Forbes: Plan to raise cash through national insurance hike ‘lacks clarity’

Scotland’s Finance Secretary has hit out at the “lack of clarity” over the national insurance hike in the UK.

This week, MPs voted to back an increase to national insurance contributions of 1.25 percentage points to help fund social care reforms.

The devolved administrations were also promised a share of the levy, which would see Scotland receive £1.1 billion.

But Kate Forbes, in a letter to Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Steve Barclay, has derided the lack of engagement with devolved administrations.

However, a spokesman for the Treasury said a meeting was requested with the Finance Secretary “a number of weeks ago”, but no response was received.

“The lack of any prior engagement with the Scottish Government or, I understand, the other devolved administrations, is regrettable.

“This has been compounded by the disorderly manner in which the announcement has been communicated and explained.

“In particular, there have been mixed messages about the interaction between the general administration of NIC revenues, the hypothecation of a proportion of NIC revenues to provide funding for health and social care, and the relationship with the Barnett formula.

“There have also been unhelpful assertions about the impact of the announcement on the competence that Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament rightly hold over decisions relating to funding for devolved public services.

“This has resulted in a complete, but entirely avoidable, lack of clarity about the actual impact of the announcement on devolved budgets.”

“The UK Government is keen to continue working with the Scottish Government to ensure people in Scotland are receiving the best possible health and social care, including continuing our hugely successful nationwide vaccination programme.

“The Health and Social Care Levy will provide an additional £1.1bn for Scotland each year, which is more than will be collected from residents in Scotland. Full details of funding will be set out at the upcoming spending review in October.”

Ms Forbes went on to ask five questions of Mr Barclay about the levy.

She inquired how much in Barnett consequentials would come to the Scottish Government as a result of the levy and if the money would be ring-fenced.

Although, the Scottish Government has previously said all consequentials in health and social care will be spent on the sector north of the border.

She also asked for a breakdown of the amount for both health and social care as well as an assurance that the funding will not create a shortfall in Barnett funding in next year’s budget.

Ms Forbes also asked for “urgent confirmation” of Scotland’s “consequential position” ahead of the October spending review and for an assurance that any funding from the levy will not be undermined by negative consequentials.

The Finance Secretary added: “While I have focused in this letter on my strong concerns about the handling of this week’s announcement, I do think that, moving forward, there is scope for constructive and mutually beneficial engagement between now and the budget, and beyond.”