Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what data they hold on the number of commercial recording studios liable for non-domestic rates in each of the last ten years; and whether that data shows a rise or decline in the number of such studios up to 2026.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Valuation Office are working with the sector to ensure that recording studios are categorised as such. They publish an annual stock of properties which can be sorted by their Special Category (SCat) here: Non-domestic rating: stock of properties collection - GOV.UK. Recording studios can be found under SCat code 232. The total number of recording studios in England and Wales for the last ten years are:

2025 - 410

2024 - 410

2023 - 420

2022 - 420

2021 - 410

2020 - 400

2019 - 410

2018 - 400

2017 - 390

2016 - 390

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, pending implementation of the review of the Financial Ombudsman Service, to issue interim guidance for cases where Financial Ombudsman Service decisions raise questions about the interpretation of regulatory responsibilities across the financial services sector; or to encourage the Financial Conduct Authority to do so.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

On Monday 16 March, the Government published a response to its consultation on reforming the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), confirming that the government will legislate to stop the FOS acting as a quasi-regulator and provide greater regulatory coherence with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The FOS was not intended to create binding precedents or new rules through its determinations, which are made based on all the individual circumstances of the case. The Government’s review concluded that there was not always coherence between the regulatory approach set by the FCA and the approach used by the FOS in determining individual complaints and, in a small but significant minority of cases, this had led to the FOS acting as a quasi-regulator. The Government’s reforms will ensure that FOS determinations are fully aligned with the regulatory standards set by the FCA.

The Government will bring forward legislation to deliver the reforms when parliamentary time allows. Alongside the Government’s response, the FCA and the FOS published a paper seeking views on a number of changes they can make in advance of legislation, including updates to the fair and reasonable test and initial implementation of the new referral mechanism.

The reforms will improve cooperation between the FOS and the FCA, including through introducing a referral mechanism, which will require the FOS to seek a view from the FCA where the FOS considers there may be ambiguity in what FCA rules require, or where it considers an issue raised may have wider implications across the financial services industry, which the FCA will be required to respond to. The FOS and the FCA have implemented an initial version of this mechanism through their updated Memorandum of Understanding.

The reforms will also require the FCA and the FOS to publish regular thematic reports, which will explain the FOS’s approach to types of complaints that it receives. This will provide greater certainty on the approach used by the FOS to resolve disputes, and which demonstrates how that approach is aligned with the regulatory standards set by the FCA. In their joint paper, the FOS and the FCA set out that they will work with the Government to consider how greater clarity could be provided ahead of any legislative change.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the respective regulatory responsibilities are clearly defined between investment platforms, independent financial advisers and Self-Invested Personal Pension operators under Financial Conduct Authority rules.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recently carried out a review of the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), and consulted on proposed changes to the statutory framework in which it operates. On 16 March, the Government published a response to its consultation on reforming the FOS, confirming it will legislate to stop the FOS acting as a quasi-regulator and provide greater regulatory coherence with the FCA.

The FOS was not intended to create binding precedents or new rules through its determinations, which are made based on all the individual circumstances of the case. The Government’s review concluded that there was not always coherence between the regulatory approach set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the approach used by the FOS in determining individual complaints and, in a small but significant minority of cases, this led to the FOS acting as a quasi-regulator.

The Government’s reforms will amend the ‘Fair and Reasonable’ test to require that, where firms have met their obligations under relevant FCA Rules, the FOS will be required to find that a firm has acted fairly and reasonably. They will also make clear that the FOS can only consider rules that were in force at the time of the act or omission giving rise to a complaint. These reforms require primary legislation, which the government will take forward when Parliamentary time allows.

Alongside the Government’s planned legislative changes, the FCA and FOS are currently consulting on changes to the Dispute Resolution (DISP) rules in the FCA’s Handbook, which also proposes changes to address industry concerns about the potential for retrospective interpretation of FCA rules and standards.

All FCA authorised firms are subject to the same core regulatory requirements. The FCA communicates to firms, for example through their “Approach to Supervision” publication, that different business models including investment platforms and SIPP providers create different risk and therefore there are different expectations of the firms. The FCA expects firms to understand these risks and mitigate against them. Where appropriate, the FCA will clarify their expectations of different firms. Firms must also meet additional requirements, either rules or guidance, set out by the FCA depending on the specific regulated activities and permissions a firm undertakes and holds.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the Financial Ombudsman Service fully utilises established consultation mechanisms, including the Wider Implications Framework between the Financial Ombudsman Service and the Financial Conduct Authority in cases with potential market-wide impact.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

On Monday 16 March, the Government published a response to its consultation on reforming the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), confirming that the government will legislate to stop the FOS acting as a quasi-regulator and provide greater regulatory coherence with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The FOS was not intended to create binding precedents or new rules through its determinations, which are made based on all the individual circumstances of the case. The Government’s review concluded that there was not always coherence between the regulatory approach set by the FCA and the approach used by the FOS in determining individual complaints and, in a small but significant minority of cases, this had led to the FOS acting as a quasi-regulator. The Government’s reforms will ensure that FOS determinations are fully aligned with the regulatory standards set by the FCA.

The Government will bring forward legislation to deliver the reforms when parliamentary time allows. Alongside the Government’s response, the FCA and the FOS published a paper seeking views on a number of changes they can make in advance of legislation, including updates to the fair and reasonable test and initial implementation of the new referral mechanism.

The reforms will improve cooperation between the FOS and the FCA, including through introducing a referral mechanism, which will require the FOS to seek a view from the FCA where the FOS considers there may be ambiguity in what FCA rules require, or where it considers an issue raised may have wider implications across the financial services industry, which the FCA will be required to respond to. The FOS and the FCA have implemented an initial version of this mechanism through their updated Memorandum of Understanding.

