EDM 380: National insurance increase and the voluntary sector

That this House recognises the significant contributions made by the voluntary sector in building resilient, connected communities across the UK and delivering essential services, including mental health support, community care, and crisis intervention; notes with concern that the recent increase in National Insurance Contributions (NIC) will have a severe financial impact on the voluntary sector, which is already under strain due to escalating operational costs and cuts to contract funding; further notes that while the Government has committed to reimbursing public sector organisations for this increase, no such provision has been extended to the voluntary sector; highlights the risk that this additional financial burden will force many of its organisations to reduce staff, cut services, and even withdraw from delivering their services, leaving vulnerable individuals and communities without vital support; and urges the Government to extend the NIC reimbursement to the voluntary sector, recognising its role as a lifeline in many communities.