The Brain Charity has launched an “urgent appeal” to raise £35,000 to offset the impact of the increase to the National Insurance employers’ contribution it is facing this year.

The Liverpool headquartered national charity, which helps people with neurological conditions, says the increase puts "a strain on the charity’s resources, potentially diverting crucial funds away from the essential front-line support it provides".

The charity’s chief executive Pippa Sargent said: “This £35,000 increase represents a direct pressure on our ability to deliver our life-changing services.

“To put it into perspective, that sum could fund a full year of free counselling for over 200 individuals. It could also provide nearly 900 hours of vital welfare benefits support.

“It could also help 35 people per week access crucial support through our Information & Advice service, or fund more than 1,000 counselling sessions for carers who are struggling.

“This is the real impact of these increased costs, and why we are launching this appeal."

She added: “Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us to continue to provide vital services like our Neuro Gym, counselling, and information and advice services.”

Last year the charity provided support to more than 2,700 people across the UK.

Peers have sought to exempt small charities from the National Insurance increase through an amendment to the legislation involved. But this was rejected last month by MPs.

“Charities with an income of less than £1 million make up some 95% of registered charities and undertake vital work in all our communities, yet this Chancellor will force charity staff and volunteers across the sector to raise £1.4 billion more to cover this tax rise next year alone,” said shadow financial secretary Gareth Davies, the Conservative MP for Grantham and Bourne, who is backing the proposed House of Lords changes.

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