Economic Productivity
Debate between Lord Livermore and Lord Tyrie(2 weeks, 4 days ago)
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Lord Livermore (Lab)
That is a very good question, which I am not sure I know the answer to. Obviously, the Department for Business and Trade has an ongoing programme of dialogue with small businesses, as the noble Baroness said, in terms of communication, and it will continue to do that. The recent Mansion House reforms outlined by the Chancellor will, I hope, address the noble Baroness’s points.
Lord Tyrie (Non-Afl)
Do the Government accept that the fall in business confidence since the Budget will have a depressing effect on the investment needed to secure productivity gains?
Lord Livermore (Lab)
Well, I hope that the recent international investment summit, which saw £64 billion of investment come into the UK, suggests otherwise. The Office for Budget Responsibility, the Bank of England and the OECD have all upgraded their forecasts for the growth of the UK economy over the next three years; that is a very encouraging sign.
United Kingdom Declining Birth Rate
Debate between Lord Livermore and Lord Tyrie(1 month, 2 weeks ago)
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Lord Livermore (Lab)
I am grateful to the noble Baroness for her question. I agree with much of the sentiment that sits behind it. The Government recognise and value the contribution that legal migration makes to our country. We will continue to strike a balance between ensuring that we have access to the skills that we need while encouraging businesses to invest in the domestic workforce.
Lord Tyrie (Non-Afl)
Further to that question, what conclusions do the Government draw from the substantial evidence now that immigration at the margin increases the tax yield by more than it increases public expenditure?
Lord Livermore (Lab)
It is a very important point and one that we should retain as we make policy.