Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to her Financial Inclusion Strategy, published in November 2025, CP 1424, what steps she is taking to help ensure an equitable geographic distribution of the 350 new banking hubs; whether the rollout will prioritise areas that have recently experienced bank branch closures; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the new digital pass for identity verification will be accessible for people with limited digital (a) access and (b) literacy.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Earlier this month, I published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy setting out a range of interventions to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. This included a key focus on addressing barriers around access to banking and digital inclusion.

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 championing sufficient access for customers. In addition to traditional bank branches, the financial services industry is committed to rolling out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 190 are already open. Government is working closely with industry on this commitment.

The locations of banking hubs are independently determined by LINK, the industry coordinating body responsible for making access to cash assessments. LINK will carry out an assessment wherever a branch closure is announced or if they receive a community request.

LINK will recommend appropriate solutions where it considers that a community requires additional cash services. Some of the criteria that LINK considers are whether there is a bank branch remaining, population size, number of shops on the high street, distance to the nearest bank branch, public transport links and vulnerability of the population.

In September, the government set out plans for a new government-backed Digital ID scheme. This Digital ID will make it easier for people across the UK to use vital government services, but will also streamline verification processes across private sectors too, such as when opening a new bank account. As part of the government’s forthcoming consultation on the new Digital ID scheme, the government will look at how to make the scheme inclusive, such as by integrating assistive technologies for those with physical or cognitive disabilities, and ensuring that physical alternatives are available for those without smartphones.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the economic impact of bank branch closures on high streets for local businesses; and what steps are being considered to mitigate these.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Banking is changing, with many customers benefiting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. Whilst the Government does not make economic estimates regarding the impact of branch closures, the Government does understand the importance of face-to-face banking to high streets and is committed to championing sufficient access for customers. That is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs on high streets across the UK by the end of this Parliament. More than 240 hubs have been announced so far, and over 190 are already open.

This Government is fully committed to rejuvenating our high streets and supporting the businesses and communities that make our town centres successful. Alongside the £5bn funding for Pride in Place, we have announced a suite of tools to support communities to improve their high streets, including: High Street Rental Auctions giving councils the power to auction the lease of long-term vacant premises; a Community Right to Buy for communities to take ownership of local buildings they value; and streamlining the compulsory purchase process to help local authorities regenerate high streets.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of bank closures on footfall in (a) town centres and (b) high streets.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Banking is changing, with many customers benefiting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. Whilst the Government does not make estimates regarding the impact of branch closures on town centre footfall, the Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to high streets and is committed to championing sufficient access for customers. That is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs on high streets across the UK by the end of this Parliament. More than 240 hubs have been announced so far, and over 190 are already open.

This Government is fully committed to rejuvenating our high streets and supporting the businesses and communities that make our town centres successful. Alongside the £5bn funding for Pride in Place, we have announced a suite of tools to support communities to improve their high streets, including: High Street Rental Auctions giving councils the power to auction the lease of long-term vacant premises; a Community Right to Buy for communities to take ownership of local buildings they value; and streamlining the compulsory purchase process to help local authorities regenerate high streets.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress she has made on implementing the provisions in Schedule 8 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 on access to cash; and what discussions she has had with the Financial Conduct Authority on the effectiveness of its powers to enforce those provisions.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses.

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 granted the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) the responsibility and powers to seek to ensure the reasonable provision of cash withdrawal and deposit facilities. The FCA introduced regulatory rules to protect access to cash in September 2024. Its rules ensure cash continues to be a viable method of payment for the millions of people who depend on it by providing reasonable access to cash withdrawal and deposit facilities for individuals and businesses, including free services for personal accounts.

The FCA is required by law to keep its rules under review and has been closely monitoring the impact and effectiveness of their regime during its first year. It will commence a formal evaluation of its regime in due course.

The Government meets regularly with the FCA to discuss a range of topics.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans the Government has to promote (a) community banking models and (b) cooperative financial institutions to improve access to banking services in underserved areas.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the importance of diversity in the UK financial services sector, including community banking and co-operative models such as credit unions. These institutions provide valuable options for local communities, including underserved areas, by offering savings products and affordable credit.

To support this, the Government is pursuing plans to reform the credit union common bond, making it easier for credit unions to grow and serve more members. We have also asked the FCA and PRA to publish a report on the mutuals landscape by the end of 2025 to inform future policy development.

In addition, some building societies are exploring innovative ways to deliver banking services alongside their branch networks, such as through multi-bank kiosks with deposit ATMs. The Government welcomes these industry-led initiatives that improve access to banking services for customers.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential merits of implementing a pilot scheme for banks to provide standardised anti-money laundering checks for use in property transactions.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The requirements for anti-money laundering checks in property transactions are set out in the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs). The MLRs are not prescriptive in setting out precisely how banks and other regulated firms should undertake anti-money laundering checks, but instead require firms to take a proportionate approach commensurate with their assessment of the risk. Each bank will therefore have its own policies and procedures within this broader framework. The Government keeps the MLRs under periodic review to ensure that requirements remain effective and proportionate for all regulated sectors.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with the Financial Conduct Authority on the adequacy of its guidance on ensuring access to banking services for rural and coastal communities, in the context of (a) branch and (b) ATM closures.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to rural and coastal communities and is committed to championing sufficient access for both business and personal customers. This is why the government is working with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs by the end of the Parliament.

While decisions on branch provision are commercial decisions for banks themselves, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidance requires firms to conduct a robust impact analysis. Firms 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 firms must ensure 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 FCA also has responsibility and powers to seek to ensure reasonable provision of cash withdrawal and deposit facilities. As part of this responsibility, the FCA must also seek to ensure that there is reasonable provision of free withdrawal and deposit facilities in relation to personal current accounts, and requires LINK, as the cash coordination body, to make a cash access assessment when a branch or ATM closes. In circumstances where LINK considers that a community requires additional cash services, the financial services sector will provide a suitable shared solution, such as an ATM, cash deposit service, or shared banking hub, for cash users in that community.

Alternative options for personal and business customers to access banking include the online and mobile banking, telephone banking and the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. The Post Office is required by the Department for Business & Trade to ensure that 95% of the total rural population across the UK is within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office.

The government’s Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy sets out a 10-year plan to ensure the UK remains a leading global financial centre, supporting innovation, investment, and consumer access. While the strategy focuses on growth and competitiveness across the sector, we recognise the importance of access to banking services in rural communities. HM Treasury continues to work closely with the financial services industry, regulators, and stakeholders to monitor provision and explore solutions, such as shared banking hubs and digital infrastructure, to maintain access to essential services.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises have access to affordable banking services in rural areas.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to rural and coastal communities and is committed to championing sufficient access for both business and personal customers. This is why the government is working with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs by the end of the Parliament.

While decisions on branch provision are commercial decisions for banks themselves, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidance requires firms to conduct a robust impact analysis. Firms 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 firms must ensure 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 FCA also has responsibility and powers to seek to ensure reasonable provision of cash withdrawal and deposit facilities. As part of this responsibility, the FCA must also seek to ensure that there is reasonable provision of free withdrawal and deposit facilities in relation to personal current accounts, and requires LINK, as the cash coordination body, to make a cash access assessment when a branch or ATM closes. In circumstances where LINK considers that a community requires additional cash services, the financial services sector will provide a suitable shared solution, such as an ATM, cash deposit service, or shared banking hub, for cash users in that community.

Alternative options for personal and business customers to access banking include the online and mobile banking, telephone banking and the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. The Post Office is required by the Department for Business & Trade to ensure that 95% of the total rural population across the UK is within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office.

The government’s Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy sets out a 10-year plan to ensure the UK remains a leading global financial centre, supporting innovation, investment, and consumer access. While the strategy focuses on growth and competitiveness across the sector, we recognise the importance of access to banking services in rural communities. HM Treasury continues to work closely with the financial services industry, regulators, and stakeholders to monitor provision and explore solutions, such as shared banking hubs and digital infrastructure, to maintain access to essential services.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans her Department has to review the adequacy of banking infrastructure in rural areas as part of its 10-year Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to rural and coastal communities and is committed to championing sufficient access for both business and personal customers. This is why the government is working with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs by the end of the Parliament.

While decisions on branch provision are commercial decisions for banks themselves, Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidance requires firms to conduct a robust impact analysis. Firms 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 firms must ensure 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 FCA also has responsibility and powers to seek to ensure reasonable provision of cash withdrawal and deposit facilities. As part of this responsibility, the FCA must also seek to ensure that there is reasonable provision of free withdrawal and deposit facilities in relation to personal current accounts, and requires LINK, as the cash coordination body, to make a cash access assessment when a branch or ATM closes. In circumstances where LINK considers that a community requires additional cash services, the financial services sector will provide a suitable shared solution, such as an ATM, cash deposit service, or shared banking hub, for cash users in that community.

Alternative options for personal and business customers to access banking include the online and mobile banking, telephone banking and the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. The Post Office is required by the Department for Business & Trade to ensure that 95% of the total rural population across the UK is within 3 miles of their nearest Post Office.

The government’s Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy sets out a 10-year plan to ensure the UK remains a leading global financial centre, supporting innovation, investment, and consumer access. While the strategy focuses on growth and competitiveness across the sector, we recognise the importance of access to banking services in rural communities. HM Treasury continues to work closely with the financial services industry, regulators, and stakeholders to monitor provision and explore solutions, such as shared banking hubs and digital infrastructure, to maintain access to essential services.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what analysis she has commissioned from HMRC of the tax contribution made by the 257,000 British nationals who the ONS estimates left the UK in 2024.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Chancellor has not commissioned any analysis from HMRC on the tax contribution of the ONS estimate of 257,000 British nationals who left the UK in 2024.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions her Department has had with the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Education on reforming Child Benefit rules to better support children experiencing mental-health crises who cannot attend school.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Child Benefit remains in payment until 31 August following a child’s 16th birthday. This applies without any conditions on education, so there is no impact on children of this age if they are unable to attend school for any reason.

