Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on fraud victims of proposals allowing the Financial Ombudsman Service to pause cases at registration pending police or Serious Fraud Office investigations.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government takes the issue of fraud very seriously and is dedicated to protecting the public from this appalling crime. As set out in our manifesto and as part of our Plan for Change, the government will introduce a new, expanded Fraud Strategy encompassing the modern-day threats that so many people become a victim to.

The government recognises the important role the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) plays in providing consumers with a cost-free and quick route to resolve disputes with financial services firms. However, the government’s review of the FOS concluded that in a small but significant minority of cases, the framework in which the FOS operates has resulted in it acting as a quasi-regulator.

That is why, as part of the Leeds Reforms, the Chancellor announced the most significant package of reforms to the FOS since its inception to provide greater certainty and predictability for consumers and firms who use the FOS. The government’s consultation on the proposed reforms closed on 8 October and it will set out next steps in due course.

Victims of fraud who wish to make a complaint about their financial services provider will continue to be able to bring complaints to the FOS, and the proposed changes to the legislative framework under which the FOS operates will not affect the FOS’s role in handling these complaints.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) expects all firms to maintain strong systems and controls with regards to fraud prevention to deliver good outcomes for customers, including seeking to avoid foreseeable harm. It has made tackling fraud one of its priorities in its 5-year strategy from 2025 to 2030. The FCA is continuing to prioritise fighting financial crime, including by working with firms to strengthen their anti-crime systems, working with other relevant agencies who tackle crime to share intelligence and coordinate action, and working with consumers to raise awareness and ensure they have the tools they need to protect themselves.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to ensure that fraud victims retain access to Financial Ombudsman Service investigations without being forced into civil court proceedings.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government takes the issue of fraud very seriously and is dedicated to protecting the public from this appalling crime. As set out in our manifesto and as part of our Plan for Change, the government will introduce a new, expanded Fraud Strategy encompassing the modern-day threats that so many people become a victim to.

The government recognises the important role the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) plays in providing consumers with a cost-free and quick route to resolve disputes with financial services firms. However, the government’s review of the FOS concluded that in a small but significant minority of cases, the framework in which the FOS operates has resulted in it acting as a quasi-regulator.

That is why, as part of the Leeds Reforms, the Chancellor announced the most significant package of reforms to the FOS since its inception to provide greater certainty and predictability for consumers and firms who use the FOS. The government’s consultation on the proposed reforms closed on 8 October and it will set out next steps in due course.

Victims of fraud who wish to make a complaint about their financial services provider will continue to be able to bring complaints to the FOS, and the proposed changes to the legislative framework under which the FOS operates will not affect the FOS’s role in handling these complaints.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) expects all firms to maintain strong systems and controls with regards to fraud prevention to deliver good outcomes for customers, including seeking to avoid foreseeable harm. It has made tackling fraud one of its priorities in its 5-year strategy from 2025 to 2030. The FCA is continuing to prioritise fighting financial crime, including by working with firms to strengthen their anti-crime systems, working with other relevant agencies who tackle crime to share intelligence and coordinate action, and working with consumers to raise awareness and ensure they have the tools they need to protect themselves.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she will make an assessment of the potential impact on fraud victims of allowing the Financial Ombudsman Service to dismiss cases deemed too complex.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government takes the issue of fraud very seriously and is dedicated to protecting the public from this appalling crime. As set out in our manifesto and as part of our Plan for Change, the government will introduce a new, expanded Fraud Strategy encompassing the modern-day threats that so many people become a victim to.

The government recognises the important role the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) plays in providing consumers with a cost-free and quick route to resolve disputes with financial services firms. However, the government’s review of the FOS concluded that in a small but significant minority of cases, the framework in which the FOS operates has resulted in it acting as a quasi-regulator.

That is why, as part of the Leeds Reforms, the Chancellor announced the most significant package of reforms to the FOS since its inception to provide greater certainty and predictability for consumers and firms who use the FOS. The government’s consultation on the proposed reforms closed on 8 October and it will set out next steps in due course.

