Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Autumn Budget 2025 made changes to efficiency savings required of departments in (a) 2025-26, (b) 2026-27 and (c) 2027-28.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

No changes were made to efficiency targets in 2025-26, 2026-27 or 2027-28.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when she plans to publish the outcome of the review of the online marketplace VAT liability rules announced in April 2025.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

In the Spring 2025 Simplification, Administration and Reform Tax Update Summary, the Government sought stakeholder views on VAT online marketplace liability. The Government is grateful to all those who have taken the time to respond and share evidence. Given the complexity of this issue, it is right that the Government takes the necessary time to carefully consider the evidence and determine the most appropriate next steps.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of unpaid HMRC liabilities following corporate insolvency on the economy.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

No specific analytical assessment has been made of the potential impact of unpaid HMRC liabilities following corporate insolvency on the economy.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the report by the East of England APPG and Local Government East, published on 25 November 2025, entitled Opportunity East: One Year On; and what recent assessment she has made of trends in the level of (a) contribution to the public purse from the East of England and (b) economic growth potential in that area.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The government’s approach to regional growth will drive growth in city regions, towns and communities and make the most of the opportunities in each part of the country, to make everyone better off. The government recognises the vital contribution the East of England makes to the wider UK economy and the significant growth the region has achieved.

Opportunity East: One Year On makes a strong case for the East of England and the role it can play in driving growth and prosperity, and we welcome the efforts of the APPG and Local Government East in raising the profile of the region and highlighting its great potential. We will consider the report with interest as we take forward our mission to kickstart growth across the country.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to reduce the processing time for appeals against the rateable value of non-domestic properties.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Dealing with cases in a timely and efficient manner is an absolute priority for the VOA. The VOA will always clear cases as quickly as it can, and prioritises those cases where customers are facing financial hardship.

The VOA continues to meet its statutory deadlines on Check and Challenge, clearing 100% of Check cases within its 12-month deadline (75% of which were cleared within three months). The VOA is clearing 99% of Challenge cases within its 18-month deadline. Those not cleared are cases where the VOA has agreed an extension with the ratepayer or their agent.

The VOA carefully forecasts and monitors changes in demand across the Agency and flexes resources to meet customer need. This includes moving specialist surveyor resource around the Agency.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 20 January 2026 to Question 105764 on Child Benefit: Maladministration, and with reference to the Data Protection Impact Assessment 15489, if she will make an assessment of why issues were not identified earlier, in the context of page 10 of the DPIA stating that weekly meetings would take place to identify issues.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Of the 23,794 Child Benefit enquires opened between August and October 2025 to confirm claimant’s residency status, 346 (1.5%) were issued to Northern Ireland claimants.

HMRC does not hold a breakdown of the categories of error and fraud for those customers that were found to be non-compliant.

As HMRC has explained, when issues were identified it took swift action to resolve the position for affected customers and HMRC has also strengthened the process and safeguards going forward for this exercise.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 14 January 2026 to Question 104272 on Child Benefit, how many and what proportion of the 1,109 cases due to (a) fraud, (b) claimant error and (c) official error.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Of the 23,794 Child Benefit enquires opened between August and October 2025 to confirm claimant’s residency status, 346 (1.5%) were issued to Northern Ireland claimants.

HMRC does not hold a breakdown of the categories of error and fraud for those customers that were found to be non-compliant.

As HMRC has explained, when issues were identified it took swift action to resolve the position for affected customers and HMRC has also strengthened the process and safeguards going forward for this exercise.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 14 January 2026 to Question 104272 on Child Benefit, how many and what proportion of the 23,794 cases relate to families in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Of the 23,794 Child Benefit enquires opened between August and October 2025 to confirm claimant’s residency status, 346 (1.5%) were issued to Northern Ireland claimants.

HMRC does not hold a breakdown of the categories of error and fraud for those customers that were found to be non-compliant.

As HMRC has explained, when issues were identified it took swift action to resolve the position for affected customers and HMRC has also strengthened the process and safeguards going forward for this exercise.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many households were in receipt of Tax-Free Childcare in each constituency in Northern Ireland in July 2025.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The number of families with a used Tax Free Childcare account in 2024-25 each constituency in Northern Ireland is published in the Table 12 of The Tax Free Childcare Official Statistics:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/tax-free-childcare-quarterly-statistics

This information is only available on an annual basis. Monthly figures are not available.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of recent and proposed changes to ISAs on the complexity of the savings landscape and household saving behaviour.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

This is about making people’s savings work harder for them and for the economy. The UK has the lowest level of retail investment in the G7, with fewer than 1 in 10 people owning shares compared to 1 in 5 back in 1990. In Sweden, that figure rises to 2 in 5 people currently.

That is why the government is keeping the full £20,000 ISA allowance for investment and setting the cash ISA limit at £12,000 from April 2027.

This is part of our wider strategy aimed at supporting people to get into investing, including Targeted Support, which will be available from April 2026.

The OBR have provided a forecast of household saving in their November Economic and Fiscal Outlook

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what further steps will she take to help tackle illegal money lenders.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government funds specialist Illegal Money Lending Teams (IMLTs) operating across the UK to tackle the crimes of illegal money lenders. These teams investigate and prosecute illegal lenders while providing crucial support to victims. To learn more about the work of the IMLTs, visit the Stop Loan Sharks website: https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the rise in Japanese bond yields on UK markets.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Market prices are determined by a wide range of global and domestic factors. The government does not comment on movements in financial markets.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions her Department has had with (a) Monzo, (b) Metro Bank, (c) Revolut and (d) Marks and Spencer bank about their use of the cash handling services provided by the Post Office.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the importance of access to cash and banking services for individuals and businesses, including those who may be in vulnerable groups or require assistance and is supportive of industry initiatives that improve access to these vital services.

Treasury Ministers have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Details of ministerial meetings with external organisations on departmental business are published on a quarterly basis and are available at the link below.

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmt-ministers-meetings-hospitality-gifts-and-overseas-travel

The Post Office plays a key role in supporting access to banking services. Under the Banking Framework, a commercial agreement between the Post Office and 30 banking firms , personal and business customers can withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. The specific services provided under the Framework are subject to commercial negotiations between individual banks and the Post Office, and the Government has no role in deciding what these arrangements are.  
 
On 21 January, the Government held joint discussions between the Post Office and the banking sector to explore where continued collaboration, on a commercial and voluntary basis, would allow all parties to better meet the needs of individuals and businesses.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to business rates on the sustainability of commercial fitness gyms and community leisure centres serving rural communities.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The amount of business rates paid on each property is based on the rateable value of the property, assessed by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), and the multiplier values, which are set by the Government. Rateable values are re-assessed every three years. Revaluations ensure that the rateable values of properties (i.e. the tax base) remain in line with market changes, and that the tax rates adjust to reflect changes in the tax base.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since Covid, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties as they recover from the pandemic. To support with bill increases, at the Budget, the Government announced a support package worth £4.3 billion over the next three years, including protection for ratepayers seeing their bills increase because of the revaluation. As a result, over half of ratepayers will see no bill increases, including 23% seeing their bills go down. This means most properties seeing increases will see them capped at 15% or less next year, or £800 for the smallest.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to support independent (a) pubs, (b) hotels and (c) retail businesses due to pay an increase in business rates in Shropshire.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The amount of business rates paid on each property is based on the rateable value of the property, assessed by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), and the multiplier values, which are set by the Government. Rateable values are re-assessed every three years. Revaluations ensure that the rateable values of properties (i.e. the tax base) remain in line with market changes, and that the tax rates adjust to reflect changes in the tax base.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since Covid, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties. To support with bill increases, at the Budget, the Government introduced a support package worth £4.3 billion over the next three years to protect ratepayers seeing their bills increase because of the revaluation. As a result, over half of ratepayers will see no bill increases, including 23% seeing their bills go down. Most properties seeing increases will see them capped at 15% or less next year, or £800 for the smallest.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to rateable values on non-domestic properties occupied by town and parish councils.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The amount of business rates paid on each property is based on the rateable value of the property, assessed by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), and the multiplier values, which are set by the Government. Rateable values are re-assessed every three years. Revaluations ensure that the rateable values of properties (i.e. the tax base) remain in line with market changes, and that the tax rates adjust to reflect changes in the tax base.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since Covid, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties. To support with bill increases, at the Budget, the Government introduced a support package worth £4.3 billion over the next three years to protect ratepayers seeing their bills increase because of the revaluation. As a result, over half of ratepayers will see no bill increases, including 23% seeing their bills go down. Government support also means that most properties seeing increases will see them capped at 15% or less next year, or £800 for the smallest.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 4 December 2025, to Question 95866, on Business Rates, how many and what proportion of hereditaments have seen their bills (a) increase, (b) remain the same and (c) fall following the revaluation and revised multipliers in England.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The amount of business rates paid on each property is based on the rateable value of the property, assessed by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), and the multiplier values, which are set by the Government. Rateable values are re-assessed every three years. Revaluations ensure that the rateable values of properties (i.e. the tax base) remain in line with market changes, and that the tax rates adjust to reflect changes in the tax base.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since Covid, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties.

