Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the absence of in-person banking services in (a) Yeovil constituency, (b) Somerset and (c) the United Kingdom on individuals with mental health conditions.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises that access to in‑person banking services can be particularly important for some customers, including blind and partially sighted people, individuals with learning disabilities, and those with mental health conditions.

The Government is committed to maintaining high standards of financial inclusion across the financial services sector, including in the Yeovil constituency, Somerset and the United Kingdom as a whole.

Where banks make commercial decisions to reduce their branch network, they are required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to carefully consider the impact on customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs, including the needs of vulnerable customers, and to put appropriate alternative arrangements in place.

The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 270 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 225 are already open. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, enabling people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services.

In addition, customers can access everyday banking services through the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check balances and pay bills at over 10,000 Post Office branches across the UK.

Some firms also provide additional in‑person access through services such as mobile banking vans or pop‑up locations in community venues, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Financial services provided by banks and building societies must comply with the FCA’s rules, which require firms to provide a prompt, efficient and fair service to all customers. The FCA’s Consumer Duty further requires firms to act in good faith, avoid foreseeable harm and support customers to pursue their financial objectives, including by ensuring that information and services are accessible. The FCA’s Handbook requires firms to identify particularly vulnerable customers, and to consider the needs of these customers appropriately. This includes blind and partially sighted people, individuals with learning disabilities, and those experiencing mental health difficulties.

Banks and building societies are also subject to the Equality Act 2010, which requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments so that disabled people can access services on an equal basis.

More broadly, the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy, published in November, sets out an ambitious programme of work to improve access to financial services for underserved groups across the UK. This includes a key focus on access to banking and digital inclusion, with interventions to make financial products and services more accessible, support in-person banking services, and make it easier for individuals to access a bank account.

The Government keeps the effectiveness of current arrangements under review through regular engagement with stakeholders to ensure they meet the needs of local communities.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the absence of in-person banking services in (a) Yeovil constituency, (b) Somerset and (c) the United Kingdom on individuals with learning disabilities.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises that access to in‑person banking services can be particularly important for some customers, including blind and partially sighted people, individuals with learning disabilities, and those with mental health conditions.

The Government is committed to maintaining high standards of financial inclusion across the financial services sector, including in the Yeovil constituency, Somerset and the United Kingdom as a whole.

Where banks make commercial decisions to reduce their branch network, they are required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to carefully consider the impact on customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs, including the needs of vulnerable customers, and to put appropriate alternative arrangements in place.

The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 270 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 225 are already open. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, enabling people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services.

In addition, customers can access everyday banking services through the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check balances and pay bills at over 10,000 Post Office branches across the UK.

Some firms also provide additional in‑person access through services such as mobile banking vans or pop‑up locations in community venues, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Financial services provided by banks and building societies must comply with the FCA’s rules, which require firms to provide a prompt, efficient and fair service to all customers. The FCA’s Consumer Duty further requires firms to act in good faith, avoid foreseeable harm and support customers to pursue their financial objectives, including by ensuring that information and services are accessible. The FCA’s Handbook requires firms to identify particularly vulnerable customers, and to consider the needs of these customers appropriately. This includes blind and partially sighted people, individuals with learning disabilities, and those experiencing mental health difficulties.

Banks and building societies are also subject to the Equality Act 2010, which requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments so that disabled people can access services on an equal basis.

More broadly, the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy, published in November, sets out an ambitious programme of work to improve access to financial services for underserved groups across the UK. This includes a key focus on access to banking and digital inclusion, with interventions to make financial products and services more accessible, support in-person banking services, and make it easier for individuals to access a bank account.

The Government keeps the effectiveness of current arrangements under review through regular engagement with stakeholders to ensure they meet the needs of local communities.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of a lack of in-person banking services in (a) Yeovil constituency, (b) Somerset and (c) the United Kingdom on (i) blind and (ii) partially sighted people.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises that access to in‑person banking services can be particularly important for some customers, including blind and partially sighted people, individuals with learning disabilities, and those with mental health conditions.

The Government is committed to maintaining high standards of financial inclusion across the financial services sector, including in the Yeovil constituency, Somerset and the United Kingdom as a whole.

Where banks make commercial decisions to reduce their branch network, they are required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to carefully consider the impact on customers’ everyday banking and cash access needs, including the needs of vulnerable customers, and to put appropriate alternative arrangements in place.

The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 270 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 225 are already open. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, enabling people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services.

In addition, customers can access everyday banking services through the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check balances and pay bills at over 10,000 Post Office branches across the UK.

Some firms also provide additional in‑person access through services such as mobile banking vans or pop‑up locations in community venues, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Financial services provided by banks and building societies must comply with the FCA’s rules, which require firms to provide a prompt, efficient and fair service to all customers. The FCA’s Consumer Duty further requires firms to act in good faith, avoid foreseeable harm and support customers to pursue their financial objectives, including by ensuring that information and services are accessible. The FCA’s Handbook requires firms to identify particularly vulnerable customers, and to consider the needs of these customers appropriately. This includes blind and partially sighted people, individuals with learning disabilities, and those experiencing mental health difficulties.

Banks and building societies are also subject to the Equality Act 2010, which requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments so that disabled people can access services on an equal basis.

More broadly, the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy, published in November, sets out an ambitious programme of work to improve access to financial services for underserved groups across the UK. This includes a key focus on access to banking and digital inclusion, with interventions to make financial products and services more accessible, support in-person banking services, and make it easier for individuals to access a bank account.

The Government keeps the effectiveness of current arrangements under review through regular engagement with stakeholders to ensure they meet the needs of local communities.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment has she made of the impact of section 57 of the Finance Act 2012 on (a) investment costs for charities and (b) the ability of charities to access the low‑cost, tax‑efficient vehicles available to pension schemes.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises that generating investment returns can be important for supporting charitable purposes and that access to appropriate, cost effective investment vehicles is an important consideration for the sector. Charities are able to invest through a range of authorised UK fund structures designed to meet their needs, including Charity Authorised Investment Funds (CAIFs), which give a favourable tax treatment to eligible UK charities.

The Government has received representations in relation to the application of s57 of the Finance Act 2012 to charities. These are being considered through the normal policy processes.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on launching a full review of Gift Aid, including digital automation and linking donations to personal tax accounts.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC has worked collaboratively with a broad range of charity sector stakeholders and other government departments including DCMS to explore the potential of the Future of Gift Aid project and wider Gift Aid modernisation.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of how the level of usability of the Gift Aid system affects donor behaviour, including for younger donors or other donors who may be digitally excluded.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC has worked collaboratively with a broad range of charity sector stakeholders and other government departments including DCMS to explore the potential of the Future of Gift Aid project and wider Gift Aid modernisation.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for philanthropic giving of proposals to link charitable donations to individual bank accounts.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC has worked collaboratively with a broad range of charity sector stakeholders and other government departments including DCMS to explore the potential of the Future of Gift Aid project and wider Gift Aid modernisation.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the Future of Gift Aid pilot, and what assessment has been made of its potential impact on the charity sector.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC has worked collaboratively with a broad range of charity sector stakeholders and other government departments including DCMS to explore the potential of the Future of Gift Aid project and wider Gift Aid modernisation.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on updating HMRC guidance and amending Group 15 of Schedule 8 to the Value Added Tax Act 1994 to not exclude social media advertising from the zero‑rating relief for charity advertising.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. VAT is the UK’s third largest tax, forecast to raise £180 billion in 2025/26. Taxation is a vital source of revenue that helps to fund vital public services including schools and hospitals.

Charities already benefit from a reduced (5%) or zero rate of tax when purchasing some goods and services. More information about VAT relief for charities can be found here: VAT for charities: What qualifies for VAT relief - GOV.UK. The Government has no plans to broaden this list of goods and services to include social media advertising, but takes steps elsewhere in the tax system to ensure that charities receive treatment that takes account of their unique status and invaluable contribution.

Our tax regime for charities, including gift aid and an exemption from paying business rates, is among the most generous of anywhere in the world, with tax reliefs for charities and their donors worth just over £6 billion for the tax year to April 2024.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate her Department has made of the administrative burden to the Treasury of processing VAT receipts for Businesses with a turnover under £250,000.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC has not made an estimate of the administrative burden to the Treasury for processing VAT receipts for businesses with a turnover below £250,000. HMRC measures its overall operational costs across all taxes and does not hold this information at the level of granularity required to isolate costs attributable to businesses with a turnover under £250,000.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she has taken to review Groups 4 and 12 of Schedule 8 of the Value Added Tax Act 1994 to ensure disability VAT reliefs reflect modern assistive technology.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

We maintain a longstanding principle that reliefs should be targeted to balance support with fiscal sustainability. Modern consumer technologies, while helpful to disabled users, are also intended for use by those without impairments hence do not meet the statutory test of being designed solely for disabled people.

We recognise the vital role that assistive technologies can play in improving independence and quality of life. The government keeps all taxes under review as part of the policy making process and decisions on tax policy are taken by the Chancellor at a fiscal event.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate her Department has made of the average time spent by businesses with turnover below £250,000 on VAT compliance, including preparing returns and maintaining records.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC does not estimate the administrative cost to businesses with a turnover below £250,000 for processing and submitting VAT returns, as the cost can vary between businesses, regardless of their turnover. Administrative costs are largely dependent on their individual business processes and the nature and complexity of their record keeping.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of VAT on social media advertising on the reach of charity campaigns aimed at vulnerable groups who predominantly consume information online.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. VAT is the UK’s third largest tax, forecast to raise £180 billion in 2025/26. Taxation is a vital source of revenue that helps to fund vital public services including schools and hospitals.

Charities already benefit from a reduced (5%) or zero rate of tax when purchasing some goods and services. More information about VAT relief for charities can be found here: VAT for charities: What qualifies for VAT relief - GOV.UK. The Government has no plans to broaden this list of goods and services to include social media advertising, but takes steps elsewhere in the tax system to ensure that charities receive treatment that takes account of their unique status and invaluable contribution.

Our tax regime for charities, including gift aid and an exemption from paying business rates, is among the most generous of anywhere in the world, with tax reliefs for charities and their donors worth just over £6 billion for the tax year to April 2024.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made about the level of financial burden placed on charities arising from having to pay VAT on targeted social media advertising.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. VAT is the UK’s third largest tax, forecast to raise £180 billion in 2025/26. Taxation is a vital source of revenue that helps to fund vital public services including schools and hospitals.

Charities already benefit from a reduced (5%) or zero rate of tax when purchasing some goods and services. More information about VAT relief for charities can be found here: VAT for charities: What qualifies for VAT relief - GOV.UK. The Government has no plans to broaden this list of goods and services to include social media advertising, but takes steps elsewhere in the tax system to ensure that charities receive treatment that takes account of their unique status and invaluable contribution.

Our tax regime for charities, including gift aid and an exemption from paying business rates, is among the most generous of anywhere in the world, with tax reliefs for charities and their donors worth just over £6 billion for the tax year to April 2024.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she is taking steps to update VAT guidance to recognise all social media advertising as qualifying for zero‑rated charity advertising.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. VAT is the UK’s third largest tax, forecast to raise £180 billion in 2025/26. Taxation is a vital source of revenue that helps to fund vital public services including schools and hospitals.

Charities already benefit from a reduced (5%) or zero rate of tax when purchasing some goods and services. More information about VAT relief for charities can be found here: VAT for charities: What qualifies for VAT relief - GOV.UK. The Government has no plans to broaden this list of goods and services to include social media advertising, but takes steps elsewhere in the tax system to ensure that charities receive treatment that takes account of their unique status and invaluable contribution.

