Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the answer of 16 May 2025, to Question 50105, on Help to Buy Scheme, and with reference to the Evaluation of the Help to Buy scheme: evaluation findings report, published 15 September 2026, whether HM Treasury has had recent discussions with banks and building societies on the potential merits of re-introducing the Help to Buy housing scheme for first time buyers.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

I refer the Hon. Member to the announcement made by the Prime Minister on the 26 October, committing to a new equity loan scheme: Your First Home. We will announce further details including costs and implementation timelines at Autumn Budget.

New first-time buyer scheme to be confirmed at Budget - GOV.UK

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the total worth of the frozen assets of the previous Libyan regime.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), part of HM Treasury, published in its 2024-2025 Annual Review that over £12.9 billion of assets relating to the Libya sanctions regime have been reported as frozen as of September 2024. This is an aggregated total of all entities and individuals listed on the Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government in which financial year they last received a financial contribution from the European Union towards the cost of (1) regional, and (2) social project funding in Wales; and what was the total sum received for each fund.

Answered by Lord Pitt-Watson - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

This is a devolved matter, and it is the responsibility of the Welsh government for administrating the funds. However, I can confirm that last payments for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programmes were received by the Welsh Government in 2025/26 and in total for the ERDF 2014-20 Programme, €1.4bn was received. For European Social Fund (ESF), the last payments received by the Welsh Government was in 2024/25 and the total received for the ESF 2014-20 Programmes was €1bn.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the threat to financial stability of the increase in private credit lending.

Answered by Lord Pitt-Watson - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Private markets, including private credit, play a vital role in providing financing to the real economy. They support innovation and diversify funding sources.

As the Bank of England have said, the growth of private markets also brings new vulnerabilities, including from the sectors’ increasing complexity, use of leverage, opacity, and interconnectedness with the wider financial system.

HM Treasury continues to work closely with the regulators to understand these risks. In the 2025 remit letter to the Bank of England’s Financial Policy Committee, the Committee were asked to continue to consider risks in private markets. The Bank of England has since launched its private markets System‑Wide Exploratory Scenario – a world-leading exercise to deepen understanding of vulnerabilities in private markets.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what was the total cost to the public purse of his visit to China in January 2025.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

The total cost of the Chancellor’s visit to China in January 2025 was £60,858.81.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has recently briefed the media in relation to business rates thresholds.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

The Treasury does not comment on speculation concerning tax policy. Decisions on tax are a matter for the Chancellor and are set out at fiscal events

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Visitor Levy Consultation Government Response, of 10 September 2026, and further to the £18 million a year revenue estimate for the Liverpool City Region in the associated departmental press release, what estimate has been made by HM Treasury of the potential gross annual revenue to strategic authorities.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The impact of the Visitor Levy, including revenue raised, will largely depend on local decisions. It will be for strategic authorities to decide whether to introduce a levy and the appropriate rate for their area, informed by local consultation. If a levy is introduced, local leaders will decide how to invest revenues raised to support local growth and deliver improvements for residents, businesses and visitors.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will offer mayors and other local partners the flexibility to determine the capital-revenue split in any future local growth funding to their area.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

The government is committed to providing mayors and local leaders with greater flexibility and control over local funding. As set out in the Fiscal Devolution Roadmap, we will continue to work with mayors and local leaders to develop a reformed funding model for regional and local government.

As set out in the Fiscal Devolution Roadmap, the government will also consider the case for applying controls to balance the mix of capital and resource spending, in a proportionate way, to support adherence to the fiscal rule on day-to-day spending.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has assessed the potential merits of introducing a Tax Relief scheme to allow Capital Gains Tax liabilities to be deferred where proceeds from the disposal of a business are reinvested in UK growth businesses.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

At Budget 2026, the Chancellor announced that from April 2027, the new Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Founders' Relief will give founders and early investors a reduced 10% rate of CGT, on gains up to a £10 million lifetime limit.

The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) also allows investors to defer up to 100% of a capital gain where it is reinvested in eligible EIS shares.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of reviewing how the High Income Child Benefit Charge is calculated.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events, and does not routinely comment on proposals.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to increase Air Passenger Duty rates beyond previously announced changes.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

Air Passenger Duty (APD) applies to airlines and is the principal tax on the aviation sector.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events, and does not routinely comment on proposals.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has considered introducing a frequent flyer levy.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

Air Passenger Duty (APD) applies to airlines and is the principal tax on the aviation sector.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events, and does not routinely comment on proposals.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to increase Air Passenger Duty rates for economy-class passengers.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

Air Passenger Duty (APD) applies to airlines and is the principal tax on the aviation sector.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events, and does not routinely comment on proposals.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to postpone the introduction of the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism beyond 1 January 2027; and what assessment they have made of the potential effects of postponement on steel producers and downstream steel-consuming businesses.

Answered by Lord Pitt-Watson - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The UK’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will come into force on 1 January 2027 as planned.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has considered introducing additional taxes on airport car parking and terminal drop-off services.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government understands concerns about the impact of airport drop-off charges and will therefore be taking forward a review into drop off charges. This will be completed within 12 months of Royal Assent of the Civil Aviation Bill. This will allow sufficient time to consider the range of issues raised by passengers and Parliamentarians, including transparency, charging practices, affordability and available alternatives.

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

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a tax on motorcycle parking.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government understands concerns about the impact of airport drop-off charges and will therefore be taking forward a review into drop off charges. This will be completed within 12 months of Royal Assent of the Civil Aviation Bill. This will allow sufficient time to consider the range of issues raised by passengers and Parliamentarians, including transparency, charging practices, affordability and available alternatives.

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

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has considered introducing additional taxation on commercial vehicle parking facilities.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government understands concerns about the impact of airport drop-off charges and will therefore be taking forward a review into drop off charges. This will be completed within 12 months of Royal Assent of the Civil Aviation Bill. This will allow sufficient time to consider the range of issues raised by passengers and Parliamentarians, including transparency, charging practices, affordability and available alternatives.

