National Insurance: Partnerships

Lord Carlile of Berriew Excerpts

Monday 10th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Livermore (Lab)]

I am grateful to the noble Baroness for her question. However, she knows that I am not going to speculate or give a running commentary on the next Budget now. There has been much speculation, as is usual ahead of a Budget. A lot of that speculation is irresponsible. I am not going to comment on individual tax measures now. We will do things in the usual way. The Chancellor has asked the OBR to produce a new forecast. She will make decisions based on that forecast. We will set out our fiscal plans at the forthcoming Budget. The Chancellor will do so mindful of the importance of growth and investment to businesses and the economy.

[Lord Carlile of Berriew (CB)]

My Lords, does the Minister, as an expert in taxation matters, agree that in reality, the great majority of those who are partners in limited liability partnerships do not have any of the autonomy of self-employed persons but are treated as having such autonomy, and that it would be logical for all those who are in reality employed persons to be treated in the same way by the tax system?

[Lord Livermore (Lab)]

I am sorry to disappoint the noble Lord, but I am afraid I am not going to comment now on individual tax measures.