Our tax regime for charities, including gift aid and an exemption from paying business rates, is among the most generous of anywhere in the world, with tax reliefs for charities and their donors worth just over £6 billion for the tax year to April 2024.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she has taken to simplify the evidence requirements for disability related zero rating.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the use of financial data by departments to support strategic decision-making and value-for-money assessments; and what steps they are taking to strengthen financial management capability in the public sector.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government routinely assesses how departments use financial information to support strategic decision-making and value for money. This includes scrutiny during Spending Reviews, regular engagement between HM Treasury and departments on budgets and forecasts, an End-of-Year assessment measuring financial performance, through departmental Annual Reports and Accounts, and through National Audit Office examinations, which provide independent assurance on the quality, transparency and use of financial data.

Departments routinely provide finance data to the HM Treasury OSCAR system, setting out their forecasts, budgets and spend to date. Departments report their forecast and actual efficiencies to HM Treasury. Accounting Officers of departments are responsible for value for money in the use of public funds, and in this they are supported by the guidance, budgeting and accounting framework provided by HM Treasury.

The Government is taking steps to strengthen financial management capability across the public sector through the Government Finance Function’s learning and development offer, which aims to build financial capability and develop a skilled and talented workforce. The Finance Function’s Government Finance Academy provides core learning offers which strengthen financial literacy across Government in key areas such as value for money, budgeting & forecasting, and provides professional training and development for finance professionals.

The Function also supports the development of talent pipelines and leadership capability across departments by building career frameworks and pathways that support progression. The Function connects some 9,000 finance professionals across government through its communities, networks and events, which further builds financial capability by providing opportunities for shared learning and fostering professional excellence.

The Government is modernising finance operations to support better decision‑making, including enhancing digital skills, promoting modern finance practices and encouraging the adoption of shared services and improved systems. Through common finance standards and data approaches the function enables departments to access high‑quality, reliable financial information, underpinning stronger financial management and improved value for money across government.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor and Energy Secretary meet with fuel bosses in No11 as government order crackdown on pump prices, published on 13 March 2026, what follow-up meetings with fuel retailers are planned following the Downing Street roundtable on pump prices.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The roundtable was attended by representatives from the CMA, in their capacity as the regulator; relevant trade associations; and major petrol retailers and energy suppliers.

Government publishes a record of meetings in regular transparency releases. To ensure we continue to foster an open dialogue as the situation in the Middle East develops, we will not be publishing full minutes of the meeting.

The Chancellor has written to Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, expressing support for the CMA’s work to ensure customers are not affected by undue price rises, including for road fuel. Letter to the CMA on vigilance for unjustifiable price increases.

The CMA has a statutory monitoring function in the road fuel sector and has released a statement confirming their plans to step up monitoring of petrol and diesel prices. CMA steps up monitoring of petrol and diesel prices - GOV.UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor and Energy Secretary meet with fuel bosses in No11 as government order crackdown on pump prices, published on 13 March 2026, which companies and industry representatives attended the Downing Street meeting with fuel retailers and energy suppliers on 13 March 2026.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The roundtable was attended by representatives from the CMA, in their capacity as the regulator; relevant trade associations; and major petrol retailers and energy suppliers.

Government publishes a record of meetings in regular transparency releases. To ensure we continue to foster an open dialogue as the situation in the Middle East develops, we will not be publishing full minutes of the meeting.

The Chancellor has written to Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, expressing support for the CMA’s work to ensure customers are not affected by undue price rises, including for road fuel. Letter to the CMA on vigilance for unjustifiable price increases.

The CMA has a statutory monitoring function in the road fuel sector and has released a statement confirming their plans to step up monitoring of petrol and diesel prices. CMA steps up monitoring of petrol and diesel prices - GOV.UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor and Energy Secretary meet with fuel bosses in No11 as government order crackdown on pump prices, published on 13 March 2026, whether (a) minutes and (b) a summary of the meeting held with fuel retailers in Downing Street on 13 March 2026 will be published.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The roundtable was attended by representatives from the CMA, in their capacity as the regulator; relevant trade associations; and major petrol retailers and energy suppliers.

Government publishes a record of meetings in regular transparency releases. To ensure we continue to foster an open dialogue as the situation in the Middle East develops, we will not be publishing full minutes of the meeting.

The Chancellor has written to Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, expressing support for the CMA’s work to ensure customers are not affected by undue price rises, including for road fuel. Letter to the CMA on vigilance for unjustifiable price increases.

The CMA has a statutory monitoring function in the road fuel sector and has released a statement confirming their plans to step up monitoring of petrol and diesel prices. CMA steps up monitoring of petrol and diesel prices - GOV.UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Chancellor and Energy Secretary meet with fuel bosses in No11 as government order crackdown on pump prices, published on 13 March 2026, what representations she received from industry representatives regarding the costs they charge for fuel.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The roundtable was attended by representatives from the CMA, in their capacity as the regulator; relevant trade associations; and major petrol retailers and energy suppliers.

Government publishes a record of meetings in regular transparency releases. To ensure we continue to foster an open dialogue as the situation in the Middle East develops, we will not be publishing full minutes of the meeting.

The Chancellor has written to Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, expressing support for the CMA’s work to ensure customers are not affected by undue price rises, including for road fuel. Letter to the CMA on vigilance for unjustifiable price increases.

The CMA has a statutory monitoring function in the road fuel sector and has released a statement confirming their plans to step up monitoring of petrol and diesel prices. CMA steps up monitoring of petrol and diesel prices - GOV.UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the oral statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of 9 March 2026 on Middle East: Economic Update, Official Report, columns 43-45, whether there is a upper limit on the amount her Department can draw from the special reserve.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Iran’s indiscriminate attacks are a threat to Britain, our allies and our partners in the region.

As she set out in the House on 9 March, the Chancellor has approved access for the Ministry of Defence to the special reserve to deploy additional capabilities in the Middle East. The net additional costs of operations will be funded by the Treasury.

We do not yet know how long the conflict will last or what further action will be required, but the Chancellor is being responsive in an uncertain world, and is protecting the public finances in the national interest.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the oral statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of 9 March 2026 on Middle East: Economic Update, Official Report, columns 43-45, for how long will her Department be permitted to spend money allocated from the special reserve.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Iran’s indiscriminate attacks are a threat to Britain, our allies and our partners in the region.

As she set out in the House on 9 March, the Chancellor has approved access for the Ministry of Defence to the special reserve to deploy additional capabilities in the Middle East. The net additional costs of operations will be funded by the Treasury.

We do not yet know how long the conflict will last or what further action will be required, but the Chancellor is being responsive in an uncertain world, and is protecting the public finances in the national interest.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 27 January 2026 to Question 106758 on Academies: Electric Vehicles, when the review on new electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes for academy trusts will be completed.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

HM Treasury keeps public policy, including the use of salary sacrifice arrangements, under review.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of proposed changes to Inheritance Tax on private pension provision.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Most unused pension funds and death benefits payable from a pension will form part of a person’s estate for inheritance tax purposes from 6 April 2027. This removes distortions resulting from changes that have been made to pensions tax policy over the last decade, which have led to some pensions being openly used and marketed as a tax planning vehicle to transfer wealth, rather than as a way to fund retirement. These reforms also remove inconsistencies in the inheritance tax treatment of different types of pensions

The Government will continue to incentivise pension savings for their intended purpose of funding retirement, with ongoing tax reliefs on both contributions into pensions and on the growth of funds held within a pension scheme. Pensions continue to benefit from very significant tax benefits, with gross income tax and National Insurance contributions relief costing £78.2 billion in 2023-24. It is therefore crucial to ensure that tax reliefs on pensions are being used for their intended purpose – to encourage saving for retirement and later life – rather than for passing on wealth free of inheritance tax

Estates will continue to benefit from the normal nil-rate bands, reliefs, and exemptions available. For example, the nil-rate bands mean an estate can pass on up to £1 million with no inheritance tax liability and the general rules mean any transfers, including the payment of death benefits, to a spouse or civil partner are fully exempt from inheritance tax. More than 90 per cent of UK estates will continue to have no inheritance tax liability in 2030-31 following these changes and the reforms will only affect a minority of those with inheritable pension wealth.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential regulatory implications of allowing credit unions to retain members following retirement.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government is a strong supporter of the mutual sector, including credit unions, and is working to support its growth in line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the co-operative and mutual sector.

On 18 March, the government announced plans to reform the credit union common bond by:

• Increasing the potential membership cap on the locality bond from 3 million to 10 million, which will significantly expand the potential size of locality-based credit unions, which make up 79% of the sector, and reduce uncertainty around merger activity.
• Allowing credit unions to admit students to locality-based credit unions, if not otherwise eligible through residence or work.
• Expanding eligibility for members' relatives to allow credit unions to admit relatives of qualifying members regardless of whether they share a household.
• Allowing credit unions to retain retired members as fully qualifying members.

The reforms will apply across Great Britain, including in Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire. Full details of the government’s plans have been published in a call for evidence response available on GOV.UK.

The government will legislate to give effect to these reforms as soon as parliamentary time allows. A full impact assessment will be published alongside the legislative reforms.

The reforms to the credit union common bond form part of a broader package of measures to support improved access to financial products and services under the Financial Inclusion Strategy. The Strategy itself will be reviewed two years after publication to assess its overall progress.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what monitoring arrangements will be put in place to evaluate the impact of common bond reforms on financial inclusion outcomes.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government is a strong supporter of the mutual sector, including credit unions, and is working to support its growth in line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the co-operative and mutual sector.

On 18 March, the government announced plans to reform the credit union common bond by:

• Increasing the potential membership cap on the locality bond from 3 million to 10 million, which will significantly expand the potential size of locality-based credit unions, which make up 79% of the sector, and reduce uncertainty around merger activity.
• Allowing credit unions to admit students to locality-based credit unions, if not otherwise eligible through residence or work.
• Expanding eligibility for members' relatives to allow credit unions to admit relatives of qualifying members regardless of whether they share a household.
• Allowing credit unions to retain retired members as fully qualifying members.

The reforms will apply across Great Britain, including in Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire. Full details of the government’s plans have been published in a call for evidence response available on GOV.UK.

The government will legislate to give effect to these reforms as soon as parliamentary time allows. A full impact assessment will be published alongside the legislative reforms.

The reforms to the credit union common bond form part of a broader package of measures to support improved access to financial products and services under the Financial Inclusion Strategy. The Strategy itself will be reviewed two years after publication to assess its overall progress.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to ensure adherence to the FCA’s Consumer Duty requirement for firms to avoid causing foreseeable harm.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA’s) Consumer Duty requires firms to act in good faith, prevent foreseeable harm, and act in the best interests of consumers.

All FCA-authorised firms are required to comply with the Consumer Duty.

The FCA has extensive powers to enforce regulations and to impose penalties for breaches of regulation. This includes powers to investigate potential breaches, issue fines and ultimately to withdraw authorisation in the case of serious breaches.

The FCA is operationally independent and the Treasury has no role in ensuring firms meet their responsibilities under the Consumer Duty. The Treasury continues to work closely with the FCA to hold it to account for delivering against its statutory objectives, including its objective to secure an appropriate degree of consumer protection in relation to the activities it regulates.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions she has had with the FCA regarding the timeline for reviewing listing rules on related party transactions in investment trusts; and if she will ask the FCA to bring forward that review, in the context of the potential implications for retail investors.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Financial Conduct Authority is a non-governmental body which is independent from the Treasury.

The Financial Conduct Authority announced its intention to consult on some aspects of the UK Listings Rules for investment entities and to complete the work by the end of the year. Further detail is available at:

https://www.fca.org.uk/news/statements/uk-listing-rules-investment-entities-review.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of guaranteeing access to free banking services for small charitable groups at (a) Post Office branches and (b) banking hubs.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Charities and community groups make a valuable contribution across the country, and it is important that they can access suitable banking services in person and online.