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

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the current tax burden on hospitality businesses on (a) closures, (b) employment, (c) private investment and (d) economic growth over the next five years.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government has provided targeted support to the hospitality sector, including a £4.3 billion business rates support package and the introduction of permanently lower multipliers for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties. These measures provide almost £1 billion of support each year and benefit more than 750,000 properties.

The Employment Allowance has also been increased to £10,500, meaning around 900,000 employers will have no employer National Insurance liability, while businesses can benefit from targeted reliefs that support the employment of young people.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if his Department will a) review the withdrawal of the temporary easement for wine as part of the ongoing three-year evaluation of the alcohol excise duty system and b) commission an impact assessment of the decision to withdraw the easement in February 2025, including the effect on SMEs and revenue from alcohol excise duties.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government has conducted an evaluation of the 2023 Alcohol Duty reforms, in line with the commitment to do so three years on from their implementation. At Budget 2026, following the collection and review of evidence, HMRC and HM Treasury published a report on its findings. This report is available on the gov.uk website.

The Alcohol Duty evaluation report shows that the reforms have encouraged producers to innovate, reformulate, and meet the demand for lower-strength products.

Alongside the introduction of the 2023 reforms, a temporary easement was put in place for wine importers and producers to help manage the transition to the new method of calculating the duty on their products. The impact of the wine easement was not reviewed as part of the Alcohol Duty evaluation as it was a temporary measure.

The 8.5% ABV limit ensures that Small Producers Relief is targeted at lower-strength products. This is line with the principle underpinning the 2023 Alcohol Duty reforms that stronger alcoholic products should pay more duty.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if his Department will review the treatment of products below 8.5% ABV as part of the ongoing three-year evaluation of the alcohol excise duty system, including considering a single rate for all products below 8.5% ABV.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government has conducted an evaluation of the 2023 Alcohol Duty reforms, in line with the commitment to do so three years on from their implementation. At Budget 2026, following the collection and review of evidence, HMRC and HM Treasury published a report on its findings. This report is available on the gov.uk website.

The Alcohol Duty evaluation report shows that the reforms have encouraged producers to innovate, reformulate, and meet the demand for lower-strength products.

Alongside the introduction of the 2023 reforms, a temporary easement was put in place for wine importers and producers to help manage the transition to the new method of calculating the duty on their products. The impact of the wine easement was not reviewed as part of the Alcohol Duty evaluation as it was a temporary measure.

The 8.5% ABV limit ensures that Small Producers Relief is targeted at lower-strength products. This is line with the principle underpinning the 2023 Alcohol Duty reforms that stronger alcoholic products should pay more duty.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if his Department will review the 8.5% ABV cap for Small Producer Relief as part of the ongoing three-year evaluation of the alcohol excise duty system.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government has conducted an evaluation of the 2023 Alcohol Duty reforms, in line with the commitment to do so three years on from their implementation. At Budget 2026, following the collection and review of evidence, HMRC and HM Treasury published a report on its findings. This report is available on the gov.uk website.

The Alcohol Duty evaluation report shows that the reforms have encouraged producers to innovate, reformulate, and meet the demand for lower-strength products.

Alongside the introduction of the 2023 reforms, a temporary easement was put in place for wine importers and producers to help manage the transition to the new method of calculating the duty on their products. The impact of the wine easement was not reviewed as part of the Alcohol Duty evaluation as it was a temporary measure.

The 8.5% ABV limit ensures that Small Producers Relief is targeted at lower-strength products. This is line with the principle underpinning the 2023 Alcohol Duty reforms that stronger alcoholic products should pay more duty.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the reason is for applying an ABV cap to the Small Producer Relief scheme within the alcohol excise duty system.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government has conducted an evaluation of the 2023 Alcohol Duty reforms, in line with the commitment to do so three years on from their implementation. At Budget 2026, following the collection and review of evidence, HMRC and HM Treasury published a report on its findings. This report is available on the gov.uk website.

The Alcohol Duty evaluation report shows that the reforms have encouraged producers to innovate, reformulate, and meet the demand for lower-strength products.

Alongside the introduction of the 2023 reforms, a temporary easement was put in place for wine importers and producers to help manage the transition to the new method of calculating the duty on their products. The impact of the wine easement was not reviewed as part of the Alcohol Duty evaluation as it was a temporary measure.

The 8.5% ABV limit ensures that Small Producers Relief is targeted at lower-strength products. This is line with the principle underpinning the 2023 Alcohol Duty reforms that stronger alcoholic products should pay more duty.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 23 October 2026 to question 34938 on Home Office: Public Expenditure, if hew provide a detailed breakdown of each department’s future contribution to the Defence Investment Plan, as per serial 5 of the Defence Investment Plan funding explainer, following the publication of the Autumn 2026 budget.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

I refer the honourable member to the answer given to question 27309 on 9 September 2026.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Pitt-Watson on 14 October (HL3749), whether they will now answer the question put, namely to compare the UK’s rate of capital gains tax with the average rate across all EU countries.

Answered by Lord Pitt-Watson - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

As I set out in my answer to HL3749, the main rates of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in the UK are 18% for basic rate taxpayers and 24% for higher rate taxpayers.

The Government is not responsible for the provision of information to Parliament in respect of CGT rates in other countries. When seeking to draw comparisons it is important to recognise that headline tax rates sit alongside other aspects of the relevant countries’ regimes.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much of the increase in the percentage of GDP spent on defence will be funded by Public Finance Institutions each year from 2026/27 until 2029/30 inclusive.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

At the 2026 Autumn Budget, the Chancellor announced that the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank will deploy up to £5 billion over the next four years into defence, dual use and other sectors that support our national security, sovereign capability and resilience.