Victims of fraud who wish to make a complaint about their financial services provider will continue to be able to bring complaints to the FOS, and the proposed changes to the legislative framework under which the FOS operates will not affect the FOS’s role in handling these complaints.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) expects all firms to maintain strong systems and controls with regards to fraud prevention to deliver good outcomes for customers, including seeking to avoid foreseeable harm. It has made tackling fraud one of its priorities in its 5-year strategy from 2025 to 2030. The FCA is continuing to prioritise fighting financial crime, including by working with firms to strengthen their anti-crime systems, working with other relevant agencies who tackle crime to share intelligence and coordinate action, and working with consumers to raise awareness and ensure they have the tools they need to protect themselves.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who is the Chief Risk Officer for national security risks relating to the work of their Department.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

HM Treasury is the Lead Government Department for Disruption to Financial Services, and the Principal Accounting Officer is primarily accountable to government for discharging that role.

The PAO is also responsible for HMT’s contribution to the management of other national security risks where other departments are the lead government department.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when she plans to reply to the email from the hon. Member for South Shropshire dated 11 September 2025 with case reference number SA36696.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The email from the hon. Member for South Shropshire dated 11 September 2025 with case reference number SA36696 has been transferred to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). DBT will respond 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 bank closures on access to banking services by vulnerable and elderly people; how many Banking Hubs currently operate in Northern Ireland; and what her target is for the number of additional Banking Hubs to be opened in Northern Ireland before the end of this parliamentary term.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Banking is changing, with many customers benefitting from the convenience and flexibility of managing their finances remotely. However, Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and is committed to supporting sufficient access for customers.

The Government is working closely with industry on the commitment to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament, which will provide individuals and businesses across the country with cash and banking services. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and 200 are already open. Of these, there are currently seven banking hubs operating in Northern Ireland.

The treatment of customers by UK banks is governed by the the Financial Conduct Authority, which requires firms to provide a prompt, efficient, and fair service to all of their customers. This includes special considerations for vulnerable customers. In addition, like all service providers, banks and building societies are bound under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments, where necessary, in the way they deliver their services.

While branch closures are commercial decisions for banks, Financial Conduct Authority guidance requires firms to conduct a robust impact analysis. Banks must show they have considered customer needs and identified potential reasonable alternatives. The FCA also expects engagement with stakeholders at least 12 weeks before closure and ensures that any replacement services, such as banking hubs, are in place before a branch closes. These measures aim to ensure closures are implemented fairly and transparently.

The Government does not have specific regional targets for banking hub opening as the locations of banking hubs are determined independently by LINK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the (a) Financial Conduct Authority and (b) Financial Ombudsman Service’s recent changes to compensatory interest.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) is responsible for setting the interest rate it applies to awards. Following consultation, the FOS has confirmed that it will change the interest rate that it applies to some compensation awards, moving from the current 8% to a time-weighted average of the Bank of England’s base rate plus one percentage point. The FOS will continue to apply an 8% interest rate for the period after a determination has been made, if the business does not pay redress on time, to encourage timely compliance with FOS determinations. The Chancellor welcomed the new rate in her Mansion House 2025 speech on 15 July, with the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy noting that the new rate better reflects market conditions.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which Valuation Office Agency special category code hereditaments are eligible for the 2026-27 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure multipliers.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

VOA Special Category codes do not determine eligibility for RHL multipliers. Local authorities are responsible for administering the business rates multipliers for qualifying Retail, Hospitality and Leisure properties.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will review the scope of the Plastics Packaging Tax to exempt EN 13432–certified compostable materials; and what assessment has been made of the potential impact of including compostable materials within the tax on growth and innovation in the biodegradable and biobased materials industry and on the delivery of the UK’s circular economy objectives.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the policymaking process. The Plastic Packaging Tax provides a price incentive for businesses to use recycled plastic in the manufacture of plastic packaging.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with the Motability Foundation on the the potential impact of her Department's changes to (a) VAT and (b) Insurance Premium Tax for the Motability Foundation on (i) funding for the Mobility Foundation and (ii) the ability of the Foundation to cross-subsidise its work to support the most vulnerable residents.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Prior to announcing tax changes to the Motability Scheme at Budget 2025, the Government engaged with the Motability Foundation to understand how tax changes would impact the Motability Scheme and their customers.

For customers who cannot afford essential costs or need more complex adaptations, the Motability Foundation will continue to provide means-tested grants to those most in need of financial help. In 2024/25, these grants totalled £59.3 million, supporting over 10,000 customers.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 16 December 2025 to Question 97744 on Council Tax: Sutton Coldfield, if she will publish the evidential basis for the claim that the surcharge will raise £400m in revenue in 2028/29.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The policy costing note for the High Value Council Tax Surcharge is available on page 51 of the Budget 2025 policy costings document:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/692872fd2a37784b16ecf676/Budget_2025-Policy_Costings.pdf

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government how they intend to ensure consumer protection and regulatory compliance in blockchain and AI-enabled tokenised deposit models in the home-buying and mortgage markets.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Financial Conduct Authority is responsible for the regulation of the mortgage market. All FCA-authorised firms are required to comply with the Consumer Duty, which sets high standards of consumer protections and requires firms to put their customers’ needs first.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is currently consulting on reforms to the home buying and selling process. The Government has made clear its objectives that reform should support faster, more reliable transactions and reduced fall throughs and risks.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential for AI and digital technology to reduce a) tax evasion and b) tax avoidance.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC is expanding its use of AI to help tackle the tax gap and The Hon gentleman’s Telford constituency is an important hub for HMRC’s digital and AI work. HMRC’s expansion includes how they focus their compliance work through new risk-targeting capabilities to identify cases for investigation, improving case selection. It also means using AI to identify nascent issues with the tax system, so they can act rapidly to prevent them before they grow.

This year, HMRC has also significantly invested in partnering with the private sector to explore the use of novel analytical techniques and data to identify deliberate evasion.

HMRC is harnessing artificial intelligence to deliver a more efficient and professional service for customers. They will use new technology as a tool to help them to do their jobs more effectively. Greater use of AI will mean that staff spend less time on admin and more time helping taxpayers. It will also help HMRC better target their action against fraud and evasion, to bring in more money for public services.

Artificial intelligence supports some of their processes but never replaces human decision-making and oversight. HMRC remains committed to the safe use of these technologies, underpinned by strict data protection, security and ethical standards. In cases where AI is used in a way that could impact customer outcomes, HMRC ensures that results are explainable and that there is always human oversight. This means that even when AI is used to support decision-making, final decisions are always made by experienced, trained case workers.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to liquidate Russian assets currently frozen in the UK; and whether they have discussed the implications of that action with (1) leaders of the EU, and (2) President Trump.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Chancellor is actively engaging with our EU and G7 partners to explore options for using the full value of Russian sovereign assets immobilised across the G7, in line with international law.

The Government remains committed to ensuring Russia is held accountable for the damage it has caused, and continues to cause, in Ukraine. Alongside our G7 partners, the UK has pledged to maintain the sanctions in Russia’s sovereign assets within our jurisdiction until Russia has paid compensation to Ukraine.

We ask the Government to introduce a new 30% income tax band that applies to earnings between £50,271 and £100,000. This could ensure a smoother, fairer progression in tax rates. Our aim is to create a more balanced, modern and equitable tax structure for middle-income earners.

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Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish his Department’s business case on new private finance in the NHS.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department has no plans to publish the Neighbourhood Health Centre (NHC) Public Private Partnership (PPP) Feasibility Programme Business Case. Publication is not standard practice for business cases outside of the Government’s Major Projects Portfolio. This was a strategic outline business case, the purpose of which was to scope and identify the preferred way forward for a new potential PPP model in line with the HM Treasury five case model.

The Department and the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) will continue to work with the market to further develop the new PPP model for NHCs, with further engagement next year. The final design and development of this new PPP model for NHCs will be led by NISTA and will be co-designed by the Department.

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