Asked by: Lord Tyler (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether HM Treasury will publish records of external meetings held by special advisers to its ministers.
Answered by Lord O'Neill of Gatley
This Government regularly publishes an unprecedented amount of transparency information including Special Advisers’ meetings with senior media figures.
There are no plans to extend current arrangements.
Asked by: Lord Tyler (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to enable Pensioner Bonds to be taken out by an eligible pensioner in the name of a grandchild.
Answered by Lord Deighton
There are no plans to enable eligible pensioners to take out the bonds in the name of a grandchild. These new market-leading savings bonds and are designed to help support those who rely on their savings in retirement. Low interest rates have played an important part in stimulating the recovery. But there are those – especially pensioners – who rely on a reasonable rate of interest on their savings.
Asked by: Lord Tyler (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have considered any scheme to provide inheritance tax relief on bequests which are specifically and solely in respect of paying off student loans; and, if so, what assessment they have made of the impact such a scheme might have on the overall amount of student debt which remains unpaid after 30 years.
Answered by Lord Deighton
The Government has no plans to provide a targeted inheritance tax relief in respect of paying off student loans. The current inheritance tax nil rate band and rules for lifetime gifts means the vast majority of individuals are able to make bequests or gifts for this purpose without inheritance tax being a consideration.
The Government keeps all taxes under review.
Asked by: Lord Tyler (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they plan to provide a live online service by which citizens may obtain a reminder of their National Insurance number.
Answered by Lord Deighton
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs are exploring options for what information could be presented to an authenticated customer via on online service as part of a digital tax account. The digital tax account is a key component of HMRC’s Digital Strategy.