[seano]

Standing charge in the UK? Not sure where you get that idea - treatment with the National Health Service is free.

[fauigerzigerk]

The self employed pay 2.4 pounds per week class 2 NI contributions + 8% class 4 NI contributions for earnings between 5700 and 43875 a year. So if you don't make a profit you pay 2.4 pounds pw which is around $15 per month.