At the Spending Review next year, the Government will set out the details of how we will meet our NATO commitment of spending 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2035, with a target date for 3% in 2030.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to advise UK citizens to hold some cash reserves in the context of international hacking reports.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government has provided public advice on preparing for emergencies through the Be Ready Campaign website. This includes advice that people may wish to consider keeping cash for essential purchases in case electronic payments or cash machines are disrupted. The amount held should reflect each household’s circumstances and needs.

Further information is available at: Be ready for emergencies - Be Ready

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of (a) anti-money laundering regulations and (b) "know your customer" requirements.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to tackling money laundering and terrorist financing, while ensuring that the UK’s anti-money laundering regime remains effective and proportionate.

Under the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs), banks and other regulated firms must have appropriate policies, controls and procedures to mitigate money laundering and terrorist financing risks. This includes customer due diligence, sometimes referred to as “Know Your Customer” requirements, to verify customers’ identities and understand the purpose of transactions.

The Government keeps the MLRs under review and engages closely with industry, supervisors and other stakeholders to ensure that requirements remain effective, proportionate and responsive to evolving money laundering and terrorist financing risks, making changes where appropriate.

For example, in July 2025 HM Treasury published its response to a consultation on improving the effectiveness of the MLRs, setting out reforms to close loopholes, clarify requirements and ensure customer due diligence is targeted at higher-risk activity.

Firms continue to be required to take a risk-based approach, ensuring that the extent of checks is proportionate to the money laundering and terrorist financing risks presented.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of enhanced due diligence measures related to politically exposed persons on (a) family members and (b) known close associates.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Money Laundering Regulations require regulated firms to apply enhanced due diligence (EDD) where a customer or beneficial owner is a politically exposed person (PEP), a family member, or a known close associate of a PEP.

These measures are designed to help mitigate the increased risk of bribery and corruption and ensure that attempts to exploit a PEP’s position are detected and referred to law enforcement.

The Government recognises the impact these measures can have and has been clear that PEPs, and their family members and close associates, must be treated fairly and proportionately by banks and other regulated firms. Changes to the MLRs in force since January 2024 are clear that the starting point for regulated businesses must be to treat domestic PEPs as inherently lower risk than non-domestic PEPs.

Last year, the FCA published updated guidance on PEPs to encourage a risk-based approach, following its review of the treatment of PEPs. The government will continue to work closely with the FCA to ensure firms improve their practices where necessary.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment HM Treasury has made of the effectiveness of the operation of the Critical Third Parties regime during the Google Cloud disruption of 20 October 2026.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The regime gives the financial regulators, jointly the Bank of England, Prudential Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority, statutory powers to oversee critical third parties such as Google Cloud. HMT engaged with the regulators' response to the disruption through standard channels. The regulators continue to engage with Google Cloud following the disruption on 20 October 2026, in line with their responsibilities under the Critical Third Parties regime

The regulators’ approach to operational resilience recognises that, from time to time, disruptions will occur that prevent financial sector firms and CTPs from operating as usual. Firms remain responsible for their own operational resilience and for managing third party risks, including where they rely on the systemic services provided by a CTP. The CTP regime complements rather than replaces those existing responsibilities. CTPs are required to manage risks to their systemic services and to respond and recover effectively when operational disruption occurs.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2026 to Question 5344 on Council Tax: Surcharges, whether the primary or subsequent secondary legislation will contain powers in relation to (a) fines and (b) fixed penalty notices.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

I refer the member to the answer given to question UIN 5344.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of levels of Machine Games Duty on the financial viability of not-for-profit members’ social clubs.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government does not comment on speculation about tax changes. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the broader public finances.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has considered introducing additional taxation on vans used for last-mile deliveries.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), sometimes known as 'road tax' or 'car tax', is a tax on vehicles used or kept on public roads. Different rates apply to cars, vans, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and motorcycles, and the rate for each vehicle is calculated according to a range of factors, such as its date of first registration, weight, or CO2 emissions.

The HGV levy ensures UK and non-UK HGVs contribute when using the UK’s road network. Revenue from vehicle taxes such as VED and the HGV levy helps to fund vital public services and infrastructure, including investment in roads and transport.

The Government annually reviews the rates and thresholds of vehicle taxes and reliefs to ensure that they are appropriate and reflect the current state of the economy. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the public finances.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to increase Vehicle Excise Duty rates for heavy goods vehicles.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), sometimes known as 'road tax' or 'car tax', is a tax on vehicles used or kept on public roads. Different rates apply to cars, vans, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and motorcycles, and the rate for each vehicle is calculated according to a range of factors, such as its date of first registration, weight, or CO2 emissions.

The HGV levy ensures UK and non-UK HGVs contribute when using the UK’s road network. Revenue from vehicle taxes such as VED and the HGV levy helps to fund vital public services and infrastructure, including investment in roads and transport.

The Government annually reviews the rates and thresholds of vehicle taxes and reliefs to ensure that they are appropriate and reflect the current state of the economy. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the public finances.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a tax on home deliveries made by road vehicles.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), sometimes known as 'road tax' or 'car tax', is a tax on vehicles used or kept on public roads. Different rates apply to cars, vans, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and motorcycles, and the rate for each vehicle is calculated according to a range of factors, such as its date of first registration, weight, or CO2 emissions.

The HGV levy ensures UK and non-UK HGVs contribute when using the UK’s road network. Revenue from vehicle taxes such as VED and the HGV levy helps to fund vital public services and infrastructure, including investment in roads and transport.

The Government annually reviews the rates and thresholds of vehicle taxes and reliefs to ensure that they are appropriate and reflect the current state of the economy. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the public finances.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to introduce additional Vehicle Excise Duty charges for licensed taxis and private hire vehicles.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), sometimes known as 'road tax' or 'car tax', is a tax on vehicles used or kept on public roads. Different rates apply to cars, vans, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and motorcycles, and the rate for each vehicle is calculated according to a range of factors, such as its date of first registration, weight, or CO2 emissions.

The HGV levy ensures UK and non-UK HGVs contribute when using the UK’s road network. Revenue from vehicle taxes such as VED and the HGV levy helps to fund vital public services and infrastructure, including investment in roads and transport.

