Effective from 6 April 2025, the UK government has implemented significant changes to Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs), which have substantial implications for charities across the country.
Key Changes to NICs:
Increased Rate: The rate of Employer NICs has risen from 13.8% to 15%. This increase means that for every £100 of an employee's salary above the threshold, employers now contribute £15 instead of £13.80.
Lowered Threshold: The earnings threshold at which employers begin to pay NICs has decreased from £9,100 to £5,000 per annum. Consequently, employers now start contributing to NICs on employee earnings exceeding £5,000, broadening the scope of taxable income.
Impact on Charities:
These adjustments pose significant financial challenges for the charitable sector:
Increased Payroll Expenses: With the NIC rate hike and lowered threshold, charities face higher payroll costs. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) estimates that these changes will result in an additional £1.4 billion in annual expenses for the sector.
Budgetary Constraints: Many charities operate on tight budgets. The added financial burden may necessitate difficult decisions, such as reducing staff, scaling back services, or reallocating resources, potentially impacting the communities they serve.
Strategies for Charities to Mitigate the Impact:
To navigate these financial challenges, charities can consider the following approaches:
Implement Salary Sacrifice Schemes:
Pension Contributions: Encouraging employees to participate in salary sacrifice arrangements for pension contributions can reduce both employer and employee NICs. By agreeing to a lower gross salary in exchange for increased pension contributions, the taxable income decreases, leading to NIC savings.
Review and Adjust Budgets:
Financial Planning: Conduct a thorough review of current budgets to identify areas where expenses can be reduced without compromising essential services. Prioritize spending to focus on core mission activities.
Enhance Fundraising Efforts:
Diversify Income Streams: Explore new fundraising strategies, such as digital campaigns, partnerships with businesses, or grant applications, to offset increased operational costs.
Collaborate with Other Organizations:
Resource Sharing: Partner with other charities to share resources, facilities, or staff, thereby reducing individual expenses and fostering a supportive network.
Advocate for Sector Support:
Engage in Dialogue: Join collective efforts to communicate with policymakers about the challenges faced by the charity sector due to these NIC changes. Advocacy can lead to potential relief measures or support programs.
Seek Professional Advice:
Consult Financial Experts: Engage with financial advisors or organizations specializing in charity finance to develop tailored strategies that address the specific needs and circumstances of your charity.
By proactively implementing these strategies, charities can better manage the financial implications of the NIC increases and continue to serve their communities effectively.
