Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 21 January 2025
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the potential cost to the public sector in Scotland of the UK Government's decision to raise employer national insurance contributions.
The Scottish Government published estimates of the impact of the increase in employer national insurance contributions on the public sector in Scotland on 20 November. While the information is incomplete, these estimates indicate the combined impact on the public sector and commissioned services could be well over £700 million.
If the UK Government’s reported allocation is all that is provided, that will mean the Chancellor will be short-changing services the public depend on by over £400 million.
We will continue to work with His Majesty’s Treasury, Local Government and portfolios to support an evidence-based approach and will update Parliament when new information is available.