Decisions about the provision of banking services, and associated fees, are primarily commercial matters for banks who must meet strict financial crime and customer due diligence obligations. Charities and community groups often have more complex account structures (for example, multiple trustees), making their banking needs more expensive and operationally demanding, which may explain the fees applied.

It is important for charities to shop around to ensure they pick the most appropriate banking product for their needs. UK Finance worked closely with the charity sector and Government to produce an ‘Account Finder’ tool designed exclusively for charities and voluntary organisations so they can browse providers and accounts easily, including their charges.

The Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 270 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 225 are already open.

Banking hubs provide personal and business customers with access to everyday counter services, including cash withdrawals and deposits, balance enquiries and bill payments. They also contain dedicated rooms where all customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out other banking services as they would in a traditional bank branch.

The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, and pay bills at over 10,000 of Post Office branches across the UK. Fees for these services remain a commercial decision for the bank providing the account.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the implications for its policies of evidence from the US Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network published on 2 March 2026 that UK resident individuals may have laundered the proceeds of corrupt oil sales in Venezuela through MBaer Merchant Bank.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to protecting the UK’s financial system and maintaining a robust anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing system. This involves identifying risks to the system, monitoring global developments, and working with international partners.

The Government does not comment on assessments relating to specific firms. Where appropriate, the Government will act in response to individual cases and risks identified.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the implications for its policies of the notice issued on 2 March 2026 by the US Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network proposing that MBaer Merchant Bank be designated as an institution of primary money laundering concern.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to protecting the UK’s financial system and maintaining a robust anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing system. This involves identifying risks to the system, monitoring global developments, and working with international partners.

The Government does not comment on assessments relating to specific firms. Where appropriate, the Government will act in response to individual cases and risks identified.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress her Department has made on the agreed actions in the Motor Insurance Taskforce: Final Report and Actions, published in December 2025.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The final report of the cross-government Motor Insurance Taskforce sets out the actions being taken by government, regulators and industry to help reduce premium costs. Departments, regulators and industry are now taking forward the relevant actions.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential effect of proposed common bond reforms on levels of access to credit union services in (i) Milton Keynes and (ii) Buckinghamshire.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government is a strong supporter of the mutual sector, including credit unions, and is working to support its growth in line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the co-operative and mutual sector.

On 18 March, the government announced plans to reform the credit union common bond by:

• Increasing the potential membership cap on the locality bond from 3 million to 10 million, which will significantly expand the potential size of locality-based credit unions, which make up 79% of the sector, and reduce uncertainty around merger activity.
• Allowing credit unions to admit students to locality-based credit unions, if not otherwise eligible through residence or work.
• Expanding eligibility for members' relatives to allow credit unions to admit relatives of qualifying members regardless of whether they share a household.
• Allowing credit unions to retain retired members as fully qualifying members.

The reforms will apply across Great Britain, including in Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire. Full details of the government’s plans have been published in a call for evidence response available on GOV.UK.

The government will legislate to give effect to these reforms as soon as parliamentary time allows. A full impact assessment will be published alongside the legislative reforms.

The reforms to the credit union common bond form part of a broader package of measures to support improved access to financial products and services under the Financial Inclusion Strategy. The Strategy itself will be reviewed two years after publication to assess its overall progress.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to protect consumers from being charged additional fees for withdrawing cash from ATMs.

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.

Under the Financial Services and Markets Act (2023) the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has responsibility and powers to protect access to cash withdrawal and deposit facilities, including free facilities for personal current account holders. The FCA’s most recent data shows that 99.2% of the urban population live within 1 miles of a free to use cash access point offering withdrawals. In rural areas, 98.5% of people live within 3 miles of a free to use cash access point offering withdrawals

LINK, the UK’s not-for-profit, independently governed ATM operator, publish data on the number of ATMs nationally and across each parliamentary constituency. This includes a breakdown of the number of pay-to-use ATMs operated by the LINK network. LINK data estimates that in 2025, there were 42,403 ATMs in the UK, including 8,693 pay-to-use ATMs. This data can be found at https://www.link.co.uk/data-research/the-atm-network

Customers can also access everyday cash and banking services at Post Office branches. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers of participating banks to withdraw and deposit cash; for personal customers this service is free. Customers are also able to check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at over 10,000 Post Office branches across the UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the potential impact of increasing the locality common bond membership cap on the number of credit union mergers.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government is a strong supporter of the mutual sector, including credit unions, and is working to support its growth in line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the co-operative and mutual sector.

On 18 March, the government announced plans to reform the credit union common bond by:

• Increasing the potential membership cap on the locality bond from 3 million to 10 million, which will significantly expand the potential size of locality-based credit unions, which make up 79% of the sector, and reduce uncertainty around merger activity.
• Allowing credit unions to admit students to locality-based credit unions, if not otherwise eligible through residence or work.
• Expanding eligibility for members' relatives to allow credit unions to admit relatives of qualifying members regardless of whether they share a household.
• Allowing credit unions to retain retired members as fully qualifying members.

The reforms will apply across Great Britain, including in Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire. Full details of the government’s plans have been published in a call for evidence response available on GOV.UK.

The government will legislate to give effect to these reforms as soon as parliamentary time allows. A full impact assessment will be published alongside the legislative reforms.

The reforms to the credit union common bond form part of a broader package of measures to support improved access to financial products and services under the Financial Inclusion Strategy. The Strategy itself will be reviewed two years after publication to assess its overall progress.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what analysis she has undertaken of the potential impact of extending membership eligibility to students on credit union balance sheets.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government is a strong supporter of the mutual sector, including credit unions, and is working to support its growth in line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the co-operative and mutual sector.

On 18 March, the government announced plans to reform the credit union common bond by:

• Increasing the potential membership cap on the locality bond from 3 million to 10 million, which will significantly expand the potential size of locality-based credit unions, which make up 79% of the sector, and reduce uncertainty around merger activity.
• Allowing credit unions to admit students to locality-based credit unions, if not otherwise eligible through residence or work.
• Expanding eligibility for members' relatives to allow credit unions to admit relatives of qualifying members regardless of whether they share a household.
• Allowing credit unions to retain retired members as fully qualifying members.

The reforms will apply across Great Britain, including in Milton Keynes and Buckinghamshire. Full details of the government’s plans have been published in a call for evidence response available on GOV.UK.

The government will legislate to give effect to these reforms as soon as parliamentary time allows. A full impact assessment will be published alongside the legislative reforms.

The reforms to the credit union common bond form part of a broader package of measures to support improved access to financial products and services under the Financial Inclusion Strategy. The Strategy itself will be reviewed two years after publication to assess its overall progress.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her department has made of the potential impact of the Valuation Office Agency's reclassification of flexible office spaces as single properties on (a) the level of business rates and (b) small and medium-sized enterprises.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is responsible for valuing non-domestic property for business rates purposes. They are required to maintain accurate rating lists in England impartially and independently of central Government, and must consider developments in relevant caselaw.

As a result of case law developments, the VOA have concluded that, rather than each room within a serviced office being assessed separately, most serviced offices will need to be assessed as a single property, unless clear evidence demonstrates a need to have separate assessments. Each serviced office is looked at on a case-by-case basis, and the VOA are addressing properties where they have received legal advice, or where unit of assessment issues are brought to its attention. Reviewing a small number of cases will help clarify the application of legislation on serviced offices. At this time, there is no sector-wide review of serviced office assessments underway. The VOA will continue to monitor legal developments and update its approach as needed.

A single rating assessment would mean occupying businesses will face no business rates bill at all. Instead, the serviced office provider will be liable for business rates on the entire assessment. It is for serviced office providers to decide if they will pass the cost on to their tenants, depending on contractual agreements.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her department plans to take to support small and medium-sized enterprises who no longer qualify for business rates relief due to the VOAs reclassification of flexible office spaces as single properties.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is responsible for valuing non-domestic property for business rates purposes. They are required to maintain accurate rating lists in England impartially and independently of central Government, and must consider developments in relevant caselaw.

As a result of case law developments, the VOA have concluded that, rather than each room within a serviced office being assessed separately, most serviced offices will need to be assessed as a single property, unless clear evidence demonstrates a need to have separate assessments. Each serviced office is looked at on a case-by-case basis, and the VOA are addressing properties where they have received legal advice, or where unit of assessment issues are brought to its attention. Reviewing a small number of cases will help clarify the application of legislation on serviced offices. At this time, there is no sector-wide review of serviced office assessments underway. The VOA will continue to monitor legal developments and update its approach as needed.

A single rating assessment would mean occupying businesses will face no business rates bill at all. Instead, the serviced office provider will be liable for business rates on the entire assessment. It is for serviced office providers to decide if they will pass the cost on to their tenants, depending on contractual agreements.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 20 February 2026, to Question 111693, on Business Rates: Valuation, if he will number of times that forecasts or estimates were given by the Valuation Office Agency to Ministers from 1 April 2024 to the publication of the draft Rating List.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) provided valuation data and analysis on the non-domestic property market to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and HM Treasury throughout the preparation stages of the 2026 revaluation.

The VOA provided five data drops from 1 April 2024 to the publication of the draft Rating List.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will publish data held by HM Revenue and Customs on: (a) the ports of entry used for low-value imports currently eligible for relief under the Low Value Import exemption, (b) what proportion of such consignments, by value and by number, enter the United Kingdom via bellyhold air cargo, (c) what proportion of such consignments, by value and by number, enter the United Kingdom through Heathrow Airport as their point of entry, and (d) what proportion of total cargo at Heathrow Airport such consignments represent, by value and by number.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

A) Based on data available to HMRC for 2024/25 the ports of entry for low value imports are:

B) HMRC holds data on low value imports although does not routinely collect consignment level information. A single declaration may cover multiple consignments, meaning the volume of declarations does not correspond to the number of individual parcels entering the UK. We define value as the economic value of goods declared for importation that move through a port that includes goods into free circulation and entering special procedures. We define the entries into the ports as where the goods are stored for the purpose of customs checks.

We are therefore unable to provide proportions based on numbers of consignments or to distinguish freight moved in the hold of passenger aircraft from freight moved on cargo flights.

C) For the same reason as set out in B, we are unable to provide information on the number of consignments. Available data on the declared trade value and number of declarations of low value imports eligible for relief under the low value import exemption in 2024-25 are shown in the following table:

*Rounding to the nearest thousand.

D) The declared trade value of goods arriving at Heathrow via air in 2024-25 was £162bn. Low value imports by air transport account for just under 5 per cent of declarations and around 1 per cent of the value of goods imported into Heathrow in 2024-25.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of increasing the rate of Video Games Expenditure Credits for bigger budget games to 39% and removing the 80% expenditure cap.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the importance of the video games sector and the contribution it makes to growth. Support for video games companies is provided through the tax system and through funding.

Video Games Expenditure Credit (VGEC) provides a generous rate of relief of 34% on qualifying UK video games development costs. In 2023-24, £327 million of Corporation Tax was relieved through video game tax relief. VGEC is available to any company and project that meet the qualifying criteria, including larger budget games.

The Government is not currently considering increasing the generosity of the relief.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to help support businesses experiencing financial stress that are awaiting a non‑domestic rates revaluation; and what the average time frame is for rates revaluations on non-domestic rates.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Every three years the Valuation Office Agency carries out a revaluation of non-domestic properties. The 2026 revaluation is due to come into effect on 1 April 2026, based on values from 1 April 2024.