The reforms will also require the FCA and the FOS to publish regular thematic reports, which will explain the FOS’s approach to types of complaints that it receives. This will provide greater certainty on the approach used by the FOS to resolve disputes, and which demonstrates how that approach is aligned with the regulatory standards set by the FCA. In their joint paper, the FOS and the FCA set out that they will work with the Government to consider how greater clarity could be provided ahead of any legislative change.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the publication of their response to the review of the Financial Ombudsman Service, when they intend to (1) implement these reforms, and (2) introduce the necessary primary legislation.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

On Monday 16 March, the Government published a response to its consultation on reforming the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), confirming that the government will legislate to stop the FOS acting as a quasi-regulator and provide greater regulatory coherence with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The FOS was not intended to create binding precedents or new rules through its determinations, which are made based on all the individual circumstances of the case. The Government’s review concluded that there was not always coherence between the regulatory approach set by the FCA and the approach used by the FOS in determining individual complaints and, in a small but significant minority of cases, this had led to the FOS acting as a quasi-regulator. The Government’s reforms will ensure that FOS determinations are fully aligned with the regulatory standards set by the FCA.

The Government will bring forward legislation to deliver the reforms when parliamentary time allows. Alongside the Government’s response, the FCA and the FOS published a paper seeking views on a number of changes they can make in advance of legislation, including updates to the fair and reasonable test and initial implementation of the new referral mechanism.

The reforms will improve cooperation between the FOS and the FCA, including through introducing a referral mechanism, which will require the FOS to seek a view from the FCA where the FOS considers there may be ambiguity in what FCA rules require, or where it considers an issue raised may have wider implications across the financial services industry, which the FCA will be required to respond to. The FOS and the FCA have implemented an initial version of this mechanism through their updated Memorandum of Understanding.

The reforms will also require the FCA and the FOS to publish regular thematic reports, which will explain the FOS’s approach to types of complaints that it receives. This will provide greater certainty on the approach used by the FOS to resolve disputes, and which demonstrates how that approach is aligned with the regulatory standards set by the FCA. In their joint paper, the FOS and the FCA set out that they will work with the Government to consider how greater clarity could be provided ahead of any legislative change.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Financial Ombudsman Service's ability to set precedents that create new rules and thereby bypass the Financial Conduct Authority and established regulatory processes.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

On Monday 16 March, the Government published a response to its consultation on reforming the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), confirming that the government will legislate to stop the FOS acting as a quasi-regulator and provide greater regulatory coherence with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The FOS was not intended to create binding precedents or new rules through its determinations, which are made based on all the individual circumstances of the case. The Government’s review concluded that there was not always coherence between the regulatory approach set by the FCA and the approach used by the FOS in determining individual complaints and, in a small but significant minority of cases, this had led to the FOS acting as a quasi-regulator. The Government’s reforms will ensure that FOS determinations are fully aligned with the regulatory standards set by the FCA.

The Government will bring forward legislation to deliver the reforms when parliamentary time allows. Alongside the Government’s response, the FCA and the FOS published a paper seeking views on a number of changes they can make in advance of legislation, including updates to the fair and reasonable test and initial implementation of the new referral mechanism.

The reforms will improve cooperation between the FOS and the FCA, including through introducing a referral mechanism, which will require the FOS to seek a view from the FCA where the FOS considers there may be ambiguity in what FCA rules require, or where it considers an issue raised may have wider implications across the financial services industry, which the FCA will be required to respond to. The FOS and the FCA have implemented an initial version of this mechanism through their updated Memorandum of Understanding.

The reforms will also require the FCA and the FOS to publish regular thematic reports, which will explain the FOS’s approach to types of complaints that it receives. This will provide greater certainty on the approach used by the FOS to resolve disputes, and which demonstrates how that approach is aligned with the regulatory standards set by the FCA. In their joint paper, the FOS and the FCA set out that they will work with the Government to consider how greater clarity could be provided ahead of any legislative change.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what volume of ferrous scrap was imported into the UK in each of the last three calendar years, broken down by country of origin and by grade or category of scrap.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what volume of iron ore imports into the UK there was in each of the last three calendar years, broken down by (1) fines, (2) pellets, (3) lump ore and (4) other iron-bearing feedstocks, and by country of origin.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The data on imports of ferrous scrap is given in table 1.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is responsible for the collection and publication of data on imports and exports of goods to and from the UK. HMRC releases this information monthly, as an Accredited National Statistic called the Overseas Trade in Goods Statistics (OTS), which is available via their dedicated website (www.uktradeinfo.com ).

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that Financial Ombudsman Service determinations do not impose new regulatory expectations on firms operating investment platforms or providing custody and administration services for Self-Invested Personal Pensions outside the Financial Conduct Authority framework; and what safeguards are in place to ensure that the Financial Ombudsman Service does not apply rules, standards or guidance retrospectively in its determinations.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recently carried out a review of the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), and consulted on proposed changes to the statutory framework in which it operates. On 16 March, the Government published a response to its consultation on reforming the FOS, confirming it will legislate to stop the FOS acting as a quasi-regulator and provide greater regulatory coherence with the FCA.

The FOS was not intended to create binding precedents or new rules through its determinations, which are made based on all the individual circumstances of the case. The Government’s review concluded that there was not always coherence between the regulatory approach set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the approach used by the FOS in determining individual complaints and, in a small but significant minority of cases, this led to the FOS acting as a quasi-regulator.

The Government’s reforms will amend the ‘Fair and Reasonable’ test to require that, where firms have met their obligations under relevant FCA Rules, the FOS will be required to find that a firm has acted fairly and reasonably. They will also make clear that the FOS can only consider rules that were in force at the time of the act or omission giving rise to a complaint. These reforms require primary legislation, which the government will take forward when Parliamentary time allows.

