyrood to fully fund NIC employer contributions

Council chief urges Holyrood to fully fund NIC employer contributions  image
Image: Freedomz/Shutterstock.com.

The leader of Highland Council has urged the Scottish government to fully fund increased National Insurance employer contributions.

Cllr Margaret Davidson said that the settlement to local authorities does not include funding for the increased NIC employer contributions which Holyrood received compensatory funding for from the UK Government.

‘The increased employer contributions for National Insurance equates to £3.4m. This deficit would wipe out any 3% increase in council tax, without meeting any of our significant budget pressures,’ she said.

‘The council is already facing a £3.9m core budget reduction, coupled with significant additional pressures. This will lead to some very hard decisions ahead.’

In response to Cllr Davidson, a Scottish government spokesperson said that the UK Treasury’s block grant to the Scottish budget does not identify funding for National Insurance contributions.

They said that the budget provides local government revenue funding amounting to over £11.8bn – a cash increase of £855.4m and a real terms increase of £543.6m. However, they argued the UK Government had still cut Holyrood’s funding.

‘The Scottish Budget takes account of the full range of pressures across different areas and accordingly increases the local government settlement by over £900 million next year,’ the spokesperson said.

‘The Scottish Fiscal Commission has highlighted the overall 2022-23 Scottish Budget is 2.6% lower than this year’s in cash terms and 5.2% lower after accounting for inflation because of reduced Covid-19 funding and falling capital funding from the UK Government.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Data, Monitoring and Citizen Science Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £37,035 to £40,476 p.a. (Pay Award Pending)
We are looking for an organised and reliable individual to join our team here at the North Pennines National Landscape in Stanhope for a period of 15 Stanhope
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5, £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata 37 hours per week, Term Time only + 2 weeks Permanent     Required from 1st September Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Structures Commissioner

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer - WMF2139e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586
We have an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to apply for the role of Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer. Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Customer Operations Assistant

Wyre Borough Council
£12.26 Per Hour
Marine Hall is a vibrant and dynamic venue dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for our audiences and customers. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner