David Mundell

As of 21 June, 921,229 loans have been issued under the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), with a total value of £28.09 billion.

Issuing new loans is the priority for lenders and the Government.

At this time, we are unable to provide a breakdown of lending or number of applications by region or devolved region. We are working with the British Business Bank, HM Treasury and the lenders on regular and transparent data publication going forward.

With the risk of acquiring HIV globally 25 times higher amongst men who have sex with men, and 34 times higher for transgender women, it is clear that this remains one of the greatest healthcare challenges for LGBT+ people. The UK Government continues to be a major donor to international health organisations and programmes, including the Global Fund.

'Safe To Be Me: A Global Equality Conference' will take place 29 June-1 July 2022, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the first official London Pride marches. The global event will be the first of its kind in the UK, bringing together governments, policy experts and international organisations who advocate for human rights in every corner of the globe, as well as representatives from business who are leading the way in their respective sectors. It will provide many opportunities to highlight the amazing work that the UK government and our partners are doing to improve the lives of LGBT+ people around the world, including in accessing healthcare and other services.

The UK is the second largest donor to the sixth replenishment (2020-2022) of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria with a pledge of up to £1.4 billion. Future support to the Global Fund will be determined through the finalisation of the Spending Review and linked to the next Global Fund replenishment round taking place in Autumn 2022, and with a view to the international development and global health strategies which remain under development.

The prevention and treatment of malnutrition remains important for the UK as part of our work on global health, humanitarian response and in support of our goals on girls’ education.

The Government is actively considering its approach to the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) summit, including any new nutrition commitment, and will update the house following the conclusion of the Spending Review.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary is leading work on the new International Development Strategy, which will be cross-government in scope. We look forward to engaging with partners and stakeholders, including civil society organisations, over the coming months. This will build on the extensive engagement and call for evidence that was undertaken to inform the Integrated Review.

The Secretary of State provided thematic ODA allocations for 2021/22 in a written ministerial statement which included £1,305 million allocated to global health. The impact of the global pandemic on the economy has forced us to take tough but necessary decisions, including within our global health portfolio. The aid budget has been allocated in accordance with UK strategic priorities against the challenging financial climate of COVID-19. Finalised FCDO spend for 2020 will be available in the "Statistics on International Development" publication in Autumn 2021 and details of FCDO spend for 2021 will be available in the "Statistics on International Development" publication in Autumn 2022.

The UK remains committed to working as part of a global community to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and welcomes the new Global AIDS Strategy 2021-26 which sets out a clear approach to accelerating progress on HIV and AIDS. We remain strong supporters of the Global Fund to fight HIV, TB and Malaria. We continue to support UNAIDS. At the UN High-Level Meeting on HIV and AIDS (June 2021), Minister Morton announced the UK will provide an additional £7 million over 3 years to the Robert Carr Fund which provides grants to grass-roots and community-led organisations that reach inadequately served populations and communities.

The Secretary of State provided thematic ODA allocations for 2021/22 in a written ministerial statement which included £1,305 million allocated to global health. The impact of the global pandemic on the economy has forced us to take tough but necessary decisions, including within our global health portfolio. The aid budget has been allocated in accordance with UK strategic priorities against the challenging financial climate of COVID-19. Finalised FCDO spend for 2020 will be available in the "Statistics on International Development" publication in Autumn 2021 and details of FCDO spend for 2021 will be available in the "Statistics on International Development" publication in Autumn 2022.

The UK remains committed to working as part of a global community to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and welcomes the new Global AIDS Strategy 2021-26 which sets out a clear approach to accelerating progress on HIV and AIDS. We remain strong supporters of the Global Fund to fight HIV, TB and Malaria. We continue to support UNAIDS. At the UN High-Level Meeting on HIV and AIDS (June 2021), Minister Morton announced the UK will provide an additional £7 million over 3 years to the Robert Carr Fund which provides grants to grass-roots and community-led organisations that reach inadequately served populations and communities.

The Secretary of State provided thematic ODA allocations for 2021/22 in a written ministerial statement which included £1,305 million allocated to global health. The impact of the global pandemic on the economy has forced us to take tough but necessary decisions, including within our global health portfolio. The aid budget has been allocated in accordance with UK strategic priorities against the challenging financial climate of COVID-19. Finalised FCDO spend for 2020 will be available in the "Statistics on International Development" publication in Autumn 2021 and details of FCDO spend for 2021 will be available in the "Statistics on International Development" publication in Autumn 2022.

The UK remains committed to working as part of a global community to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and welcomes the new Global AIDS Strategy 2021-26 which sets out a clear approach to accelerating progress on HIV and AIDS. We remain strong supporters of the Global Fund to fight HIV, TB and Malaria. We continue to support UNAIDS. At the UN High-Level Meeting on HIV and AIDS (June 2021), Minister Morton announced the UK will provide an additional £7 million over 3 years to the Robert Carr Fund which provides grants to grass-roots and community-led organisations that reach inadequately served populations and communities.

The UK is working hard to ensure that vital commercial imports of food and fuel are able to enter Yemen and monitors this closely. Food imports are on track to meet monthly averages, but fuel imports into northern ports are too low. We have successfully lobbied the Yemeni Government to release of eight fuel ships into Hodeidah so far this year. This fuel is critical to the processing and distribution of food by private sector importers. The UK also supports the UN's Verification and Inspection Mechanism to facilitate commercial imports into Hodeidah and Saleef ports, by giving the Coalition confidence that weapons are not coming in on commercial ships. We are also currently considering ways to provide sustainable trade finance for key imports.

We continue to urge both the Houthis and Government of Yemen to work constructively with the UN Special Envoy to find a longer-term sustainable solution for the management of Hodeidah port revenues to enable restrictions on imports to be eased.

The Panel of Experts on Yemen provides a vital role in monitoring the implementation of the sanctions regime and the conflict, including highlighting the destabilising role Iran is playing and their investigation into the Houthi attack on Aden Airport. The panel's most recent report made recommendations to improve the accountability and transparency of the Government of Yemen and Central Bank of Yemen. The UK is providing technical support and advice to both institutions to enact much needed reforms, and to this end we regularly engage with the Panel of Experts. We note the successful appointment by the UN Security Council of a new finance lead to the Panel of Experts, and the UK remains committed to supporting the valuable work of the Panel.

The Panel of Experts on Yemen provides a vital role in monitoring the implementation of the sanctions regime and the conflict, including highlighting the destabilising role Iran is playing and their investigation into the Houthi attack on Aden Airport. The panel's most recent report made recommendations to improve the accountability and transparency of the Government of Yemen and Central Bank of Yemen. The UK is providing technical support and advice to both institutions to enact much needed reforms, and to this end we regularly engage with the Panel of Experts. We note the successful appointment by the UN Security Council of a new finance lead to the Panel of Experts, and the UK remains committed to supporting the valuable work of the Panel.

The Department is undertaking a rigorous internal prioritisation process in response to the spending review announcement. We will update on the implications of this for any new commitment to nutrition in due course.

The FCDO will apply the OECD nutrition policy marker to the spend data we publish through the OECD DAC Creditor Reporting System. The UK's 2019 aid spending data published recently by the OECD DAC included the policy marker for nutrition for the first time. The application of this new policy marker presents a significant improvement in the accountability of aid spending on nutrition.

UN Yemen sanctions carefully target specific individuals, and food and medicines are not subject to sanctions. Sanctions apply to prominent figures who have engaged in acts that threaten the peace, security or stability of Yemen, including obstructing the successful completion of the political transition, and, as outlined in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative and Implementation Mechanism Agreement, those who act directly or indirectly on their behalf and individuals who have committed human rights violations, including the use of sexual violence as a tool of war.

The UK and our partners have taken significant steps to mitigate against the wider impact of sanctions on Yemeni civilians, including working with the US on reversal of the US designation of the Houthis. We are deeply concerned at access restraints in Yemen, and we call on all parties to facilitate unhindered access for commercial and humanitarian actors. With 90% of Yemen's food imported, the UK recognises the important work of Yemen's food importers at a time of increasing food insecurity in country, and we engage with them often.

UN Yemen sanctions carefully target specific individuals, and food and medicines are not subject to sanctions. Sanctions apply to prominent figures who have engaged in acts that threaten the peace, security or stability of Yemen, including obstructing the successful completion of the political transition, and, as outlined in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative and Implementation Mechanism Agreement, those who act directly or indirectly on their behalf and individuals who have committed human rights violations, including the use of sexual violence as a tool of war.

The UK and our partners have taken significant steps to mitigate against the wider impact of sanctions on Yemeni civilians, including working with the US on reversal of the US designation of the Houthis. We are deeply concerned at access restraints in Yemen, and we call on all parties to facilitate unhindered access for commercial and humanitarian actors. With 90% of Yemen's food imported, the UK recognises the important work of Yemen's food importers at a time of increasing food insecurity in country, and we engage with them often.

UN Yemen sanctions carefully target specific individuals, and food and medicines are not subject to sanctions. Sanctions apply to prominent figures who have engaged in acts that threaten the peace, security or stability of Yemen, including obstructing the successful completion of the political transition, and, as outlined in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Initiative and Implementation Mechanism Agreement, those who act directly or indirectly on their behalf and individuals who have committed human rights violations, including the use of sexual violence as a tool of war.

The UK and our partners have taken significant steps to mitigate against the wider impact of sanctions on Yemeni civilians, including working with the US on reversal of the US designation of the Houthis. We are deeply concerned at access restraints in Yemen, and we call on all parties to facilitate unhindered access for commercial and humanitarian actors. With 90% of Yemen's food imported, the UK recognises the important work of Yemen's food importers at a time of increasing food insecurity in country, and we engage with them often.

Yemen remains one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, with two thirds of the entire population, requiring some form of humanitarian assistance. Recent escalations in conflict has already displaced thousands of civilians, and many more are at risk.

The UK will provide at least £87 million to Yemen over the course of our next financial year (2021/22), with the UK contributing over £1 billion since the conflict began. Our funding will feed an additional 240,000 of the most vulnerable Yemenis every month, support 400 healthcare clinics and provide clean water for 1.6 million people. We will also provide one-off cash support to 1.5 million of Yemen's poorest households to help them buy food and basic supplies.

An inclusive political settlement is the only way to bring long-term stability to Yemen and to address the worsening humanitarian crisis. We fully support the efforts of the UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths to secure a lasting political settlement to the Yemen conflict.

I [Minister Cleverly] spoke with Special Envoy Griffiths on 1 March to discuss how the UK can best support the UN-led peace process.

Ministers and officials regularly engage with international actors, including the UN and other donors, to ensure life-saving humanitarian aid reaches the millions of Yemenis in need. On 25 February, the Foreign Secretary spoke to Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan about the Yemen peace process and he has also recently discussed this with US Secretary of State Blinken on 18 February.

I discussed Yemen with the Omani Ambassador to the UK on 4 February, and spoke to the Yemeni Foreign Minister on 20 January regarding the attack on Aden and the formation of the new cabinet. We fully support the efforts of the UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths to secure a lasting political settlement to the Yemen conflict. I spoke with Special Envoy Martin Griffiths on 1 March to discuss how the UK can best support the UN-led peace process.

The UK is committed to rapid equitable access to safe and effective vaccines. The UK has committed up to £548 million to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC) - the international initiative to support global equitable access to vaccines. This makes the UK among the COVAX AMC's largest bilateral donors. Our commitment will support access to COVID-19 vaccines for up to 92 developing countries, by contributing to the supply of 1 billion doses in 2021, and vaccinations for up to 500 million people.

Tackling malnutrition is a major priority for our work to end the preventable deaths of mothers, newborns and children. From April 2015 to March 2020, we reached 55.1 million young children, women and adolescent girls through UK nutrition programmes. Last week, we announced a package of £119m UK Aid to address COVID-19 and famine. This includes a new partnership with UNICEF to address acute malnutrition more effectively and efficiently. Nick Dyer has been appointed as the UK’s first Special Envoy for Famine Prevention and Humanitarian Affairs. We are committed to Nutrition for Growth, with a new commitment subject to Spending Review decisions. We will update on plans following the outcome of that.

HMRC do not disclose information about individual taxpayers.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a voluntary, informal process in which an impartial HMRC mediator actively assists parties to work towards agreement of a tax dispute.

ADR is one facet of HMRC’s overall approach to dispute resolution, which is wherever possible to reach agreement with taxpayers through collaboration. The following is specific information relating to the ADR function only and therefore only forms part of the dispute resolution landscape in HMRC. HMRC do not currently offer arbitration as a means to resolve disputes.

For the period 1 April 2015 – 31 March 2020, there have been 5467 applications for ADR. Of these, 2,641 were suitable for mediation and accepted into the ADR process with an average resolution rate of 86.8% across all years.

Throughout a compliance check HMRC will provide accurate, consistent and clear information to the taxpayer, including details of any assessments raised and explanations for any decisions HMRC make during the check. Should a taxpayer have any questions about the compliance check or an assessment, they should write to HMRC who will seek to clarify anything that is unclear. However, HMRC’s approach also relies on a shared understanding of the full facts so that HMRC can understand the full nature of the tax risk and deal with it appropriately.

It is generally only when an impasse is reached between HMRC and the taxpayer that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is considered. In some cases the full facts will have been established and the mediation will focus on the consequent tax analysis. But in some, the value of ADR will be to seek through mediation, a shared understanding of the facts and help the case progress on that basis.

HMRC and HMT Ministers receive representations on a wide range of matters. However, there have not been any formal representations regarding failures by HMRC to abide by the HMRC Litigation and Settlement Strategy when dealing with taxpayers.