To support with bill increases, at the Budget, the Government introduced a support package worth £4.3 billion over the next three years to protect ratepayers seeing their bills increase because of the revaluation. As a result, over half of ratepayers will see no bill increases, including 23% seeing their bills go down next year. Government support also means that most properties seeing increases will see them capped at 15% or less next year, or £800 for the smallest.

The new, permanently lower tax rates for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) replace the temporary RHL relief that has been winding down since COVID. Unlike RHL relief, the new rates are permanent, giving businesses certainty and stability, and there will be no cap, meaning all qualifying properties on high streets across England will benefit.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government publishes data on the number of properties receiving business rates relief. This data can be found at the following link:
  
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-non-domestic-rates-collected-by-councils-in-england-forecast-2025-to-2026

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what support she is providing to individuals who had money invested in Ziglu Bank prior to its closure in June 2025.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Ziglu Limited is an electronic money institution which has been authorised under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 since September 2020. These regulations require firms to meet important standards before they are allowed to carry out payment services and issue electronic money, and the FCA carries out supervision to ensure that it meets the required standards. Ziglu also provides cryptoasset services and is registered with the FCA for the purposes of ensuring compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017.

On 23 May 2025, the FCA placed restrictions on Ziglu in relation to particular products. On 17 June, Ziglu agreed to stop carrying out both payments and cryptoasset activities while allowing customers to withdraw funds. On 7 July, Ziglu entered special administration and the FCA is engaging with the special administrators as appropriate.

Payments and e-money firms are required to safeguard customer funds and segregate these from funds which belong to the firm. The special administrators are working to carry out an assessment of all funds held by Ziglu to establish which are safeguarded for customers, and which belong to Ziglu. However, cryptoasset activities are currently unregulated and Ziglu is not required to safeguard funds or assets which relate to unregulated activities. This means there is no guarantee that cryptoasset customers will receive all or any of their funds or assets back.

Recently, the FCA published new rules coming into force on 7 May 2026 to improve safeguarding standards across the payments sector. The Government has also recently laid legislation to create a comprehensive financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the FCA's actions in relation to the administration of Ziglu Bank in June 2025.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Ziglu Limited is an electronic money institution which has been authorised under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 since September 2020. These regulations require firms to meet important standards before they are allowed to carry out payment services and issue electronic money, and the FCA carries out supervision to ensure that it meets the required standards. Ziglu also provides cryptoasset services and is registered with the FCA for the purposes of ensuring compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017.

On 23 May 2025, the FCA placed restrictions on Ziglu in relation to particular products. On 17 June, Ziglu agreed to stop carrying out both payments and cryptoasset activities while allowing customers to withdraw funds. On 7 July, Ziglu entered special administration and the FCA is engaging with the special administrators as appropriate.

Payments and e-money firms are required to safeguard customer funds and segregate these from funds which belong to the firm. The special administrators are working to carry out an assessment of all funds held by Ziglu to establish which are safeguarded for customers, and which belong to Ziglu. However, cryptoasset activities are currently unregulated and Ziglu is not required to safeguard funds or assets which relate to unregulated activities. This means there is no guarantee that cryptoasset customers will receive all or any of their funds or assets back.

Recently, the FCA published new rules coming into force on 7 May 2026 to improve safeguarding standards across the payments sector. The Government has also recently laid legislation to create a comprehensive financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what due diligence checks were carried out prior to the creation of Ziglu Bank in 2020.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Ziglu Limited is an electronic money institution which has been authorised under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 since September 2020. These regulations require firms to meet important standards before they are allowed to carry out payment services and issue electronic money, and the FCA carries out supervision to ensure that it meets the required standards. Ziglu also provides cryptoasset services and is registered with the FCA for the purposes of ensuring compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017.

On 23 May 2025, the FCA placed restrictions on Ziglu in relation to particular products. On 17 June, Ziglu agreed to stop carrying out both payments and cryptoasset activities while allowing customers to withdraw funds. On 7 July, Ziglu entered special administration and the FCA is engaging with the special administrators as appropriate.

Payments and e-money firms are required to safeguard customer funds and segregate these from funds which belong to the firm. The special administrators are working to carry out an assessment of all funds held by Ziglu to establish which are safeguarded for customers, and which belong to Ziglu. However, cryptoasset activities are currently unregulated and Ziglu is not required to safeguard funds or assets which relate to unregulated activities. This means there is no guarantee that cryptoasset customers will receive all or any of their funds or assets back.

Recently, the FCA published new rules coming into force on 7 May 2026 to improve safeguarding standards across the payments sector. The Government has also recently laid legislation to create a comprehensive financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress the FCA has made on its investigation into the administration of Ziglu Bank in June 2025.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Ziglu Limited is an electronic money institution which has been authorised under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 since September 2020. These regulations require firms to meet important standards before they are allowed to carry out payment services and issue electronic money, and the FCA carries out supervision to ensure that it meets the required standards. Ziglu also provides cryptoasset services and is registered with the FCA for the purposes of ensuring compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017.

On 23 May 2025, the FCA placed restrictions on Ziglu in relation to particular products. On 17 June, Ziglu agreed to stop carrying out both payments and cryptoasset activities while allowing customers to withdraw funds. On 7 July, Ziglu entered special administration and the FCA is engaging with the special administrators as appropriate.

Payments and e-money firms are required to safeguard customer funds and segregate these from funds which belong to the firm. The special administrators are working to carry out an assessment of all funds held by Ziglu to establish which are safeguarded for customers, and which belong to Ziglu. However, cryptoasset activities are currently unregulated and Ziglu is not required to safeguard funds or assets which relate to unregulated activities. This means there is no guarantee that cryptoasset customers will receive all or any of their funds or assets back.

Recently, the FCA published new rules coming into force on 7 May 2026 to improve safeguarding standards across the payments sector. The Government has also recently laid legislation to create a comprehensive financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential compound impact on the hotels sector of (a) the overnight visitor levy and (b) increases in business rates in the 2026 Business Rates valuation.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The amount of business rates paid on each property is based on the rateable value of the property, assessed by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), and the multiplier values, which are set by the Government. Rateable values are re-assessed every three years. Revaluations ensure that the rateable values of properties (i.e. the tax base) remain in line with market changes, and that the tax rates adjust to reflect changes in the tax base.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since Covid, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties. To support with bill increases, at the Budget, the Government introduced a support package worth £4.3 billion over the next three years to protect ratepayers seeing their bills increase because of the revaluation. As a result, over half of ratepayers will see no bill increases, including 23% seeing their bills go down. Government support also means that most properties seeing increases will see them capped at 15% or less next year, or £800 for the smallest.

The Government is also introducing permanently lower tax rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties, while ensuring that warehouses used by online giants will pay more. The new RHL tax rates replace the temporary RHL relief that has been winding down since Covid.

Unlike RHL relief, the new rates are permanent, giving businesses certainty and stability, and there will be no cap, meaning all qualifying properties on high streets across England will benefit.

The precise design and scope of the power for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy is still under development. Mayors will decide whether to introduce a levy and, if so, consult on specific proposals. We expect Mayors to engage constructively with businesses and their communities to hear their concerns. This will inform their decisions regarding whether and how a levy will be applied and how any revenue is spent. Giving this power to local leaders who best understand their region enables them to tailor it to growing their local economies.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 56135, on Motor Insurance, what recent progress the cross-Government taskforce on motor insurance has made.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The cross-government Motor Insurance Taskforce published its final report in December 2025, setting out actions being taken by government, regulators and industry to help reduce premium costs. Departments and regulators are now taking forward the relevant actions.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether any forthcoming additional support announced for pubs in England to mitigate increases in business rates will result in Barnett consequentials for Northern Ireland.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Any Barnett consequentials for the Northern Ireland Executive resulting from policy changes will be confirmed at the relevant fiscal event.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to support investment into the UK's economic security.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Modern Industrial Strategy committed to strengthen our economic security through several steps, including through our uplift in defence spending, and strategic investments in critical sectors. The government is prioritising economic security and resilience through our public finance offer, with Public Financial Institutions and interventions working together to direct more investment at strategic sectors and supply chains. This includes the British Business Bank’s £4billion additional capital for Industrial Strategy sectors that will be the future cornerstone of the UK’s supply chains and security, and committing up to £330million to the expansion of the National Security Strategic Investment Fund, which invests into advanced dual-use technology companies to support the National Security and Defence community and start-ups across the country.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of ending the crown exemption for the Duchy of (a) Lancaster and (b) Cornwall on reducing the budget deficit.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The income from the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall forms part of the King’s and Prince of Wales’s private income. The tax treatment of that income is as set out in the in the Memorandum of Understanding on Royal Taxation, which can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/memorandum-of-understanding-on-royal-taxation-2023

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what consideration her Department has given to ending the crown exemption for the Duchy of Lancaster and Duchy of Cornwall.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The income from the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall forms part of the King’s and Prince of Wales’s private income. The tax treatment of that income is as set out in the in the Memorandum of Understanding on Royal Taxation, which can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/memorandum-of-understanding-on-royal-taxation-2023

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 18 November 2025, to Question 87790, on Business Rates: Valuation, what was the increase in aggregate Rateable Values for the serviced office sector as a result of the new valuation methodology.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The amount of business rates paid on each property is based on the rateable value of the property, assessed by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), and the multiplier values, which are set by the Government. Rateable values are re-assessed every three years. Revaluations ensure that the rateable values of properties (i.e. the tax base) remain in line with market changes, and that the tax rates adjust to reflect changes in the tax base.

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since Covid, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties. To support with bill increases, at the Budget, the Government introduced a support package worth £4.3 billion over the next three years to protect ratepayers seeing their bills increase because of the revaluation. As a result, over half of ratepayers will see no bill increases, including 23% seeing their bills go down. Government support also means that most properties seeing increases will see them capped at 15% or less next year, or £800 for the smallest.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent estimate she has made of gross business rate receipts in England in (a) 2024-25, (b) 2025-26, (c) 2026-27, (d) 2027-28 and (e) 2028-29.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government publishes data on the rates collected by councils in England. This data can be found at the following link: 
  
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-non-domestic-rates-collected-by-councils-in-england-forecast-2025-to-2026

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 23 December 2025 (HL12792), whether (1) Treasury ministers, or (2) their special advisers, had any involvement in media briefings prior to the Budget 2025 which were not issued alongside a Government press release or statement to Parliament.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Treasury, its ministers, and special advisers place the utmost importance on budget security. A leak inquiry is currently underway, alongside a review of security processes to inform future fiscal events.

The Permanent Secretary to HM Treasury told the Treasury Select Committee on 10 December 2025 that he expects the review to conclude ahead of the Spring Statement on 3 March. The outcome of the review will be published.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will take steps to ensure that community gyms and fitness facilities are not excluded from business rates relief schemes designed to support retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is introducing new permanently lower business rates tax rates for retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values below £500,000.

On 16 October 2025, the Government published legislation and accompanying guidance detailing the eligibility criteria for the new multipliers. To ensure the new tax rates are appropriately targeted, only properties that are wholly or mainly used for providing RHL activity (as defined in legislation) to visiting members of the public are eligible for the new multipliers.

This includes community gyms and fitness facilities with rateable values below £500,000 that are open to members of the public. Further details on what is meant by “visiting members of the public” can be found online here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/business-rates-multipliers-qualifying-retail-hospitality-or-leisure.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to page 11 of the Bank of England's report entitled Financial Stability Report - December 2025, published on 2 December 2025, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the concentration of net borrowers in the gilt repurchase agreements market on the economy.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The UK gilt market is deep and liquid, with a well-diversified investor base. Gilt repo markets play an important role in supporting the functioning, liquidity and resilience of the wider gilt market.

We work closely with the Debt Management Office, the Bank of England and financial regulators, to monitor developments in the gilt and gilt repo markets.

Most recently, in September 2025 the Bank of England, with input from HM Treasury and the UK Debt Management Office, published an exploratory discussion paper evaluating the effectiveness and impact of a range of potential reforms to enhance the resilience of the gilt repo market.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade of the adequacy of the accessibility of the Government Gateway for small business owners.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Government Gateway is a service managed and operated by HM Revenue and Customs. HMRC keeps the accessibility of the service under ongoing review in line with statutory requirements for public sector digital services.

While no formal joint assessment has been undertaken with the Department for Business and Trade specifically on the accessibility of Government Gateway for small business owners, HMRC routinely engages with user groups, including small businesses, to identify barriers and improve the service experience.

The latest accessibility statement, updated on 8 April 2024, sets out the current level of compliance, known issues, and planned improvements. It is available here:

https://www.access.service.gov.uk/accessibility

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many and what proportion of families, who had their child benefit reinstated following the review into those who were suspended during the period of data-sharing between HMRC and the Home Office, were found to be eligible as a result of PAYE checks.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

As HMRC informed the Treasury Select Committee in its letter dated 14 November 2025, it is unable to completely disaggregate the number of cases where eligibility was confirmed via a subsequent PAYE check from those where evidence was provided by the customer.

The information from the pilot remains HMRC’s best assessment of the effectiveness of the activity using international travel data to reduce error and fraud.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what modelling her Department has done on the potential impact of a UK–EU youth mobility scheme on (a) employment levels, (b) productivity, and (c) economic growth.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The Government has agreed that it will work towards the establishment of a balanced youth experience scheme with the EU, which will be good for the economy, good for growth and good for business.

The impact of a youth experience scheme will be appropriately analysed and will depend on the parameters that are ultimately agreed. We will not provide an assessment of the impacts while negotiations are ongoing.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the ranking by Innovate Finance of the UK as second globally for fintech investment in 2025; and what impact that ranking has on their strategy to support fintech growth and international competitiveness.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The UK is a world leader in Fintech, and attracted $3.6 billion of investment in 2025, second only to the US. The Government is committed to making the UK the world’s most technologically advanced global financial centre and remaining a leading jurisdiction for Fintech firms to start-up, scale and list.

The Government’s Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy set out a comprehensive package of reforms to preserve the UK’s leadership in this area, including streamlining the regulatory environment and initiatives to support UK Fintechs to scale up.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the recently-reported level of UK fintech investment of £2.6 billion in 2025; and how this informs their approach to fintech regulatory and market policy.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The UK is a world leader in Fintech, and attracted $3.6 billion of investment in 2025, second only to the US. The Government is committed to making the UK the world’s most technologically advanced global financial centre and remaining a leading jurisdiction for Fintech firms to start-up, scale and list.

The Government’s Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy set out a comprehensive package of reforms to preserve the UK’s leadership in this area, including streamlining the regulatory environment and initiatives to support UK Fintechs to scale up.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions her Department has had with small and medium-sized enterprises on (a) the employer National Insurance Contributions increase and (b) business rates since the Autumn Budget 2026.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Junior Ministers and HM Treasury officials regularly meet with a wide range of businesses and business representation organisations, including with small and medium-sized enterprises. These meetings include discussions on a wide range of policies.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the length of time of a call to HMRC before it was answered.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC publishes its call waiting times on GOV.UK:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-quarterly-performance-updates

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HMRC holds customs export data identifying exports of live munitions, including bullets or cartridges, from the United Kingdom to Israel; and whether such data distinguishes live munitions from training, sporting, and other non-combat ammunition.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is responsible for the collection of Customs declarations and the publication of data on imports and exports of goods to and from the UK.

Data on ammunition exports does not distinguish between live ammunition and other forms such as those for training or sporting activities.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to help mitigate the potential impact of the (a) removal of the 40% business rates relief and (b) planned revaluation of business rates revaluation on (i) gyms, (ii) swimming pools and (iii) leisure centres.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The amount of business rates paid on each property is based on the rateable value of the property, assessed by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), and the multiplier values, which are set by the Government. Rateable values are re-assessed every three years. Revaluations ensure that the rateable values of properties (i.e. the tax base) remain in line with market changes, and that the tax rates adjust to reflect changes in the tax base. 
 
At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since Covid, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties as they recover from the pandemic. To support with bill increases, at the Budget, the Government announced a support package worth £4.3 billion over the next three years, including protection for ratepayers seeing their bills increase because of the revaluation. As a result, over half of ratepayers will see no bill increases, including 23% seeing their bills go down. This means most properties seeing increases will see them capped at 15% or less next year, or £800 for the smallest.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with the administrator of Ziglu Bank.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Ziglu Limited is an electronic money institution which has been authorised under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 since September 2020. These regulations require firms to meet important standards before they are allowed to carry out payment services and issue electronic money, and the FCA carries out supervision to ensure that it meets the required standards. Ziglu also provides cryptoasset services and is registered with the FCA for the purposes of ensuring compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017.

