The government has not yet confirmed whether it will fund the increase in national insurance contributions and the national living wage for councils that were announced in last week's budget.

In her budget speech, chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed that from April 2025, the rate at which employers contribution to national insurance will increase by 1.2% to 15%. In additional, the national living wage will also rise to £12.21 per hour benefiting full-time workers by up to £1,400. 

Louise Gittins (LAB) chair of the Local Government Association (LGA) said councils need "explicit clarity" on whether they will be protected from these rising costs. 

To read more click on this link to view the LGA news article on their website