A Plaid Cymru MS has sought assurances about the impact of the UK budget on the third sector.

Peredur Owen Griffiths raised the issue of increased employer National Insurance contributions for the sector during the latest rounds of First Minister’s Questions in the Senedd.

It has been predicted that the planned uplift in employer national insurance contributions will have huge financial repercussions for the third sector.

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations has estimated it could be as much as £1.4 billion a year across the UK and has been described by them as the biggest shock to the sector since the COVID-19 pandemic.

During FMQs, Peredur Owen Griffiths said: “As you will know, First Minister, many organisations in the third sector carry out essential services.

“They are often contracted by the public sector to carry out front-line duties for and on behalf of public authorities.

“Can you tell me what discussions has your Government had with the third sector in Wales about the budget announcements since this shock announcement?

“Have you asked your Labour colleagues in Westminster for further exemptions to be made to ease the financial burden on the third sector?

“And finally, how do you plan to mitigate the impact of this announcement for the third sector organisations in Wales?”

In response, Eluned Morgan said: “…half of businesses with national insurance contribution liabilities will either gain or see no change next year.”

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