Kingston Council has formally protested against the recent increase in National Insurance contributions, voicing concerns about the potential damage to local businesses and vital services. The motion, proposed by Councillor Rowena Bass and seconded by Councillor Ian George, was referred to the Corporate and Resources Committee on Thursday, 26 June 2025.
The council believes that raising revenue through excessive increases on employer's National Insurance contributions is wrong and will lead to job losses, increased prices and reduced wage increases. They also believe that the increases will lead to higher costs for Kingston Council when dealing with third party contractors and will place greater pressure on council finances and make it harder to deliver vital services.
The council resolved to place on record its disappointment regarding the National Insurance increases and the damaging impact it will have on all those who live and work in Kingston Borough. They also requested that the Leader of the Council write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ask her to reconsider the proposed changes which are undeniably damaging to businesses and vital services.
The motion was part of a larger Corporate and Resources Committee meeting that also covered the Revenue and Capital Outturn for 2024/25 and the Council Plan End of Year Report.
Other key items discussed at the meeting included:
- The revenue and capital outturn positions for 2024/25, including a General Fund overspend of £1.95m covered by earmarked reserves, and a £7.54m overspend on the Schools Budget.
- Progress against the Council Plan (2023-27), with 71 of 87 actions either fully completed or having the majority of milestones met.
- An urgent decision to approve a contract for Google Workspace licences and associated professional services to XMA Limited, valued at £4.5m.