On 23 May 2025, the FCA placed restrictions on Ziglu in relation to particular products. On 17 June, Ziglu agreed to stop carrying out both payments and cryptoasset activities while allowing customers to withdraw funds. On 7 July, Ziglu entered special administration and the FCA is engaging with the special administrators as appropriate.

Payments and e-money firms are required to safeguard customer funds and segregate these from funds which belong to the firm. The special administrators are working to carry out an assessment of all funds held by Ziglu to establish which are safeguarded for customers, and which belong to Ziglu. However, cryptoasset activities are currently unregulated and Ziglu is not required to safeguard funds or assets which relate to unregulated activities. This means there is no guarantee that cryptoasset customers will receive all or any of their funds or assets back.

Recently, the FCA published new rules coming into force on 7 May 2026 to improve safeguarding standards across the payments sector. The Government has also recently laid legislation to create a comprehensive financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the cost of Electric Vehicle Excise Duty will be to the average Motability scheme user; and what equality impact assessment she has carried out on the differential impact on Motability scheme users.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

As announced at Budget 2025, the Government is introducing Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) from April 2028, a new mileage charge for electric and plug-in hybrid cars, recognising that EVs contribute to congestion and wear and tear on the roads but pay no equivalent to fuel duty.

eVED is designed to replace fuel duty for electric and plug-in hybrid cars. This means it will apply to cars driven by those who are wholly or partially exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), but where their petrol or diesel equivalents would be subject to fuel duty. This includes those who receive the mobility component of certain disability-related benefits (principally Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment). These groups will continue to receive the same VED exemptions as they do now but will not be exempt from eVED, as they are not exempt from fuel duty.

As with petrol/diesel vehicles where fuel duty applies, eVED will also apply to cars that are leased. The leasing company will typically be responsible for paying eVED and can choose how to pass on to their customers.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has met with representatives of the automotive industry, including manufacturers and dealership groups, to discuss the potential consequences of treating Employee Car Ownership Scheme vehicles as full company-car benefits for tax purposes.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

At Budget 2025, the government announced that, to allow more time for the sector to prepare for and adapt to the proposed changes in treatment to Employee Car Ownership Schemes (ECOS), its implementation will be delayed to 6 April 2030, with transitional arrangements until April 2032.

The government maintains regular engagement with vehicle manufacturers and the wider automotive industry. The changes announced at Budget 2025 have been welcomed by the sector.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what data her Department holds on the volumes of imported single-life budget tyres in (a) 2023, (b) 2024 and (c) 1 January to 1 August 2025.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is responsible for the collection and publication of data on imports and exports of goods to and from the UK. However, due to classification codes, we are not able to distinguish between single-life budget tyres, and other kinds of tyres.

Car tyres are classified under commodity code 4011 1000 00. It is not possible to identify single-life budget tyres separately within this commodity code.

HMRC releases imports and exports information monthly, as an Accredited Official Statistic called the Overseas Trade in Goods Statistics (OTS), which is available via their dedicated website (www.uktradeinfo.com).

If you need help or support in constructing a table from the data on uktradeinfo, please contact uktradeinfo@hmrc.gov.uk

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much is owed in uncollected taxes from businesses that liquidated when their owed taxes were attempted to be recovered in 2025.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC publishes quarterly updates that report on the total debt balance at the end of each quarter. The most recent update was published on 8 January 2026 and can be found at www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-quarterly-performance-updates.

HMRC publishes data on individual tax heads but does not publish an aggregated dataset on business taxes.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what data her Department has regarding the amount of unpaid taxes by businesses that is awaiting recovery.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC publishes quarterly updates that report on the total debt balance at the end of each quarter. The most recent update was published on 8 January 2026 and can be found at www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-quarterly-performance-updates.

HMRC publishes data on individual tax heads but does not publish an aggregated dataset on business taxes.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the number of additional (a) women and (b) ethnic minority people who will be earning incomes that will be taxed by surpassing (i) the basic income tax threshold and (ii) the higher rate of income tax threshold.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government has published a Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) setting out the impact of maintaining income Tax and equivalent National Insurance contributions thresholds. This includes an equalities assessment which states that individuals may be affected by this measure regardless of their protected characteristics.

The previous Government legislated to maintain personal tax thresholds until April 28. This Government has continued the policy maintaining thresholds to April 31.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has conducted an equality impact assessment of maintaining income tax thresholds until 2030/31.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government has published a Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) setting out the impact of maintaining income Tax and equivalent National Insurance contributions thresholds. This includes an equalities assessment which states that individuals may be affected by this measure regardless of their protected characteristics.

The previous Government legislated to maintain personal tax thresholds until April 28. This Government has continued the policy maintaining thresholds to April 31.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if her department will release further information on the Voluntary National Insurance contributions for periods abroad.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The previous rules around voluntary National Insurance Contributions (NICs) allowed those with a limited connection to the UK to build UK State Pension entitlement at a very cheap rate.

At Budget 2025 the Government took two immediate steps to fix the most unfair elements of these rules. From April 2026 we are removing most access to Class 2 voluntary NICs for periods abroad. This will prevent thousands of people who are not in the UK from building entitlement to a UK State Pension far more cheaply than working people here. Secondly, we are strengthening the link a person needs to have to the UK before they can build their National Insurance record abroad. A person will now need to have spent 10 years living or building their NI record in the UK, up from three years.

A Tax Information and Impact Note for these changes will be published alongside the introduction of legislation.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people moved into the additional tax band in (a) 2022, (b) 2023 and (c) 2024.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The number of individuals moved into the additional rate of Income Tax is published in Table 3.19 of the OBR’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook, linked below:

https://obr.uk/download/november-2025-economic-and-fiscal-outlook-detailed-forecast-tables-receipts/?tmstv=1768992333

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many civil servants employed by their Department work in roles primarily focused on (a) transgender policy, (b) diversity, (c) equity and (d) inclusion; and at what annual salary cost.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

There are currently fewer than 5 members of HM Treasury staff who work in roles primarily focused on (a) transgender policy, (b) diversity, (c) equity and (d) inclusion. We do not hold this information for previous years.

Where the number of individuals is fewer than five, as is the case here, to provide an exact figure and the additional details requested would constitute the disclosure of personal data.

The first data protection principle requires the disclosure of third-party personal data to be lawful, fair and transparent. Releasing the information would breach the first data protection principle, since it would be unlawful and unfair to release the information.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of donating excess vehicles from the Government estate to Ukraine.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The UK’s commitment to Ukraine is ironclad. We are making a significant commitment to Ukraine in 2026, including $2bn of guarantees for World Bank lending and $1bn of ERA loans. We also have a standing commitment to provide £3bn p.a. in military support, providing Ukraine with a further £6bn of support over the next two years.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the cost to the Exchequer of exempting Motability vehicles from the introduction of Electric Vehicle Excise Duty from April 2028.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

As announced at Budget 2025, the Government is introducing Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) from April 2028, a new mileage charge for electric and plug-in hybrid cars, recognising that EVs contribute to congestion and wear and tear on the roads but pay no equivalent to fuel duty.

eVED is designed to replace fuel duty for electric and plug-in hybrid cars. This means it will apply to cars driven by those who are wholly or partially exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), but where their petrol or diesel equivalents would be subject to fuel duty. This includes those who receive the mobility component of certain disability-related benefits (principally Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment). These groups will continue to receive the same VED exemptions as they do now but will not be exempt from eVED, as they are not exempt from fuel duty.

As with petrol/diesel vehicles where fuel duty applies, eVED will also apply to cars that are leased. The leasing company will typically be responsible for paying eVED and can choose how to pass on to their customers.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with her US counterpart on the US sanctions applied to Zaher Birawi and the Popular Conference for Palestinians Abroad; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of designating Zaher Birawi under the Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMT is unable to provide details on any OFSI actions or investigations that may or may not be ongoing. HMT regularly reviews targets for designation to explore whether they meet our criteria for designation under the Counter-Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the average annual cost to motorists of ending the temporary 5p fuel duty reduction.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

At Budget 2025, the Government announced continued support for people and businesses by extending the temporary 5p fuel duty cut until the end of August 2026. Rates will then gradually return to early 2022 levels. The planned increase in line with inflation for 2026-27 will not take place, with the government uprating fuel duty rates by RPI from April 2027. This will save the average car driver £49 next year compared to previous plans.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the restriction on tax relief for banks' compensation payments for motor finance compensation payments.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

We are monitoring the redress situation closely and want to see it resolved in an efficient way that provides certainty for consumers and firms.

In line with international norms, companies generally obtain Corporation Tax deductions for compensation payments, though the bank compensation restriction which was introduced as part of a wider bank tax regime, prevents banks from doing so.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which public sector bodies will be compensated for increases to their business rates.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since Covid, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties.

The Government introduced a support package worth £4.3 billion, including to protect ratepayers seeing their bills increase. As a result, over half of ratepayers will see no bill increases, including 23% seeing their bills go down next year. This also means most properties seeing increases will see them capped at 15% or less next year, or £800 for the smallest.

Departments’ budgets were set at Spending Review 2025. Any spending pressures are expected to be managed within those settlements.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what economic steps she has taken against Russia since its invasion of Ukraine.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

We have stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine and against Putin’s illegal invasion. This government has significantly increased our economic pressure on Russia. This includes our recent sanctions against Lukoil and Rosneft last October, which means the largest Russian oil companies are now sanctioned. This action was closely followed by the US. We also recently announced a maritime services ban on Russian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), in parallel with the EU, which will ban the involvement of UK service providers in the global trade of Russian LNG. We will use all the economic tools at our disposal to stand up for what is right.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of investments by UK banks in stablecoin settlement companies on the UK's competitiveness as a global fintech hub.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises that cryptoassets, and tokenised payment and settlement instruments present both significant opportunities and risks for the UK and the rest of the world.

That is why the UK has worked closed with international partners through the Financial Stability Board to develop global standards for cryptoassets and stablecoin. It is also why the Government is creating a comprehensive UK regulatory regime for cryptoassets, including to regulate the issuance of stablecoin.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of global trends in stablecoin settlement, and the implications for UK fintech regulation and financial infrastructure.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises that cryptoassets, and tokenised payment and settlement instruments present both significant opportunities and risks for the UK and the rest of the world.

That is why the UK has worked closed with international partners through the Financial Stability Board to develop global standards for cryptoassets and stablecoin. It is also why the Government is creating a comprehensive UK regulatory regime for cryptoassets, including to regulate the issuance of stablecoin.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the cost of the £1,000 tax free allowance for (a) trading and (b) property income in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The tax-free allowances simplify the tax system and keep low levels of casual income out of taxation. Individuals with trading income or property income at £1,000 or below are not required to report the income and the use of allowances to HMRC through Self Assessment (SA). As a result, HMRC cannot provide a total estimate on the number of people using the allowances and the cost of the allowances.

More information on the tax free allowances can be found at:

Tax-free allowances on property and trading income - GOV.UK”

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the VAT registration threshold on the UK’s obligations under the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland as amended by the Windsor Framework.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

VAT policy, including the VAT registration threshold, applies on a UK-wide basis and operates in Northern Ireland in line with the UK’s international obligations under the Windsor Framework.

The VAT registration threshold is consistent with the operation of the Framework.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to facilitate collaboration between UK financial regulators and international regulatory authorities to maintain the City of London's competitiveness in fintech innovation.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to making the UK the best place for fintechs, to start, scale and list. The Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, published in July 2025, sets out our mission to shape a regulatory environment for financial services that is proportionate, predictable and internationally competitive, embracing innovation and leveraging the UK’s leadership in Fintech.

We are delivering this through strengthened partnerships with international financial centres around the world, supported by ongoing regulatory dialogues with many of our international partners such as the EU, US, China, India and the Gulf. We also continue to promote cooperation between UK financial regulators and their counterparts overseas. For instance, the UK has established the UK-US Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future, which is exploring opportunities for deeper collaboration in financial services, with a particular focus on digital assets and capital markets.

In addition, the Office for Investment: Financial Services, launched last October, will guide and support international investors looking to establish or grow a presence in the UK’s financial services sector, with a focus on fintech and the other priority growth areas

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the number of people using the £1,000 tax free allowance for (a) trading and (b) property income in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The tax-free allowances simplify the tax system and keep low levels of casual income out of taxation. Individuals with trading income or property income at £1,000 or below are not required to report the income and the use of allowances to HMRC through Self Assessment (SA). As a result, HMRC cannot provide a total estimate on the number of people using the allowances and the cost of the allowances.

More information on the tax free allowances can be found at:

Tax-free allowances on property and trading income - GOV.UK”

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of consolidation trends in the fintech sector; and what steps they will take to support UK-based fintech firms in maintaining global competitiveness.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

As set out in the Government’s Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy (“the Strategy”), the UK aims to be the world’s most technologically advanced global financial centre, and to remain a leading jurisdiction for Fintech firms to start-up, scale and list.

The UK has a long history as a powerhouse of financial services innovation. The Strategy set out a comprehensive package of reforms to maintain the UK’s global leadership in fintech. The sector attracted $3.6 billion of investment in 2025 - second only to the US.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will exempt people over 80 from self assessment for taxes.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Many pensioners will pay tax via PAYE and some will receive a Simple Assessments from HMRC. Generally only those with more complex affairs may need to do a Self Assessment. We have no plans to change this.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to employer National Insurance contributions on the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the Bill containing the changes to employer NICs. The TIIN sets out the impact of the policy on the exchequer, the economic impacts of the policy, and the impacts on individuals, businesses, and civil society organisations, as well as an overview of the equality impacts.

The Government protected the smallest hospitality businesses from recent changes to employer National Insurance by increasing the Employment Allowance to £10,500.

Wider business support is devolved in Northern Ireland and is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive. The Northern Ireland Executive’s Spending Review settlement for 2025-26 is the largest in real terms of any settlement since devolution and they receive over 24% more funding per person than equivalent UK Government spending in the rest of the UK in all years of the Spending Review 2025 period (2025-26 to 2028-29).

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what is HM Revenue and Customs' average time for processing income tax rebate claims.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC recognise that repayments are important for customers. They prioritise them and work hard to ensure they are processed as quickly and securely as possible.

HMRC balance the provision of prompt payments to eligible customers with effective revenue protection from fraudsters.

They continue to invest in automation and to review their internal processes to ensure repayments are issued as quickly as possible.

HMRC also understands the importance of keeping the customer, and where appropriate the customer’s representative informed of progress, and are exploring ways of doing that more effectively.

In the meantime, HMRC’s online ‘Where’s My Reply’ tool can help customers understand when they can expect to receive a response.

HMRC does not produce one overall average processing time across all Income Tax repayment routes, because timings differ depending on the repayment type and checks required.

HMRC does not hold a single consolidated measure of outstanding Income Tax repayment claims across all channels, and producing a comprehensive breakdown by the age bands requested would require manual collation from multiple systems. Gathering this data would exceed the cost threshold for answering parliamentary questions.

The majority of Income tax repayment claims are for PAYE and Self Assessment (SA) customers. There are several triggers for PAYE and SA repayments, but for those which involve the customer submitting a claim, these are treated as priority post. HMRC have an agreed and published service standard to clear 80% of priority post within 15 working days of receipt. HMRC’s correspondence performance has improved from 68.2% in April 2025 to 87.8% in November 2025. They publish regular updates on their performance at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-quarterly-performance-updates

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of HM Revenue and Customs' processes for ensuring income tax rebate claims are processed on time; and what steps she has taken to reduce the backlog of unprocessed income tax rebate claims.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC recognise that repayments are important for customers. They prioritise them and work hard to ensure they are processed as quickly and securely as possible.

HMRC balance the provision of prompt payments to eligible customers with effective revenue protection from fraudsters.

They continue to invest in automation and to review their internal processes to ensure repayments are issued as quickly as possible.

HMRC also understands the importance of keeping the customer, and where appropriate the customer’s representative informed of progress, and are exploring ways of doing that more effectively.

In the meantime, HMRC’s online ‘Where’s My Reply’ tool can help customers understand when they can expect to receive a response.

HMRC does not produce one overall average processing time across all Income Tax repayment routes, because timings differ depending on the repayment type and checks required.

HMRC does not hold a single consolidated measure of outstanding Income Tax repayment claims across all channels, and producing a comprehensive breakdown by the age bands requested would require manual collation from multiple systems. Gathering this data would exceed the cost threshold for answering parliamentary questions.

The majority of Income tax repayment claims are for PAYE and Self Assessment (SA) customers. There are several triggers for PAYE and SA repayments, but for those which involve the customer submitting a claim, these are treated as priority post. HMRC have an agreed and published service standard to clear 80% of priority post within 15 working days of receipt. HMRC’s correspondence performance has improved from 68.2% in April 2025 to 87.8% in November 2025. They publish regular updates on their performance at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-quarterly-performance-updates

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many outstanding income tax rebate claims does HM Revenue and Customs have; and how many of these claims have been outstanding for more than (a) one month, (b) three months, (c) six months and (d) 12 months.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC recognise that repayments are important for customers. They prioritise them and work hard to ensure they are processed as quickly and securely as possible.

HMRC balance the provision of prompt payments to eligible customers with effective revenue protection from fraudsters.

They continue to invest in automation and to review their internal processes to ensure repayments are issued as quickly as possible.

HMRC also understands the importance of keeping the customer, and where appropriate the customer’s representative informed of progress, and are exploring ways of doing that more effectively.

In the meantime, HMRC’s online ‘Where’s My Reply’ tool can help customers understand when they can expect to receive a response.

HMRC does not produce one overall average processing time across all Income Tax repayment routes, because timings differ depending on the repayment type and checks required.

HMRC does not hold a single consolidated measure of outstanding Income Tax repayment claims across all channels, and producing a comprehensive breakdown by the age bands requested would require manual collation from multiple systems. Gathering this data would exceed the cost threshold for answering parliamentary questions.

The majority of Income tax repayment claims are for PAYE and Self Assessment (SA) customers. There are several triggers for PAYE and SA repayments, but for those which involve the customer submitting a claim, these are treated as priority post. HMRC have an agreed and published service standard to clear 80% of priority post within 15 working days of receipt. HMRC’s correspondence performance has improved from 68.2% in April 2025 to 87.8% in November 2025. They publish regular updates on their performance at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-quarterly-performance-updates

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of Stare for Energy Security and Net Zero, on the potential inclusion of refined petroleum products within the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism; and when the outcomes of those discussions will be made available.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

As announced at Budget 2025 the government is considering the feasibility and impacts of including refined products in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in future. The government recognises that refineries play a role in energy security and the UK’s industrial base. Government Ministers are holding a roundtable with the refining sector on 4 February 2026 and will also publish a call for evidence on the fuel sector shortly.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when she plans to begin a formal assessment of the potential addition of refined petroleum products to the scope of the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

As announced at Budget 2025 the government is considering the feasibility and impacts of including refined products in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in future. The government recognises that refineries play a role in energy security and the UK’s industrial base. Government Ministers are holding a roundtable with the refining sector on 4 February 2026 and will also publish a call for evidence on the fuel sector shortly.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has conducted an equality impact assessment for the increase in employer National Insurance contributions.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the Bill containing the changes to employer NICs. The TIIN sets out the impact of the policy on the exchequer, the economic impacts of the policy, and the impacts on individuals, businesses, and civil society organisations, as well as an overview of the equality impacts.

The Government is firmly committed to supporting women to enter, stay and progress in work, tackling gender pay gaps and ensuring women can reach their full potential in the labour market. To help make work pay for mothers in particular, we are improving access to affordable childcare through the Tax-Free Childcare scheme and 30 hours of funded childcare a week.

The Government is committed to supporting young people to earn and learn. That is why we are delivering a Youth Guarantee, backed by £820m over the Spending Review period. This includes providing guaranteed paid work placements to young people on Universal Credit, who are unemployed for over 18 months, granting an opportunity for young people to gain essential skills and experience and prevent the damaging effects of long-term unemployment. The Youth Guarantee will also create nearly 300,000 additional work experience and training opportunities, further expand Youth Hubs to every local area of Great Britain, and increase investment to prevent young people from falling out of education, employment or training in future.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will (a) review and (b) update the Overseas Scale Rates during 2026.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Overseas Scale Rates are an administrative easement that employers can use to pay or reimburse accommodation and subsistence expenses incurred by employees who have to travel outside the UK without the need to check receipts. Where the rates do not cover the expense incurred employers can check employee receipts to reimburse these costs.

The government keeps all taxes under review as part of the policy making process.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the increase in employer National Insurance contributions on young people seeking employment.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the Bill containing the changes to employer NICs. The TIIN sets out the impact of the policy on the exchequer, the economic impacts of the policy, and the impacts on individuals, businesses, and civil society organisations, as well as an overview of the equality impacts.

The Government is firmly committed to supporting women to enter, stay and progress in work, tackling gender pay gaps and ensuring women can reach their full potential in the labour market. To help make work pay for mothers in particular, we are improving access to affordable childcare through the Tax-Free Childcare scheme and 30 hours of funded childcare a week.

The Government is committed to supporting young people to earn and learn. That is why we are delivering a Youth Guarantee, backed by £820m over the Spending Review period. This includes providing guaranteed paid work placements to young people on Universal Credit, who are unemployed for over 18 months, granting an opportunity for young people to gain essential skills and experience and prevent the damaging effects of long-term unemployment. The Youth Guarantee will also create nearly 300,000 additional work experience and training opportunities, further expand Youth Hubs to every local area of Great Britain, and increase investment to prevent young people from falling out of education, employment or training in future.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the increase in employer National Insurance contributions on female employees.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the Bill containing the changes to employer NICs. The TIIN sets out the impact of the policy on the exchequer, the economic impacts of the policy, and the impacts on individuals, businesses, and civil society organisations, as well as an overview of the equality impacts.

The Government is firmly committed to supporting women to enter, stay and progress in work, tackling gender pay gaps and ensuring women can reach their full potential in the labour market. To help make work pay for mothers in particular, we are improving access to affordable childcare through the Tax-Free Childcare scheme and 30 hours of funded childcare a week.

The Government is committed to supporting young people to earn and learn. That is why we are delivering a Youth Guarantee, backed by £820m over the Spending Review period. This includes providing guaranteed paid work placements to young people on Universal Credit, who are unemployed for over 18 months, granting an opportunity for young people to gain essential skills and experience and prevent the damaging effects of long-term unemployment. The Youth Guarantee will also create nearly 300,000 additional work experience and training opportunities, further expand Youth Hubs to every local area of Great Britain, and increase investment to prevent young people from falling out of education, employment or training in future.

Found: Ministry of Finance-HM Treasury Working Group: The Participants reaffirm their commitment to collaborate

Found: up to 0.9g/day and 15g/day respectively45, whilst generating between £2.9bn and £3.4bn/year for HM Treasury

Found: progress depends on clear direction, long-term commitment, and coordinated action across the system. 5 HM Treasury

Found: Analysis of member data with input from ex-HMT and OBR analysts suggests small firms would face nearly

Found: evidence that the tax on sugary drinks has been effective in encouraging reformulation of products and HMT-HMRC

Found: related policy across the relevant government departments working on the issue, namely DHSC, DEFRA and HMT

Found: Indeed, HM Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs consulted on tax incentives for occupational health in

Found: impact on improving health 5 FDF Scotland Success report: Reformulation for Health March 2024 6 DWP HMT

Found: estimates that the tax itself could provide an additional £2.9 billion to £3.4 billion of revenue to HM Treasury

Found: www.theccc.org.uk/wp- content/uploads/2025/02/The-Seventh-Carbon-Budget.pdf (Accessed August 2025) 4 HM Treasury

Found: could learn:  Cross-departmental working between the Department of Education, Defra, DLUHC, DCMS, HM Treasury

Found: Available online. 36 HMT abd HMRC (2025).

Found: 6866387fe6557c544c74db7a/fit-for-the-future-10-year-health-plan-for- england.pdf 6 Department for Work and Pensions, HM Treasury

Found: evidence.Establish a Value-Based Funding Model for Prevention.Action: The NHS should work with HM Treasury

Found: inspection framework, we have 1 ‘A new approach to ensure regulators and regulation support growth’, HM Treasury

Found: welcome recognition that good regulation can help deliver positive outcomes and find alignment 1 HM Treasury

Found: little to no action on the part of either the Bank of England or FCA.2  More direction from HM Treasury

Found: There should be active involvement from HM Treasury in setting these as the government department with

Found: HM Treasury, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Dame Caroline Dinenage MP Chair, Culture,

Found: 6892104df15b237bf6610996/industrial_strategy_digital_ and_technologies_sector_plan_accessible.pdf 3 HM Treasury

Found: emerging technology sectors are increasingly being targeted by foreign firms and governments.40 37 HMT

Found: Sullivan-Jones, Director, National Audit Office, and David Fairbrother, Treasury Officer of Accounts, HM Treasury

Found: We welcome the expansion of the defence industrial base and the engagement of HM Treasury and the Department

Found: These include the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Wales Office, and HM Treasury

Found: HMT has only committed to “considering feasibility”, with no timeline committed to.  Carbon leakage

Found: has been done in the 2025 Budget for some policy-related electricity costs.19 January 2026 19 HM Treasury

Found: future of North Sea licensing and on the future fiscal regime for the North Sea with DESNZ and HM Treasury

Found: future of North Sea licensing and on the future fiscal regime for the North Sea with DESNZ and HM Treasury

Found: NSTA Value for money and taxpayer protection Decommissioning cost variance against NAO baselines HM Treasury

Found: tax regime allows companies to offset decommissioning costs against past profits, meaning that HM Treasury

Found: A number of individual departments (including DHSC, MHCLG, HMT and DfE) have reported an approximate

Found: 6,255 5 97% MoD 3,958 3 6,211 6 57% FCDO 3,994 2 6,092 7 53% Dept for Transport 3,035 8 5,790 8 91% HM Treasury

Found:  HMT with DSIT should develop trusted capital principles and explore options for convening a trusted

Found: years, and in providing technical support on tackling illicit financial crime with support from HM Treasury

Found: and Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament 55 HM Treasury

Found: greater consistency across policing; and b. set out how it will ensure that claimed savings meet HM Treasury

Found: Culture Media and Sport, Health and Social Care, Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Education and HM Treasury

Found: Minister for Investment Department for Business and Trade & HM Treasury

Found: Minister for Investment Department for Business and Trade & HM Treasury

Found: Minister for Investment Department for Business and Trade & HM Treasury

Found: Cabinet Office, HM Treasury, and HM Treasury Oral Evidence

Found: These accounts have to be compliant with guidance issued by HM Treasury.

Found: with a limited set of additional UK public sector specific reporting requirements specified by HM Treasury

Found: An example of this relates to sustainability reporting, with HM Treasury recently publishing its 83-

Found: stakeholders for this review should include public bodies subject to existing reporting requirements, HMT

Found: report’s findings and welcomes the suggestion that both the NAO and central government, including HM Treasury

Found: Letter from the Permanent Secretary at HM Treasury relating to a follow-up to the Committee’s evidence

Found: High Fraud Risk Portfolio In April 2024, the Permanent Secretaries of Cabinet Office and HMT

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which (a) Ministers and (b) Senior Civil Servants approved the award of the contract titled AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility to Migrant Help and CCTM22A01 Provision of Bridging Accommodation and Travel Services Contract - Contracts Finder Contract, with a start date of 26 February 2023; and on what date that approval was given.

Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)

This information cannot be disclosed as the detailed financial breakdown of the AIRE contract is commercially sensitive.

This contract was approved by the Commercial Approval Board where it gained approval within Home Office. It was also approved by Cabinet Office Spend Controls and HMT approvals.

The AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility was procured as part of a restricted procedure under the PCR15 regulations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and service standards are contained within the contract titled AIRE publicly available information: AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Elligibility - Contracts Finder

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what Key Performance Indicators and service standards are contained within the contract titled AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility, including any KPIs relating to call handling times, resolution rates, and complaint outcomes.

Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)

This information cannot be disclosed as the detailed financial breakdown of the AIRE contract is commercially sensitive.

This contract was approved by the Commercial Approval Board where it gained approval within Home Office. It was also approved by Cabinet Office Spend Controls and HMT approvals.

The AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility was procured as part of a restricted procedure under the PCR15 regulations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and service standards are contained within the contract titled AIRE publicly available information: AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Elligibility - Contracts Finder

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the cost of the 24-hour service provision under the contract titled AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility is; and what assessment was made of the value for money of providing a 24-hour service.

Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)

This information cannot be disclosed as the detailed financial breakdown of the AIRE contract is commercially sensitive.

This contract was approved by the Commercial Approval Board where it gained approval within Home Office. It was also approved by Cabinet Office Spend Controls and HMT approvals.

The AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility was procured as part of a restricted procedure under the PCR15 regulations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and service standards are contained within the contract titled AIRE publicly available information: AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Elligibility - Contracts Finder

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what procurement route was used for the contract titled AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility; and whether it was awarded via open tender.

Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)

This information cannot be disclosed as the detailed financial breakdown of the AIRE contract is commercially sensitive.

This contract was approved by the Commercial Approval Board where it gained approval within Home Office. It was also approved by Cabinet Office Spend Controls and HMT approvals.

The AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility was procured as part of a restricted procedure under the PCR15 regulations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and service standards are contained within the contract titled AIRE publicly available information: AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Elligibility - Contracts Finder

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the breakdown of costs by financial year is for the contract with Migrant Help entitled AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility since 1 March 2019.

Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)

This information cannot be disclosed as the detailed financial breakdown of the AIRE contract is commercially sensitive.

This contract was approved by the Commercial Approval Board where it gained approval within Home Office. It was also approved by Cabinet Office Spend Controls and HMT approvals.

The AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility was procured as part of a restricted procedure under the PCR15 regulations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and service standards are contained within the contract titled AIRE publicly available information: AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Elligibility - Contracts Finder

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion of spending under the contract entitled AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility has been paid to subcontractors; which subcontractors have received payments; and what services those payments were for.

Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)

This information cannot be disclosed as the detailed financial breakdown of the AIRE contract is commercially sensitive.

This contract was approved by the Commercial Approval Board where it gained approval within Home Office. It was also approved by Cabinet Office Spend Controls and HMT approvals.

The AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Eligibility was procured as part of a restricted procedure under the PCR15 regulations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and service standards are contained within the contract titled AIRE publicly available information: AIRE - Advice Issue Reporting and Elligibility - Contracts Finder

Question

To ask The Senior Deputy Speaker how much has been spent to date on Parliament’s Renewal and Restoration project since April 2020.

Answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble

The total cost of the R&R Programme, from 2020-21 until the end of 2024-25, is £470m. This includes the costs of the Parliamentary Works Sponsor Body and Restoration and Renewal Delivery Authority which were established in April and May 2020 respectively (including £5m of costs in April 2020 before the Delivery Authority was formally incorporated). It also includes the costs of Restoration and Renewal Client Team, which took over the sponsor function for the programme from the Sponsor Body in January 2023, and Strategic Estates’ costs of developing the enhanced maintenance and improvement option (one of the three R&R delivery options being developed). These costs cover all planning, procurement, design and preparatory survey works for the Programme in this period.

The total agreed budget for the current financial year (2025-26) is £74m, which includes the costs of the Delivery Authority, the R&R Client Team, the House of Lords R&R team and Strategic Estates’ costs of developing the enhanced maintenance and improvement option.

The Delivery Authority’s Main Estimate for 2026-27 is currently subject to parliamentary scrutiny and approval. As well as parliamentary approval being required for the initial budget provision, the Delivery Authority’s expenditure is subject to regular scrutiny and challenge throughout the financial year including by the R&R Client Team and House finance teams, Delivery Authority Board, R&R Programme Board, R&R Client Board and Parliamentary Works Estimates Commission.

The Delivery Authority’s funding is based on what is required to deliver the key activities tasked to it by the R&R Client Team. The Delivery Authority seeks to ensure that its expenditure remains taut and proportionate for the activities required to deliver the Programme and constantly re-assesses its resources, scaling up or down as appropriate. Under legislation which set up the framework of the R&R Programme, HM Treasury is required to be consulted on the Delivery Authority’s Estimates; to date, HM Treasury has concluded that the Estimates have been “taut and realistic”. The R&R Programme routinely publishes information on costs, for instance in quarterly reports, annual reports, and memoranda provided to the Parliamentary Works Estimates Commission.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what arm's-length bodies have been created since July 2024.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

This Government was elected on a mandate of change. In order to deliver the promises we made in our manifesto, the following arms length bodies have been legislated for, launched or announced:

• Great British Energy (DESNZ)

• National Wealth Fund (HM Treasury)

• Skills England (DWP)

• Independent Football Regulator (DCMS)

• Ethics and Integrity Commission (CO)

• Single Construction Regulator (MHCLG)

• Local Audit Office (MHCLG)

• Government Commercial Agency (CO)

• Great British Railways (DfT)

• Fair Work Agency (DBT)

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 11 November 2025 to Question 87556, how long the pause on the introduction of new electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes in the public sector will last; and if she will publish the planned timetable for the cross‑government review of those schemes.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Minister of State (Education)

The review and decision on new electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes for academy trusts is being led by HM Treasury. The department remains in contact with HM Treasury on this issue and will inform academy trusts when a decision has been made.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what conversations he has had with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that enforcement against non-compliant vaping products will be effectively coordinated once the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is enacted.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Officials in the Department of Health and Social Care regularly meet with officials from other departments, including HM Treasury, HM Revenue and Customs, the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, the Office for Product Safety and Standards, Border Force, and the Home Office, as well as National Trading Standards, to share intelligence and ensure a coordinated approach to the enforcement of our rules on vaping products. This coordinated approach to enforcement will continue once the Tobacco and Vapes Bill becomes law.

