(1)Without prejudice to section 141 above, the [F1Treasury] may at any time, if [F2they think] it expedient to do so with a view to adjusting the level at which the National Insurance Fund stands for the time being and having regard to the sums which may be expected to be paid from the Fund in any future period, make an order amending Part I of the Contributions and Benefits Act by altering any one or more of the following figures—
[F3(a)the percentage rate specified as the [F4main primary percentage in section 8(2)(a)];
(b)the percentage rate specified as the secondary percentage in section 9(2),]
(c)the figure specified in section 11(1) as the weekly rate of Class 2 contributions;
(d)the figure specified in section 13(1) as the amount of a Class 3 contribution;
(e)the percentage rate [F5specified as the main Class 4 percentage in section 15(3ZA)(a)].
F6(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3)An order under subsection (1) above may if it contains an amendment altering the figure specified in section 11(1) of the Contributions and Benefits Act as the weekly rate of Class 2 contributions and the [F7Treasury think] it expedient in consequence of that amendment, amend section 11(4) of that Act by altering the figure there specified as the amount of earnings below which regulations under that subsection may except an earner from liability for Class 2 contributions.
(4)No order shall be made under this section so as—
[F8(a)to increase for any tax year the [F9main] primary percentage, or the secondary percentage, to a percentage rate more than 0.25 per cent higher than that applicable at the end of the preceding tax year,] or
(b)to increase the [F10main Class 4 percentage] to more than [F119.25] percent.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 143(1) substituted (1.4.1999) by Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Act 1999 (c. 2), s. 28(3), Sch. 3 para. 46(2)(a); S.I. 1999/527, art. 2(b), Sch. 2
F2Words in s. 143(1) substituted (1.4.1999) by Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Act 1999 (c. 2), s. 28(3), Sch. 3 para. 46(2)(b); S.I. 1999/527, art. 2(b), Sch. 2
F3S.143(1)(a)(b) substituted (6.4.1999) by Social Security Act 1998 (c. 14), s. 87(2), Sch. 7 para. 90(1); S.I. 1999/418, art. 2
F4Words in s. 143(1)(a) substituted (with effect in relation to the tax year 2003-04 and subsequent tax years) by National Insurance Contributions Act 2002 (c. 19), s. 8(2), Sch. 1 para. 17(2)(a)
F5Words in s. 143(1)(e) substituted (with effect in relation to the tax year 2003-04 and subsequent tax years) by National Insurance Contributions Act 2002 (c. 19), s. 8(2), Sch. 1 para. 17(2)(b)
F6S. 143(2) repealed (with effect in relation to the tax year 2003-04 and subsequent tax years) by National Insurance Contributions Act 2002 (c. 19), s. 8(2), Sch. 2
F7Words in s. 143(3) substituted (1.4.1999) by Social Security Contributions (Transfer of Functions, etc.) Act 1999 (c. 2), s. 28(3), Sch. 3 para. 46(3); S.I. 1999/527, art. 2(b), Sch. 2
F8S.143(4)(a) substituted (6.4.1999) by Social Security Act 1998 (c. 14), s. 87(2), Sch. 7 para. 90(2); S.I. 1999/418, art. 2
F9Word in s. 143(4)(a) inserted (with effect in relation to the tax year 2003-04 and subsequent tax years) by National Insurance Contributions Act 2002 (c. 19), s. 8(2), Sch. 1 para. 17(3)(a)
F10Words in s. 143(4)(b) substituted (with effect in relation to the tax year 2003-04 and subsequent tax years) by National Insurance Contributions Act 2002 (c. 19), s. 8(2), Sch. 1 para. 17(3)(b)
F11Figure in s. 143(4)(b) substituted (6.4.2011) by National Insurance Contributions Act 2011 (c. 3), ss. 2(2), 13(1)