For young people who are over 16 and under 20, Child Benefit remains payable if they continue in full-time non-advanced education or training. Legislation allows for Child Benefit to continue being paid when this education is interrupted. This can be for a period of up to six months, or for as long as is reasonable if it is attributable to the illness or disability of mind or body. Child Benefit can also still be paid in respect of young people who cannot attend education for an average of more than 12 hours per week due to an illness or disability.

The Government does not hold data on the number of families where Child Benefit has stopped because a young person over 16 has not been able to attend education due to mental ill health.

Where a young person is unable to return to education because of mental ill-health or trauma, disability benefits may provide a more suitable form of long-term support.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has conducted an equality impact assessment on the effect of school-attendance-linked Child Benefit rules on children with mental-health-related disabilities.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Child Benefit remains in payment until 31 August following a child’s 16th birthday. This applies without any conditions on education, so there is no impact on children of this age if they are unable to attend school for any reason.

For young people who are over 16 and under 20, Child Benefit remains payable if they continue in full-time non-advanced education or training. Legislation allows for Child Benefit to continue being paid when this education is interrupted. This can be for a period of up to six months, or for as long as is reasonable if it is attributable to the illness or disability of mind or body. Child Benefit can also still be paid in respect of young people who cannot attend education for an average of more than 12 hours per week due to an illness or disability.

The Government does not hold data on the number of families where Child Benefit has stopped because a young person over 16 has not been able to attend education due to mental ill health.

Where a young person is unable to return to education because of mental ill-health or trauma, disability benefits may provide a more suitable form of long-term support.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of Child Benefit cessation on families where a child or young person is unable to attend school as a result of clinically evidenced mental-health conditions or trauma.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Child Benefit remains in payment until 31 August following a child’s 16th birthday. This applies without any conditions on education, so there is no impact on children of this age if they are unable to attend school for any reason.

For young people who are over 16 and under 20, Child Benefit remains payable if they continue in full-time non-advanced education or training. Legislation allows for Child Benefit to continue being paid when this education is interrupted. This can be for a period of up to six months, or for as long as is reasonable if it is attributable to the illness or disability of mind or body. Child Benefit can also still be paid in respect of young people who cannot attend education for an average of more than 12 hours per week due to an illness or disability.

The Government does not hold data on the number of families where Child Benefit has stopped because a young person over 16 has not been able to attend education due to mental ill health.

Where a young person is unable to return to education because of mental ill-health or trauma, disability benefits may provide a more suitable form of long-term support.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent estimate her Department has made of the number of families who have had Child Benefit reduced or withdrawn because a child or young person has been unable to attend school due to mental ill-health.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Child Benefit remains in payment until 31 August following a child’s 16th birthday. This applies without any conditions on education, so there is no impact on children of this age if they are unable to attend school for any reason.

For young people who are over 16 and under 20, Child Benefit remains payable if they continue in full-time non-advanced education or training. Legislation allows for Child Benefit to continue being paid when this education is interrupted. This can be for a period of up to six months, or for as long as is reasonable if it is attributable to the illness or disability of mind or body. Child Benefit can also still be paid in respect of young people who cannot attend education for an average of more than 12 hours per week due to an illness or disability.

The Government does not hold data on the number of families where Child Benefit has stopped because a young person over 16 has not been able to attend education due to mental ill health.

Where a young person is unable to return to education because of mental ill-health or trauma, disability benefits may provide a more suitable form of long-term support.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to review Child Benefit eligibility rules linked to school attendance in relation to absence caused by severe mental ill-health or trauma.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Child Benefit remains in payment until 31 August following a child’s 16th birthday. This applies without any conditions on education, so there is no impact on children of this age if they are unable to attend school for any reason.

For young people who are over 16 and under 20, Child Benefit remains payable if they continue in full-time non-advanced education or training. Legislation allows for Child Benefit to continue being paid when this education is interrupted. This can be for a period of up to six months, or for as long as is reasonable if it is attributable to the illness or disability of mind or body. Child Benefit can also still be paid in respect of young people who cannot attend education for an average of more than 12 hours per week due to an illness or disability.

The Government does not hold data on the number of families where Child Benefit has stopped because a young person over 16 has not been able to attend education due to mental ill health.

Where a young person is unable to return to education because of mental ill-health or trauma, disability benefits may provide a more suitable form of long-term support.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether a second homes council tax premium has been paid for her Ministerial residence since 1 April 2025.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

All council tax due on the Chancellor’s Ministerial residence has been paid in full.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 11 November 2025 to Question 87814, what proportion of mileage claims are made using a). HMRC Approved Mileage Allowance Payment rates and b). employers own assessment by 1). employees and 2). the self-employed.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The research report can be found here: Research with employers on Benefits in Kind and expenses - GOV.UK

Self-employed people are able to choose whether to use the simplified mileage rates or claim actual expenses and capital allowances for a vehicle. HMRC published research carried out in 2023 which showed that 29% of self-employed people who use vehicles in their business use the simplified mileage rates.

The research report was published on 28 May 2025 and can be found here: HMRC Mileage Rates Research - GOV.UK

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the UK Internal Market System, how many unclosed supplementary declarations were there on 1 October 2025.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

There are several facilitations available to businesses moving goods within the UK Internal Market System. Businesses can choose to make use of Simplified Customs Declaration Processes (SCDP), such as the Entry in Declarants Records (EIDR) process when moving goods into Northern Ireland. This allows businesses to have up until the 10th calendar day of the month following the goods entering Northern Ireland to submit a supplementary declaration. HMRC cannot provide the number of unclosed supplementary declarations as HMRC does not have direct access to all traders’ records that make use of EIDR. HMRC continues to support businesses to comply with their legal obligations.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what measures they have taken to boost cross-border economic growth between England and Wales.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Economic growth is the central mission of the government. We work closely with the Welsh Government to ensure that Wales, like all parts of the United Kingdom, plays a full part in this mission and benefits from our modern Industrial Strategy, with higher living standards delivered across the country.

As part of this mission, the government is investing in projects that will drive growth across Wales. Alongside rail commitments announced at the last Spending Review, we have recently announced that Anglesey in North Wales will pioneer the UK’s first small modular reactors at Wylfa, with £2.5 billion of UK Government funding. This represents the most significant industrial investment in North Wales in a generation. The project is expected to support up to 3,000 jobs at peak construction and provide power for up to three million homes. Alongside this announcement, we have designated a new AI Growth Zone at the Anglesey Freeport, as well as another in South Wales.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to make changes to tax and National insurance reliefs for salary sacrifice pension arrangements; and if so, what estimate they have made of the cost to employers, in particular in regard to the cost of changing payroll processes and renegotiating employment contracts.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the policy making process. The Chancellor will announce any changes to the tax system at fiscal events in the usual way.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the cost of business loans offered by IWOCA.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

I refer my honourable friend to the answers I provided on the topic of SME lending on 23 October, and more recently in relation to the rate of short-term lending to small and medium sized businesses in the UK.

Interest rates, including those offered by individual providers, are a commercial matter decided by the lender concerned, reflecting the base rate, the risk of the applicant, and a margin to make the loan commercially viable given the cost of underwriting and broader funding costs. The Government does not intervene in commercial decisions, and SMEs should should shop around to find the product that best suits their needs when choosing finance, which in turn helps drives competition, improves choice, and may support pricing.

More widely, case complaints are a matter for the Financial Ombudsman Service rather than the Government, where the Treasury receives correspondence across a wide variety of subjects including financial services. While we are not able to measure the number of complaints the department receives in relation to high-cost credit for business loans (or in relation to an individual provider), the volume of correspondence on the cost of credit in relation to business loans, is generally low.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many complaints her Department has received on the cost of loans offered by IWOCA to small and medium sized businesses.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

I refer my honourable friend to the answers I provided on the topic of SME lending on 23 October, and more recently in relation to the rate of short-term lending to small and medium sized businesses in the UK.

Interest rates, including those offered by individual providers, are a commercial matter decided by the lender concerned, reflecting the base rate, the risk of the applicant, and a margin to make the loan commercially viable given the cost of underwriting and broader funding costs. The Government does not intervene in commercial decisions, and SMEs should should shop around to find the product that best suits their needs when choosing finance, which in turn helps drives competition, improves choice, and may support pricing.

More widely, case complaints are a matter for the Financial Ombudsman Service rather than the Government, where the Treasury receives correspondence across a wide variety of subjects including financial services. While we are not able to measure the number of complaints the department receives in relation to high-cost credit for business loans (or in relation to an individual provider), the volume of correspondence on the cost of credit in relation to business loans, is generally low.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what data her Department holds on the (a) number of claims and (b) value of payments made for statutory paternity leave and shared parental leave each year by economic sector and industry.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC does not collect data on statutory paternity leave or shared parental leave. HMRC does collect data on statutory paternity pay and shared parental pay which may closely approximate leave in both cases.

HMRC also holds data on economic sector, but to match the two together would be a significant analytical task and so the relevant data could only be collated and verified for the purpose of answering this question at disproportionate cost.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will meet with representatives of the UK chemical industry to discuss an estimate of the potential cost of being out of the Single Market.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Government Ministers regularly meet with businesses and business representation organisations from a range of sectors, including the chemical sector. They remain open to further engagement with the sector including on ways to bolster growth, trade and investment.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 19 November 2025 to Question 89705 on Child Benefit, whether HMRC plans to publish a report on a) the circumstances of the error and b) lessons learned from the review into suspended Child Benefit claims, including methodology, criteria for suspension, and the results of PAYE checks.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC’s Chief Executive wrote to the Treasury Select Committee on 14 November 2025 about this matter including the corrective action that HMRC is taking. This letter was subsequently published by the Committee on 18 November 2025. There are no plans to publish a report.

In the response to the Treasury Select Committee, HMRC provided figures for those customers subsequently confirmed as eligible through a PAYE check or customer contact up to and including 31 October 2025. This time period reflects that figures are only validated after the month end.

Where there was evidence that customers had continued UK employment, HMRC reinstated payments automatically without any need for customer contact and those payments have been backdated. By the end of November 2025, HMRC will have written to all customers who have not yet contacted them to provide a further 4 weeks in which to make contact.

HMRC holds information by postal address although HMRC would be unable to release to such a granular level due to the risk of breaching taxpayer confidentiality.

HMRC’s pilot last year using international travel data prevented around £17m in incorrect payments. This led to a wider rollout and investment in an additional 180 counter-fraud staff, announced at the Autumn Budget 2024, which is expected to save around £350 million over the next five years.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 19 November 2025 to Question 89705 on Child Benefit, what steps HMRC will take to ensure that customers affected by the suspension of Child Benefit payments are formally notified of the apology issued and compensated for any financial hardship caused.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC’s Chief Executive wrote to the Treasury Select Committee on 14 November 2025 about this matter including the corrective action that HMRC is taking. This letter was subsequently published by the Committee on 18 November 2025. There are no plans to publish a report.

In the response to the Treasury Select Committee, HMRC provided figures for those customers subsequently confirmed as eligible through a PAYE check or customer contact up to and including 31 October 2025. This time period reflects that figures are only validated after the month end.

Where there was evidence that customers had continued UK employment, HMRC reinstated payments automatically without any need for customer contact and those payments have been backdated. By the end of November 2025, HMRC will have written to all customers who have not yet contacted them to provide a further 4 weeks in which to make contact.

HMRC holds information by postal address although HMRC would be unable to release to such a granular level due to the risk of breaching taxpayer confidentiality.

HMRC’s pilot last year using international travel data prevented around £17m in incorrect payments. This led to a wider rollout and investment in an additional 180 counter-fraud staff, announced at the Autumn Budget 2024, which is expected to save around £350 million over the next five years.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 19 November 2025 to Question 89703 on Child Benefit, if she can advise what is the most localised level for which data is available.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC’s Chief Executive wrote to the Treasury Select Committee on 14 November 2025 about this matter including the corrective action that HMRC is taking. This letter was subsequently published by the Committee on 18 November 2025. There are no plans to publish a report.

In the response to the Treasury Select Committee, HMRC provided figures for those customers subsequently confirmed as eligible through a PAYE check or customer contact up to and including 31 October 2025. This time period reflects that figures are only validated after the month end.

Where there was evidence that customers had continued UK employment, HMRC reinstated payments automatically without any need for customer contact and those payments have been backdated. By the end of November 2025, HMRC will have written to all customers who have not yet contacted them to provide a further 4 weeks in which to make contact.

HMRC holds information by postal address although HMRC would be unable to release to such a granular level due to the risk of breaching taxpayer confidentiality.

HMRC’s pilot last year using international travel data prevented around £17m in incorrect payments. This led to a wider rollout and investment in an additional 180 counter-fraud staff, announced at the Autumn Budget 2024, which is expected to save around £350 million over the next five years.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether ministers have met Welsh farmers regarding the agricultural inheritance tax on working farms.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Ministers from several Government departments have met with organisations including the National Farmers’ Union, the Tenant Farmers’ Association, the Country Land and Business Association, the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, the Ulster Farmers’ Union, NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland and the Farmers’ Union of Wales.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 19 November 2025 to Question 89705 on Child Benefit, how many of the 23,500 enquiries excluded from the PAYE check were found to be eligible for reinstatement after the checks were completed on 14 November 2025.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC’s Chief Executive wrote to the Treasury Select Committee on 14 November 2025 about this matter including the corrective action that HMRC is taking. This letter was subsequently published by the Committee on 18 November 2025. There are no plans to publish a report.

In the response to the Treasury Select Committee, HMRC provided figures for those customers subsequently confirmed as eligible through a PAYE check or customer contact up to and including 31 October 2025. This time period reflects that figures are only validated after the month end.

Where there was evidence that customers had continued UK employment, HMRC reinstated payments automatically without any need for customer contact and those payments have been backdated. By the end of November 2025, HMRC will have written to all customers who have not yet contacted them to provide a further 4 weeks in which to make contact.

HMRC holds information by postal address although HMRC would be unable to release to such a granular level due to the risk of breaching taxpayer confidentiality.

HMRC’s pilot last year using international travel data prevented around £17m in incorrect payments. This led to a wider rollout and investment in an additional 180 counter-fraud staff, announced at the Autumn Budget 2024, which is expected to save around £350 million over the next five years.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answered of 27 May 2025 to question 53743 on Taxation: Overpayments, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of improving HMRC’s data collection systems to record more detailed information on enquiries received from hon. Members, including whether those enquiries (a) related to overpaid or overcharged tax and (b) resulted in repayment.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Livermore on 6 November (HL11291), what were the annual costs of the tax exemption of income receipts and capital gains in pension funds in the past three years.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Estimates of Income Tax relief on pension contributions can be found in Table 6 of the Private Pension Statistics publication. [1]

Figures are in £ million and rounded to the nearest £100 million.

The column totals may not equal the sum of the individual components due to rounding.

HMRC does not hold data on the cost of the tax exemption of capital gains in pension funds.

[1] This publication can be access via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/personal-and-stakeholder-pensions-statistics

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many telephone operators work on the HMRC employers general enquiries line by the nationality of those operators.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC does not have information readily available identifying the nationality of staff working on specific telephone enquiry lines. Obtaining this information would require a manual process which would exceed the cost threshold for answering parliamentary questions.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many telephone operators work on the HMRC self-assessment line by the nationality of those operators.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC does not have information readily available identifying the nationality of staff working on specific telephone enquiry lines. Obtaining this information would require a manual process which would exceed the cost threshold for answering parliamentary questions.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of personal allowance threshold freezes on people in each income decile for each year from 2015 to date.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The previous government made the decision to freeze the income tax Personal Allowance at its current level of £12,570 until April 2028.

The previous government published a Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) setting out the impacts.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Valuation Office Agency's guidance entitled Practice Note 3: 2023: Major International and Regional Airports has been updated for the (a) 2026 business rates revaluation and (b) phasing out of the effect of the covid-19 pandemic.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Valuation Office Agency's guidance will be updated for the 2026 revaluation and will be published when the Rating List is compiled on 1 April 2026.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Cycle to Work tax exemption initiative on the economy.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Cycle to Work Scheme is made available as a Benefit in Kind and uses the tax exemption for the employer-provision of cycles and associated safety equipment. The scheme was introduced in 1999 to to encourage employees to commute by bicycle by offering a tax-efficient route to access relevant equipment.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) commissioned independent research to evaluate the effectiveness of the Cycle to Work Scheme, alongside carrying out economic research on the bicycle market’s implications for the scheme’s success. The evaluation and the economic research were published in April 2025.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the UK delegation attending the fourth Meeting of Parties to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control plans to (a) oppose the extension of the scope of application of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products beyond tobacco products to electronic nicotine delivery services and (b) help ensure that proposed amendments of the Treaty follow the proper procedures.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The procedures for amending the World Health Organization Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products are laid down in Articles 38 and 39 of that treaty. These stipulate that any proposals need to be communicated to parties at least six months before the session at which they are proposed to be adopted.

As no such communication has been made in this case, if any proposals for extending the Treaty to electronic nicotine delivery services were to emerge, they would need to be considered at a future Meeting of Parties (MOP) rather than this MOP. The UK would always seek to ensure that any proposals to amend the Treaty follow the proper procedures.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 28 March 2025 to Question 41189, what was the total value of (a) rents and (b) royalty fees paid by private businesses to the Crown Estate in Wales in the 2024-2025 financial year.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The Crown Estate’s Integrated annual report and accounts are published each year, and laid before Parliament. These set out details of The Crown Estate’s financial returns and information on how it delivers value for the long-term benefit of the UK. The Crown Estate will provide separate reporting for Wales in its 2025-26 accounts.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on reforms to the tax and benefits system for young people in supported accommodation.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The Chancellor regularly engages with Cabinet colleagues across a wide range of policy issues including tax and welfare.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on community choirs of extending Orchestra Tax Relief to include vocal ensembles.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government supports the creative industries, including orchestras, through funding and via the tax system. Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) was introduced to recognise and sustain the distinct cultural and economic activity associated with orchestral productions.

Under current rules, qualifying concerts must be performed by a group of at least twelve instrumentalists. The human voice is not considered an instrument for these purposes. However, orchestra concerts with a vocal element are eligible for the relief providing that the orchestra has at least 12 instrumentalists, and the instrumentalists are the primary focus.

In considering any changes to existing tax reliefs or introducing new ones, Government has to consider a wide range of factors, including the specific aims of the relief, the costs and complexity of designing and administering new provisions, and fairness.

Decisions on tax are taken by the Chancellor at fiscal events, in the context of overall public finances.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has plans to consult with representatives of choirs and other vocal ensembles on the scope of Orchestra Tax Relief.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government supports the creative industries, including orchestras, through funding and via the tax system. Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) was introduced to recognise and sustain the distinct cultural and economic activity associated with orchestral productions.

Under current rules, qualifying concerts must be performed by a group of at least twelve instrumentalists. The human voice is not considered an instrument for these purposes. However, orchestra concerts with a vocal element are eligible for the relief providing that the orchestra has at least 12 instrumentalists, and the instrumentalists are the primary focus.

In considering any changes to existing tax reliefs or introducing new ones, Government has to consider a wide range of factors, including the specific aims of the relief, the costs and complexity of designing and administering new provisions, and fairness.

Decisions on tax are taken by the Chancellor at fiscal events, in the context of overall public finances.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to ensure parity of access to creative tax reliefs between orchestras and choirs.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government supports the creative industries, including orchestras, through funding and via the tax system. Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) was introduced to recognise and sustain the distinct cultural and economic activity associated with orchestral productions.

Under current rules, qualifying concerts must be performed by a group of at least twelve instrumentalists. The human voice is not considered an instrument for these purposes. However, orchestra concerts with a vocal element are eligible for the relief providing that the orchestra has at least 12 instrumentalists, and the instrumentalists are the primary focus.

In considering any changes to existing tax reliefs or introducing new ones, Government has to consider a wide range of factors, including the specific aims of the relief, the costs and complexity of designing and administering new provisions, and fairness.

Decisions on tax are taken by the Chancellor at fiscal events, in the context of overall public finances.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the number of (a) shops, (b) sports stadiums, (c) film studios and (d) airports that would be liable for the surcharge on Rateable Values above £500,000.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

As announced at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values (RVs) below £500,000 from 2026/27. This permanent tax cut will ensure that they benefit from much-needed certainty and support. The Government is sustainably funding this by introducing a higher multiplier on properties with RVs of £500,000 and above.

The Valuation Office Agency has published data on the number of properties with current RVs of £500,000 or above.

Every three years, all non-domestic properties are revalued. The next revaluation will take effect on 1 April 2026. This may affect which properties are in scope of the new higher multiplier. Further detail will be published at the Budget.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of her Department's planned changes to retail, hospitality, and leisure sector multipliers on the pub sector.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.

In April 2026, the Government will introduce permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values below £500,000. This permanent tax cut will ensure that eligible properties, including pubs, benefit from much-needed certainty and support.

The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes, as well as the broader economic and fiscal context, into decision-making. When the new multipliers are set, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.

Ahead of the new multipliers being introduced, the Government prevented RHL business rates relief from ending in April 2025, extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business. Under the previous Government, RHL relief was due to end entirely in April 2025, and so by extending it, the Government has saved the average pub, with a ratable value of £16,800, over £3,300.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of a lower business rates multiplier for pubs on levels of investment.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.

In April 2026, the Government will introduce permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values below £500,000. This permanent tax cut will ensure that eligible properties, including pubs, benefit from much-needed certainty and support.

The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes, as well as the broader economic and fiscal context, into decision-making. When the new multipliers are set, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.

Ahead of the new multipliers being introduced, the Government prevented RHL business rates relief from ending in April 2025, extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business. Under the previous Government, RHL relief was due to end entirely in April 2025, and so by extending it, the Government has saved the average pub, with a ratable value of £16,800, over £3,300.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to extend full expensing to leased assets to support small and medium-sized transport businesses that lease vehicles.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The UK has one of the most generous and competitive capital allowances regimes in the world and is top of the rankings of OECD countries for plant and machinery capital allowances.

The Annual Investment Allowance allows both incorporated and unincorporated businesses to deduct the entire cost of investment in both main and special rate assets in one go, up to £1 million per year, including assets bought for leasing or hiring.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on ensuring that (a) Portsmouth and (b) other areas receive sufficient funding to meet national cancer waiting time targets as part of the National Cancer Plan for England.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The Government will get the NHS diagnosing cancer earlier and treating it faster , including in Portsmouth. We have already delivered 5.2 million more appointments nationwide - including many for cancer diagnosis and treatment, helping more patients to access cancer care.

The Government has committed significant investment into cancer care as part of wider funding to reduce elective waiting times for diagnosis and treatment. At Spending Review 2025, we invested in new surgical hubs and diagnostic scanners, to build capacity for over 30,000 more procedures and 1.25 million diagnostic tests.

The National Cancer Plan, to be published in the new year, will include further details on how we will how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients in England.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department was involved in the development of the Electric Car Grant.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Government policy is developed and agreed through the collective agreement process, with His Majesty’s Treasury responsible for scrutinising public spending to ensure value for money.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of businesses closing and vanishing from high streets on councils seeking payment of business rate liabilities.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Business rates are an important source of funding for services local Government provides. A fair business rates system is one in which everyone pays their share

As announced at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values below £500,000 from 2026/27. This permanent tax cut will ensure that eligible RHL properties benefit from much-needed certainty and support.

Ahead of the new multipliers being introduced, the Government prevented RHL business rates relief from ending in April 2025, extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with businesses on the potential impact of reductions in levels of relief through business rates relief schemes on those businesses.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Treasury has engaged with a range of stakeholders on business rates about an array of topics. The Transforming Business Rates: Interim Report brings together extensive feedback from a broad range of stakeholders and outlines the Government’s next steps to deliver a fairer business rates system that supports investment and is fit for the 21st century.

As announced at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties with rateable values (RVs) below £500,000 from 2026/27. This permanent tax cut will ensure they benefit from much-needed certainty and support.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what information her Department holds on the highest rate of short-term lending to small and medium sized businesses in the UK.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Interest rates are a commercial matter decided by lenders, reflecting the base rate, the risk of the applicant, and a margin to make the loan commercially viable given the cost of underwriting and broader funding costs. Rates vary across the market and even significantly within the SME sector – dependent on the trading history, credit position, security, and other factors of the individual business applicant.

The UK also benefits from a broad lending market, enabling a diverse range of finance providers to facilitate access to finance for a wide range of SMEs. SMEs should shop around to find the product that best suits their needs when choosing finance.

The Bank of England’s ‘bankstats’ data provides insights into business and household credit, including the effective interest rates for SMEs on new and outstanding loans. The monthly average of UK resident banks’ sterling weighted loans for new advances to SMEs now stands at 6.35%, as of 31st August 2025, a figure that has tracked down as the base rate has fallen.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Post Office and (b) banks on expanding the range of banking services available at post offices.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

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

The Post Office plays a key role in supporting access to banking services. Under the Banking Framework, a commercial agreement between the Post Office and 30 banking firms, personal and business customers can withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. The specific services provided under the Framework are subject to commercial negotiations between individual banks and the Post Office, and the Government has no role in deciding what these arrangements are.

The Government would welcome continued collaboration between Post Office and the banking sector, on a commercial basis and will look to host joint discussions with Post Office and the banking sector in the coming months.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of (a) reducing or (b) removing the interest paid to commercial banks on the reserves those banks hold with the Bank of England.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Monetary policy, including quantitative easing, is the responsibility of the independent Monetary Policy Committee at the Bank of England. The separation of fiscal and monetary policy is a key feature of the UK’s economic framework, and essential for the effective delivery of monetary policy, so the government does not comment on the conduct or effectiveness of monetary policy.

Paying interest on reserves is an important part of the transmission of monetary policy to the real economy. There are no plans to change the way reserves are remunerated at the Bank of England. The government is providing the stability required for the independent Monetary Policy Committee to bring inflation to target, by managing the public finances responsibly.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to ensure the mandatory reimbursement scheme for Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud adequately protects consumers at risk of being scammed.

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. To protect consumers, under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has introduced a mandatory reimbursement regime for Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams taking place over the Faster Payment system. This came into force on 7 October 2024.

The details of the APP reimbursement regime are a matter for the independent PSR. The PSR monitors compliance with the reimbursement regime closely and has powers to take action where firms fall short of their obligations.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 17 November to Question 87901 on Individual Savings Accounts, what assessment she has made of (a) the impact of the property price cap on the number of first-time buyers purchasing homes, (b) the number of first-time buyers by London borough, and (c) if she will make it her policy to provide a separate cap for properties in (i) inner London boroughs and (ii) outer London boroughs.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Data from the latest UK House Price Index demonstrates that the average price paid by first-time buyers is below the LISA property price cap in all regions of the UK. This includes London, where the average price paid by first-time buyers in November 2023 was under £437,000. A single UK-wide cap keeps the Lifetime ISA simple for savers and providers. In 2024/25, 87,250 individuals withdrew Lifetime ISA funds for a house purchase, an increase of around 30,500 on the previous tax year.

While HMRC does collect data on regional breakdown of Lifetime ISA account holders, the data quality is not sufficient to provide accurate regional breakdowns or produce statistics on individual London boroughs.

In HMRC’s response to the recent Treasury Select Committee’s LISA enquiry (link), a regional breakdown was provided where homes were bought using LISAs: HMRC LISA enquiry response - Tables 1, 2 and 3.

The Government keeps all aspects of tax and savings policy under review.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the average property value under the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme compared to the UK average house price.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is designed to support and sustain the availability of low deposit mortgage products for first-time buyers and home movers with a deposit as small as 5%.

All property types of any value are eligible, and the Scheme will now remain permanently available to lenders in all regions of the UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps the Department is taking to improve access to financial services for vulnerable customers in the Hexham constituency.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government works closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of the UK’s financial services sector, to ensure that all customers get the right support with their financial products and services.

FCA guidance highlights the actions firms should take to understand the needs of customers who may be vulnerable and to consider these needs appropriately. This includes offering multiple channels of communication to their customers where possible, and ensuring their services meet the needs of all their customers, including individuals with characteristics of vulnerability.

The FCA’s Consumer Duty also seeks to raise the standard of care expected from firms for all customers. It aims to deliver products and services that offer fair value and are designed to meet customers’ needs and seeks to increase firms’ focus on delivering good outcomes and preventing harm.

The Government is committed to continuing to engage with the FCA and the financial services sector to ensure consumers can access appropriate financial services products. As part of this, I have recently published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy which sets out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps the Department is taking to improve access to financial services for vulnerable customers in Northumberland.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government works closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of the UK’s financial services sector, to ensure that all customers get the right support with their financial products and services.

FCA guidance highlights the actions firms should take to understand the needs of customers who may be vulnerable and to consider these needs appropriately. This includes offering multiple channels of communication to their customers where possible, and ensuring their services meet the needs of all their customers, including individuals with characteristics of vulnerability.

The FCA’s Consumer Duty also seeks to raise the standard of care expected from firms for all customers. It aims to deliver products and services that offer fair value and are designed to meet customers’ needs and seeks to increase firms’ focus on delivering good outcomes and preventing harm.

The Government is committed to continuing to engage with the FCA and the financial services sector to ensure consumers can access appropriate financial services products. As part of this, I have recently published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy which sets out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps the Department is taking to improve access to financial services for vulnerable customers in the North East.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government works closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of the UK’s financial services sector, to ensure that all customers get the right support with their financial products and services.

FCA guidance highlights the actions firms should take to understand the needs of customers who may be vulnerable and to consider these needs appropriately. This includes offering multiple channels of communication to their customers where possible, and ensuring their services meet the needs of all their customers, including individuals with characteristics of vulnerability.

The FCA’s Consumer Duty also seeks to raise the standard of care expected from firms for all customers. It aims to deliver products and services that offer fair value and are designed to meet customers’ needs and seeks to increase firms’ focus on delivering good outcomes and preventing harm.

The Government is committed to continuing to engage with the FCA and the financial services sector to ensure consumers can access appropriate financial services products. As part of this, I have recently published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy which sets out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the mean average value of a property purchased under the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the eligibility criteria for that scheme on first-time buyers in Essex.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is designed to support and sustain the availability of low deposit mortgage products for first-time buyers and home movers with a deposit as small as 5%.

All property types of any value are eligible, and the Scheme will now remain permanently available to lenders in all regions of the UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions the Department has had with relevant stakeholders in Northumberland to identify areas of financial exclusion in the region.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Earlier this month, I published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy which sets out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. The strategy was developed alongside a committee of industry and consumer representatives, and the Government has engaged extensively on this agenda to ensure the strategy is informed by a wide range of perspectives, including lived experience.

Action to improve financial inclusion requires a joined up approach. The Government is committed to continuing to work collaboratively with a range of organisations to deliver on the strategy and improve financial inclusion across the UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions the Department has had with relevant stakeholders in Hexham constituency to identify areas of financial exclusion in the region.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Earlier this month, I published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy which sets out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. The strategy was developed alongside a committee of industry and consumer representatives, and the Government has engaged extensively on this agenda to ensure the strategy is informed by a wide range of perspectives, including lived experience.

Action to improve financial inclusion requires a joined up approach. The Government is committed to continuing to work collaboratively with a range of organisations to deliver on the strategy and improve financial inclusion across the UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions the Department has had with relevant stakeholders in the North East to identify areas of financial exclusion in the region.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Earlier this month, I published the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy which sets out an ambitious programme of measures to improve financial inclusion and resilience for underserved groups across the UK. The strategy was developed alongside a committee of industry and consumer representatives, and the Government has engaged extensively on this agenda to ensure the strategy is informed by a wide range of perspectives, including lived experience.

Action to improve financial inclusion requires a joined up approach. The Government is committed to continuing to work collaboratively with a range of organisations to deliver on the strategy and improve financial inclusion across the UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Treasury has estimated the economic cost of outages on hyperscale cloud providers, and whether such risks are factored into national digital resilience planning.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The Government monitors systemic risks to UK critical national infrastructure, including resilience measures and contingency planning, including cloud providers.

The Government recognises the importance of robust protections for the services essential to our society and economy. That is why we introduced the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill on 12 November. The Bill will make sure more types of essential and digital services adhere to robust cyber security practices.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the (a) volume and (b) value of goods imported to the UK from Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the last 12 months.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government’s position is that Israeli settlements in Palestine (formerly referred to as the Occupied Palestinian Territories) are illegal under international law. For trade statistics purposes Palestine consists of the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip.

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

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on the current real terms value of their capital borrowing powers as compared with their real terms value when they were introduced.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

HM Treasury ministers regularly engage with their Welsh Government counterparts, including through forums such as the Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee (F:ISC), to discuss a range of issues affecting Wales.

We remain committed to working in partnership with the Welsh Government to ensure the smooth delivery of their funding settlement.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the proposal from The Share Foundation for automatic release of Child Trust Funds at 21 years old.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government is aware of suggestions that a system could be developed for paying out the savings held in matured Child Trust Fund (CTF) accounts that have not been accessed by the account owners by the age of 21.

The savings in these accounts belong to the account owners and are held by private sector CTF providers. The government does not have authority to close the accounts or to access and transfer the savings in them. The infrastructure required to implement the proposal does not currently exist within government departments or CTF providers.

The Government is committed to reuniting all young adults with their CTFs. HMRC works with CTF providers, industry representatives and others such as the University and Colleges Admissions service, to explore ways of enabling account owners to be aware of and trace their accounts.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent estimate she has made of the number of jobs to be created through the first phase of the Floating Offshore Wind Programme in the Celtic Sea; and how many of these will be in Wales.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

As part of the tender process for Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5, bidders were required to set out plans for creating onshore benefits from the development of the new wind farms. This included committing to creating new apprenticeships, and supporting those currently not in education, employment or training.

Research commissioned by The Crown Estate found that across the UK up to 5,300 new jobs and up to £1.4 billion could be generated for the economy by galvanising the supply chain and infrastructure opportunities arising from the development of these new floating wind farms off the coast of South Wales and Southwest England.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 28 March 2025 to question 41189, how many private businesses based in Wales paid (a) lease and (b) royalties fees to the Crown Estate in 2024-25.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

This information is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. The Crown Estate will provide separate reporting for Wales in its 2025-26 annual report and accounts.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on how many occasions has a Director for Northern Ireland of the National Wealth Fund met with the NI Executive in the past twelve months to discuss how the fund can help promote economic growth in Northern Ireland.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The National Wealth Fund works collaboratively with the Northern Ireland Executive to identify investment opportunities in Northern Ireland. It has a dedicated director based in Northern Ireland and opened a Belfast office in December 2024.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risks to financial stability arising from increased equity valuations linked to artificial-intelligence companies.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government does not comment on individual market moves.

The Bank of England’s Financial Policy Committee (FPC) is responsible for identifying and monitoring risks to UK financial stability. Their latest Record (October 2025) sets out their views on the financial stability outlook, including their assessment of risks related to artificial-intelligence company valuations.

HM Treasury continues to work closely with the FPC and UK financial regulators to assess risks to financial stability, including those relating to financial markets.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment has she made of the potential merits of conducting a Wales specific impact assessment on the implementation of changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief announced at the Autumn Budget 2024.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Ministers from several Government departments have met with organisations, including NFU Cymru and the Farmers’ Union of Wales, to discuss the reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief from 6 April 2026.

The Government believes its reforms get the balance right between supporting farms and businesses, fixing the public finances, and funding public services. The reforms reduce the inheritance tax advantages available to owners of agricultural and business assets, but still mean those assets will be taxed at a much lower effective rate than most other assets. Despite a tough fiscal context, the Government will maintain very significant levels of relief from inheritance tax beyond what is available to others and compared to the position before 1992. Where inheritance tax is due, those liable for a charge can pay any liability on the relevant assets over 10 annual instalments, interest-free.

Information from claims is not recorded to enable regional or national breakdowns of the number of estates expected to be affected. However, the Government has set out that the reforms are expected to result in up to 520 estates across the UK claiming agricultural property relief, including those also claiming business property relief, paying more inheritance tax in 2026-27. Almost three-quarters of estates claiming agricultural property relief, including those that also claim for business property relief, will not pay any more tax as a result of the changes in 2026-27, based on the latest available data.

The Government has also set out that around 1,500 estates across the UK only claiming business property relief are expected to pay more inheritance tax in 2026-27, with around 1,000 of these expected to only hold shares designated as “not listed” on the markets of recognised stock exchanges, such as the Alternative Investment Market. The remaining 500 estates will include business assets from sectors across the economy that are eligible for business property relief. These reforms mean that around three-quarters of estates claiming business property relief in 2026-27 (excluding those estates only holding shares designated as “not listed”) will not pay any more inheritance tax in 2026-27.

The reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief are forecast to raise a combined £520 million in 2029-30. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility certified this costing at Autumn Budget 2024 and it does not expect the reforms to have a significant macroeconomic impact.

The Government published a tax information and impact note on 21 July 2025 and this is available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/reforms-to-agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief/agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief-reforms.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she will consider extending Employer NICs exemptions to young people and those returning to work from welfare to support employment growth in sectors such as hospitality.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Businesses can claim a number of employer NICs reliefs including those for under-21s and under-25 apprentices. This means employers will pay no employer NICs for apprentices under 25 or employees under 21 on earnings up to £50,270.

There are a wide range of factors to take into consideration when introducing or expanding a tax relief. These include how effective the relief would be at achieving the policy intent, how targeted support would be, whether it adds complexity to the tax system, and the cost.

The Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the policy making process. The Chancellor will announce any changes to the tax system at fiscal events in the usual way.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much HM Revenue and Customs has spent on translation and interpretation services in each of the last five years.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC spend on a) Translation and b) Interpretation for the last 5 years is set out below:

2020/2021 – a) £0.32m b) £0.50m

2021/2022 – a) £0.29m b) £0.53m

2022/2023 – a) £0.45m b) £0.63m

2023/2024 – a) £0.59m b) £0.59m

2024/2025 – a) £0.83m b) £0.30m

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of import duties on goods entering the UK from the EU on inflation.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Latest data from the Department for Business and Trade shows that 94.9% of goods entering Great Britain from the EU did so tariff-free in 2023, broadly unchanged from 94.7% in 2022. This data is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/preference-utilisation-of-uk-trade-in-goods-2023/preference-utilisation-of-uk-goods-in-2023.

