Written question asked by Neville Trotter (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 February 1997. It was answered by Oliver Heald (Conservative) on Monday, 10 February 1997 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: How many individuals would be affected if the employee limit on National Insurance contributions was removed; and what is his estimate of the total extra amount that they would have to pay. - Inc figs.

Answer: Mr. Trotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many individuals would be affected if the employee limit on national insurance contributions were removed; and what is his estimate of the total extra amount that they would have to pay. [14868] Mr. Heald: It is estimated that in any one week in 1996-97 an average of 3.2 million employees have earnings above the national insurance upper earnings limit. If the limit was removed, it is estimated that the employees affected would pay an extra £3.3 billion in contributions in a full year{1}. Notes: {1}Assumes that the current 10 per cent. contribution rate would apply to earnings above the Upper Earnings Limit.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 14868; 290 c76W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Costs Employees' contributions National insurance contributions Earnings limits
Contains statistics: Yes