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National Insurance Contributions bill returns to the Lords

1 April 2025

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The National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill returned to the House for further consideration of Commons reasons to disagree to Lords amendments in ‘ping pong’, on Monday 31 March.

The National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill will implement the new rates of national insurance contributions announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the 2024 Autumn Budget.

Consideration of amendments

The bill was considered by the House of Lords between 18 December 2024 and 4 March 2025 before returning to the House of Commons in a process known as parliamentary 'ping pong'.

On Monday 31 March, members of Lords considered Commons reasons to disagree with previous Lords amendments.

Catch up

Explore further information

Find out more about the bill in the House of Lords Library briefing.

Next steps

Following agreement by both Houses on the text of the bill it received Royal Assent on Thursday 3 April. The bill is now an Act of Parliament (law).

What's happened so far?

Consideration of Commons amendments day one: Monday 24 March

Members of Lords considered changes (PDF) made by MPs in the Commons in regard to previous Lords amendments.

Lords votes

There were three divisions (votes) on amendments that were proposed as alternatives to previous changes rejected by the Commons. These were on:

  • Exemptions for healthcare providers
  • Companies with small workforces
  • Impact review on certain sectors/industries.

Members voted to agree all three of the new amendments.

Catch up

Third reading

Third reading, a chance for members to ‘tidy up' the bill, ensuring the text is effective, workable and without loopholes, took place on Tuesday 4 March.

Report stage

Report stage, a chance to closely scrutinise elements of the bill and make changes, took place on Tuesday 25 February.

Committee stage

Committee stage, a thorough examination of the individual parts (clauses) of the bill, concluded on Thursday 6 February.

Second reading

Second reading, the main debate on the key principles and main purpose of the draft law, took place on Monday 6 January.

Image: Image: Pexels / Anete Lusina 

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