The Government annually reviews the rates and thresholds of vehicle taxes and reliefs to ensure that they are appropriate and reflect the current state of the economy. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the public finances.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to increase rates of the HGV Road User Levy.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), sometimes known as 'road tax' or 'car tax', is a tax on vehicles used or kept on public roads. Different rates apply to cars, vans, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and motorcycles, and the rate for each vehicle is calculated according to a range of factors, such as its date of first registration, weight, or CO2 emissions.

The HGV levy ensures UK and non-UK HGVs contribute when using the UK’s road network. Revenue from vehicle taxes such as VED and the HGV levy helps to fund vital public services and infrastructure, including investment in roads and transport.

The Government annually reviews the rates and thresholds of vehicle taxes and reliefs to ensure that they are appropriate and reflect the current state of the economy. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the public finances.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to increase Vehicle Excise Duty rates for motorcycles.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), sometimes known as 'road tax' or 'car tax', is a tax on vehicles used or kept on public roads. Different rates apply to cars, vans, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and motorcycles, and the rate for each vehicle is calculated according to a range of factors, such as its date of first registration, weight, or CO2 emissions.

The HGV levy ensures UK and non-UK HGVs contribute when using the UK’s road network. Revenue from vehicle taxes such as VED and the HGV levy helps to fund vital public services and infrastructure, including investment in roads and transport.

The Government annually reviews the rates and thresholds of vehicle taxes and reliefs to ensure that they are appropriate and reflect the current state of the economy. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the public finances.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of cancelling the planned fuel duty increases in January, March and April 2027.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government recognises the pressures faced by drivers and other fuel users from price increases from the conflict in the Middle East.

In total, the decisions taken since the 2024 general election to freeze Fuel Duty saves motorists 11p per litre or £120 per year for the average car, compared to plans inherited from the previous parliament.

Recognising the importance of the haulage sector, the government also announced a 12-month vehicle excise duty (VED) holiday for the majority of heavy goods vehicles, with hauliers also benefiting from the extension of the 5p fuel duty cut.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a 15p-per-litre Essential User Rebate for HGV, coach and van operators.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government recognises the pressures faced by drivers and other fuel users from price increases from the conflict in the Middle East.

In total, the decisions taken since the 2024 general election to freeze Fuel Duty saves motorists 11p per litre or £120 per year for the average car, compared to plans inherited from the previous parliament.

Recognising the importance of the haulage sector, the government also announced a 12-month vehicle excise duty (VED) holiday for the majority of heavy goods vehicles, with hauliers also benefiting from the extension of the 5p fuel duty cut.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of planned increases in fuel duty in 2027 on (a) food price inflation and (b) household living costs.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government recognises the pressures faced by drivers and other fuel users from price increases from the conflict in the Middle East.

In total, the decisions taken since the 2024 general election to freeze Fuel Duty saves motorists 11p per litre or £120 per year for the average car, compared to plans inherited from the previous parliament.

Recognising the importance of the haulage sector, the government also announced a 12-month vehicle excise duty (VED) holiday for the majority of heavy goods vehicles, with hauliers also benefiting from the extension of the 5p fuel duty cut.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what forms of remuneration other than employer pension contributions his Department expects employers to offer in response to the £2,000 cap on salary-sacrificed pension contributions.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Decisions on remuneration packages are a matter for individual employers. The Office for Budget Responsibility's certified costing accounts for a range of possible employer behavioural responses to the reform.

Employer pension contributions made outside salary sacrifice will remain exempt from employer National Insurance contributions.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the impact of the Personal Allowance taper on the taxable income of those who fall into the Advanced Tax Rate band in Scotland.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Personal Allowance is reserved and applies across the UK. The Personal Allowance is withdrawn by £1 for every £2 of adjusted net income above £100,000 and is fully withdrawn at £125,140.

However, income tax rates and tax band thresholds are devolved to the Scottish Government, which is responsible for setting these for Scottish taxpayers.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to take steps to adopt section 48 of the EU Consumer Credit Directive in the UK.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government has no plans to adopt section 48 of the EU Consumer Credit Directive 2023/2225 in the UK.

Insurers make commercial decisions about the terms on which they offer cover following an assessment of the relevant risks including, where appropriate, a customer's medical history. The Government does not generally intervene in these commercial underwriting decisions.

The Equality Act 2010 generally prohibits discrimination based on certain personal characteristics. However, the law accepts that some exceptions apply for insurance, including relating to age and disability. The Act stipulates an insurance provider cannot refuse to cover potential consumers or charge more for insurance as a result of these characteristics, unless they base their risk assessment on relevant information from a reliable source and (in the case of the disability exception) it is reasonable for the insurer to refuse cover or charge more.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2026 to Question 30485, whether they would use the same formula to calculate the average liability for affected employees for the subsequent five financial years following 2029-30.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The equivalent figure for tax year 2030-31 is £86. 2030-31 was the final year for which fiscal impacts were produced.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent estimate he has made since March 2026 of how much will be required in interest to service the National Debt for the current financial year.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Debt interest forecasts are produced independently by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). The Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked the Office for Budget Responsibility to prepare a new economic and fiscal forecast for publication on 28 October 2026.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the definition of urban used in the Access to Banking Services Review includes feed-in rural areas.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to ensuring that people who need in-person banking can continue to access essential services.

That is why the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes to access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who and where it affects. The Review is considering these questions across the whole of the UK, including in rural and urban communities. It is not based on a specific definition of rural or urban areas.

The Chair of the Review will provide a report and recommendations to the Government in October 2026 and the Government will publish the report in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on what date his Department plans to publish the Access to Banking Services Review.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to ensuring that people who need in-person banking can continue to access essential services.

That is why the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes to access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who and where it affects. The Review is considering these questions across the whole of the UK, including in rural and urban communities. It is not based on a specific definition of rural or urban areas.

The Chair of the Review will provide a report and recommendations to the Government in October 2026 and the Government will publish the report in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of diesel taxation on the competitiveness of UK road haulage businesses compared with operators in other European countries.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government recognises the pressures faced by drivers and other fuel users from price increases from the conflict in the Middle East.

In total, the decisions taken since the 2024 general election to freeze Fuel Duty saves motorists 11p per litre or £120 per year for the average car, compared to plans inherited from the previous parliament.

Recognising the importance of the haulage sector, the government also announced a 12-month vehicle excise duty (VED) holiday for the majority of heavy goods vehicles, with hauliers also benefiting from the extension of the 5p fuel duty cut.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Electric Vehicle Excise Duty on new electric vehicle sales.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

In its November 2025 Economic and Fiscal Outlook, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) assessed that the combined impact of eVED and related Budget measures would reduce EV sales by around 120,000 between financial years 2025 to 2026 and 2030 to 2031. This represents only 2% of total anticipated EV sales during that period.

Overall around 80 per cent of eVED revenue from the first three years of the tax will be reinvested to extend support for EVs and the automotive manufacturing industry.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions his Department has had with (a) the Government Digital Service, (b) Government Cyber Unit, and (c) the National Cyber Security Centre on its procurement of AI products, models, and services.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

HM Treasury works with the Government Digital Service and relevant government cyber security bodies, including the National Cyber Security Centre, on matters relating to the safe and responsible adoption of all information technology. The Department follows cross-government IT procurement guidance and takes relevant cyber security and assurance requirements into account when procuring and deploying all IT products, models and services.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effects for people who settled loan charge liabilities before implementation of the Ray McCann review recommendations compared to people offered the the new settlement opportunity for those with outstanding loan charge liabilities following the recommendations.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government commissioned an independent review of the loan charge to help bring the matter to a close for those who have not settled and paid the Loan Charge.

Individuals and employers who have already settled their loan charge liabilities and paid in full are not impacted by the new Loan Charge Settlement Scheme.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the European Union's Capital Requirements Directive 6 on the UK financial services and related professional services sector.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

HM Treasury is monitoring the implementation of the EU’s Capital Requirements Directive VI and considering its implications for the UK financial services and related professional services sectors, including through engagement with industry. The Government continues to engage with EU counterparts on financial services and banking regulatory matters.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Post Office network on maintaining access to in-person banking services in rural communities and towns where traditional bank branches have closed.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to ensuring that people who need in-person banking can continue to access essential services, including in rural communities and towns.

That is why the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes to access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment and the scale of any detriment.

As part of this, the Review will consider existing forms of in-person banking provision. The Post Office provides banking services through over 10,000 branches via the Banking Framework agreement and, as such, the provision of services by the Post Office on behalf of banks will be considered as part of the Review.

The evidence collected by the Review will inform future decisions on whether further action is needed. Alongside the Review, the Government intends to use the Financial Services and Markets Bill to introduce a power to allow action to be taken in future to protect access to banking services, should the evidence support intervention.

The Chair of the Review will provide a report and recommendations to the Government upon its conclusion at which point the Government will consider any future actions.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans his Department has to publish a response to the independent Review into Access to Banking Services; and whether the findings relating to the Post Office network will inform future policy and legislation.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to ensuring that people who need in-person banking can continue to access essential services, including in rural communities and towns.

That is why the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes to access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment and the scale of any detriment.

As part of this, the Review will consider existing forms of in-person banking provision. The Post Office provides banking services through over 10,000 branches via the Banking Framework agreement and, as such, the provision of services by the Post Office on behalf of banks will be considered as part of the Review.

The evidence collected by the Review will inform future decisions on whether further action is needed. Alongside the Review, the Government intends to use the Financial Services and Markets Bill to introduce a power to allow action to be taken in future to protect access to banking services, should the evidence support intervention.

The Chair of the Review will provide a report and recommendations to the Government upon its conclusion at which point the Government will consider any future actions.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will take steps to ensure that the Post Office network is recognised in forthcoming financial services legislation as a means of delivering access to in-person banking services.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to ensuring that people who need in-person banking can continue to access essential services, including in rural communities and towns.

That is why the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes to access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment and the scale of any detriment.

As part of this, the Review will consider existing forms of in-person banking provision. The Post Office provides banking services through over 10,000 branches via the Banking Framework agreement and, as such, the provision of services by the Post Office on behalf of banks will be considered as part of the Review.

The evidence collected by the Review will inform future decisions on whether further action is needed. Alongside the Review, the Government intends to use the Financial Services and Markets Bill to introduce a power to allow action to be taken in future to protect access to banking services, should the evidence support intervention.

The Chair of the Review will provide a report and recommendations to the Government upon its conclusion at which point the Government will consider any future actions.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people over the age of 100 have been asked to file Self Assessment tax returns in each of the last three tax years.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

In line with the commitment made at Budget 2025, pensioners whose incomes only just exceed the Personal Allowance will not have the administrative burden of paying small amounts of tax in this Parliament. This will mean that policies introduced in this Government taken together reduce the number of pensioners paying Income Tax.

The previous Conservative Government decisions to freeze tax thresholds will however increase the number of pensioners paying tax. Reflecting this and the growing number of pensioners, the numbers requested and tax collected are as follows:

Table 1: The number of Notice to File a Self Assessment tax return (NTFs) Issued to People Over State Pension Age for the First Time

Notes to table 1

1. Figures are correct as of July 2026. Values may have increased since then.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 2: The number of £100 Initial Late Filing Penalties Issued to People Over State Pension Age for the First Time

Notes to table 2

1. Figures are correct as of October 2026.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 3: The number of Notice to File a Self Assessment tax return (NTFs) Issued to People Over the Age of 90 for the First Time

Notes to table 3

1. Figures are correct as of July 2026. Values may have increased since then.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 4: The number of Notice to File a Self Assessment tax return (NTFs) Issued to People Over the Age of 100

Notes to table 4

1. Figures are correct as of July 2026. Values may have increased since then.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 5: The number of Number of Taxpayers Over the Age of 90, and the Value of Tax Collected via Self Assessment from Taxpayers Over the Age of 90

Notes to table 5

1. Figures are correct as of October 2026.
2. Taxpayer numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. Tax has been rounded to the nearest million.
4. Tax collected via Self Assessment includes both Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax.
5. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much tax has been collected via Self Assessment from people over the age of 90 in each of the last three tax years.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

In line with the commitment made at Budget 2025, pensioners whose incomes only just exceed the Personal Allowance will not have the administrative burden of paying small amounts of tax in this Parliament. This will mean that policies introduced in this Government taken together reduce the number of pensioners paying Income Tax.