In recognition of the impact of the revaluation on bills, the Government introduced a support package worth £4.3 billion, to protect ratepayers seeing their bills increase. The Government is introducing new permanently lower multipliers for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties. These new multipliers are worth nearly £1 billion per year and will benefit over 750,000 properties.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much public money has been spent to date on the development and roll-out of Making Tax Digital; and what the projected total cost is for completing the programme.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Originally announced at Budget 2015, Making Tax Digital (MTD) supports UK businesses to transact digitally. It encourages timely and accurate record keeping, reducing the part of the tax gap caused by taxpayer error and failure to take reasonable care.

The most recent Accounting Officer’s Assessment was published on 4 June 2025 and estimated a public sector lifecycle cost of £1.4 billion for the MTD programme. This assessment also estimated an overall lifecycle monetised benefit of £6.2 billion. These are considerable benefits, providing vital funding for public services, which are expected to continue beyond the 5-year window assessed in the business case.

MTD will also generate significant non-monetisable benefits, including through modernising HMRC’s critical national IT infrastructure for the VAT and ITSA regimes.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with the road haulage sector on the financial impact of [i] forthcoming changes to fuel duty and [ii] changes in oil prices due to the conflict in the Middle East on road hauliers.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the key role the haulage sector plays in the UK economy. The Government is taking action to ensure that fuel at the pump remains affordable. At Budget 2025, the Government extended the 5p-per-litre cut for a further five months, until the end of August this year. The Government has also cancelled the increase in line with inflation for 2026/27; instead, rates will only gradually return to early 2022 levels by March 2027.

The Government's action on fuel duty will save an average heavy goods vehicle more than £800 in 2026/27 compared to previous plans, and follows an extended period where freezes to fuel duty have resulted in substantial savings for the haulage industry.

As the Chancellor has set out, a rapid de-escalation in the Middle East remains the best way to keep prices low at the pump.

As with all taxes, the Government keeps fuel duty under review; and any changes are announced at fiscal events.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of (a) fuel duty and (b) VAT on trends in the level of cost of petrol and diesel for consumers.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is already taking action to ensure that fuel at the pump remains affordable.

At Budget 2025, the Government extended the 5p-per-litre cut for a further five months, until the end of August this year. The Government has also cancelled the increase in line with inflation for 2026/27; instead, rates will only gradually return to early 2022 levels by March 2027.

Since Autumn Budget 2024, the Government's decisions to freeze fuel duty will save the average motorist over £90 – or 8-11 pence per litre –compared to the plans inherited from the previous government.

Prices are set by petrol retailers taking into account wholesale costs; fuel duty is a fixed levy and VAT applied as a percentage of the prices retailers charge.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how long she plans to exempt steel production from the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government is introducing a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) from 1 January 2027. It will apply to imported goods from the aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen, and iron and steel sectors

CBAM will apply to specific imported goods from the steel sector, as listed in Schedule 16 of the Finance Act 2026. There are no plans for exemptions from this list.

The UK CBAM is designed to address the risk of carbon leakage and to ensure that CBAM goods which are imported from overseas face a comparable carbon price to what is paid by manufacturers producing the same goods in the UK, under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme. As CBAM will only apply to imported products, it will not apply to domestic steel production.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate her Department has made of the costs of expanding the rural fuel duty relief scheme to cover all of Tiverton and Minehead constituency.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Rural Fuel Duty Relief Scheme has provided a 5p reduction to motorists buying fuel in certain areas since its introduction in 2012. The areas included in the scheme demonstrate certain characteristics such as: pump prices much higher than the UK average; remoteness leading to high fuel transport costs from refinery to filling station, and; relatively low sales meaning that retailers cannot benefit from bulk discounts.

There are no plans to amend the list of eligible locations.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the impact on Exchequer revenues of high net worth individuals leaving the UK in each year since 2024.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

There is no single agreed definition of a high net worth individual, and taxpayers are not always required to inform HM Revenue and Customs when they leave the UK. Some individuals may submit a P85 after leaving the UK if they are seeking a repayment of income tax, but this is not required in all cases.

Taxpayers within Self Assessment can indicate that they have become non‑resident. Self Assessment tax returns for the 2025–26 tax year are not due until 31 January 2027.

The reforms to the tax treatment of non-domiciled individuals have been specifically designed to make the UK competitive, with a modern, simple tax regime that is also fair. The introduction of a residence-based tax system is expected to raise £39.5bn by 2030-31 (as costed by the OBR last autumn), and the OBR have said that there is no firm evidence to change the estimated impact of the reforms on migration. As set out at Budget 2025, the Chancellor has been clear that she will continue to assess the regime to ensure it strikes the right balance, including on competitiveness.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what engagement her Department has had with (a) the British Ports Association, (b) individual port operators and (c) river and canal authorities regarding the proposal to remove landfill tax exemptions relevant to dredging and port maintenance.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the vital role that the ports sector plays in supporting the government’s objectives on transport and infrastructure. At the Budget, the Government announced it would legislate to remove the Landfill Tax exemption for stabilisers used in dredged material from April 2027.

This decision followed a consultation on reforms to Landfill Tax during which the government engaged with a range of stakeholders from key sectors. This decision will not prevent the use of stabilisers, but it will encourage businesses to limit their use to what is necessary.

The Government does not expect the change to have a significant impact on flood risk management as most material removed during routine waterway maintenance of rivers and canals is reused locally and deposited adjacent to the channel, avoiding the need for disposal at landfill sites.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on UK ports and harbour authorities of removing the landfill tax exemption for dredged material and stabilisers used in the treatment of dredgings from April 2027.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the vital role that the ports sector plays in supporting the government’s objectives on transport and infrastructure. At the Budget, the Government announced it would legislate to remove the Landfill Tax exemption for stabilisers used in dredged material from April 2027.

This decision followed a consultation on reforms to Landfill Tax during which the government engaged with a range of stakeholders from key sectors. This decision will not prevent the use of stabilisers, but it will encourage businesses to limit their use to what is necessary.

The Government does not expect the change to have a significant impact on flood risk management as most material removed during routine waterway maintenance of rivers and canals is reused locally and deposited adjacent to the channel, avoiding the need for disposal at landfill sites.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to provide financial support to house boat dwellers impacted by the cost of red diesel fuel.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Certain uses, such as non-propulsion use by private pleasure craft, retained the entitlement access to use red diesel after it was withdrawn from most sectors in 2022. In contrast to full duty diesel, taxed at 52.95 pence per litre (ppl), red diesel currently incurs a duty of 10.18 pence per litre.

At Budget 2025, the Government extended the temporary 5p fuel duty cut alongside extending the proportionate percentage cut for rebated fuels, which includes red diesel. This maintains the red diesel rate at the levels set in March 2022 at 10.18 peppl until the end of August 2026, with rates then gradually returning to March 2022 levels by March 2027, an increase of less than 1 ppl. The planned inflation increase for 2026-27 has also been cancelled.

As the Chancellor has set out, the Government will keep fuel duty under review.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of postponing the proposed increase in fuel duty, given the current situation in the Middle East.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is already taking action to ensure that fuel at the pump remains affordable.

At Budget 2025, the Government extended the 5p-per-litre cut for a further five months, until the end of August this year. The Government has also cancelled the increase in line with inflation for 2026/27; instead, rates will only gradually return to early 2022 levels by March 2027.

Since Autumn Budget 2024, the Government's decisions to freeze fuel duty will save the average motorist over £90 – or 8-11 pence per litre – compared to the plans inherited from the previous government.

As the Chancellor has set out, a rapid de-escalation in the Middle East remains the best way to keep prices low at the pump.

As with all taxes, the Government keeps fuel duty under review.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of fixed fuel duty on fuel prices during periods of high oil prices.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is already taking action to ensure that fuel at the pump remains affordable.

At Budget 2025, the Government extended the 5p-per-litre cut for a further five months, until the end of August this year. The Government has also cancelled the increase in line with inflation for 2026/27; instead, rates will only gradually return to early 2022 levels by March 2027.

Since Autumn Budget 2024, the Government's decisions to freeze fuel duty will save the average motorist over £90 – or 8-11 pence per litre – compared to the plans inherited from the previous government.

As the Chancellor has set out, a rapid de-escalation in the Middle East remains the best way to keep prices low at the pump.

As with all taxes, the Government keeps fuel duty under review.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the proposed removal of landfill tax exemptions for stabilisers used in dredged material, what assessment she has made of the potential environmental consequences of (a) delays to dredging, (b) reduced maintenance of contaminated waterways and (c) any resulting increase in flood risk.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the vital role that the ports sector plays in supporting the government’s objectives on transport and infrastructure. At the Budget, the Government announced it would legislate to remove the Landfill Tax exemption for stabilisers used in dredged material from April 2027.

This decision followed a consultation on reforms to Landfill Tax during which the government engaged with a range of stakeholders from key sectors. This decision will not prevent the use of stabilisers, but it will encourage businesses to limit their use to what is necessary.

The Government does not expect the change to have a significant impact on flood risk management as most material removed during routine waterway maintenance of rivers and canals is reused locally and deposited adjacent to the channel, avoiding the need for disposal at landfill sites.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of removing landfill tax exemptions relevant to ports on the viability of major industrial and green energy projects around UK waterways, including projects relating to flood protection and renewable energy.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the vital role that the ports sector plays in supporting the government’s objectives on transport and infrastructure. At the Budget, the Government announced it would legislate to remove the Landfill Tax exemption for stabilisers used in dredged material from April 2027.

This decision followed a consultation on reforms to Landfill Tax during which the government engaged with a range of stakeholders from key sectors. This decision will not prevent the use of stabilisers, but it will encourage businesses to limit their use to what is necessary.

The Government does not expect the change to have a significant impact on flood risk management as most material removed during routine waterway maintenance of rivers and canals is reused locally and deposited adjacent to the channel, avoiding the need for disposal at landfill sites.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in reference to the Office for Budget Responsibility’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook published in March 2026, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of planned fuel duty increases on households in rural and car-dependent areas; and what modelling the Treasury has undertaken on the additional commuting costs faced by motorists in those areas during a period of rising global fuel prices.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Chancellor considers a wide range of impacts when taking decisions on tax policy. At Budget 2025, the Government announced that the 5p cut in fuel duty would be extended until the end of August 2026, with rates then gradually returning to March 2022 levels by March 2027. The planned increase in line with inflation for 2026/27 will also not take place, with RPI uprating resuming from 2027/28 onwards.

Since Autumn Budget 2024, the Government's decisions to freeze fuel duty will save the average motorist over £90 – or 8-11 pence per litre.

The Government has published Tax Impact and Information Notes (TIINs) assessing the impacts of the 2026/27 fuel duty rates, which can be found at GOV.UK:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fuel-duty-rates-for-2026-to-2027/fuel-duty-rates-2026-to-2027

The Rural Fuel Duty Relief Scheme provides a 5p reduction to motorists buying fuel in certain areas. The areas included in the scheme demonstrate certain characteristics such as: pump prices much higher than the UK average; remoteness leading to high fuel transport costs from refinery to filling station, and; relatively low sales meaning that retailers cannot benefit from bulk discounts.

As the Chancellor has set out, a rapid de-escalation in the Middle East remains the best way to keep prices affordable at the pump. As with all taxes, the Government keeps fuel duty under review.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential combined impact of the proposed increase in fuel duty and the recent rise in global oil prices on the price of petrol and diesel in the next 12 months.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Chancellor considers a wide range of impacts when taking decisions on tax policy. At Budget 2025, the Government announced that the 5p cut in fuel duty would be extended until the end of August 2026, with rates then gradually returning to March 2022 levels by March 2027. The planned increase in line with inflation for 2026/27 will also not take place, with RPI uprating resuming from 2027/28 onwards.

Since Autumn Budget 2024, the Government's decisions to freeze fuel duty will save the average motorist over £90 – or 8-11 pence per litre.