Furthermore, in 2025/26, we are investing £30 million of new funding in total for enforcement agencies including Trading Standards, Border Force, and HM Revenue and Customs, to tackle the illicit and underage sale of tobacco and vapes, and to help enforce the law. As part of this, the Government is investing £10 million of new funding in 2025/26 in Trading Standards. This funding is being used to boost the Trading Standards workforce by hiring 94 apprentices across England.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to table 1 of Annex A of the Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25, if he will publish a breakdown of the spending of both (a) Resource Departmental Expenditure Limit and (b) Capital Departmental Expenditure Limit on Delivering Affordable energy for households and businesses in that financial year.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

A detailed breakdown of the Resource and Capital Departmental Expenditure limit spending in 2024-25 under Delivering Affordable energy for households and businesses and Ensuring that our energy system is reliable and secure is held on the HM Treasury database OSCAR and published at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/oscar-annual-release-november-2025.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of legislative reform for victims of (a) domestic and (b) economic abuse to exit joint mortgages safely and promptly; and what discussions she has had with the (i) Chancellor of the Exchequer and (ii) Financial Conduct Authority on the introduction of guidance for the financial industry on this matter.

Answered by Jess Phillips - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

This Government recognises the devastating impact economic abuse can have on victims. ‘Freedom from Violence and Abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls’, published on 18 December 2025, outlined a package of commitments to tackle economic abuse. This included a commitment from His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT) to work with key stakeholders, including industry and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to explore how joint mortgages are used as a tool of abuse and how victims and survivors can be better supported. This commitment was also included in HMT’s recent Financial Inclusion Strategy.

The Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls met with the Economic Secretary to the Treasury as both strategies were developed, and remains committed to working closely with her HMT counterparts as they deliver on this agenda.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to table 1 of Annex A of the Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25, if he will publish a breakdown of the spending of both (a) Resource Departmental Expenditure Limit and (b) Capital Departmental Expenditure Limit on Ensuring that our energy system is reliable and secure in that financial year, including the value of the Bulb loan which was repaid in that financial year.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

A detailed breakdown of the Resource and Capital Departmental Expenditure limit spending in 2024-25 under Delivering Affordable energy for households and businesses and Ensuring that our energy system is reliable and secure is held on the HM Treasury database OSCAR and published at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/oscar-annual-release-november-2025.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of the 815,000 people who use the Motability scheme will be impacted by one or more of the changes to the Motability scheme.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

An Equality Impact Assessment including consideration of the impact on affected individuals was undertaken and published by HMT as part of the Autumn Budget and can be found here: Motability Scheme: reforming tax reliefs - GOV.UK.

The Motability Scheme will continue to offer a choice of vehicles to meet a range of accessibility needs and vehicles which require no advance payment, meaning that people will be able to access a suitable vehicle using only their qualifying disability benefit.  Motability Foundation, the independent charity with responsibility for overseeing the Scheme, will continue to offer means-tested grants to support eligible people who would otherwise struggle to afford the advance payment or adaptations for a vehicle, or a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) through the Scheme.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK-Indonesia Economic Growth Partnership on financial services firms seeking market access in Indonesia.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Economic Growth Partnership is a non-legally binding framework that will deepen cooperation between the UK and Indonesian Governments on areas of interest to our businesses, including in Financial Services.

The Economic Growth Partnership reaffirms the commitment by Indonesia’s Ministry of Finance and HM Treasury to hold a programme of Financial Services Working Groups to deepen dialogue and cooperation on key issues of mutual interest. It complements our support for Indonesia’s application to join the CPTPP.

A new Forum chaired by Indonesian and UK Ministers will monitor progress on activities set out in the Economic Growth Partnership.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to co-ordinate with (a) the Chancellor of the Exchequer and (b) UK regulations on financial services engagement as a result of the UK-Indonesia Economic Growth Partnership.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Economic Growth Partnership is a non-legally binding framework that will deepen cooperation between the UK and Indonesian Governments on areas of interest to our businesses, including in Financial Services.

The Economic Growth Partnership reaffirms the commitment by Indonesia’s Ministry of Finance and HM Treasury to hold a programme of Financial Services Working Groups to deepen dialogue and cooperation on key issues of mutual interest. It complements our support for Indonesia’s application to join the CPTPP.

A new Forum chaired by Indonesian and UK Ministers will monitor progress on activities set out in the Economic Growth Partnership.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what benchmarks his Department is using to assess progress on regulatory co-operation on financial services under the UK-Indonesia Economic Growth Partnership.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Economic Growth Partnership is a non-legally binding framework that will deepen cooperation between the UK and Indonesian Governments on areas of interest to our businesses, including in Financial Services.

The Economic Growth Partnership reaffirms the commitment by Indonesia’s Ministry of Finance and HM Treasury to hold a programme of Financial Services Working Groups to deepen dialogue and cooperation on key issues of mutual interest. It complements our support for Indonesia’s application to join the CPTPP.

A new Forum chaired by Indonesian and UK Ministers will monitor progress on activities set out in the Economic Growth Partnership.

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Found: Cabinet Office and HM Treasury expect that public bodies should save £3 for every £1 spent on counter-fraud

Found: Cabinet Office and HM Treasury expect that public bodies should save £3 for every £1 spent on counter-fraud

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Found: Alongside this, in December 2024, HM Treasury finalised “TCFD-aligned disclosure application guidance

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Found: [note 3] We evaluate each policy in line with HMT Green Book requirements.

Found: specific to churches include: • The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, (funded by DCMS & HM Treasury

Found: Policy and the Department • Given the macro-economic focus, HM Treasury is the Department with the most

Found: Work closely with HM Treasury (HMT) to ensure that timescales for funding approval are better aligned

Found: Aligning with HMT guidance and in the context of the Programme, the evaluation considered a 14-year appraisal

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Found: about the implementation of financial sanctions in the UK, contact OFSI For media enquiries, contact HMT

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Found: basis of the governance, decision-making and financial management principles set out in the HM Treasury

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Found: These accounts have been prepared in accordance with a Direction given by HM Treasury in pursuance of

Found: Additionally, the IAA introduced a revised Risk Management Framework aligned with HMT Orange Book guidance

Found: operates within its budget and ensures value for money in accordance with Managing Public Money and HM Treasury

Found: discount the five-year costs and benefits using a 3.5% discount rate based on guidance issued by HM Treasury

Found: On 10 November 2025, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (“OFSI”), part of HM Treasury,

Found: On 10 November 2025, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (“OFSI”), part of HM Treasury,

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Found: report9 setting out further analysis of potential inflation measures available to Ministers using HM Treasury

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Question

To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it has increased the budget for Scotland House in London by 96.2% in its draft Budget 2026-27.

Answered by Robertson, Angus - Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture

Scotland House London is a unique collaboration between the Scottish Government, Scottish Development International, VisitScotland and Scotland Food & Drink, and provides a platform to showcase Scotland’s unique offer to key domestic and international audiences. The facility also provides a home in London for a range of Scottish businesses and organisations seeking to develop relationships, engage new markets and explore opportunities to succeed and grow.

Whilst the overall budget for SHL increases from £2.095m in 2025-26 to £4.111m in 2026-27 (a 96.2% rise), this increase is almost entirely due to a one-off capital charge of £2.019m required to extend the SHL office lease to November 2029. Importantly, the annual resource costs have not increased and remain at £1.660m. This is an accounting requirement. The cash lease payments will continue to be made over the 3 year period of the lease in the normal way.

Under International Financial Reporting Standard(IFRS) 16, long-term leases must be recognised as assets on the Scottish Government’s balance sheet. The total lease payments for the full three-year extension period amount to £2.019m. In accordance with IFRS 16, this full value must be recognised upfront as a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability in the Scottish Government’s Consolidated Accounts.

As required by HM Treasury rules, this results in £2.019m of capital budget cover being needed only in the year the lease is extended (2026-27). This is a single-year requirement only, covering the entire period to 2029, and therefore will not recur in future years’ budgets. This short-term extension to the current lease arrangements for SHL has been made to allow Ministers of the incoming administration, following the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, to take decisions on the Scottish Government's presence in London in the longer term.

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Found: The Bill is sponsored by HM Treasury.

Found: Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority) is a joint UK Government unit that reports to HM Treasury