MP raises concerns over £3.7m National Insurance increase for Cheshire Police

MP Esther McVey has raised concerns after uncovering a rise of £3.7m in National Insurance costs for Cheshire Police.

The Tatton MP, who represents the Lymm area of Warrington, says Cheshire Police will be forced to find millions of pounds of additional cash as a result of the government’s tax raid – money that should be spent on frontline policing.
Ms McVey sent a Freedom of Information request inquiring how much extra the Cheshire Constabulary would have to pay in taxes as a direct consequence of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ changes to Employers’ National Insurance Contributions (NICs).
Cheshire Constabulary confirmed the rise will cost the force £3.7million in 2025/26.

Ms McVey said it is “almost inevitable” there will be fewer police officers as a result.
She said: “Residents want a strong and visible police presence. Money should be being spent on frontline policing and keeping communities safe and protected, not on paying huge tax bills.
“This tax grab is not a one off, it is something that will have to be paid year after year, so how do we expect the Police to manage this as well as all their other priorities?”
Ms McVey believes the sum is the equivalent to approximately 75 officers (based on a £35k average police officer’s wage plus all associated costs.)

The Tatton MP said claims by Labour in its manifesto to provide 13,000 additional police officers in England and Wales were “the latest in a strong of broken promises”.
Ms McVey said: “It is no wonder we have heard no more about their plans as they know full well what the consequences of these tax hikes will be. How can they make such basic mistakes. It is bad enough the Labour government seem intent on wrecking the economy but now it is putting the safety of the public at risk.”