Asked by: Lord Gilbert of Panteg (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask His Majesty's Government, in light of page 57 of the Annual Report and Accounts of HM Treasury: Year to the 31 March 2026, published on 15 July, how many copies of the book “Can't we just print more money”, are currently owned by HM Treasury.
Answered by Lord Pitt-Watson - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
HM Treasury does not hold a copy of this book.
Asked by: Lord Gilbert of Panteg (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask His Majesty's Government, in light of the statement in paragraph 3.53 and footnote 54 in the report by the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR), Fiscal risks and sustainability – July 2026, published on 7 July, on what basis the OBR stated that HM Treasury confirmed to the OBR their policy on increasing the state pension age to 68 in 2037-39; whether they intend to raise the state pension age to 68 in 2037-39 rather than as set out in current legislation; and whether they will publish the communications between HM Treasury and the OBR which informed this statement.
Answered by Lord Pitt-Watson - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The legislated timetable for the State Pension age to rise to 68 is between 2044 and 2046. The previous government publicly committed to raising the State Pension age to 68 between 2037 and 2039, and the OBR has reflected that position since 2018
In July 2025, the government announced the launch of the third review of the State Pension age, which is required by legislation. This statutory review is considering whether the rules around pensionable age are appropriate, taking into account latest life expectancy data and other relevant factors and evidence. This review is ongoing. The Government cannot pre-empt the outcome of the State Pension age Review.
Asked by: Lord Gilbert of Panteg (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Livermore on 29 April (HL16703), what were the specific Budget policies that were trailed or announced to the media ahead of the Budget that were not accompanied by a statement to Parliament at the time.
Answered by Lord Livermore
There are occasions where the Government will trail and/or announce policy ahead of a Budget to provide context and help the public understand major fiscal events.
Consistent with the Macpherson Principles, the Civil Service Code, The Ministerial Code and the Special Advisers’ Code, any such communications are tightly controlled, respect Parliament, and protect market‑sensitive information.
Asked by: Lord Gilbert of Panteg (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Livermore on 30 March (HL15584), whether the trailing of the Budget 2025 policy in advance of the budget statement included briefings to the media that were not accompanied by a formal ministerial statement to Parliament or an official government press release.
Answered by Lord Livermore
I refer the noble lord to the Answer on 30 March (HL15584). Consistent with the Macpherson Principles, the Civil Service Code and the Special Advisers’ Code, there are occasions where the Government will trail and/or announce policy ahead of a Budget to provide context and help the public understand major fiscal events.
Any such communications are tightly controlled, respect Parliament, and protect market‑sensitive information
Asked by: Lord Gilbert of Panteg (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Lord Livermore on 9 December 2025 (HL12629) and 27 January (HL13469), whether any special advisers briefed Budget 2025 policy announcements to the media (1) prior to formal ministerial statements made to Parliaments, and (2) without an accompanying official government announcement.
Answered by Lord Livermore
The Treasury, its Ministers and Special Advisers place the utmost importance on Budget information security. As set out in the Budget Information Security Review, Ministers, officials and Special Advisers act in line with the Macpherson Principles, the Civil Service Code and the Special Advisers’ Code.
Consistent with these principles, there are occasions where the Government will trail and/or announce policy ahead of a Budget to provide context and help the public understand major fiscal events.
Any such communications are tightly controlled, respect Parliament, and protect market-sensitive information.
For Budget 2025, Special Advisers acted in accordance with these rules and principles.