Alongside the Government’s planned legislative changes, the FCA and FOS are currently consulting on changes to the Dispute Resolution (DISP) rules in the FCA’s Handbook, which also proposes changes to address industry concerns about the potential for retrospective interpretation of FCA rules and standards.

All FCA authorised firms are subject to the same core regulatory requirements. The FCA communicates to firms, for example through their “Approach to Supervision” publication, that different business models including investment platforms and SIPP providers create different risk and therefore there are different expectations of the firms. The FCA expects firms to understand these risks and mitigate against them. Where appropriate, the FCA will clarify their expectations of different firms. Firms must also meet additional requirements, either rules or guidance, set out by the FCA depending on the specific regulated activities and permissions a firm undertakes and holds.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Budget Policy Costing 2025, November 2025, page 51, on the High Value Council Tax Surcharge, what proportion of the (a) -£60 million impact in 2025-26, (b) -£120 million impact in 2026-27 and (c) -£155 million impact in 2027-28 is from (i) lower stamp duty, (ii) lower capital gain tax, (iii) lower inheritance tax and (iv) lower Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings receipts, in each case and year.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The OBR publishes a breakdown of the Budget 2025 policy costings here:

Policy costings - Office for Budget Responsibility

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether building societies exercise their powers to terminate membership of their members fairly and proportionately.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is keen to ensure that regulation is proportionate and gives building societies the flexibility to choose what works best for them within the mutual model. It would be inappropriate for the Government to comment on specific governance decisions taken by a building society within the legal framework.

A building society's membership policy is set out in the society's rulebook. If an individual feels procedure has not been followed, they can raise a formal complaint with the building society directly.

Where termination of membership also results in loss of access to a payment service, further protections may also apply. In June 2025, the Government legislated to require payment service providers to give customers at least 90 days’ notice before closing their account or terminating a payment service and provide a sufficiently detailed and specific explanation so the customer can understand why it is being terminated. These rules come into force for relevant new contracts from April 2026 and will ensure more transparent and predictable access to payment services, giving customers the time and information they need to challenge decisions or find alternative arrangements.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what amount of interest has been paid to commercial banks on central bank reserves in each of the last ten years; and whether they have considered ending such payments.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Data on the interest paid on central bank reserves backed by bonds held in the Asset Purchase Facility is made publicly available by the Office for National Statistics in its monthly Public Sector Finances publication.

These data refer to reserves backed only by bonds held in the Asset Purchase Facility. While data on total interest paid is not available, the Bank of England does publish the aggregate level of outstanding reserves and the Bank Rate.

Paying interest on reserves is an important part of the transmission of monetary policy to the real economy and there are no plans to change the way reserves are remunerated at the Bank of England.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what amounts associated with the Bank of England Asset Purchase Facility are included in the cumulative government debt; and whether they plan to exclude them from the total.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Information on the contribution to debt from the Bank of England and Asset Purchase Facility are routinely published in the monthly Public Sector Finances statistical release. The latest release, published by the Office for National Statistics on 20th March, showed that the impact on government debt from Asset Purchase Facility gilt holdings was £85.1 billion at the end of February 2026.

The Government's fiscal rules target net financial debt (Public sector net financial liabilities), to prioritise investment to drive long-term growth while getting debt falling as a share of the economy. Net financial debt includes the Bank of England’s balance sheet activities, including the Asset Purchase Facility.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to revise regulation of shadow banks following the collapse of Market Financial Solutions.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Treasury continues to work closely with the Bank of England and the regulators to monitor and respond to developments in the non-bank financial sector. The Treasury keeps the regulatory framework under review and is closely engaged in international work to understand and mitigate financial stability risks in respect of non-banks, including at the Financial Stability Board and G7.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what was the value and volume of steel imported into the UK in each of the last three calendar years, broken down by country of origin; and what percentage of total steel imports each country accounted for in each year.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The data on imports of steel is given in the attached tables in Annex A (volume) and Annex B (value).

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is responsible for the collection and publication of data on imports and exports of goods to and from the UK. HMRC releases this information monthly, as an Accredited National Statistic called the Overseas Trade in Goods Statistics (OTS), which is available via their dedicated website (www.uktradeinfo.com ).

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reason HMRC does not collect data on the number of wine producers claiming Small Producers Relief; and whether the Department plans to begin collecting such data to inform the evaluation of the 2023 alcohol duty reforms.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) holds data on the volume of products on which Small Producer Relief (SPR) is claimed, however it is not possible to accurately attribute this amount to a specific number of producers.

HMRC does not approve producers for SPR as both eligibility and rates can vary annually, depending on production levels. Instead, producers self- assess their eligibility and calculate the correct rate, meaning there is no central record of SPR claimants.

In some cases, the duty is paid by someone other than the producer. For example, goods may move in duty suspension from the producer to an excise warehouse, which pays the duty. In other cases large producers may conduct processes, such as bottling, on behalf of several smaller producers and account for the duty on behalf of their customers when the goods are released.

These arrangements reduce burdens on small producers while accommodating common commercial practices. Although HMRC cannot determine a definitive number of producers claiming SPR, it assesses that very few wine producers will have claimed the relief due to the 8.5% ABV eligibility limit.

