Your letter gave me a fright, Caitlin! But on investigation, I discovered the abolition of the cheaper so-called Class 2 contributions has actually been delayed a year, not brought forward… "to ensure that there are no unintended consequences for the lowest paid".

These contributions are one-fifth (roughly $280) of the soon-to-be-only-option: Class 3 contributions.

It’s the Class 3 rates you’ve been quoted… simply because everyone is.

You have to apply to be eligible for Class 2 and you’ll usually need to be employed to get them. The other main criterion is a “good” (whatever that means!) UK work history.

Pensions Transfer Specialists Nicola Butler confirmed to me last week: “Everyone we’ve applied for is still getting the old rate.”