Amendments made: 1, page 8, line 14, leave out “£2.75” and insert “£2.80”

This amendment changes the rate of Class 2 contributions that a self-employed earner is liable to pay, to take account of indexation in accordance with Government policy announced at Budget 2011. The new rate of £2.80 will be applicable for the 2015-16 tax year.

Amendment 2, page 8, line 21, leave out “£5,885” and insert “£5,965”

This amendment changes the small profits threshold (“SPT”), below which no Class 2 contributions are payable, to £5,965 for the tax year 2015-16, to take account of indexation in accordance with Government policy announced at Budget 2011 for the small earnings exception (which the SPT replaces).

Amendment 3, page 8, line 27, leave out “£2.75” and insert “£2.80”

This amendment changes the rate of Class 2 contributions that a self-employed earner may pay voluntarily, to take account of indexation in accordance with Government policy announced at Budget 2011. The new rate of £2.80 will be applicable for the 2015-16 tax year.

Amendment 4, page 11, line 21, leave out “£2.75” and insert “£2.80”

This amendment makes provision corresponding to amendment 1, in respect of Northern Ireland.

Amendment 5, page 11, line 28, leave out “£5,885” and insert “£5,965”

This amendment makes provision corresponding to amendment 2, in respect of Northern Ireland.

Amendment 6, page 11, line 34, leave out “£2.75” and insert “£2.80”

This amendment makes provision corresponding to amendment 3, in respect of Northern Ireland.

Amendment 7, page 15, line 36, at end insert—

31A The Social Security (Contributions) Regulations 2001 are amended as follows.

31B (1) In regulation 125 (share fishermen), in paragraph (c), for “section 11(1) of the Act (Class 2 contributions), be £3.40” substitute “section 11(2) and (6) of the Act (Class 2 contributions), be £3.45”.

(2) The amendment made by sub-paragraph (1) is without prejudice to any power to make regulations amending or revoking the provision amended.”

This amendment changes the Share Fishermen’s rate of Class 2 contributions to £3.45, in line with the changes to the normal rate, to take account of indexation.

Amendment 8, page 15, line 37, leave out “of the Social Security (Contributions) Regulations 2001”

This amendment is consequential upon amendment 7, which makes this reference to the Social Security (Contributions) Regulations 2001 superfluous.—(Mr Gauke.)

Schedule 1, as amended, agreed to.