National Insurance Contributions
The Act temporarily modifies the existing procedures around introducing National Insurance Contribution ("NICs") changes, in order to respond quickly to the COVID-19 outbreak if required. The Act removes the statutory requirement that a report from the Government Actuary Department accompany secondary legislation implementing rate changes. The Act also provides for the secondary legislation to be subject to the negative procedure in Parliament rather than the affirmative procedure. The temporary modifications will last for two years from the day the Bill received Royal Assent (25th March 2020).
	Sections 143 and 145 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 provide that orders may alter the rate of contributions payable by employees, employers and the self-employed. Section 5 of the National Insurance Act 2014 provides that regulations may be made to alter the amount of the Employment Allowance and who qualifies for it.