The Government has published Tax Impact and Information Notes (TIINs) assessing the impacts of the 2026/27 fuel duty rates, which can be found at GOV.UK:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fuel-duty-rates-for-2026-to-2027/fuel-duty-rates-2026-to-2027

The Rural Fuel Duty Relief Scheme provides a 5p reduction to motorists buying fuel in certain areas. The areas included in the scheme demonstrate certain characteristics such as: pump prices much higher than the UK average; remoteness leading to high fuel transport costs from refinery to filling station, and; relatively low sales meaning that retailers cannot benefit from bulk discounts.

As the Chancellor has set out, a rapid de-escalation in the Middle East remains the best way to keep prices affordable at the pump. As with all taxes, the Government keeps fuel duty under review.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of including refined products in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism before January 2029 or earlier.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government recognises the role that refineries play in energy security and the UK’s industrial base. The Government published a call for evidence (https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/future-of-the-uk-downstream-oil-sector/future-of-the-uk-downstream-oil-sector-call-for-evidence) on the future of the fuel sector on 23rd February 2026 in order to help understand the current state of the refining sector.

Following a strategic and technical assessment by HMG, it has been decided not to expand the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to refined oil products in January 2028. Assessing the case for and feasibility of including refined oil products within the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism at a later date is a priority. We are continuing to work with the sector to assess the options.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the inclusion of refined products in the carbon border adjustment mechanism on national security.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government recognises the role that refineries play in energy security and the UK’s industrial base. The Government published a call for evidence (https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/future-of-the-uk-downstream-oil-sector/future-of-the-uk-downstream-oil-sector-call-for-evidence) on the future of the fuel sector on 23rd February 2026 in order to help understand the current state of the refining sector.

Following a strategic and technical assessment by HMG, it has been decided not to expand the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to refined oil products in January 2028. Assessing the case for and feasibility of including refined oil products within the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism at a later date is a priority. We are continuing to work with the sector to assess the options.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to review VAT on veterinary services.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Tax breaks reduce the revenue available for public services, and must represent value for money for the taxpayer.

Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations.

One of the key considerations for any potential new VAT relief is whether the cost saving is likely to be passed on to consumers. Evidence suggests that businesses only partially pass on any savings from lower VAT rates, meaning that cutting VAT may not be an effective way to reduce prices for consumers.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the overall public finances. Since taking office the Government has taken a number of decisions on tax, welfare, and spending to fix the public finances, fund public services, and restore economic stability. This stability is critical to boosting investment and growth, and to making people across the UK better off.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 20 February 2026 to Question 111688 on Valuation Office Agency: Statistics, what census data is used in the Valuation Office Agency’s council tax modelling.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

I refer the member to the answer given to UIN 111688 on the 17 February 2026 which advises that the VOA uses the Census geographies.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the overseas scale rates for employees travelling outside the UK and cost of living pressures.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Where employers reimburse allowable travel expenses, tax relief is available provided the expenses are wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred for work purposes.

Ordinarily, employers must hold evidence of the employee’s actual expenditure. However, to reduce administrative burdens on employers, HMRC allows expenses for travel outside the UK to be reimbursed without evidence up to the levels contained within the Overseas Scale Rates.

Where the Overseas Scale rates do not cover the expense incurred by employees, employers can still reimburse and provide tax relief provided they have appropriate evidence.

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

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will conduct a review of overseas scale rates for employees travelling outside the UK.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Where employers reimburse allowable travel expenses, tax relief is available provided the expenses are wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred for work purposes.

Ordinarily, employers must hold evidence of the employee’s actual expenditure. However, to reduce administrative burdens on employers, HMRC allows expenses for travel outside the UK to be reimbursed without evidence up to the levels contained within the Overseas Scale Rates.

Where the Overseas Scale rates do not cover the expense incurred by employees, employers can still reimburse and provide tax relief provided they have appropriate evidence.

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

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Office for Budget Responsibility’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook published in March 2026, what estimate she has made of the additional annual cost to the average UK motorist as a result of the planned staged increases in fuel duty between September 2026 and March 2027; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of those increases on household finances.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Chancellor considers a wide range of impacts when taking decisions on tax policy. At Budget 2025, the Government announced that the 5p cut in fuel duty would be extended until the end of August 2026, with rates then gradually returning to March 2022 levels by March 2027. The planned increase in line with inflation for 2026/27 will also not take place, with RPI uprating resuming from 2027/28 onwards.

Since Autumn Budget 2024, the Government's decisions to freeze fuel duty will save the average motorist over £90 – or 8-11 pence per litre.

The Government has published Tax Impact and Information Notes (TIINs) assessing the impacts of the 2026/27 fuel duty rates, which can be found at GOV.UK:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fuel-duty-rates-for-2026-to-2027/fuel-duty-rates-2026-to-2027

The Rural Fuel Duty Relief Scheme provides a 5p reduction to motorists buying fuel in certain areas. The areas included in the scheme demonstrate certain characteristics such as: pump prices much higher than the UK average; remoteness leading to high fuel transport costs from refinery to filling station, and; relatively low sales meaning that retailers cannot benefit from bulk discounts.

As the Chancellor has set out, a rapid de-escalation in the Middle East remains the best way to keep prices affordable at the pump. As with all taxes, the Government keeps fuel duty under review.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to support the growth of the Gaming Industry in Suffolk.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government recognises the role the leisure sector plays in terms of its economic contribution but also to our culture. In the context of gaming, the government understands the benefits that bingo halls bring to local communities, and that bingo is a low-risk activity. To support the high street and community activities the government is abolishing Bingo Duty from April 2026.

More broadly, we are keen to ensure that Britain’s coastline – including the Suffolk coast – remain an attraction to domestic and international visitors. The government has set an ambitious goal to grow annual inbound tourism to 50 million visitors by 2030. To help achieve this, we have established a new Visitor Economy Advisory Council, which is currently helping to co-create a Visitor Economy Growth Strategy. The Strategy endeavours to share the benefits of tourism across every nation and region, including coastal and seaside areas.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what fiscal support her Department is providing to support the growth of the Gaming Industry.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government recognises the role the leisure sector plays in terms of its economic contribution but also to our culture. In the context of gaming, the government understands the benefits that bingo halls bring to local communities, and that bingo is a low-risk activity. To support the high street and community activities the government is abolishing Bingo Duty from April 2026.

More broadly, we are keen to ensure that Britain’s coastline – including the Suffolk coast – remain an attraction to domestic and international visitors. The government has set an ambitious goal to grow annual inbound tourism to 50 million visitors by 2030. To help achieve this, we have established a new Visitor Economy Advisory Council, which is currently helping to co-create a Visitor Economy Growth Strategy. The Strategy endeavours to share the benefits of tourism across every nation and region, including coastal and seaside areas.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to WPQ 112096 answered on 23 February 2026 about 'VAT Fraud,' what recent discussions he has had with HMRC about trends in the levels of cases of organised criminals accessing VAT accounts using customers' registration details and claiming VAT refunds.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC has active investigations into organised crime VAT fraud. However, live case information isn’t routinely published, and disclosing the number of ongoing investigations would risk alerting or enabling those seeking to exploit the tax system.

Further to answer UIN 112096, HMRC have implemented additional controls over recent months to strengthen its systems and ensure access is limited to legitimate customers. As part of this, HMRC has established the Fraud Prevention Centre (FPC), a multi-functional team led by HMRC's Security directorate, focused on the protection, detection and response to identity-related security threats. The FPC also provides enhanced, direct support to customers and manages fraud in line with industry best practice.

HMRC has wide ranging criminal investigation powers, as set out on GOV.UK, and is resourced to investigate serious fraud, deploying compliance and enforcement capability to protect the integrity of the tax system. At Spring Statement 2025, the Government set out plans to expand HMRC's counter-fraud capability, including strengthening its response to organised criminal attacks.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 23 February 2026 to Question 112096 on VAT Fraud, how many cases are being investigated by HMRC of organised criminals accessing VAT accounts using genuine customers' registration details and claiming VAT refunds.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC has active investigations into organised crime VAT fraud. However, live case information isn’t routinely published, and disclosing the number of ongoing investigations would risk alerting or enabling those seeking to exploit the tax system.

Further to answer UIN 112096, HMRC have implemented additional controls over recent months to strengthen its systems and ensure access is limited to legitimate customers. As part of this, HMRC has established the Fraud Prevention Centre (FPC), a multi-functional team led by HMRC's Security directorate, focused on the protection, detection and response to identity-related security threats. The FPC also provides enhanced, direct support to customers and manages fraud in line with industry best practice.

HMRC has wide ranging criminal investigation powers, as set out on GOV.UK, and is resourced to investigate serious fraud, deploying compliance and enforcement capability to protect the integrity of the tax system. At Spring Statement 2025, the Government set out plans to expand HMRC's counter-fraud capability, including strengthening its response to organised criminal attacks.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of HMRC's (a) investigative powers and (b) human resources to investigate cases of organised criminals accessing VAT accounts using genuine customers' registration details and claiming VAT refunds.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC has active investigations into organised crime VAT fraud. However, live case information isn’t routinely published, and disclosing the number of ongoing investigations would risk alerting or enabling those seeking to exploit the tax system.

Further to answer UIN 112096, HMRC have implemented additional controls over recent months to strengthen its systems and ensure access is limited to legitimate customers. As part of this, HMRC has established the Fraud Prevention Centre (FPC), a multi-functional team led by HMRC's Security directorate, focused on the protection, detection and response to identity-related security threats. The FPC also provides enhanced, direct support to customers and manages fraud in line with industry best practice.

HMRC has wide ranging criminal investigation powers, as set out on GOV.UK, and is resourced to investigate serious fraud, deploying compliance and enforcement capability to protect the integrity of the tax system. At Spring Statement 2025, the Government set out plans to expand HMRC's counter-fraud capability, including strengthening its response to organised criminal attacks.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of applying a (a) reduced and (b) zero rate of VAT to essential veterinary (i) treatment and (ii) medicines.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Tax breaks reduce the revenue available for public services, and must represent value for money for the taxpayer.

Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations.

One of the key considerations for any potential new VAT relief is whether the cost saving is likely to be passed on to consumers. Evidence suggests that businesses only partially pass on any savings from lower VAT rates, meaning that cutting VAT may not be an effective way to reduce prices for consumers.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the overall public finances. Since taking office the Government has taken a number of decisions on tax, welfare, and spending to fix the public finances, fund public services, and restore economic stability. This stability is critical to boosting investment and growth, and to making people across the UK better off.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of updating the Approved Mileage Allowance Payments rate.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Approved Mileage Allowance Payments (AMAPs) are used by employers to reimburse an employee's expenses for business mileage in their private vehicle. These rates are also used by self-employed drivers to claim tax relief on business mileage (simplified motoring expenses) and can be used by organisations to reimburse volunteers who use their own vehicle for voluntary purposes.

Employees can claim up to 45p/mile for the first 10,000 miles annually, followed by 25p/mile thereafter. An additional 5p/mile can be claimed for each passenger transported.

The government recognises while AMAP rates have not changed since 2011, the motoring landscape has evolved significantly and it is an important issue for many people who claim motoring expenses. As the Chancellor announced earlier this month, the government will review this issue and will consider this matter further as part of a future fiscal event.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the affordability of HMRC’s policy requiring people with Self-Assessment liabilities above £3,000 to enter into time to pay arrangements subject to interest; and whether she has considered reviewing the interest rate applied to those arrangements to ensure that individuals experiencing loss of income or financial hardship are not disproportionately affected.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC provides support to taxpayers who are unable to pay their tax liabilities in full through time to pay arrangements.