HMRC will evaluate the 2023 duty reforms using several data sources, including SPR clearance volumes. For the reasons stated there are no plans to collect additional data on the number of producers claiming SPR.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, why the statistics publication entitled Minor tax expenditures and structural reliefs on GOV.UK has not been updated since December 2024.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Estimates of the exchequer cost of Minor tax expenditures and structural reliefs were updated in January 2026 and are now contained in a new Tax Relief Statistics publication which combines the previous Minor tax expenditures and structural reliefs publication with the related Non-structural tax relief statistics publication, and can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/tax-reliefs

The change was made following feedback from stakeholders and aims to improve clarity and accessibility.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what fiscal steps her Department is taking to help encourage charitable donations.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

To encourage charitable donations, the Government allows charities and their donors to claim tax reliefs across several different tax heads and exemptions, including VAT, Inheritance Tax, Stamp Duty, and Business Rates. Charities can also claim Gift Aid of 25p for every £1 of eligible donations made by UK taxpayers.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if the Government reduce VAT on public electric vehicle charging to match the domestic rate.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services.

The supply of energy for domestic use attracts the reduced rate of VAT (5 per cent). Whilst this relief was not designed or introduced for charging EVs at home, it applies for all uses of domestic energy, as it is not easy for energy companies to distinguish between electricity used to charge an EV and electricity used for general domestic purposes. Public EV charging, on the other hand, is subject to the standard rate of VAT (twenty per cent). This matches the VAT treatment of petrol and diesel, as well as all non-domestic electricity.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2026 to Question 115363, if she will provide the underlying data used to calculate the impact of the Personal Allowance freeze on those of state pension age.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Information on the methodology used to estimate the impacts of maintaining the personal income tax thresholds can be found in HM Treasury’s Policy Costing paper.

Budget_2025-Policy_Costings.pdf

The Chancellor has said that those whose only income is the basic or new State Pension without any increments will not have to pay income tax over this Parliament. At the Budget, the Government announced that it will achieve this by easing the administrative burden for pensioners so that they do not have to pay small amounts of tax via Simple Assessment from 2027/28. The Government will set out more details in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of reducing VAT on the repair, maintenance and retrofit of existing buildings on (a) the viability of bringing older high-street and town-centre buildings back into use, (b) the reduction of embodied carbon in the construction sector and (c) the preservation of heritage of long-standing community assets.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services, this includes most construction work. Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations.

The Government keeps all taxes under review and makes decisions at fiscal events in the context of the overall public finances.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the success of the Loan Charge and HMRC’s approach to dealing with so-called disguised remuneration schemes.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers I gave on 9 February 2026 to UIN 109841, 109843, 109842, and the answer I gave on 27 February to UIN 114103.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the value-for-money to the taxpayer of the Loan Charge.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers I gave on 9 February 2026 to UIN 109841, 109843, 109842, and the answer I gave on 27 February to UIN 114103.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to offer the same settlement terms that will be provided in the settlement opportunity resulting from the implementation of the McCann Review to those that have already settled with HMRC.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers I gave on 9 February 2026 to UIN 109841, 109843, 109842, and the answer I gave on 27 February to UIN 114103.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the number of outstanding cases of people liable to the loan charge that will be settled as a result of the McCann Review.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers I gave on 9 February 2026 to UIN 109841, 109843, 109842, and the answer I gave on 27 February to UIN 114103.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will list all changes to the UK tax system which will take effect from 6 April 2026, including changes to rates, thresholds, allowances and reliefs.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

A full list of all tax measures introduced at recent Budgets can be found in the Overview of Tax Legislation and Rates on the gov.uk website, including the tax rates and allowances in effect from 6 April 2026.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HMRC has assessed the potential impact of differing terms, conditions, training, and turnover rates on service quality and resilience in relation to the use of Managed Service Providers.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The current staff provided by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) represent additional capacity in 2025/26. HMRC staff will not be made redundant as a result of this initiative.

Other Government Departments (OGDs) already use MSP contracts to provide additional workforce flexibility. HMRC are currently in an initial approximately 18 month ‘proof of value’ phase using existing Government contracts. This will allow them to test, learn and ensure quality and value for money before wider implementation.

HMRC provides the initial training for the services covered by the MSPs, before approving suppliers to train subsequent cohorts of staff themselves. All operational guidance is developed, owned and updated by HMRC, and HMRC retains full decision‑making authority, with a dedicated team actively managing the partnership.

Callers are not informed whether the person they are speaking to is employed by HMRC or an MSP, as the service which they receive is the same. OGDs also take this approach.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how HMRC will ensure parity in standards of advice, security compliance, and customer outcomes between those employed by the Managed Service Provider and those employed directly by HMRC.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The current staff provided by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) represent additional capacity in 2025/26. HMRC staff will not be made redundant as a result of this initiative.

Other Government Departments (OGDs) already use MSP contracts to provide additional workforce flexibility. HMRC are currently in an initial approximately 18 month ‘proof of value’ phase using existing Government contracts. This will allow them to test, learn and ensure quality and value for money before wider implementation.

HMRC provides the initial training for the services covered by the MSPs, before approving suppliers to train subsequent cohorts of staff themselves. All operational guidance is developed, owned and updated by HMRC, and HMRC retains full decision‑making authority, with a dedicated team actively managing the partnership.

Callers are not informed whether the person they are speaking to is employed by HMRC or an MSP, as the service which they receive is the same. OGDs also take this approach.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate her Department has made of the annual administrative and compliance costs of an overnight visitor levy in England for small and independent accommodation providers, including guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, campsites, self-catering properties and short-term lets.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government has announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth, including through support for the local visitor economy.

The Government recognises the important role our rural and coastal communities play in supporting the visitor economy. At Budget, the Government published a consultation so that the public, businesses, and local government could shape the design of these powers, including options to minimise the burden on businesses and communities. This consultation closed on the 18th of February and the Government will publish a response in due course.

