May committed to rise in NI payments
THE Prime Minister is “fully committed” to pressing ahead with her plan to hike National Insurance contributions for the self-employed.
Labour’s John McDonnell accused Theresa May of being in disarray over the policy because legislation to bring in the measure has been pushed back.
Video footage also appeared to show David Cameron hitting out at her, saying: “Breaking a manifesto promise is stupidity.”
With flak from Opposition and Tory benches over the NI rise – set to cost 2.5 million Britons an average £240 a year – Mrs May has sought to dodge the issue of a broken manifesto pledge not to raise the tax that pays for pensions by focusing on her argument that creating a better level playing field on NI contributions between the employed and self-employed was fairer.
However, with a report due in the summer from Matthew Taylor, a former policy chief to Tony Blair, on the possibility of extending more rights to the self-employed, Mrs May has made clear new legislation for the 2018 changes will not take place until later in the year.
Conservatives voiced concerns about the £2 billlion hit in the Budget.
Shadow chancellor Mr McDonnell said: “The fact the Prime Minister won’t fully support her Chancellor’s Budget measure and has been forced by Labour to row back on it just 24 hours after he delivered his speech in Parliament shows the level of disarray that exists in government.”