Taxpayers should contact HMRC as soon as possible so we can support them by working to negotiate time to pay what they owe based on their income and expenditure, designed to help customers pay what they owe in smaller, sustainable instalments. They are a longstanding option available to businesses and individuals who are in temporary financial difficulty and can be amended if the customers’ circumstances change.

Late payment interest is charged whenever tax is paid late and continues to accrue on amounts not paid on time, even if those amounts are included in a time to pay arrangement.

HMRC’s interest rates are set by statutory instrument. It is open to us to alter the rates, and we keep this under review. The rate balances the need to encourage payment, ensure fairness for those who do pay on time, the cost to the public purse of delayed payment, and affordability. Time to pay, and the guidance offered by HMRC advisers, is the mechanism by which additional support is given where needed.

If the rate of late payment interest is too low, HMRC may become the lender of first preference to some customers, impairing our ability to efficiently collect taxes and fund public services. HMRC’s debt balance grew significantly during the pandemic, and there is a risk of anything that encourages taxpayers to delay payment will further increase this. HMRC’s interest rate was linked to the Base of England base rate (BOE) in 2009 to introduce an element of independence in the rate setting. HMRC late payment rate is set in legislation as BOE +4% from April 2025.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate her Department has made of the compliance costs incurred by businesses to meet Making Tax Digital requirements to date for which the latest data is available.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC’s published assessment of the potential impact of MTD for Income Tax on taxpayers joining from April 2026 is available at:

Extension of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment to sole traders and landlords - GOV.UK

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the number of high net worth individuals who have left the UK in each year since 2024.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

There is no single agreed definition of a high net worth individual, and taxpayers are not always required to inform HM Revenue and Customs when they leave the UK. Some individuals may submit a P85 after leaving the UK if they are seeking a repayment of income tax, but this is not required in all cases.

Taxpayers within Self Assessment can indicate that they have become non‑resident. Self Assessment tax returns for the 2025–26 tax year are not due until 31 January 2027.

The reforms to the tax treatment of non-domiciled individuals have been specifically designed to make the UK competitive, with a modern, simple tax regime that is also fair. The introduction of a residence-based tax system is expected to raise £39.5bn by 2030-31 (as costed by the OBR last autumn), and the OBR have said that there is no firm evidence to change the estimated impact of the reforms on migration. As set out at Budget 2025, the Chancellor has been clear that she will continue to assess the regime to ensure it strikes the right balance, including on competitiveness.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the preparedness of (1) landlords, and (2) self-employed people, for making quarterly Making Tax Digital returns from April.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government has taken a number of steps to help ensure those needing to use MTD for Income Tax from April 2026 are ready and can do so successfully. This includes media campaigns, awareness letters and extensive online help, such as webinars, recorded YouTube videos, e‑learning, and guidance on GOV.UK. A wide range of MTD‑compatible software products is available, including free options, and thousands of new taxpayers are signing up to the service every week.

MTD quarterly updates are not like making a tax return each quarter. Software will manage much of the process, creating simple summaries of income and expenses from the taxpayer’s digital records ready for submission. Information will be carried forward to the tax return, helping to reduce errors and make the end of year process faster and easier.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in the light of their legislative plans to cap salary sacrificed pension contributions, whether both workers and employers will have to pay national insurance on pension contributions above the £2,000 limit, or whether only workers will have to pay additional national insurance.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government announced at the Budget last year that salary sacrificed in favour of employer pension contributions will be chargeable to employee and employer NICs from April 2029, but only on amounts exceeding £2,000. This £2,000 threshold ensures that those on higher incomes do not get a disproportionate benefit, whilst protecting lower income employees and their employers making typical contributions.

Saving into a pension, including through salary sacrifice, remains highly tax advantageous. The Government continues to provide over £70 billion of income tax and NICs relief on pension contributions each year.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to expand the Bank of England's remit to include focusing on growth and the overall health of the economy, as well as bearing down on inflation.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government has no plans to change the remit of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

Subject to maintaining price stability, the MPC’s secondary objective is to support the economic policy of the Government, which is to “restore broad based and resilient growth built on strong and secure foundations”. The MPC regularly states that it sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target “in a way that helps to sustain growth and employment”.

Low and stable inflation is essential for long-term economic growth, so the MPC has the Government’s full support as it acts to return inflation to target sustainably.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with the Department of Health and Social Care on the provision financial redress for families affected by sodium valproate during pregnancy.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care are in regular contact on a range of issues.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of (a) business rates and (b) other property-based business taxation on town centres and high streets.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street. That is why, from April, the Government will introduce new permanently lower multipliers for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. These new multipliers are worth nearly £1 billion per year and will benefit over 750,000 properties, including those in town centres and on the high street.

The new RHL multipliers replace the temporary RHL relief that has been winding down since the pandemic. Unlike RHL relief, the new multipliers are permanent, giving businesses certainty and stability, and there will be no cap, meaning all qualifying properties on high streets across England will benefit.

In addition, at the Budget, the Government announced a support package worth £4.3 billion to help protect ratepayers seeing large bills increases as a result of the 2026 revaluation.

On top of this, pubs and live music venues will benefit from 15% off their new business rates bills from April, ahead of their bills being frozen for two years in real terms.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to Answer of 10 February 2026 to Question 109627 on Music Venues and Public Houses: Business Rates, if she will publish information on pubs and live music venues relief.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

In 2026/27, all pubs and live music venues will benefit from 15% relief on their new business rates bills on top of the support announced at the Budget. Their bills will then be frozen in real terms for two years from April 2027.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs' Oral Statement of 19 March 2026 on International Development, Official Report, columns 1042-1045, what proportion of the reduction in the development budget will be spent on defence in (a) 2026/27, (b) 2027/28 and (c) 2028/29.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

In 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29, 100 percent of the reduction in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be spent on defence.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the use of artificial intelligence tools by consumers when making mortgage and other financial product decisions, and (2) the implications of that use for consumer protection.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The majority of mortgage loans are intermediated. Mortgage brokers are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and must comply with FCA Rules including the Consumer Duty and relevant mortgage conduct rules.

Regulated firms are already required to manage technology-related risks to consumers and financial stability, including those arising from the use of artificial intelligence (AI), under existing FCA rules. These include requirements relating to governance, operational resilience and data use.

The Government believes that the safe adoption of AI by the financial services sector is a major strategic opportunity that will power growth across the economy. As set out by the Chancellor in her Mais lecture, the Government’s ambition is for the UK to be the fastest adopter of AI in the G7, to boost productivity, drive economic growth, and deliver better products for consumers.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of allowing people with disabilities and chronic illness so add voluntary National Insurance contributions beyond the current six year limit.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Individuals can pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for up to six years in arrears to fill gaps in their National Insurance record.

There are also a wide range of National Insurance credits available, ensuring people can build their National Insurance record. Some are linked to benefits that can be claimed in relation to illness or disability such as Employment and Support Allowance.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the Action Plan to ensure regulators and regulation support growth, published on 17 March 2025, what assessment they have made of the potential for more novel and contentious funding proposals to drive private investment and encourage regulators to increase innovation.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Well-designed and well-implemented regulation has an essential role in unlocking investment and innovation. In the Action Plan, the Government is clear that the cumulative burden of regulation has grown to disproportionate levels, fuelling complexity and uncertainty; and that excessive baked-in risk-aversion and unpredictable regulatory processes can negatively impact growth.

The Government is addressing these challenges by bringing the administrative burden of regulation down by 25 per cent; increasing the strategic alignment between the Government's objectives and regulator activity; and backing regulators to challenge excessive risk aversion across the system.

To ensure regulation keeps pace with technological change, the Business Secretary will soon legislate for our new ‘Growth Labs’. This is a new approach to regulation, with the power to make rapid, temporary amendments to regulation to safely test and prove application of new tech.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing relief on employer's National Insurance Contributions for a) those not in education, employment or training, b) the long-term sick and c) those under the age of 24.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Businesses are able to claim employer National Insurance Contribution reliefs including those for under-21s and under-25 apprentices on earnings up to £50,270. These reliefs are forecast to be worth around £2.5 billion in 2025/26.

The government is committed to providing young people with the support they need to earn or learn. At the last Budget, we committed more than £1.5 billion to back young people through the Youth Guarantee and invest additional funding in the Growth and Skills Levy. We recently went further, announcing around £1 billion more to help unlock up to 200,000 job and apprenticeship opportunities for young people.

The government will also provide personalised employment and health support for anyone on out of work benefits with a work-limiting health condition or disability, as set out in the Pathways to Work Green Paper.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of providing relief on employer's National Insurance Contributions for those a) not in education, employment or training and b) under the age of 24 on youth unemployment.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Businesses are able to claim employer National Insurance Contribution reliefs including those for under-21s and under-25 apprentices on earnings up to £50,270. These reliefs are forecast to be worth around £2.5 billion in 2025/26.

The government is committed to providing young people with the support they need to earn or learn. At the last Budget, we committed more than £1.5 billion to back young people through the Youth Guarantee and invest additional funding in the Growth and Skills Levy. We recently went further, announcing around £1 billion more to help unlock up to 200,000 job and apprenticeship opportunities for young people.

The government will also provide personalised employment and health support for anyone on out of work benefits with a work-limiting health condition or disability, as set out in the Pathways to Work Green Paper.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the actions under the Agenda for Change uplift and a fairer deal for nurses statement for NHS England published on on 12 February 2026 will lead to additional funding for the Welsh Government through the Barnett Formula.

Answered by James Murray - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The Department for Health and Social Care received funding to deliver the actions under the Agenda for Change uplift and a fairer deal for nurses statement at Spending Review 2025, with the Barnett formula applying in the usual way, as set out in the Statement of Funding Policy.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much of the money allocated to the Equitable Life compensation fund is expected to be retained by her Department, in the context of contingency funds.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Equitable Life Payment Scheme has been fully wound down and closed since 2016. The only remaining part of the Payment Scheme in operation is the annual payments made to eligible With-Profit-Annuitants and the Scheme is on track to distribute the remainder of the £1.5 billion as planned.

There are no plans to reopen any decisions relating to the Payment Scheme or review the £1.5 billion funding allocation previously made to it. Further guidance on the status of the Payment Scheme after closure is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equitable-life-payment-scheme#closure-of-the-scheme.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will take steps to ensure that contingency funding linked to the Equitable Life Payment Scheme will be used to compensate Equitable Life policyholders.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Equitable Life Payment Scheme has been fully wound down and closed since 2016. The only remaining part of the Payment Scheme in operation is the annual payments made to eligible With-Profit-Annuitants and the Scheme is on track to distribute the remainder of the £1.5 billion as planned.

There are no plans to reopen any decisions relating to the Payment Scheme or review the £1.5 billion funding allocation previously made to it. Further guidance on the status of the Payment Scheme after closure is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equitable-life-payment-scheme#closure-of-the-scheme.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the Equitable Members' Action Group’s analysis of Government spending on the compensation package for people affected by financial losses related to Equitable Life policies, published in January 2026.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Equitable Life Payment Scheme has been fully wound down and closed since 2016. The only remaining part of the Payment Scheme in operation is the annual payments made to eligible With-Profit-Annuitants and the Scheme is on track to distribute the remainder of the £1.5 billion as planned.