The precise design and scope of the power for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy is still under development, and the impacts of the levy will largely be determined by local decisions. 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 any concerns. Following consultation, we expect Mayors to publish a summary of the consultation results and their response, including a final prospectus, and an impact assessment.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what comparative assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of an overnight visitor levy in England on (a) coastal visitor economies with shorter average stays and lower average visitor spend and (b) major urban destinations.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government has announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth, including through support for the local visitor economy.

The Government recognises the important role our rural and coastal communities play in supporting the visitor economy. At Budget, the Government published a consultation so that the public, businesses, and local government could shape the design of these powers, including options to minimise the burden on businesses and communities. This consultation closed on the 18th of February and the Government will publish a response in due course.

The precise design and scope of the power for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy is still under development, and the impacts of the levy will largely be determined by local decisions. 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 any concerns. Following consultation, we expect Mayors to publish a summary of the consultation results and their response, including a final prospectus, and an impact assessment.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of a overnight visitor levy in England on levels of visitor spend in local high streets, hospitality businesses, and attractions in levy areas.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government has announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth, including through support for the local visitor economy.

The Government recognises the important role our rural and coastal communities play in supporting the visitor economy. At Budget, the Government published a consultation so that the public, businesses, and local government could shape the design of these powers, including options to minimise the burden on businesses and communities. This consultation closed on the 18th of February and the Government will publish a response in due course.

The precise design and scope of the power for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy is still under development, and the impacts of the levy will largely be determined by local decisions. 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 any concerns. Following consultation, we expect Mayors to publish a summary of the consultation results and their response, including a final prospectus, and an impact assessment.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of an overnight visitor levy in England on levels of displacement of overnight stays in levy areas to nearby non-levy areas; and whether she has modelled the potential impact of such displacement on coastal and seasonal visitor economies.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government has announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth, including through support for the local visitor economy.

The Government recognises the important role our rural and coastal communities play in supporting the visitor economy. At Budget, the Government published a consultation so that the public, businesses, and local government could shape the design of these powers, including options to minimise the burden on businesses and communities. This consultation closed on the 18th of February and the Government will publish a response in due course.

The precise design and scope of the power for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy is still under development, and the impacts of the levy will largely be determined by local decisions. 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 any concerns. Following consultation, we expect Mayors to publish a summary of the consultation results and their response, including a final prospectus, and an impact assessment.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what safeguards are in place to prevent the creation of a two tier workforce between Managed Service Provider staff and those directly employed by HMRC, and if she will make a statement.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The current staff provided by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) represent additional capacity in 2025/26. HMRC staff will not be made redundant as a result of this initiative.

Other Government Departments (OGDs) already use MSP contracts to provide additional workforce flexibility. HMRC are currently in an initial approximately 18 month ‘proof of value’ phase using existing Government contracts. This will allow them to test, learn and ensure quality and value for money before wider implementation.

HMRC provides the initial training for the services covered by the MSPs, before approving suppliers to train subsequent cohorts of staff themselves. All operational guidance is developed, owned and updated by HMRC, and HMRC retains full decision‑making authority, with a dedicated team actively managing the partnership.

Callers are not informed whether the person they are speaking to is employed by HMRC or an MSP, as the service which they receive is the same. OGDs also take this approach.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will give assurance that Managed Service Provider expansion will not result in a reduction in permanent civil service posts over the medium term, and if she will make a statement.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The current staff provided by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) represent additional capacity in 2025/26. HMRC staff will not be made redundant as a result of this initiative.

Other Government Departments (OGDs) already use MSP contracts to provide additional workforce flexibility. HMRC are currently in an initial approximately 18 month ‘proof of value’ phase using existing Government contracts. This will allow them to test, learn and ensure quality and value for money before wider implementation.

HMRC provides the initial training for the services covered by the MSPs, before approving suppliers to train subsequent cohorts of staff themselves. All operational guidance is developed, owned and updated by HMRC, and HMRC retains full decision‑making authority, with a dedicated team actively managing the partnership.

Callers are not informed whether the person they are speaking to is employed by HMRC or an MSP, as the service which they receive is the same. OGDs also take this approach.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent steps she has taken to support the ceramics industry in a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and b) Staffordshire.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The government engages closely with the ceramics sector.

As set out in the Industrial Strategy, we are increasing support for our most energy-intensive industries eligible for the British Industry Supercharger package, including some of those in the ceramics sector, with an uplift of the Network Charging Compensation scheme from 60% to 90%. This will provide additional price relief from April 2026 to eligible businesses.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment has been made of the potential benefits derived to Northern Ireland people and businesses from the Belfast Office operational since December 2024.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

HM Treasury has not made a standalone assessment of the benefits of the HMRC Belfast office, but having an operational presence in Belfast supports access to HMRC services, engagement with local businesses and stakeholders, and the effective administration of the tax system in Northern Ireland.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when she plans to publish the results of the open book assessment of Northern Ireland devolved departments.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The open-book exercise is intended to support the Northern Ireland Executive, so any decision to publish the report would be a question for the Northern Ireland Executive.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether callers to HMRC are advised whether the person they are speaking to is employed by HMRC or a Managed Service Provider.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The current staff provided by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) represent additional capacity in 2025/26. HMRC staff will not be made redundant as a result of this initiative.

Other Government Departments (OGDs) already use MSP contracts to provide additional workforce flexibility. HMRC are currently in an initial approximately 18 month ‘proof of value’ phase using existing Government contracts. This will allow them to test, learn and ensure quality and value for money before wider implementation.

HMRC provides the initial training for the services covered by the MSPs, before approving suppliers to train subsequent cohorts of staff themselves. All operational guidance is developed, owned and updated by HMRC, and HMRC retains full decision‑making authority, with a dedicated team actively managing the partnership.

