Lords debates National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill

The National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill will make provision about secondary Class 1 contributions.

Debate on the draft law

During second reading, members discussed the main topics in the bill and drew attention to specific concerns or areas where they think amendments (changes) are needed.

Members speaking

Lord Livermore (Labour), Financial Secretary to the Treasury, opened the debate and responded on behalf of the government.

Contributing members included:

• Lord Altrincham (Conservative), former managing director at Goldman Sachs and non-executive director at Co-operative Bank
• Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green), member of the Green European Foundation Universal Basic Income Expert Group
• Baroness Moyo (Non-Affiliated), economist and author

Motion to regret

Members also considered a motion to regret the bill, put forward by Baroness Kramer (Liberal Democrat), on the grounds that the bill:

• risks worsening pressures in the NHS and social care by placing costs on GPs and dentists, social care providers and hospices
• increases burdens on small businesses, early years providers, universities and charities
• penalises part-time work, and puts jobs and economic growth at risk.

There was a division (vote) on the motion which was not agreed to.

Catch up

• Watch on Parliament TV
• Read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Explore further information

Find out more about the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.

Next steps

Committee stage, the first chance for line by line examination of the bill, is scheduled to begin on Tuesday 21 January.   

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