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Written question asked by Jack Straw (Labour) on Monday, 7 April 2014, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 April 2014 (named day). It was answered by David Gauke (Conservative) on Thursday, 10 April 2014 on behalf of the Treasury.

National Insurance Contributions

Question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many copies of the Prime Minister's recent letter concerning new tax cuts for businesses and charities were printed; what the total cost was of printing, distribution and postage in respect of these letters; and from which Vote this expenditure will be taken;

Answer

The employment allowance was introduced to promote both growth and employment, particularly among small businesses, and its success is heavily dependent on ensuring that businesses know whether they are eligible, which they can check by visiting

https://www.gov.uk/employment-allowance

It is estimated to benefit UK employers by approximately £1.25 billion for employers in 2014-15.

The Prime Minister's letter was distributed by HMRC and its contractors and targeted c1.7 million current and potential employers most likely to benefit from the allowance.

It cost approximately £430,000 including the cost of postage, which equates to 25 pence per letter and its distribution is consistent with the Government's wider awareness raising campaign ensuring that employers are aware of the allowance and check their eligibility.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
195468; 579 cc365-6W
Session
2013-14
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Correspondence National insurance contributions
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk