CAMPAIGNERS are hoping a House of Lords amendment, which would make social care providers exempt from the planned rise in Employer’s National Insurance Contributions, will be accepted by the Government.
The House of Lords recently supported a Liberal Democrat amendment to the National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill which would exempt social care providers, NHS GP practices, NHS commissioned dentists, NHS commissioned pharmacists, charitable providers of health and care, and those providing hospice care from the increase.
The Independent Care Group hopes the Government will have a rethink and accept the amendment.
Chair Mike Padgham said: “The House of Lords has sent a clear message to the Government that it believes the health and social care sector should be exempt from the rise in Employer’s National Insurance Contributions.
“We hope that it prompts the Government to have a rethink and change the policy before it comes in this April.
“Many social care providers will face real financial difficulty if the increases go ahead and we hope there is a change of heart.”
The vote came as social care providers held a Day of Action calling on the Government to support the social care sector. The day of action, organised by Providers Unite, a coalition of social care representatives, included a march in Westminster.
It called on the Government to review the impact the proposed increase in Employer’s National Insurance Contributions and rise in the National Living Wage will have on social care.
Campaigners want the Government to make social care providers, including hospices, exempt from the National Insurance increase or make more funding available to help social care providers meet rising costs.