The Government wants to find ways to make it easier for businesses to trade with our partners and so is seeking views on potential UK accession to the Pan-Euro Mediterranean Convention on Rules of Origin through a call for evidence led by the Department for Business and Trade. You can find this information here: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/pan-euro-mediterranean-convention-on-rules-of-origin-pem

Forecasting the economy, including the impact of Government policy decisions, is the responsibility of the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), which published its latest forecast on 26 March 2025. HM Treasury does not produce forecasts for the UK economy and has not made an assessment of the impact of import duties on inflation.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the capacity of the National Wealth Fund to finance (1) new manufacturing facilities, and (2) the hydrogen and fuel cell technology manufacturing sector.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The NWF is the government’s principal investor and policy bank, with £27.8 billion of capital to mobilise investment in the growth and clean energy missions

The NWF prioritises clean energy, digital and technologies, advanced manufacturing, and transport sectors. The NWF will commit at least £5.8 billion over this Parliament to green hydrogen, carbon capture, ports, gigafactories and green steel sub-sectors.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the correlation between employment levels and economic activity over the past year.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Employment measures the number of people in paid work or who had a job that they were temporarily away from. GDP is a measure of economic activity and measures the size and growth of the economy over a given period.

Real GDP (GDP adjusted for inflation) has grown by 1.3% across the past year (Q3 2024 - Q3 2025). In Q3 2025 the 16+ employment level rose from 33.8 million in Q3 2024 to 34.2 million in Q3 2025, based on data from the Labour Force Survey.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) continue to advise caution when interpreting changes in the Labour Force Survey over the past two years due to the effects of methodological changes.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what engagement the Chancellor has had with representatives from the pub industry ahead of the upcoming Budget.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Government Ministers and Senior Officials regularly meet with businesses and business representation organisations from a range of sectors, including the pub sector. These meetings provide an opportunity for the Government to hear the views of the business community to aid in the formation of policy, including fiscal policy. These engagements are ongoing and will continue to be so.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to increase the level of taxation on large polluting vehicles in line with countries such as France.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is a tax on vehicles used or kept on public roads. For certain vehicle classifications, VED liability is partially calculated in accordance with the vehicle’s weight, reflecting the greater road damage caused by heavier vehicles. For example, Heavy Goods Vehicle VED rates are set based on a vehicle’s weight, suspension and trailer.

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 His Majesty's Government what plans they have to account for car weight in vehicle excise duty.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is a tax on vehicles used or kept on public roads. For certain vehicle classifications, VED liability is partially calculated in accordance with the vehicle’s weight, reflecting the greater road damage caused by heavier vehicles. For example, Heavy Goods Vehicle VED rates are set based on a vehicle’s weight, suspension and trailer.

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 His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of new taxes on electric vehicles (EVs), such as a pay-per-mile scheme, on manufacturers' ability to increase EV sales in line with the zero-emission vehicle mandate.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government keeps the tax system under review, with changes announced at fiscal events and careful consideration given to the impacts of any changes.

The government remains committed to supporting the transition to electric vehicles, which is key to meeting our net zero goals and will drive growth and productivity across the UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is their definition of a net contributor to the tax system.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

There is no set definition of a net contributor to the tax system. All taxpayers contribute to the public finances, supporting the provision of our public services.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what information her Department holds on the number of people who use a salary sacrifice scheme.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC does not hold administrative data on the number of employers offering and employees using salary sacrifice schemes. However, estimates based on other information are held.

HMRC analysis of the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings suggests that around 7.7 million employees made salary sacrifice pension contributions in 2024. That analysis is available here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/surveys/informationforbusinesses/businesssurveys/annualsurveyofhoursandearningsashe

HMRC’s non-structural tax relief statistics publication sets out the estimated number of participants in the cycle to work scheme and is accessible here:

Non-structural tax reliefs - GOV.UK

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department holds data on the number of employers offering salary sacrifice schemes.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC does not hold administrative data on the number of employers offering and employees using salary sacrifice schemes. However, estimates based on other information are held.

HMRC analysis of the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings suggests that around 7.7 million employees made salary sacrifice pension contributions in 2024. That analysis is available here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/surveys/informationforbusinesses/businesssurveys/annualsurveyofhoursandearningsashe

HMRC’s non-structural tax relief statistics publication sets out the estimated number of participants in the cycle to work scheme and is accessible here:

Non-structural tax reliefs - GOV.UK

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she will consider exempting larger hospitality venues from the business rates surcharge as part of her Department’s review of support for high street and community-based businesses.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

In April 2026, the Government will introduce permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values (RVs) below £500,000. This permanent tax cut will ensure eligible RHL businesses benefit from much-needed certainty and support. The Government is sustainably funding this by introducing a higher tax rate on properties with RVs of £500,000 and above.

The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes, as well as the broader economic and fiscal context, into decision-making.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will consider introducing the maximum business rates discount for hospitality properties with a rateable value under £500,000 to support high street recovery.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

In April 2026, the Government will introduce permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values (RVs) below £500,000. This permanent tax cut will ensure eligible RHL businesses benefit from much-needed certainty and support. The Government is sustainably funding this by introducing a higher tax rate on properties with RVs of £500,000 and above.

The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes, as well as the broader economic and fiscal context, into decision-making.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she will consider reducing VAT on hospitality services to 12.5% to encourage investment and support the sector.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the significant contribution made by hospitality businesses to economic growth and social life in the UK.

VAT is a reserved tax, applying UK wide. VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services, including alcohol, whether served in hospitality establishments or sold in supermarkets. HMRC estimate that the cost of a 5 per cent reduced rate for accommodation, hospitality and tourist attractions would be around £10 billion this financial year. If the scope were also to include alcoholic beverages, the cost would be approximately £3 billion greater.

The Government is supporting the hospitality sector through the business rates system. To deliver our manifesto pledge, we intend to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties, including those on the high street, from 2026/27. Ahead of these changes being made, we have prevented RHL relief from ending in April 2025 by extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business and frozen the small business multiplier.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has considered the potential merits of cutting duty on draught beer and cider served in pubs.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

At Autumn Budget 2024, the government cut alcohol duty rates on draught products by 1.7%, which applies to approximately 60% of the alcoholic drinks sold in pubs. This took a penny of duty off a typical strength pint at a cost to the Exchequer of over £85m a year.  Draught beer and cider now pay 13.9% less in duty than their packaged equivalents – an increase of over 50% on the previous draught discount of 9.2%.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has considered the potential merits of moving the uprating of excise duty from RPI to CPI to help reduce inflation.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 13 November 2025 to PQ UIN 88538.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate her Department has made of the cost of spirits duty, business rates, VAT, and employer National Insurance contributions paid by pubs in the last 12 months.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC does not hold readily available data on revenue from spirits duty, VAT, and employer National Insurance contributions paid by pubs.

HMRC does not hold information on business rates which are administered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has had recent discussions with RyanAir on potential changes to air passenger duty.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government is committed to engaging with interested groups when developing and legislating tax policy and regularly engages with airlines and the wider aviation industry.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has had recent discussions with the Rt hon. Gordon Brown on gambling duties.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Chancellor discusses a variety of issues with stakeholders throughout the year, including the run up to Budget.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the level of fuel duty that is now outstanding following the closure of the the Lindsey oil refinery.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC cannot comment on specific businesses due to taxpayer confidentiality.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the 20% VAT rate on the competitiveness of the UK hospitality and tourism sectors compared with European nations with rates of 10–13%.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the significant contribution made by hospitality businesses to economic growth and social life in the UK.

VAT is a reserved tax, applying UK wide. VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services, including alcohol, whether served in hospitality establishments or sold in supermarkets. HMRC estimate that the cost of a 5 per cent reduced rate for accommodation, hospitality and tourist attractions would be around £10 billion this financial year. If the scope were also to include alcoholic beverages, the cost would be approximately £3 billion greater.

The Government is supporting the hospitality sector through the business rates system. To deliver our manifesto pledge, we intend to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties, including those on the high street, from 2026/27. Ahead of these changes being made, we have prevented RHL relief from ending in April 2025 by extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business and frozen the small business multiplier.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 28 October to question 83432 on Betting: Excise Duties, if she will publish a list of the stakeholders who (a) have responded to the consultation, and (b) have met with Ministers as part of the consultation.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government launched a consultation on the tax treatment of remote gambling, which closed on 21 July 2025. Responses are now being analysed and a response to the consultation will be published at Autumn Budget 2025.

As is standard practice the consultation response will include a list of stakeholders who responded to the consultation. As part of HM Treasury’s commitment to transparency details of ministerial meetings with external stakeholders are published and the latest version can be found at the following link:

HM Treasury: ministerial overseas travel and meetings, April to June 2025 - GOV.UK

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 23 June 2025 to Question 60696, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies on the independence of the Independent Review of the Loan Charge of comments made by Ray McCann in August 2019 on his level of independence.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government committed to holding an independent review of the Loan Charge to bring this matter to a close for those affected. The review has now concluded and the Government will respond at Budget.

Ray McCann was suggested as a potential reviewer by one of the Loan Charge campaigners. During the review, Mr McCann was supported by a team of officials who had not previously worked for the Treasury or HMRC. The reviewer decided how to conduct the review and had the final say on what was included in his report.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to to clause 32 in the Windsor Framework relating to VAT and excise, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of reducing the VAT rate in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies consistently across the UK to most goods and services. VAT is the UK’s second largest tax, forecast to raise £180 billion in 2025/26. Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 17 November 2025 to Question 90569 on Banks: Closures, of the 190 already open banking hubs, how many are based in (i) Scotland, (ii) England, (iii) Wales and (iv) Northern Ireland.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament.

The locations of banking hubs are independently determined by LINK, the industry coordinating body responsible for making access to cash assessments. LINK will carry out an assessment wherever a planned branch closure is announced or if they receive a community request.

Of the 246 banking hubs announced so far, 32 will be based in Scotland, 192 in England, 15 in Wales and seven in Northern Ireland.

Of the 191 banking hubs that are already open, 26 are in Scotland, 147 in England, 12 in Wales and six in Northern Ireland.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 17 November 2025 to Question 90569 on Banks: Closures, of the 240 banking hubs announced, how many will be based in (i) Scotland, (ii) England, (iii) Wales and (iv) Northern Ireland.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament.

The locations of banking hubs are independently determined by LINK, the industry coordinating body responsible for making access to cash assessments. LINK will carry out an assessment wherever a planned branch closure is announced or if they receive a community request.

