14 Nov 2024
The government’s decision to hike employers’ National insurance contributions threatens the future of care for thousands, warnsHamelin.
Hamelin, which supports more than 700 autistic adults and people with learning disabilities, and their families, is facing a £92,650 bill next year alone as a result of the chancellor’s autumn budget announcement. These are funds that would otherwise be directed towards essential community services delivered by the charity.
The NHS and the rest of the public sector are exempt from this tax hike, yet Hamelin and other charities that deliver vital services in partnership with the NHS and local authority, are not included in these exemptions.
Ru Watkins, Hamelin Chief Executive said: “The people we support and their families are extremely concerned about what impact this will have on their lives, as are we. It’s our duty to stand up with them and get our voices heard.
“Every extra pound spent on taxes is a pound taken away from frontline services and care.
“The unavoidable truth is that these additional expenses can’t simply be absorbed, they ripple outwards, affecting every level of care provision. This oversight is more than a miscalculation, it’s a potential threat to the sustainability of care for thousands.
“This increase means we will have to make difficult choices, potentially scaling back on services that many in our community depend on to lead a meaningful life.”
Hamelin, alongside the people it supports, their families and staff, is calling on the government to include charities that deliver care to be included in the exemption, to bring them in line with the NHS and public sector.
They have launched a video to encourage people to write to their MP to take a stand which you can watch at https://youtu.be/WjFuJSdfJIo
Ru added: “We all recognise services need to evolve, however, if these services are reduced, demand and cost on the NHS and public sector will increase, neutralising the effect on the National Insurance exemptions for those organisations.”
For more information about Hamelin, visit www.hamelin.org.uk