There are no plans to reopen any decisions relating to the Payment Scheme or review the £1.5 billion funding allocation previously made to it. Further guidance on the status of the Payment Scheme after closure is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equitable-life-payment-scheme#closure-of-the-scheme.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of increases in regulatory alignment with the EU on economic growth in the Buckingham and Bletchley constituency.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Leaving the EU increased costs for businesses and consumers, shrank markets for UK exporters, and left our strategic industries exposed. Since March 2020, the OBR has maintained its estimate that productivity will be 4% lower in the long run than it would have been had the UK not withdrawn from the EU. Recent independent studies indicate its GDP impacts could be as much as 6% to 8%.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what analysis HM Treasury has undertaken on the potential effect of UK–EU alignment measures on levels of UK competitiveness.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Leaving the EU increased costs for businesses and consumers, shrank markets for UK exporters, and left our strategic industries exposed. Since March 2020, the OBR has maintained its estimate that productivity will be 4% lower in the long run than it would have been had the UK not withdrawn from the EU. Recent independent studies indicate its GDP impacts could be as much as 6% to 8%.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of increases in levels of UK-EU alignment on UK labour markets.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Leaving the EU increased costs for businesses and consumers, shrank markets for UK exporters, and left our strategic industries exposed. Since March 2020, the OBR has maintained its estimate that productivity will be 4% lower in the long run than it would have been had the UK not withdrawn from the EU. Recent independent studies indicate its GDP impacts could be as much as 6% to 8%.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential economic impact on Scottish communities of the estimated £551 million shortfall between the Financial Conduct Authority's proposed motor finance redress scheme pay outs and potential court awards as outlined in the APPG on Fair Banking Report on Car Finance redress published in November 2025.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government wants to see this issue resolved in an efficient and orderly way that provides certainty for consumers and firms.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as the independent regulator, has consulted on proposals for a motor finance consumer redress scheme. The FCA has announced that it will set out its final approach to motor finance redress on 30 March: https://www.fca.org.uk/news/statements/timing-fca-motor-finance-announcement.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether banking hubs are obliged to accept cheque deposits.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises that cheques remain an important payment method for some people. Decisions on whether cheque deposits are accepted and processed through Post Office counters in banking hubs are commercial matters for individual banks, based on their arrangements with the Post Office and Cash Access UK, which operates banking hubs.

Most retail banks currently accept cheque deposits at banking hubs and the Government expects firms to ensure that customers can continue to access the services they need.

Where this service is not available at a banking hub counter, customers continue to have alternative options to pay in cheques, including at bank branches and by post, or digitally via mobile banking apps using cheque imaging technology.

Any customers affected by changes to cheque depositing services offered through banking hubs are encouraged to contact their bank directly to request information about the bank’s plans to support them.

The Government continues to engage with the banking industry banking industry, the Post Office and Cash Access UK to improve the consistency and level of services provided through banking hubs, so that they meet the needs of communities across the UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who she has had discussions with in the Northern Ireland Executive on the Credit Union Common Bond Reform Call for Evidence Response.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The call for evidence response on credit union common bond reform in Great Britain was published on 18 March 2026. The call for evidence itself ran from November 2024 to March 2025 and was open to all to submit responses. As credit union policy is devolved to Northern Ireland, the measures announced in the government’s response apply only to Great Britain.

HM Treasury has kept the Northern Ireland Executive informed. The government has written to ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive to notify them of the legislative changes being taken forward in Great Britain. Treasury officials also engaged with counterparts in the Northern Ireland Executive during the call for evidence, and this engagement is continuing following publication of the response.

These reforms will modernise the common bond framework, support the growth of the credit union sector, and help ensure that it can continue to deliver positive outcomes for members and communities across Great Britain.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with the Financial Conduct Authority regarding its proposal to set compensatory interest for motor finance redress at the Bank of England base rate plus one per cent, in the context courts recently awarding eight per cent to compensate vulnerable consumers for consequential financial losses.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government wants to see this issue resolved in an efficient and orderly way that provides certainty for consumers and firms.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as the independent regulator, has consulted on proposals for a motor finance consumer redress scheme. The FCA has announced that it will set out its final approach to motor finance redress on 30 March: https://www.fca.org.uk/news/statements/timing-fca-motor-finance-announcement.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what sectors have been identified as priorities for UK–EU alignment under the growth plan.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Alignment will be an iterative process and decisions will be based on the national interest principles set out by the Chancellor on 17 March. This means a decision to align will be made if:

- It promotes higher growth, investment, consumer benefits, and jobs for the long-term

- The future direction of policy is sufficiently stable and compatible, in terms of values and objectives

- The UK’s economic and national security and resilience is preserved or enhanced.

The Government is currently negotiating an agrifood deal that could add up to £5.1 billion a year to our economy and increase agricultural exports to the EU by 16 per cent.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when her Department expects all eligible retired members of public service pension schemes under its responsibility to receive their McCloud remedy payments; and what steps she is taking to expedite payments to affected pensioners.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Scheme managers of the individual public service pension schemes are responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of the McCloud remedy to affected members. I have written to scheme managers to remind them of their responsibilities to implement the remedy as quickly as possible and ensure that scheme members and the Pensions Regulator are kept informed of progress and plans.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Office for Budget Responsibility’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook published in March 2026, what the forecast rate of UK economic growth is expected to be in each year of the forecast period; what the principal risks are to those forecasts; and what policy measures she intends to pursue to improve long-term productivity and economic growth.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) published its latest Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO) on the 3^rd March 2026. The OBR forecasts that the UK economy will grow by 1.1% in 2026, and will then grow at an average rate of 1.6% per year from 2027 to 2030.

The OBR set out in their EFO what they see as the key risks to the forecasts. In their press conference, the OBR emphasised that while the central forecast does not assume a renewed energy shock, the conflict represents the key downside risk.

The government’s economic strategy is focused on delivering long-term reform, ensuring the UK is better placed to withstand external shocks. This includes targeted investment to boost growth, support innovation, and strengthen trading relationships, alongside action to improve our labour market participation and skills. These interventions form part of a broader plan to raise productivity, expand economic capacity and support living standards across the UK, while strengthening our economic resilience in an age of global insecurity shaped by geopolitical tensions, including those involving Iran.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Office for Budget Responsibility’s Economic and Fiscal Outlook published in March 2026, what fiscal headroom the Government is forecast to have against its fiscal rules in each year of the forecast period; what sensitivity analysis has been undertaken by the Office for Budget Responsibility regarding changes in growth, interest rates or inflation; and what assessment she has made of the level of risks to the Government’s ability to meet its fiscal targets.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

In line with the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)'s mandate, the OBR did not provide a formal assessment of performance against the fiscal rules at the Spring forecast on 3 March. The fiscal rules will be formally assessed alongside the Budget.

As the Chancellor said in her speech to the House, the forecast shows headroom against the stability rule has increased since the Budget from £21.7bn at the Budget to £23.6bn in 2029-30, which is the target year, meaning greater resilience against shocks and stability in the economy. Headroom against the investment rule is also higher at £27.1bn in 2029-30.

As an independent body, the OBR has full discretion over its forecast methodology and the judgements underpinning its forecasts. As is standard, the March 2026 Economic and Fiscal Outlooks included sensitivity analysis around key economic variables and highlighted upside and downside risks to its central forecast

Found: HM Treasury

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Found: HM Treasury

Found: HM Treasury

Found: The National Audit Office is outside of the HM Treasury Spending Review process and receives spending

Found: Budget movement The 2026 -27 budget increases by £251k, reflecting a change in how HM Treasury requires

Found: Before deciding whether it is satisfied, the Committee must consult HM Treasury and have regard for

Found: It was noted that the Chief Secretary’s advice was given on the basis as to how HM Treasury would treat

Found: Moved to RAME following HMT guidance 3.

Found: Approval This memorandum has been prepared according to the requirements and guidance set out by HM Treasury

Found: Response by HM Treasury to the Inheritance tax measures: unused pension funds and agricultural and business

Found: Under its DIGIT pilot, HM Treasury will be using a platform within the DSS to issue digitally native

Found: What discussions are taking place between DSIT, HM Treasury and UKRI in relation to the STFC funding

Found: HM Treasury shapes behaviour through vehicle taxation, incentives and capital support.

Found: No, Defra is an unprotected department and without financial commitment from HM Treasury there cannot

Found: As such, HM Treasury should play a role in 1 Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, Councils’

Found: this such as through Defra’s damage cost approach, or over typical lifetimes as specified through HM Treasury

Found:  DfT, DHCLG, DESNZ, HMT, exert substantial influence over the structural drivers of air pollution.

Found: trends and nitrogen deposition indicators. [7][13]Written submission from Hleb Buziuk (AIR0003) ● HM Treasury

Found: Zinc (where the threshold is 100 kg) 39.Defra seems unable to secure the funding and support from HM Treasury

Found: Research: Cybersecurity UIN 93076, 28 November 2025 9 National Energy System Operator (TNS0031) 10 HM Treasury

Found: HM Treasury should require public bodies to set out in their annual reports what they are doing to tackle

Found: Tse, Director, National Audit Office and Edward Pinney, Alternate Treasury Officer of Accounts, HM Treasury

Found: For the UK, this suggests that coherence between the Bank of England, the FCA, and HM Treasury will

Found: development of the future regulatory regime for cryptoassets.We would propose that regulators and HMT

Found: We recommend that the Department work closely with HM Treasury and the House of Commons Scrutiny Unit

Found: The Scotland Office will work with HM Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade to ensure

Found: DBT will continue to work closely with HM Treasury, and all funding decisions will be guided by strategic

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

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

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

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

Found: RICS is recognised as a Designated Professional Body by HM Treasury and the Financial Conduct Authority

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Home Office guidance, Funding Instruction for Local Authorities: Asylum Grant 2025 - 2026, updated 23 April 2025, how many councils are participating in the LA-led asylum accommodation pilots.

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

The Asylum Grant supports local authorities with a contribution to the costs and pressures of accommodating asylum seekers across all eligible accommodation types through a baseline payment of £1,200 per occupied bedspace and quarterly growth payments of £100 per net growth in newly occupied bedspaces. This grant started in 2021/22 and has been renewed yearly with the approval of HM Treasury. There is no unique link between this and local authority-led asylum accommodation pilots. No decisions have yet been made on which local authorities will participate in asylum accommodation pilots.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of artificial intelligence on employment in the next five years.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government recognises that AI is transforming workplaces, demanding new skills and augmenting existing roles. We have launched the AI and the Future of Work Unit - a cross‑government function dedicated to ensuring AI delivers positive outcomes for the economy, jobs, and workers. We are preparing for a range of possible futures to ensure this transformation boosts productivity and opportunities and the Government launched an assessment of AI impacts on the labour markets in January 2026.

To build a digitally skilled workforce to support long-term economic growth, drive innovation and expand individual opportunity we are supporting AI Skills Boost to upskill 10 million workers in AI skills by 2030. We have already delivered more than 1 million AI training courses have been delivered to workers across the UK.

Building on the Future of Work Unit, the Chancellor announced a new AI Economics Institute in her recent Mais Lecture. This joint HMT-DSIT institute will incorporate the FoW Unit, as part of a broader focus on the economics of AI, including labour market, productivity and other impacts.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the freeze in Local Housing Allowance on levels of rough sleeping and homelessness in England.

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

The causes of rough sleeping and homelessness are multifaceted and are driven by a range of factors, both personal and structural.

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates are annually reviewed, usually in the Autumn. At Autumn budget 2025, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions reviewed LHA and announced that rates would be maintained at their current levels for 2026/27. Rent levels across Great Britian were considered alongside other factors such as the challenging fiscal context and welfare priorities, including the removal of the two-child limit which will bring 450,000 children out of poverty.

DWP worked closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on the National Plan to End Homelessness, which is driving sustainable change and addressing the root causes of homelessness and we continue working together with MHCLG and HMT to keep LHA rates under review.