Of the 246 banking hubs announced so far, 32 will be based in Scotland, 192 in England, 15 in Wales and seven in Northern Ireland.

Of the 191 banking hubs that are already open, 26 are in Scotland, 147 in England, 12 in Wales and six in Northern Ireland.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many complaints of mis-selling of prepayment funeral plans have been made for each year from 2015 to date.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The regulation of pre-paid funeral plans is a matter for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Pre-paid funeral plans came under FCA regulation in July 2022, and so the FCA will not hold complaint data from before that date. The FCA will respond to the Honourable Member by letter with further detail, and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House of Commons.

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Found: A meaningful funding route using ASF is one suggestion worthy of exploration with HMT and the NIO.

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Found: capital investment per capita across the UK (see figure below – which also overstates Welsh number given HMT

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Found: and other assets, compared to their peers in the US which hold only 32% in these assets.8 8 CMIT - HMT

Found: The SPIF is a CEO‑level forum chaired by HM Treasury, bringing together the NWF, the Bank, UKEF, Homes

Found: CST advice on scale-up finance for innovative science and technology companies. 6 HM Treasury (2021)

Found: See HM Treasury (2010) National Infrastructure Strategy: Fairer, faster, greenerWritten evidence from

Found: heavily reported that the Chancellor is considering reversing her decision on non-doms which saw OBR and HMT

Found: In their summary of the responses to their Fundamental Review of Business Rates, HM Treasury noted that

Found: Based on insights from ICAEW members, in our recent response to both the HM Treasury consultation on

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Found: As far back (and before) 2010, HM Treasury and Infrastructure UK noted the UK construction market was

Found: Others arose where HM Treasury sought to retarget VCT investment to better meet its policy priorities

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Found: This effectively results in scenarios where HM Treasury pays out tax credit where it does not need to

Found: Empower the Office for Life Sciences with greater coordinating authority across DSIT, DBT, DHSC and HMT

Found: In developing the UK roadmap for Open Finance, HM Treasury and the FCA should consider how leveraging

Found: Spending Review settlements and monitored via quarterly returns from ODA‑spending departments to HM Treasury

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Found: Spending Review settlements and monitored via quarterly returns from ODA‑spending departments to HM Treasury

Found: We would recommend HMT explore how to mitigate the impact of this cliff edge to ensure a fair business

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Found: departments, including the DCMS, the Government Olympic Executive, the Department for Education, and HM Treasury

Found: sport is facing significant damage from the proposed online gambling tax harmonisation led by HM Treasury

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Found: Telling the Windrush story Euro 2028 aligns neatly with the 80th anniversary of HMT Windrush arriving

Found: meaningful comparison, aggregation of data, and stronger arguments based on demonstrated value to HM Treasury

Found: sport is facing significant damage from the proposed online gambling tax harmonisation led by HM Treasury

Found: Funding for the delivery of the tournament has been approved by HM Treasury Approval

Found: The SDR was run by external reviewers operating within the budget set by HM Treasury.

Found: Encourage HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office to treat embedded-engineering deployments as legitimate

Found: Director, NAO, Oliver Lodge, Director, NAO, and David Fairbrother, Treasury Officer of Accounts, HM Treasury

Found: • We published the Performance Review of Digital Spend jointly with HM Treasury in March 2025.

Found: You rightly emphasise the importance of a shared understanding between HM Treasury, the National Audit

Found: The Bank of England, HM Treasury and the FCA have convened industry working groups in the past to facilitate

Found: Pool Re only covers attacks certified as terrorism by HM Treasury,223 yet the line between terrorism

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Found: established National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), a joint unit between HM Treasury

Found: responsible for collecting and administering the levy, under Government strategic direction and DCMS/HM Treasury

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what current unbudgeted pressures his Department is aware of within its spending plans.

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

The 2025 Spending Review was published on 11 June by HM Treasury and sets out departmental budgets for day‑to‑day spending until 2028/29, and until 2029/30 for capital investment. The 2025 Spending Review is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spending-review-2025-document

The Department is now underway with a financial planning exercise to allocate budgets within those financial years. Spending plans will be set out in the Main Supply Estimates when published in due course by HM Treasury.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the estimated cost is of The Ministers’ Etc. Pension Scheme (Amendment) 2025, dated 6 November 2025.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)

The Ministers’ Etc. Pension Scheme (Amendment) 2025 makes technical amendments to the rules to allow the cost control mechanism (CCM) process to be completed, and the Scheme does not incur a cost as a result of the changes.

All public service pension schemes are subject to the CCM as part of the valuation cycle in line with HM Treasury policy. The CCM is designed to ensure a fair balance of risk with regard to the cost of providing public service pension schemes between members of those schemes and the Exchequer (and by extension taxpayers). If, when the CCM is tested, those costs are not within agreed target levels the member contributions are adjusted accordingly.

Any administrative costs associated with drafting and implementing these regulations are negligible and have been absorbed within existing Cabinet Office budgets.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to page 30 of the Cabinet Office Annual report and accounts 2024-2025, HC1372, 23 October 2025, whether income received from the Government Property Agency, Government People Group, Government Commercial and Grants Function, Government Security Group, Central Finance, CO Digital and Government Communications is used to cross-subsidise departmental activity outside those business units.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

No, the business units outlined in the question only recover incurred costs from providing services to other Government departments.

As such there is no surplus recovered to be used to subsidise department activity outside those business units. This is in alignment with ‘Managing Public Money’ guidance from HM Treasury.

Question to the Wales Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions she has had with HM Treasury regarding the suitability of short-term capital funding windows for local economic development programmes in Wales.

Answered by Jo Stevens - Secretary of State for Wales

As announced at the Spending Review, from 2026-27 the UK government will provide targeted, long-term local growth funding to support regional growth across the UK, completing the transition from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). For the next three years, this funding will be at the same overall level in cash terms as under UKSPF in the current year in Wales.

My Department has been provided with the financial breakdown for the new Local Growth Fund, including the capital and revenue split. I have regular discussions with both UK and Welsh Government ministerial colleagues on how this funding will benefit communities the length and breadth of Wales.

Over the course of the Spending Review period, the Local Growth Fund will invest in a range of projects that drive growth through both capital and revenue funding – from infrastructure to supporting businesses and helping people find jobs and acquire new skills.

The Welsh Government is developing an Investment Plan for the Local Growth Fund in Wales, and there is currently a live consultation to inform priorities. Insights from the consultation exercise alongside learning from evaluations of previous programmes will help ensure that the Local Growth Fund delivers long-term, sustainable benefits for communities and complements other major programmes such as Pride in Place, City and Regional Growth Deals, Freeports and Investment Zones.

This new fund reinforces the strong collaborative relationship between the UK Government and Welsh Government. It will help create jobs and grow productivity, bringing benefit to every part of Wales. I am fully committed to ensuring that the transition to the new Local Growth Fund is as smooth as possible with sufficient flexibilities for local authorities to manage the change in capital and revenue funding. To this end, I have written a joint letter with Rebecca Evans MS, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Planning to local authority leaders in Wales reassuring them that both governments are open to exploring opportunities for additional flexibilities within the parameters of the budget settlement and our shared responsibilities for managing public money. This will help local authorities manage the change while continuing to support local businesses and workers.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the answer given 17 November 2025 (UIN 88239), if she will publish the evidence provided to her in relation to the A12 Widening Scheme by (a) the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and (b) other agencies to inform her decision to cancel the A12 Widening Scheme.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The evidence provided to the Secretary of State for Transport in relation to the A12 Widening Scheme by (a) the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and (b) other agencies, formed part of a much larger body of evidence that informed the Spending Review and subsequent decisions.

There are no plans to publish officials’ advice and evidence base to Ministers that informed the Spending Review and subsequent decisions, as has been the usual practice of successive administrations, including the one the Rt Hon Lady served in.

Detailed information on the analysis of the A12 widening scheme, conducted in accordance with the HM Treasury Green Book and the Department’s Transport Analysis Guidance, was published on the Planning Inspectorate’s website, available here: https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/TR010060.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with (a) the Chancellor of the Exchequer, (b) the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and (c) mayoral authorities on the Government's commitments to the hospitality sector.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

In April, the Government launched a joint government and industry taskforce to bring together representatives from the hospitality industry, police, local and central government to explore a more enabling approach to licensing with a greater focus on growth. This included officials from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and HM Treasury who have continued to work closely together to explore the recommendations made in the Taskforce report, which was published in July. We are committed to reducing the costs for hospitality businesses in the UK by restoring licensing to its founding ethos of flexibility and growth, while maintaining a focus on the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder. It is in this spirit that we have just published a first iteration of a National Licensing Policy Framework setting out a strategic vision for a modern licensing system.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate she has made of the cost to the public purse of the measures included in her Department's joint press release entitled Mirror, signal, manoeuvres: military driving examiners mobilised to cut test backlog, published on 12 November 2025.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has agreed with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) that 36 defence driving examiners (DDE) will carry out driving tests for one day a week for 12 months. MOD has charged DVSA estimated marginal costs in line with HM Treasury guidelines.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to page 113 of the Cabinet Office Annual report and accounts 2024-2025, HC1372, 23 October 2025, for what reason dividends from associates are treated as income in the Statement of Outturn against Parliamentary Supply.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Section 8.13 of Consolidated budget guidance issued by HM Treasury states that:

“Financial transactions involve the exchange of financial assets and liabilities. Financial transactions mainly impact on the resource budget through the returns received or paid on these financial assets or liabilities (for example, interest received/paid on a loan, or dividends received/paid on equity). Financial assets also impact on the resource budget through changes in their valuation.”

Therefore, all dividend income received from associate companies should score to RDEL as income.

Dividends from associate companies are not recognised as income in the financial statements because International Accounting Standard IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures, states:

“When using the equity method, dividends received are not recognised as income in the consolidated income statement; instead, they are treated as a return of capital and reduce the carrying amount of the investment in the statement of financial position.”

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which Government Departments use a ministerial car.

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

The Government Car Service (GCS) provides Departmental Pool Cars (DPC) to the following Government departments:

• Attorney General’s Office

• Cabinet Office

• Department for Business and Trade

• Department for Culture, Media and Sport

• Department for Education

• Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

• Department for Health and Social Care

• Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

• Department for Transport

• Department for Work and Pensions

• HM Treasury

• Home Office

• Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government

• Ministry of Justice

• Scotland Office

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to pages 111 to 114 of the Cabinet Office Annual report and accounts 2024-2025, HC1372, 23 October 2025, for what reason his Department’s new strategic outcomes were adopted during the year while the Estimates remained based on previous departmental objectives.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Cabinet Office’s strategic outcomes were updated following the election to ensure that these reflected the new government’s priorities. These changes were reported to the Public Administration and Parliamentary Affairs Committee on 19 March 2025.

The financial reporting against these outcomes was updated at the earliest opportunity on HM Treasury systems and will be reported against in the 2025/26 Accounts.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Question 338 of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Oral evidence: Work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, HC 385, 3 November 2025, what the threshold is for the publication of severance payments.

Answered by Chris Elmore - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to Annex 4.13 of the Managing Public Money guidance, most recently updated by HM Treasury in June 2025.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to support access to (a) affordable minimally processed foods and (b) UK-grown fruit, vegetables and legumes in (i) Wiltshire and (ii) other rural areas.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Good Food Cycle sets out the government’s vision to drive better outcomes from the UK food system around 10 priority outcomes, on healthy and more affordable food, good growth, sustainable and resilient supply, and vibrant food cultures.

The food strategy brings together and coordinates action across government towards a healthier, more equitable and resilient food system, including collaboration with:

• Department for Education on future revision of school food standards.

• Department for Health and Social Care on delivery of diet-related health elements of the 10 Year Health Plan, including on sales, advertising and promotion of healthy food, review of the nutrient profiling model, and Healthy Start.

• HM Treasury / Revenue and Customs – on the Soft Drinks Industry Levy.

The UK produces some of the world’s highest quality products - a source of national pride and central to access to healthy, affordable food in all areas. The food strategy’s approach to food security includes robust, diverse supply chains and domestic production as well as imports.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Pursuant to the Answer of 27 October 2025 to Question 82997 on Restoring Your Railway Fund, whether any (a) equality impact assessment and (b) screening was produced by any central government body in relation to the decision to cancel the fund.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The decision to close the Restoring your Railways programme was taken by the Chancellor as a cost saving measure in July 2024. The impact of this decision was carefully considered by HM Treasury and an equality impact assessment on the closure of the programme was completed by the Department for Transport.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 17 September 2025 to Question 76468 on National Investigation Service: Audit, if he will publish the report into NATIS conducted by the Public Sector Fraud Authority; and what recommendations did the Public Sector Fraud authority make on the governance of the National Investigation Service.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Department is not planning to publish the report or recommendations from the Public Sector Fraud Authority’s review of the National Investigation Service at this time. Any future publication will be coordinated with the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury, who oversee the PSFA. Disclosure would risk revealing sensitive operational, policy, and commercial information, which could prejudice law enforcement activities and undermine ongoing policy development and commercial interests. The balance of public interest lies in maintaining the confidentiality of this information to protect the effectiveness of counter-fraud operations and ensure robust policy formulation.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to improve (a) road resurfacing and (b) other infrastructure completion times.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

This year, the Government made an additional £500 million available for local highway authorities to maintain their highway network, bringing the total to a record investment of nearly £1.6 billion. A quarter of the additional funding is contingent upon local highway authorities complying with certain criteria aimed at driving best practice and continual improvement in highways maintenance.

The Government also supports the rollout of lane rental schemes. This allows highway authorities to charge up to £2,500 per day for works on the busiest roads at peak times. This encourages quicker completion, off-peak working, or relocating works to reduce disruption on our roads. From January 2026, authorities will be able to use 50% of lane rental revenue for highway maintenance.

Highway authorities can issue overrun charges of up to £10,000 per day for works that exceed agreed timeframes. Currently these charges can only be applied on weekdays, however we are making changes to allow these charges to apply on weekends and bank holidays.

Finally, the Government has set out a new approach to infrastructure in the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, which was published in June 2025. This will restore confidence and drive economic growth by providing stability and certainty, and improve how infrastructure projects, like transport, are planned and delivered. We are working closely with HMT to ensure lessons learned from transport projects, such as set out in the James Stewart Review (published in June 2025) are incorporated into future priorities. The Department has accepted all recommendations from this Review and is already taking steps to implement them.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that AI-powered scam-detection tools used by UK financial institutions comply with data-protection and cybersecurity regulations.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which is responsible for enforcing data protection laws, has provided guidance on how data protection law applies specifically to AI systems, including through updates following its recent generative AI consultation series.

This type of software is not regulated under existing cyber security regulations. However, HM Treasury, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority deploy a range of tools to ensure firms are resilient to the wide range of risks that they could face. This includes the regulators’ operational resilience policy, threat-led penetration testing, and sector-wide cyber stress testing. Technical advice is also provided by the National Cyber Security Centre and the National Protective Security Authority.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Answer of 9 July 2025 to Question HL8844 on Affordable Housing: Finance and pursuant to the Answer of 3 November 2025 to Question 78177 on Affordable Housing: Finance, for what reason the Social Time Preference Rate discount has not been applied to the Social and Affordable Homes Programme.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

At the Spending Review, the government announced £39 billion, in nominal terms, for a new Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) over 10 years from 2026-27 to 2035-36.

Economic appraisal for the SAHP business case was carried out following HMT Green Book methodology and used the Green Book discount rate (known as the Social Time Preference Rate) to assess the economic value for money of the programme in present value terms.

I otherwise refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 78177 on 3 November 2025 for further details.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 3 November 2025 to Question 78188 on Affordable Housing: Finance, what estimate his Department has made of the 10-year cost of the Social and Affordable Homes Programme in real terms excluding inflation.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

At the Spending Review, the government announced £39 billion, in nominal terms, for a new Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) over 10 years from 2026-27 to 2035-36.

Economic appraisal for the SAHP business case was carried out following HMT Green Book methodology and used the Green Book discount rate (known as the Social Time Preference Rate) to assess the economic value for money of the programme in present value terms.

I otherwise refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 78177 on 3 November 2025 for further details.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, over what period the £625 million for construction skills training announced at the Spring Statement 2025 will be (a) allocated and (b) released in each financial year; and how expenditure and outcomes will be monitored and reported.

Answered by Andrew Western - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

Following recent machinery of government changes, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will have lead responsibility for the Construction Skills Package and will act as Senior Responsible Owner (SRO). Policy responsibility and budget control for different elements of the package will sit across DWP and the Department for Education (DfE), with Baroness Smith retaining ministerial responsibility for the skills portfolio, including the Construction Skills Package.

Construction skills policy and funding in Wales is devolved. HM Treasury has confirmed that information on funding received by the Welsh Government can be found in the Block Grant Transparency: October 2025 - GOV.UK. The Welsh Government is free to allocate this funding as it sees fit across its responsibilities.

The £625 million announced for construction skills training is largely for the Spending Review period from FY2026-27 to FY2028-29. Funds will be allocated and released aligned with the delivery needs of each strand of the programme.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, which body is responsible for administering and overseeing the £625 million construction skills programme.

Answered by Andrew Western - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

Following recent machinery of government changes, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will have lead responsibility for the Construction Skills Package and will act as Senior Responsible Owner (SRO). Policy responsibility and budget control for different elements of the package will sit across DWP and the Department for Education (DfE), with Baroness Smith retaining ministerial responsibility for the skills portfolio, including the Construction Skills Package.

Construction skills policy and funding in Wales is devolved. HM Treasury has confirmed that information on funding received by the Welsh Government can be found in the Block Grant Transparency: October 2025 - GOV.UK. The Welsh Government is free to allocate this funding as it sees fit across its responsibilities.

The £625 million announced for construction skills training is largely for the Spending Review period from FY2026-27 to FY2028-29. Funds will be allocated and released aligned with the delivery needs of each strand of the programme.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when the £625 million of funding to train up to 60,000 additional skilled construction workers, announced at the Spring Statement 2025, will be distributed; and how much funding the Welsh Government will receive through the Barnett Formula as a result.

Answered by Andrew Western - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

Following recent machinery of government changes, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will have lead responsibility for the Construction Skills Package and will act as Senior Responsible Owner (SRO). Policy responsibility and budget control for different elements of the package will sit across DWP and the Department for Education (DfE), with Baroness Smith retaining ministerial responsibility for the skills portfolio, including the Construction Skills Package.

Construction skills policy and funding in Wales is devolved. HM Treasury has confirmed that information on funding received by the Welsh Government can be found in the Block Grant Transparency: October 2025 - GOV.UK. The Welsh Government is free to allocate this funding as it sees fit across its responsibilities.

The £625 million announced for construction skills training is largely for the Spending Review period from FY2026-27 to FY2028-29. Funds will be allocated and released aligned with the delivery needs of each strand of the programme.

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Question

Will the Cabinet Secretary confirm how much in repayment the Welsh Government has received from its investments in the Development Bank of Wales in total?

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning

The Development Bank of Wales has repaid £171 million of loans to the Welsh Government with further repayments of circa £300 million due to be repaid by the Bank in 2026.

The ability to continue recycling finance requires the Bank to have access to a long-term capital base. Each of the allocations of capital to the Development Bank of Wales have their own individual repayment profiles, taking into account the agreed use of the capital be it for short term, recycled, or long-term deployment.

Contracted repayments to Welsh Government are scheduled between 2026 and 2049. Although the ongoing position with HMT regarding its classification has impacted the pace of repayments, the Development Bank of Wales is on target to fully meet repayment terms across its portfolio of funds and services without any reduction in levels of investment.