A rise in National Insurance contributions in April “is going ahead”, a minister has told Sky News, amid reports Boris Johnson is considering delaying the increase.

Technology minister Chris Philp said funds are needed for the NHS and social care and the move is a “proportionate way” of finding the cash.

His comments come after it was reported by The Times that the prime minister is considering delaying the looming 1.25 percentage point rise for a year as “red meat” for his critics as he faces pressure over the partygate scandal.

Critics of the policy have also argued it will further hit the public at a time when the cost of living is continuing to go up.

The Guardian also reported that the Treasury is becoming increasingly alarmed that Mr Johnson might be preparing to scrap the tax hike to save his job.

“Yes, it is going ahead,” Mr Philp said when asked if the rise in April is “set in stone”.

“It was approved by the whole cabinet, it was passed by parliament with a significant majority, and the money is needed to fund the NHS, which I think is something that is a national priority.

National Insurance hike: Tory Treasury committee chairman Mel Stride calls on ministers to scrap April rise amid cost of living crisis

National Insurance: Minister says government sticking to increase after Jacob Rees-Mogg calls for U-turn

Will National Insurance hike result in a meaningful improvement in health outcomes?

“It is £36bn over three years to fund the NHS and social care.

“We need to put that money in to make sure the NHS has the resources it needs to recover after the pandemic, and this is a proportionate way of finding that money.”

Speaking on Thursday, Mr Johnson said the tax rise was “absolutely vital” as “every penny will go towards fixing the COVID backlogs and also social care”.

Asked to guarantee the increase would still come into effect in April, his official spokesman said there were “no plans to delay the levy”.

Related posts:

Ministers accused of ‘dragging their feet’ on ‘conversion’ therapies ban Lockdown easing delayed in Scotland with restrictions to remain in place until 19 July – Sturgeon Government to announce plans to tackle violence against women and girls Five Tory MPs breached code of conduct by trying to influence Elphicke sex assault trial, committee rules Sir Keir Starmer self-isolating after one of his children tests positive for COVID-19 Boris Johnson’s Brexit gamble: Sit back and hope the EU becomes the bad cop Govt ‘very concerned’ about impact of ‘pingdemic’ – with list of exempt workers expected ‘very soon’ Minister suggests other ‘crowded’ venues where vaccine passports could be introduced List of sectors where people may be exempt from COVID isolation revealed Homes with inefficient energy rating may struggle to get mortgages – leaked government plans Starmer focuses on Online Harms Bill and violent extremism in first PMQs since Sir David Amess’ killing All change for HS2