Renters facing a shortfall in meeting their housing costs can apply for discretionary housing support from local authorities.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether any changes are being made to the requirements of Whitehall departments and their agencies to publish trade union facility time information in their annual report and accounts, and the broader collection of such data by departments.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The current published HMT financial reporting manual (FReM) requires organisations in scope of FReM to report facility time data in their annual accounts. However, the FReM requirement is linked to the Trade Union (Facility Time Publication Requirements) Regulations 2017. These regulations were repealed on 18 February 2026, when the relevant provisions of the Employment Rights Act 2025 came into force.

Therefore, Whitehall departments and agencies do not need to report facility time in their accounts published following the repeal.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of 9 March 2026 on Middle East: Economic Update, Official Report, columns 43-45, whether the money allocated to his Department through the special reserve can only fund operations in the Middle East.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Funding from the Special Reserve is not limited to any single region. The Reserve exists to meet the net additional costs of National Security Council (NSC)‑approved operations, subject to HM Treasury agreement.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department requires the use of open‑source software, open standards or open interfaces as part of its oversight and approval of major IT procurement across Government.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

As of February 2025, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), through its incorporation of the Government Digital Service (GDS), requires full consideration be given to the use of open standards and open-source software.

DSIT oversight and approval processes for major IT spend is governed by the requirements and guidance contained in several key GDS publications:

• Technology Code of Practice (TCoP): This is the primary set of criteria used for government digital and technology spend controls. It explicitly requires departments to "be open and use open source" and to build technology using open standards to ensure interoperability and avoid vendor lock-in.
• The Service Standard: Point 12 requires teams to "make new source code open" and available for reuse across government, while Point 13 mandates the use of and contribution to open standards and common components.
• Open Standards Principles: The government's open standards principles state that the standards must be used for software interoperability, data, and document formats unless a specific exemption is granted.

Oversight Mechanisms

• v.6 Government Digital and Technology Controls are in place until 31 March 2026: all unexempted digital and technology spend proposals that fall within scope, must obtain DSIT Digital spend control approval prior to committing spend.
• In scope spend for public-facing digital services is whole life cost above £100,000.
• In scope spend for all other technology is whole life cost above £1,000,000.
• To obtain spend approval, departmental assurers (and, according to risk, GDS) benchmark the spend proposal against the requirements and guidance contained with the three key publications cited at section 2 above.

From 1 April 2026 onwards, each department is accountable for applying all functional standards as set by DSIT, regarding Digital, Data and Technology spends. Functional assurance will only be conducted by DSIT where the spend exceeds the Department’s Delegated Authority Limit (DAL) set by HM Treasury.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on special severance payments in each of the last three years.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) reports Special Severance Payments in its Annual Report and Accounts in accordance with HM Treasury and FREM requirements. For core MOD, the audited figures published in the Annual Report and Accounts are as follows (rounded to the nearest £1,000):

2022–23: £556,000 (14 cases)

2023–24: £1,074,000 (13 cases)

2024–25: £3,418,000 (40 cases)

In addition, the UK Hydrographic Office has reported two Special Severance Payments in 2025, totalling £80,000. UKHO data is not included in the MOD Annual Report and Accounts as UKHO publishes its own accounts separately.

Found: discussion of this, see OBR, Fiscal risks report – July 2021, July 2021, paragraphs 1.32-1.41 12 HM Treasury

Found: be authorised by Parliament.21 This is partly done by supply and appropriation acts.22 However, HM Treasury

Found: the future: • The UK Cryptoassets Taskforce, a joint body of the Financial Conduct Authority, HM Treasury

Found: HMP His Majesty’s Prison HMPPS His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (or the Prison Service) HMT

Found: comparison or control group, and where estimates of the size of an effect are less important (HM Treasury

Found: We also received evidence from His Majesty’s Treasury (HM Treasury) and the Association of Dental Groups

Found: Spending outside delegated authorities (for HM Treasury/IPA led approvals) HM Treasury approves: all

Found: (HMT) spending teams.

Found: HM Treasury (2003) The Green Book, Appraisal and Evaluation in Central Government, (2003 version includes

Found: assumptions and data A social discount rate of 3.5 per cent is used to obtain present values, see HM Treasury

Found: assumptions and data A social discount rate of 3.5 per cent is used to obtain present values, see HM Treasury

Found: The selling price should be in pounds and should be gross of any levy to HM Treasury but net of any

Found: Grant Award Grant determination letters will be drafted and awarded by the Department following HM Treasury

Found: For media enquiries, contact HMT press office.

Found: Cabinet Office and HM Treasury spend controls may also apply, depending on the value of the contract

Found: Cabinet Office and HM Treasury spend controls may also apply, depending on the value of the contract

Found: ">Corporate

Found: February 2026 Contributions DBT - Corporate Services - DBT - CS - Chief Finance Officer Directorates HM Treasury

Found: DBT - CS - Chief Finance Officer Directorates

Found: Payment - Government Outcomes Lab Programme 169 The funding was vired to DCMS from DWP as part of HMT

Found: next steps for open banking 25 FCA (2025): FCA and PSR set out next steps for open banking 26 HM Treasury

Found: next steps for open banking 25 FCA (2025): FCA and PSR set out next steps for open banking 26 HM Treasury

Found: These stem from budgetary controls that HM Treasury applies to the Department of Health and Social Care

Found: These stem from budgetary controls that HM Treasury applies to the Department of Health and Social Care

Found: Financial support In a pandemic, DHSC, HM Treasury, HM Revenue and Customs, the Department for Work

Found: Monetized benefits and NPVs HMT Green Book Supplementary Guidance tables21.

Found: collaborated closely with the Food Standards Agency and other government departments including DCMS, DBT and HMT

Found: Responses to the consultation may be shared with HM Treasury.

Found: Managed by Defra, in collaboration with departments including the Cabinet Office, DBT, DESNZ, and HM Treasury

Found: [Accessed January 2025]. [25] HM Treasury, “The Green Book,” 16 May 2024. [Online].

Found: HM Treasury discount rates are used, which adjust for social time preference, defined as the value

Found: [3] HM Treasury, “The Green Book,” 2022. [Online].

Found: HM Treasury discount rates are used, which adjust for social time preference, defined as the value

Found: [3] HM Treasury, “The Green Book,” 2022. [Online].

Found: HM Treasury discount rates are used, which adjust for social time preference, defined as the value society

Found: [4] HM Treasury, “The Green Book,” 2022. [Online].

Found: [Accessed 06 June 2025]. [3] HM Treasury, “The Green Book,” 2022. [Online].

Found: “Agriculture baseline, in Lower Welland Environment and Agriculture Appendix,” ARUP, 2025. [4] HM Treasury

Found: HM Treasury discount rates are used, which adjust for social time preference, defined as the value

Found: HM Treasury discount rates are used, which adjust for social time preference, defined as the value

Found: [2] HM Treasury, “The Green Book,” 2022. [Online].

Found: [3] HM Treasury, “The Green Book,” 2022. [Online].

Found: HM Treasury discount rates are used, which adjust for social time preference, defined as the value

Found: Departmental Expenditure Limit (RDEL) and Capital Departmental Expenditure Limit (CDEL) from HM Treasury

Found: _0292_2324-Q3 Enterprise Customer Relationship Management HMRC HMT_0004_2021-Q2 NS&I Transformation HMT

Found: ) system;Delegated grades AO to Grade 6 where GLD has the ability, within the frameworks set by HM Treasury

Found: __cell">Risk Control and Financial Accounting

Found: HM Treasury requires that all central government departments publish details of their spending for transactions

Found: Sheet1 Unique HMT Project ID Project Name Department Procuring Authority Procuring authority type Sector

Found: The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) collates this as part of HM Treasury

Found: Quasi-experimental methods are recommended by the HM Treasury Green Book and Magenta Book as the most

Found: inflation forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), the Bank of England (BoE)and the HM Treasury

Found: inflation forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), the Bank of England (BoE)and the HM Treasury

Found: This is set to an annual rate of 3.5% for the 10-year appraisal period, in line with HMT Greenbook

Found: RPC-HMT-25105-IA(1) 1 06/01/2026 The Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment and Miscellaneous

Found:  gave a ‘green’ rating to the impact assessment for the reforms proposed by His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT

Found: HMP His Majesty’s Prison HMPPS His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (or the Prison Service) HMT

Found: We also received evidence from His Majesty’s Treasury (HM Treasury) and the Association of Dental Groups

Found: Report. 4.5 The data we present are the most up-to-date government sources available to us from ONS, HMT

Found: monthly basis Within 30 days of the end of a Yearly Quarter, the UK DP must make a report to HM Treasury

Found: Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM Treasury

Found: assumptions and data A social discount rate of 3.5 per cent is used to obtain present values, see HM Treasury

Found: assumptions and data A social discount rate of 3.5 per cent is used to obtain present values, see HM Treasury

Found: HM Treasury (2003) The Green Book, Appraisal and Evaluation in Central Government, (2003 version includes

Found: employees of other central banks, financial institutions and finance ministries to undertake a work HM Treasury

Found: Project governance, budgeting and transparency. 1.3 You should read this guidance alongside: • HM Treasury

Found: You should read this guidance alongside: HM Treasury Green Book and Business Case guidance (including

Found: Transaction Control Framework, ensuring long-term value for money by deploying finance in line with HM Treasury

Found: (HMT), the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) and Cabinet Office (

Found: Projects not on the GMPP but still requiring HM Treasury approval will continue to have their expenditure

Found: UKGI is owned by HM Treasury and independently managed with a Board comprised predominantly of independent

Found: Section 8 Taxation (Cross -Border Trade) Act 2018 requires HM Treasury to make regulations establishing

Found: (6) The HM Treasury Public Expenditure Statistical Analysis for 2019 demonstrates a spending review

Found: Comptroller and Auditor General (the National Audit Office) by mutual agreement with the FCDO and HM Treasury

Found: Where recommendations include proposals on tax policy, DCMS will be providing evidence to HM Treasury

Found: Managing Public Money (“MPM”) (as updated from time to time) and has been approved by HM Treasury

Found: The following set of Freedoms was approved by HM Treasury and Cabinet Office on 26 April

Found: Appropriate planning should be carried out to account for DCMS & HMT approval

Found: Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) in accordance with HM Treasury's (HMT

Found: Presently, HM Treasury sets a total amount of Department Expenditure Limits across all departments, which

Found: Retrieved from https://www.gov.scot/publications/evaluation-five-family-payments/ 20 HM Treasury. (2003

Found: The Cabinet Secretary said: “The timing of the consultation is in the hands of HM Treasury, but this

Found: therefore urge the government to allow the BBC greater access to capital and will work closely with HM Treasury

Found: Committee recommends that the Welsh Government provides an update on discussions it has held with HM Treasury

Found: Committee recommends that the Welsh Government provides an update on discussions it has held with HM Treasury

Found: financial year and calls on the Welsh Government to provide an update on any discussions it has with HM Treasury

Found: Logic models and theories of change are commonly used to evaluate policies (see for example HM Treasury

Found: as set out in your Business Plan 26/27, provided that all acquisitions are in accordance with HM Treasury

Found: It also follows confirmation from HM Treasury earlier this year that no budgetary solution would be offered

Found: This treatment is fully consistent with HM Treasury Green Book guidance on identifying real economic

Found: Managing Public Money, issued by HM Treasury in June 2025, emphasises that effective IP management is

Found: requirements in the WG research specification and research aims, and followed the principles set out in HM Treasury

Found: concerning the Estate and the revenue derived from the Estate in England and Wales has accrued to HM Treasury

Found: The Fair Deal guidance was published by HM Treasury in June 1999 as A Fair Deal for Staff Pensions.

Found: The Fair Deal guidance was published by HM Treasury in June 1999 as A Fair Deal for Staff Pensions.

Found: 2003 ensure that the principles set out in the Cabinet Office Statement (with the accompanying HM Treasury

Found: appropriate, using processes set out in Managing Public Money and specified by His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT