Epilepsy Scotland called for the government to reverse the move.

A Scottish charity has blamed Labour’s raising of employers’ National Insurance contributions for the axing of a vital support service. 

Epilepsy Scotland chief executive Lesslie Young said Chancellor Rachel Reeves must reverse the increase due to the damage done to the charity sector. 

Young told the Daily Record that the rate rising from 13.8% to 15% was “the straw breaking the camel’s back”. 

The warning comes as the charity cut a local support group in Aberdeen, placing some of the blame at the door of the Labour government. 

She told the newspaper: “The need for money for life-saving charities and their projects outweighs its availability by an order of magnitude.

“In our case, the Aberdeen support group has played a crucial role in supporting individuals living with epilepsy by providing a welcoming space for peer support.

“Facilitated by a trained Epilepsy Scotland professional, the group ensured a safe environment where members can discuss their experiences and concerns.

“With 20 members, the group meets twice a month to host social events. The group has expanded beyond the city, reaching rural communities in Aberdeenshire, with some attendees travelling up to two hours to participate.

“Amid a long-term funding crisis in the third sector, the Chancellor’s rise in Employers’ National Insurance Contributions is forcing charities like ours to shut down life-saving initiatives.

“I’ve absolutely no doubt in my mind she needs to rethink this.”