Callers are not informed whether the person they are speaking to is employed by HMRC or an MSP, as the service which they receive is the same. OGDs also take this approach.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what proportion of frontline customer contact work HMRC expects to be delivered by Managed Staff Provider staff versus directly employed civil servants over (a) the next 12 months and (b) the duration of the Comprehensive Spending Review, and if she will make a statement.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The current staff provided by MSPs represent additional capacity for 2025/26. The proportion of frontline customer contact work delivered by MSP staff is small compared to the proportion of work handled by HMRC staff. No HMRC staff will be made redundant as a result of this initiative. HMRC headcount is forecast to increase by the end of the Spending Review 2025 period.

HMRC are not privatising their services and there are no plans to outsource customer contact services beyond this limited contract for additional capacity in 2025/26. HMRC intends the expertise behind customer support to remain within HMRC.

HMRC will continue to use a range of resourcing models, including Surge, alongside the use of MSPs, to meet variable customer demand. With a complex mix of transformation, resourcing models and impacts from external events it is difficult to attribute work to single things or make statements about permanent approaches. Future workforce decisions will be taken through normal business planning and Spending Review processes.

HMRC are currently in an initial approximately 18 month ‘proof of value’ phase using existing Government contracts. Whilst HMRC sees MSPs as part of its resourcing mix going forward, a joint HMRC and PCS evaluation will take place to inform future use, beyond the next 12 months.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HMRC intends for the Managed Service Provider to remain limited to peak demand cover or to become a permanent component of Customer Services Group resourcing, and if she will make a statement.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The current staff provided by MSPs represent additional capacity for 2025/26. The proportion of frontline customer contact work delivered by MSP staff is small compared to the proportion of work handled by HMRC staff. No HMRC staff will be made redundant as a result of this initiative. HMRC headcount is forecast to increase by the end of the Spending Review 2025 period.

HMRC are not privatising their services and there are no plans to outsource customer contact services beyond this limited contract for additional capacity in 2025/26. HMRC intends the expertise behind customer support to remain within HMRC.

HMRC will continue to use a range of resourcing models, including Surge, alongside the use of MSPs, to meet variable customer demand. With a complex mix of transformation, resourcing models and impacts from external events it is difficult to attribute work to single things or make statements about permanent approaches. Future workforce decisions will be taken through normal business planning and Spending Review processes.

HMRC are currently in an initial approximately 18 month ‘proof of value’ phase using existing Government contracts. Whilst HMRC sees MSPs as part of its resourcing mix going forward, a joint HMRC and PCS evaluation will take place to inform future use, beyond the next 12 months.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what modelling has been undertaken on the future role of Surge staff and other flexible HMRC resources in light of potential Managed Service Provider expansion.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The current staff provided by MSPs represent additional capacity for 2025/26. The proportion of frontline customer contact work delivered by MSP staff is small compared to the proportion of work handled by HMRC staff. No HMRC staff will be made redundant as a result of this initiative. HMRC headcount is forecast to increase by the end of the Spending Review 2025 period.

HMRC are not privatising their services and there are no plans to outsource customer contact services beyond this limited contract for additional capacity in 2025/26. HMRC intends the expertise behind customer support to remain within HMRC.

HMRC will continue to use a range of resourcing models, including Surge, alongside the use of MSPs, to meet variable customer demand. With a complex mix of transformation, resourcing models and impacts from external events it is difficult to attribute work to single things or make statements about permanent approaches. Future workforce decisions will be taken through normal business planning and Spending Review processes.

HMRC are currently in an initial approximately 18 month ‘proof of value’ phase using existing Government contracts. Whilst HMRC sees MSPs as part of its resourcing mix going forward, a joint HMRC and PCS evaluation will take place to inform future use, beyond the next 12 months.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HMRC can confirm that Managed Staffing Provider staffing represents additional capacity rather than a substitution for civil service roles.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The current staff provided by MSPs represent additional capacity for 2025/26. The proportion of frontline customer contact work delivered by MSP staff is small compared to the proportion of work handled by HMRC staff. No HMRC staff will be made redundant as a result of this initiative. HMRC headcount is forecast to increase by the end of the Spending Review 2025 period.

HMRC are not privatising their services and there are no plans to outsource customer contact services beyond this limited contract for additional capacity in 2025/26. HMRC intends the expertise behind customer support to remain within HMRC.

HMRC will continue to use a range of resourcing models, including Surge, alongside the use of MSPs, to meet variable customer demand. With a complex mix of transformation, resourcing models and impacts from external events it is difficult to attribute work to single things or make statements about permanent approaches. Future workforce decisions will be taken through normal business planning and Spending Review processes.

HMRC are currently in an initial approximately 18 month ‘proof of value’ phase using existing Government contracts. Whilst HMRC sees MSPs as part of its resourcing mix going forward, a joint HMRC and PCS evaluation will take place to inform future use, beyond the next 12 months.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HMRC anticipates a reduction in the use or recruitment of Surge staff as MSP staffing increases.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The current staff provided by MSPs represent additional capacity for 2025/26. The proportion of frontline customer contact work delivered by MSP staff is small compared to the proportion of work handled by HMRC staff. No HMRC staff will be made redundant as a result of this initiative. HMRC headcount is forecast to increase by the end of the Spending Review 2025 period.

HMRC are not privatising their services and there are no plans to outsource customer contact services beyond this limited contract for additional capacity in 2025/26. HMRC intends the expertise behind customer support to remain within HMRC.

HMRC will continue to use a range of resourcing models, including Surge, alongside the use of MSPs, to meet variable customer demand. With a complex mix of transformation, resourcing models and impacts from external events it is difficult to attribute work to single things or make statements about permanent approaches. Future workforce decisions will be taken through normal business planning and Spending Review processes.

