Conclusion 14

Careful consideration would need to be given to any potential increases in income tax, VAT and national insurance contributions, taking into account the degree to which any increases • result in additional economic distortions, • make taxes more or less progressive, • assist or otherwise with the Government’s “levelling up” agenda, and • impact on employment. Increases in national insurance contributions may be especially difficult given the probable impact on jobs, at a time when increasing employment is likely to remain an economic priority.