The previous Conservative Government decisions to freeze tax thresholds will however increase the number of pensioners paying tax. Reflecting this and the growing number of pensioners, the numbers requested and tax collected are as follows:

Table 1: The number of Notice to File a Self Assessment tax return (NTFs) Issued to People Over State Pension Age for the First Time

Notes to table 1

1. Figures are correct as of July 2026. Values may have increased since then.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 2: The number of £100 Initial Late Filing Penalties Issued to People Over State Pension Age for the First Time

Notes to table 2

1. Figures are correct as of October 2026.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 3: The number of Notice to File a Self Assessment tax return (NTFs) Issued to People Over the Age of 90 for the First Time

Notes to table 3

1. Figures are correct as of July 2026. Values may have increased since then.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 4: The number of Notice to File a Self Assessment tax return (NTFs) Issued to People Over the Age of 100

Notes to table 4

1. Figures are correct as of July 2026. Values may have increased since then.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 5: The number of Number of Taxpayers Over the Age of 90, and the Value of Tax Collected via Self Assessment from Taxpayers Over the Age of 90

Notes to table 5

1. Figures are correct as of October 2026.
2. Taxpayer numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. Tax has been rounded to the nearest million.
4. Tax collected via Self Assessment includes both Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax.
5. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people over State Pension Age have been issued with £100 late payment fines for Self Assessment after being required to file Self Assessment for the first time.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

In line with the commitment made at Budget 2025, pensioners whose incomes only just exceed the Personal Allowance will not have the administrative burden of paying small amounts of tax in this Parliament. This will mean that policies introduced in this Government taken together reduce the number of pensioners paying Income Tax.

The previous Conservative Government decisions to freeze tax thresholds will however increase the number of pensioners paying tax. Reflecting this and the growing number of pensioners, the numbers requested and tax collected are as follows:

Table 1: The number of Notice to File a Self Assessment tax return (NTFs) Issued to People Over State Pension Age for the First Time

Notes to table 1

1. Figures are correct as of July 2026. Values may have increased since then.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 2: The number of £100 Initial Late Filing Penalties Issued to People Over State Pension Age for the First Time

Notes to table 2

1. Figures are correct as of October 2026.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 3: The number of Notice to File a Self Assessment tax return (NTFs) Issued to People Over the Age of 90 for the First Time

Notes to table 3

1. Figures are correct as of July 2026. Values may have increased since then.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 4: The number of Notice to File a Self Assessment tax return (NTFs) Issued to People Over the Age of 100

Notes to table 4

1. Figures are correct as of July 2026. Values may have increased since then.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 5: The number of Number of Taxpayers Over the Age of 90, and the Value of Tax Collected via Self Assessment from Taxpayers Over the Age of 90

Notes to table 5

1. Figures are correct as of October 2026.
2. Taxpayer numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. Tax has been rounded to the nearest million.
4. Tax collected via Self Assessment includes both Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax.
5. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people over the age of 90 have been asked to file Self Assessment tax returns for the first time for (i) 2023/24, (ii) 2024/25 and (iii) 2025/26.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

In line with the commitment made at Budget 2025, pensioners whose incomes only just exceed the Personal Allowance will not have the administrative burden of paying small amounts of tax in this Parliament. This will mean that policies introduced in this Government taken together reduce the number of pensioners paying Income Tax.

The previous Conservative Government decisions to freeze tax thresholds will however increase the number of pensioners paying tax. Reflecting this and the growing number of pensioners, the numbers requested and tax collected are as follows:

Table 1: The number of Notice to File a Self Assessment tax return (NTFs) Issued to People Over State Pension Age for the First Time

Notes to table 1

1. Figures are correct as of July 2026. Values may have increased since then.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 2: The number of £100 Initial Late Filing Penalties Issued to People Over State Pension Age for the First Time

Notes to table 2

1. Figures are correct as of October 2026.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 3: The number of Notice to File a Self Assessment tax return (NTFs) Issued to People Over the Age of 90 for the First Time

Notes to table 3

1. Figures are correct as of July 2026. Values may have increased since then.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 4: The number of Notice to File a Self Assessment tax return (NTFs) Issued to People Over the Age of 100

Notes to table 4

1. Figures are correct as of July 2026. Values may have increased since then.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 5: The number of Number of Taxpayers Over the Age of 90, and the Value of Tax Collected via Self Assessment from Taxpayers Over the Age of 90

Notes to table 5

1. Figures are correct as of October 2026.
2. Taxpayer numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. Tax has been rounded to the nearest million.
4. Tax collected via Self Assessment includes both Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax.
5. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people over State Pension Age have been asked to complete Self Assessment tax returns for the first time.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

In line with the commitment made at Budget 2025, pensioners whose incomes only just exceed the Personal Allowance will not have the administrative burden of paying small amounts of tax in this Parliament. This will mean that policies introduced in this Government taken together reduce the number of pensioners paying Income Tax.

The previous Conservative Government decisions to freeze tax thresholds will however increase the number of pensioners paying tax. Reflecting this and the growing number of pensioners, the numbers requested and tax collected are as follows:

Table 1: The number of Notice to File a Self Assessment tax return (NTFs) Issued to People Over State Pension Age for the First Time

Notes to table 1

1. Figures are correct as of July 2026. Values may have increased since then.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 2: The number of £100 Initial Late Filing Penalties Issued to People Over State Pension Age for the First Time

Notes to table 2

1. Figures are correct as of October 2026.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 3: The number of Notice to File a Self Assessment tax return (NTFs) Issued to People Over the Age of 90 for the First Time

Notes to table 3

1. Figures are correct as of July 2026. Values may have increased since then.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 4: The number of Notice to File a Self Assessment tax return (NTFs) Issued to People Over the Age of 100

Notes to table 4

1. Figures are correct as of July 2026. Values may have increased since then.
2. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Table 5: The number of Number of Taxpayers Over the Age of 90, and the Value of Tax Collected via Self Assessment from Taxpayers Over the Age of 90

Notes to table 5

1. Figures are correct as of October 2026.
2. Taxpayer numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100.
3. Tax has been rounded to the nearest million.
4. Tax collected via Self Assessment includes both Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax.
5. The age of individuals has been identified from the date of birth provided on their tax return. Individuals who have not yet submitted their return will not be included in these figures.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of insurers (a) repricing, (b) limiting and (c) withdrawing their cover for the impacts of climate change on communities.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the risks that climate change may pose to the insurance market. HM Treasury continues to work with the insurance industry, regulators and across government to understand and monitor the potential impacts of increasing climate-related risks.

Insurers make commercial decisions about pricing and the terms of cover they offer based on their assessment of the relevant risks. However, the government is determined that insurers should treat customers fairly and firms are required to do so under the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) rules. The FCA is the independent body responsible for regulating and supervising the financial services industry and has powers to take action against firms that do not meet its requirements.

Different insurers may take different views of risk when determining whether to offer insurance and at what price. Consumers may wish to contact the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, which can provide guidance on accessing the insurance market and help consumers find specialist brokers where appropriate.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure that people affected by climate damage have equitable access to insurers.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the risks that climate change may pose to the insurance market. HM Treasury continues to work with the insurance industry, regulators and across government to understand and monitor the potential impacts of increasing climate-related risks.

Insurers make commercial decisions about pricing and the terms of cover they offer based on their assessment of the relevant risks. However, the government is determined that insurers should treat customers fairly and firms are required to do so under the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) rules. The FCA is the independent body responsible for regulating and supervising the financial services industry and has powers to take action against firms that do not meet its requirements.

Different insurers may take different views of risk when determining whether to offer insurance and at what price. Consumers may wish to contact the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, which can provide guidance on accessing the insurance market and help consumers find specialist brokers where appropriate.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the scale of climate damage on the UK insurance industry.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the risks that climate change may pose to the insurance market. HM Treasury continues to work with the insurance industry, regulators and across government to understand and monitor the potential impacts of increasing climate-related risks.

Insurers make commercial decisions about pricing and the terms of cover they offer based on their assessment of the relevant risks. However, the government is determined that insurers should treat customers fairly and firms are required to do so under the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) rules. The FCA is the independent body responsible for regulating and supervising the financial services industry and has powers to take action against firms that do not meet its requirements.

Different insurers may take different views of risk when determining whether to offer insurance and at what price. Consumers may wish to contact the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, which can provide guidance on accessing the insurance market and help consumers find specialist brokers where appropriate.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what impact assessment he has made of the potential impact of changes to ISA regulation on retail investment trends.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to fostering a culture of retail investment across the United Kingdom, supporting individuals to secure better long-term returns on their savings while maintaining financial resilience. This includes various reforms to encourage retail investment, from the roll-out of targeted support to help people get the support they need to invest, to the industry led ‘Invest for Future’ comms campaign and reforms to investment risk warnings.

An assessment of the impacts of the changes to Cash Individual Savings Account (ISA) subscription limits that were announced at Budget 2025 was published on GOV.UK on 17 September 2026. The impact assessment can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reduction-in-the-cash-individual-savings-account-isa-limit/cash-individual-savings-account-isa-limit-reduction

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will ask the Bank of England whether it holds (a) Communist and (b) Soviet branded gold.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Gold accepted into the Bank of England's vaults must meet London Good Delivery standards and comply with applicable sanctions - it is not classified by its markings. The Bank of England does not share information on which foreign governments and central banks it holds gold reserves on behalf of as this would contradict their customer confidentiality obligations.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the total central government capital growth and infrastructure funding per capita allocated was to (a) Mayoral Combined Authorities with integrated settlements and (b) non-mayoral local transport and highway authorities in the latest financial year.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The allocations for capital funding which is devolved through the integrated settlement for financial years 2026/2027 to 2029/2030 are set out on Gov.UK - Integrated Settlement funds for 2026 to 2030 - GOV.UK.

Non-Mayoral local transport authorities’ capital allocations for the Local Transport Grant for financial years 2026/27 to 2029/30 are set out on Gov.UK - Capital allocations: 2026 to 2027 and 2029 to 2030 - GOV.UK

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to support the London Stock Exchange and encourage investment in UK-listed companies.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government is committed to making the UK the best place to start, scale, list and invest. We have delivered an ambitious programme of capital markets reforms to make it easier for companies to raise capital, go public and grow as listed companies in the UK.

We have also taken action to increase participation in investing through major pensions reforms that are helping unlock more productive investment across the UK economy. We have introduced targeted support for consumers and are supporting industry-led initiatives to encourage greater retail investment and improve how firms communicate the risks and benefits of investing.

Our stock markets are showing signs of renewed momentum, with over £38 billion raised since the start of 2025 through IPOs and follow-on issuances.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to support the introduction of statutory asset locks within the mutual enterprise sector.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The potential use of statutory asset locks for mutuals forms part of the Law Commission’s reviews of the Friendly Societies Acts 1974 and 1992, and the Co-operatives and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.