HMRC are currently in an initial approximately 18 month ‘proof of value’ phase using existing Government contracts. Whilst HMRC sees MSPs as part of its resourcing mix going forward, a joint HMRC and PCS evaluation will take place to inform future use, beyond the next 12 months.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to assist people with student debt to gain access to a mortgage.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to making home ownership more accessible by supporting first-time buyers, and welcomes changes made last year to support homeowners. The FCA clarifications to their affordability testing rules have been adopted by 85% of the market and should allow customers to borrow around 10% more on the same income.

Additional flexibility from the Bank of England in relation to their loan-to-income rules are also allowing more customers to access larger mortgages in relation to their incomes. The Bank of England estimates that this change provide capacity for lenders to support up to 36,000 additional first-time buyers in the first year.

The UK also benefits from a competitive mortgage market that offers various low deposit products; prospective buyers are encouraged to shop around and speak to a mortgage broker to find the best possible product for their circumstances.

As a Government, we recognise the impact that previous Government terms can have on graduates’ finances. The government is capping the maximum interest rates on Plan 2 and 3 student loans at 6% from 1 September, for the 2026/27 academic year, delivering stability and protections for graduates from escalating student loan interest. We will continue to keep the terms of the student loan system under review to ensure that it is sustainable and fair for both students and taxpayers.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to permanently prevent ISIS from using their financial assets which have already been frozen.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

There are 255 individuals and 88 entities or groups designated under the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida (United Nations Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. The UK funds and economic resources owned, held or controlled by persons listed under this regime are frozen.

UK persons are also prohibited from dealing with the assets of Designated Persons, either directly or indirectly. The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation will continue to investigate any breaches of financial sanctions.

UK sanctions legislation does not provide powers to seize frozen assets. Assets owned or controlled by a designated person are frozen immediately by the person in possession or control of them and does not involve a change in ownership.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 24 March (HL15443), what steps HM Treasury has taken in the last year to meet its legal duty to keep under review the question of when uncommenced legislation that falls within its area of responsibility should be brought into force.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Treasury keeps legislation under review considering operational readiness, Cabinet Office guidance and wider priorities. Policy teams monitor provisions that have not been commenced and consider when to bring forward commencement orders, drawing on legal and legislative advice where needed. The department remains in regular contact with Parliament to undertake required post-legislative scrutiny, including consideration of measures not yet commenced.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the projected cost of the Managed Service Provider model is, including contract management and oversight costs; and whether that cost has been benchmarked against (a) recruiting and training permanent HMRC staff and (b) the use of temporary and surge staffing.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Other Government Departments (OGDs) already use MSP contracts to provide additional workforce flexibility. HMRC are currently in an initial approximately 18 month ‘proof of value’ phase using existing Government contracts. This will allow them to test, learn and ensure quality and value for money before wider implementation.

Due to the design of the contract, HMRC can only confirm costs retrospectively. Much of the oversight work utilises existing HMRC staff who do that work for their internal services, thereby ensuring continuity across the services. Overall the projected cost for 12 months was approximately £23m.

HMRC are conducting a joint evaluation, at quarterly intervals, of the performance of the MSP including its value for money with the Trade Unions which will include customer satisfaction, quality, productivity and other metrics.

HMRC provides the initial training for the services covered by the MSPs, before approving suppliers to train subsequent cohorts of staff themselves. All operational guidance is developed, owned and updated by HMRC, and HMRC retains full decision‑making authority, with a dedicated team actively managing the partnership.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who is responsible for training Managed Service Provider staff and trainers; and what role HMRC staff play in that process.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Other Government Departments (OGDs) already use MSP contracts to provide additional workforce flexibility. HMRC are currently in an initial approximately 18 month ‘proof of value’ phase using existing Government contracts. This will allow them to test, learn and ensure quality and value for money before wider implementation.

Due to the design of the contract, HMRC can only confirm costs retrospectively. Much of the oversight work utilises existing HMRC staff who do that work for their internal services, thereby ensuring continuity across the services. Overall the projected cost for 12 months was approximately £23m.

HMRC are conducting a joint evaluation, at quarterly intervals, of the performance of the MSP including its value for money with the Trade Unions which will include customer satisfaction, quality, productivity and other metrics.

HMRC provides the initial training for the services covered by the MSPs, before approving suppliers to train subsequent cohorts of staff themselves. All operational guidance is developed, owned and updated by HMRC, and HMRC retains full decision‑making authority, with a dedicated team actively managing the partnership.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how HMRC will demonstrate value for money on the long term rollout of the Managed Service provider model.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Other Government Departments (OGDs) already use MSP contracts to provide additional workforce flexibility. HMRC are currently in an initial approximately 18 month ‘proof of value’ phase using existing Government contracts. This will allow them to test, learn and ensure quality and value for money before wider implementation.

Due to the design of the contract, HMRC can only confirm costs retrospectively. Much of the oversight work utilises existing HMRC staff who do that work for their internal services, thereby ensuring continuity across the services. Overall the projected cost for 12 months was approximately £23m.

HMRC are conducting a joint evaluation, at quarterly intervals, of the performance of the MSP including its value for money with the Trade Unions which will include customer satisfaction, quality, productivity and other metrics.

HMRC provides the initial training for the services covered by the MSPs, before approving suppliers to train subsequent cohorts of staff themselves. All operational guidance is developed, owned and updated by HMRC, and HMRC retains full decision‑making authority, with a dedicated team actively managing the partnership.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Welsh Government's written statement entitled Agreement to consult on devolution of powers for a Vacant Land Tax in Wales, published on 11 February 2026, when the consultation on the devolution of powers for a Vacant Land Tax in Wales will be launched.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

To avoid the pre-election period, the public consultation will be launched at an appropriate point after the formation of the next Welsh administration.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when she plans to respond to the letter of 18 December 2025 from the hon. Member for West Suffolk.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The correspondence from the hon. Member for West Suffolk is receiving attention and a response will be issued as soon as it is practical to do so.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the net fiscal effect of the 2026 non-domestic rating revaluation on the commercial recording studio sector; whether any projected increase in non-domestic rates yield has been set against the risk of lost income tax, National Insurance contributions, corporation tax, and VAT receipts arising from commercial recording studio closures and the relocation of recording activity overseas; and whether they intend to monitor those fiscal effects over a five-year period.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

No such estimates have been made. In recognition of the impact of the revaluation on bills, the Government has introduced a support package worth £4.3 billion to protect ratepayers against large overnight increases in bills.

Recording studios are a vital part of the infrastructure of the music industry. The Government is doubling funding for the Music Growth Package, which will support the music ecosystem across both live and electronic music – from grassroots venues, festivals, recording and rehearsal studios to artists, songwriters, independent labels, managers, and promoters working in all genres of music.

The Government will continue to engage closely with the sector to understand ongoing pressures and ensure the UK remains a globally competitive place to create, record and produce music.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the loss to public finances of income tax and National Insurance contributions arising from the potential closure of commercial recording studios as a result of the 2026 non-domestic rating revaluation; and what assessment they have made of the number of entry-level positions in commercial recording studios that may be lost as a consequence.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

No such estimates have been made. In recognition of the impact of the revaluation on bills, the Government has introduced a support package worth £4.3 billion to protect ratepayers against large overnight increases in bills.

Recording studios are a vital part of the infrastructure of the music industry. The Government is doubling funding for the Music Growth Package, which will support the music ecosystem across both live and electronic music – from grassroots venues, festivals, recording and rehearsal studios to artists, songwriters, independent labels, managers, and promoters working in all genres of music.

The Government will continue to engage closely with the sector to understand ongoing pressures and ensure the UK remains a globally competitive place to create, record and produce music.

I would like the Government to increase the defence budget to rebuild and strengthen the UK’s Armed Forces.

Our WW2 veterans are owed by us all. There are only 8 thousand alive. We need to look after them. No Tax on their Pensions at all. Their Care costs are free, paid by the Government.

Suspend fuel duty and VAT on petrol, diesel and domestic gas until the Iran conflict ends to reduce the impact of rising global oil and gas prices on UK households and businesses.

We want the Government to stop taxing Longer Separation Allowance (LSA) which compensates British service personnel for unavoidable extended time away from their families due to deployments and training.

Reduce alcohol duty and VAT for drinks and food sold in pubs, bars and restaurants. Consider introducing a national “Pub Day” bank holiday to support local pubs and hospitality businesses and help revive struggling town centres.

Removing employer National Insurance (NI) for all young workers could make it cheaper for businesses to hire them, potentially increasing entry-level jobs and apprenticeships.

current mileage claim for self-employed individuals in UK is 45p/mile for over 15 years. Rise in costs of fuel, insurance, tax & vehicle maintenance is current economic reality.
Also self-employed don’t benefit from holiday/sickness pay-an inherent disadvantage compared the privilege of employed

Found: Subsidiarisation is in name only, as HMT dare not tax US tech companies like it does the banks without

Found: ii) systemic stablecoin payment systems subject to joint Bank/FCA oversight once recognised by HM Treasury

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Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when her department will publish its new Anti-Money Laundering and Asset Recovery (AMLAR) strategy.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

Following the completion of Economic Crime Plan 2, the Government will publish its new Anti-Money Laundering and Asset Recovery (AMLAR) Strategy this summer. The strategy is being developed jointly by the Home Office, HM Treasury and in close partnership with the private sector, and will set out a series of ambitious measures to strengthen the UK’s response to money laundering and improve our approach to asset recovery.

The AMLAR Strategy will be published alongside the new Economic Crime Plan 2026–29, which will bring together the Government’s economic crime strategies in a single strategic framework and drive forward key cross‑cutting initiatives.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate she has made of the number and proportion of pupils that would need to move from the independent to the state sector for VAT revenue from school fees to fall below the additional cost of educating those pupils in the state sector.

Answered by Olivia Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

HM Treasury published a tax information and impact note on applying VAT to private school fees: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-on-private-school-fees/applying-vat-to-private-school-fees. This is a comprehensive assessment of the VAT policy, including estimated revenue and costs of increased pupil numbers in the state sector.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to page 59 of her Department's document entitled Freedom from Violence and Abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls, Volume 1: Strategy, published on 18 December 2025, whether her discussions with stakeholders on the misuse of joint financial products will include domestic abuse service providers.

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

In the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, HM Treasury undertook work with key stakeholders to explore how joint mortgages are used as a tool of abuse and how victims and survivors can be better supported.

The Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy considers economic abuse as a key theme in recognition of the particular challenges victim-survivors’ can face in accessing financial products and services. This includes exploring how joint mortgages are used as a tool of abuse and how victims and survivors can be better supported. As part of this, HM Treasury are working closely with charity Surviving Economic Abuse who have been appointed a member of the Financial Inclusion Committee going forward to help inform the delivery of key interventions.

In addition, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) also held lived experience sessions with victim-survivors of economic abuse as part of their Mortgages Rule Review which HM Treasury also engaged in.

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Found: (HMT), Autumn Statement 2022, CP 751, (PDF) November 2022 para 5.21; HMRC, Income Tax: Reducing the

Found: Extent and limit of accountability Finance and Controls HM Treasury spending controls will apply on

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