Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing a counterpart to the cycle to work scheme for self-employed people.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Cycle to Work scheme is a benefit-in-kind provided by employers to their employees. A benefit-in-kind is a form of non-cash remuneration provided by employers to their employees. Income tax and National Insurance contribution relief is provided on the scheme to both employers and their employees via salary sacrifice arrangements. As a result, the scheme is not open to the self-employed, who are not eligible for salary sacrifice.

The government considers all tax changes in the round at fiscal events. The government stands by the commitment made not to increase tax on working people, including income tax, national insurance and VAT

The government is not going to speculate on tax changes ahead of the Budget on 30th October.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to remove barriers to cycling for disabled people.

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

Requirements set out in ‘Local transport note 1/20: cycle infrastructure design’ and Inclusive Mobility guidance seek to ensure cycling schemes are accessible for all. This includes advice on designing for different types of cycle, including adapted cycles. Active Travel England provides funding and support to local authorities and active travel organisations to deliver programmes that include targeted interventions to overcome barriers for disabled people.