The Commission’s report on the Friendly Societies Acts was published on 10 September 2026. The Commission did not recommend the introduction of an asset-locking mechanism for friendly societies, although it did recommend that the Government review the issue of asset protection in friendly societies. The Government will carefully consider the Commission’s report.

The Commission’s report on the Co-operatives and Community Benefit Societies Act is expected to be published early next year, and the Government looks forward to reviewing the Commission’s recommendations.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, further to the answer of 8 October 2027, Official Report, Column 227-228W, whether the Automated Valuation Model developed by the HMRC Valuation Office for (a) the council tax revaluation in Wales and (b) the council tax surcharge in England, utilises localities or neighbourhoods, or any other geographic area smaller than local billing authorities.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

Information on the Valuation Office’s model assisted valuation approach (AVM) can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-model-assisted-valuation-delivers-large-scale-property-valuations

The model approach for the AVM for HVCTS is being finalised.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 13 October 2026, to Question 20296, on JP Morgan: Business Rates, on what date will the business rate relief start, and what is the financial value of the cap.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

A new building becomes liable for business rates when it is practically complete and ready for occupation for the purpose for which it was intended.

The financial value of the cap on the business rates relief is covered by confidentiality provisions and is subject to a subsidy control process. It has been calculated to ensure that the programme delivers value for money for the taxpayer.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to review the exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty for vehicles manufactured more than 40 years ago.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

There is currently a rolling 40-year exemption from VED for classic cars. Currently, vehicles constructed before 1 January 1986 are exempt from paying VED. From 1 April 2027 vehicles constructed before 1 January 1987 will become exempt from VED.

The Government annually reviews the rates and thresholds of taxes and reliefs to ensure that they are appropriate and reflect the current state of the economy. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events, and does not routinely comment on proposals.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of using the new Energy Wealth Fund to establish an early stage de-risking fund for deep geothermal energy projects.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

Established within the National Wealth Fund (NWF), the Energy Wealth Fund (EWF) will invest in renewable and low carbon energy infrastructure across the UK, helping unlock growth and supporting projects that will drive the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Further details will be set out in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential contribution of deep geothermal energy to the objectives of the Energy Wealth Fund.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)

Established within the National Wealth Fund (NWF), the Energy Wealth Fund (EWF) will invest in renewable and low carbon energy infrastructure across the UK, helping unlock growth and supporting projects that will drive the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Further details will be set out in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 19 October 2026, to Question 32140, on Council tax: valuation, what is HMRC Valuation Office’s working estimates of the appeal rate on the council tax surcharge.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The OBR published an estimate of the High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS) appeals rate in April 2026 at https://obr.uk/docs/dlm_uploads/Supplementary-forecast-information-high-value-council-tax-surcharge-costing.pdf.

That estimate remains the Government's current working estimate and will be kept under review.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to increase Benefit-in-Kind tax rates for company cars beyond previously announced increases.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

The Government annually reviews the rates and thresholds of taxes and reliefs to ensure that they are appropriate and reflect the current state of the economy.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the public finances.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, further to the Freedom of Information Act response by HMRC, Ref: FOI2026/105605, of 16 October 2026, if he will place a full copy of the HMRC Valuation Office Inspection and Data Collection Manual in the Library.

Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General

There are no plans to place a full copy of the manual in the House of Commons Library.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, further to the Written Ministerial Statement of 2 July 2026 (HLWS178), what progress has been made on developing a solution to the VAT treatment of free-of-charge drugs supplied under Early Access Schemes; whether the Treasury plans to consult patient groups and clinicians affected by the withdrawal of such schemes, including sarcoma patients; and what estimate has been made of the number of patients who have been unable to access treatment as a result of scheme withdrawals since the VAT change took effect.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 19 October in response to Question 30531.

The Government has not made any assessment of the number of patients who have been unable to access treatment as a result of scheme withdrawals. The new approach to the VAT treatment of free of charge medicines will apply permanently, and it will be effective for all donations made on or after 23 June 2026 to support companies to resume free-of-charge schemes as soon as possible.

Since the announcement on 23 June, Department of Health and Social Care and HM Treasury officials have been working with stakeholders to develop a solution to the VAT issues associated with free-of-charge supplies of innovative medicines, including through early access and compassionate use schemes.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if her Department will pause the expansion of the GOV.UK One Login pending an independent review of the programme; and if it will introduce a statutory guarantee of free and genuinely equivalent non-digital alternatives.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

GOV.UK One Login’s rollout will continue because it simplifies access to government services for users and delivers significant benefits to the government.

The programme's delivery is tightly governed through departmental controls, HM Treasury oversight and independent assurance by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) as part of the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP). GOV.UK One Login is also independently assured and certified under the UK Digital Verification Services Trust Framework.

One Login is not mandatory to use. Users who do not wish to or can’t use One Login also have alternative routes to accessing government services. The alternative route is decided by the relevant government service.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to improve independent scrutiny of GOV.UK One Login prior to any further expansion.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

GOV.UK One Login’s rollout will continue as it simplifies access to government services for users and delivers significant benefits to the government.

The programme's delivery is tightly governed through departmental controls, HM Treasury oversight and independent assurance by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) as part of the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP). GOV.UK One Login is also independently assured and certified under the UK Digital Verification Services Trust Framework.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the security of GOV.UK's One Login system; and if she will introduce a statutory guarantee of free and equivalent non-digital alternatives.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

GOV.UK One Login’s delivery is tightly governed through departmental controls, HM Treasury oversight and independent assurance by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) as part of the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP). GOV.UK One Login is also independently assured and certified under the UK Digital Verification Services Trust Framework.

The programme follows the highest security standards for government and private sector services - including dedicated 24/7 eyes-on monitoring, incident response and appropriate security controls. It has a risk-based and multi-layered approach to security, with dedicated security experts and additional assurance provided through independent testing and National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) advice.

GOV.UK One Login is not mandatory to use. Users who do not wish to or cannot use One Login also have alternative routes to accessing the service, provided by the relevant government service.

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