Class 2 National Insurance contributions are flat rate weekly contributions paid by the self-employed. For 2010/11 the weekly rate is £2.40. Currently payment is made either monthly by direct debit or by a quarterly bill.
From 6 April 2011, the due dates for payment of Class 2 National Insurance contributions are being aligned with the self-assessment payment dates so that Class 2 contributions will be due in two instalments -- on 31 January in the tax year and on 31 January following the tax year. HMRC will send out payment requests in October and April.
Under the new system it will still be possible to pay by monthly by direct debit. However, to facilitate the move to the new system, for the first year only payments will stop for short while and restart. Payment can also be made by six-monthly direct debit in January and July.
Further details on the changes to the payment of Class 2 National Insurance contributions can be found on the HMRC website.