James Wild MP has raised concerns in Parliament over the impact of the Chancellor’s national insurance increase on school budgets, citing warnings it risks costing the equivalent of more teaching posts than the number of new recruits the government is aiming to bring in.
Drawing on conversations with headteachers during school visits across North West Norfolk, James stressed schools are already facing pressures from rising costs and unfunded pay awards.
With the national insurance rise expected to cost schools around £100 million annually, schools face difficult choices - including reducing staff, increasing class sizes, or cutting curriculum options.
Having sought to hear local views on his regular school constituency visits, James continues to press ministers to recognise these challenges and take action accordingly.
James Wild said:
“Headteachers are warning that the gap in funding to cover the Chancellor’s jobs tax is equivalent to losing more existing teachers than the Government are planning to recruit. I have heard that message loud and clear from headteachers on my recent school visits, and unfunded pay awards will just make this worse. Why is the Education Secretary not standing up for our schools?”
In response, Minister for School Standards Catherine McKinnell MP stated:
“This Labour Government has made tough decisions to fix the foundations of our economy and public services. The additional money from national insurance contributions allows us to protect key educational priorities. The Conservatives should be honest—what would they cut to fund our schools?”
