Buckinghamshire Fire Service Faces National Insurance Hike Impact

The government raised national insurance in late 2024. This happened during the Autumn Budget presentation. Employers now pay more national insurance, with their rate increasing to 15 percent from the previous 13.8 percent. Also, the payment threshold decreased to £5,000 yearly; before, the threshold was £9,100.

Matthew Walsh is a Conservative Councillor who believes this rise will hurt the fire service. He spoke at a committee meeting, specifically the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority. He stated the insurance grant was £250,000, while the fire authority originally expected only £150,000.

Walsh stated the total cost exceeds £500,000 yearly due to the new national insurance rules. He also mentioned a public perception problem, where people think the government fully pays the public sector back.

Walsh claims they are not fully reimbursed because of increased employer contributions. He anticipates a loss of £250,000 next year, citing that the government promised full funding. However, according to Walsh, full funding did not materialize. The councillor suggests discussing these extra expenses with local MPs.