A Statutory Framework already underpins HMRC, under which are various other commitments that ensure HMRC are open and transparent in the way officers conduct themselves. The Commissioners of HMRC have ultimate responsibility for every decision made in HMRC, although officers make day-to-day decisions on their behalf within an overall governance framework established when the department was formed. These governance processes are in place to ensure that HMRC deal with all cases fairly and in an even-handed manner.

The Tax Assurance Commissioner (TAC) is responsible for ensuring that HMRC have appropriate governance arrangements in place to meet those objectives and reports back to Parliament on an annual basis, in a report that is published. The latest report was published on 5 November 2020 as part of HMRC's Annual Report and Accounts 2019 to 2020.

HMRC are also developing one set of Professional Standards for civil compliance, the development of which was closely aligned to the work on revising HMRC’s Charter. The Charter is a legal requirement and the Legislation states the Charter “must include standards of behaviour and values to which Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs will aspire when dealing with people in the exercise of their functions”. HMRC published a new Charter on 5 November 2020 after taking on feedback from a public consultation which ran between February and August 2020. The new Charter sets out responsibilities towards all of HMRC’s customers, and it also includes surrounding guidance on GOV.UK which sets out rights to review and appeal.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a voluntary, informal process in which an impartial HMRC mediator actively assists parties to work towards agreement of a tax dispute.

ADR is one facet of HMRC’s overall approach to dispute resolution, which is wherever possible to reach agreement with taxpayers through collaboration. The following is specific information relating to the ADR function only and therefore only forms part of the dispute resolution landscape in HMRC. HMRC do not currently offer arbitration as a means to resolve disputes.

For the period 1 April 2015 – 31 March 2020, there have been 5467 applications for ADR. Of these, 2,641 were suitable for mediation and accepted into the ADR process with an average resolution rate of 86.8% across all years.

Throughout a compliance check HMRC will provide accurate, consistent and clear information to the taxpayer, including details of any assessments raised and explanations for any decisions HMRC make during the check. Should a taxpayer have any questions about the compliance check or an assessment, they should write to HMRC who will seek to clarify anything that is unclear. However, HMRC’s approach also relies on a shared understanding of the full facts so that HMRC can understand the full nature of the tax risk and deal with it appropriately.

It is generally only when an impasse is reached between HMRC and the taxpayer that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is considered. In some cases the full facts will have been established and the mediation will focus on the consequent tax analysis. But in some, the value of ADR will be to seek through mediation, a shared understanding of the facts and help the case progress on that basis.

The Government recognises that cash remains important to millions of people across the UK, which is why it has committed to legislate to protect access to cash and to ensure that the UK’s cash infrastructure is sustainable in the long term. The Government is working at pace, engaging with industry and the regulators – the Financial Conduct Authority, Payment Systems Regulator, and Bank of England – whilst designing legislation.

To inform the development of this legislation, the Government published a Call for Evidence on 15 October seeking views on the key considerations associated with cash access, including deposit and withdrawal facilities, cash acceptance, and regulatory oversight of the cash system. As set out in the Call for Evidence, the Government considers that there may be benefit in giving a single authority overall responsibility for setting requirements to ensure that the retail distribution of cash meets the needs of consumers and businesses. The government’s view is that the FCA may be well positioned to take on the function through legislation.

The Government also remains closely engaged with the financial regulators, including through the Treasury-chaired Joint Authorities Cash Strategy Group, to monitor and assess risks around cash relating to COVID-19. In order to help control the virus, all businesses and individuals are encouraged to follow the latest Government advice. To work safely, retailers have been recommended to minimise contact around transactions, for example, considering using contactless payments. It remains the individual retailer’s choice as to whether to accept or decline any form of payment, including cash or card.

The Government recognises that cash remains important to millions of people across the UK, which is why it has committed to legislate to protect access to cash and to ensure that the UK’s cash infrastructure is sustainable in the long term. The Government is working at pace, engaging with industry and the regulators – the Financial Conduct Authority, Payment Systems Regulator, and Bank of England – whilst designing legislation.

To inform the development of this legislation, the Government published a Call for Evidence on 15 October seeking views on the key considerations associated with cash access, including deposit and withdrawal facilities, cash acceptance, and regulatory oversight of the cash system. As set out in the Call for Evidence, the Government considers that there may be benefit in giving a single authority overall responsibility for setting requirements to ensure that the retail distribution of cash meets the needs of consumers and businesses. The government’s view is that the FCA may be well positioned to take on the function through legislation.

The Government also remains closely engaged with the financial regulators, including through the Treasury-chaired Joint Authorities Cash Strategy Group, to monitor and assess risks around cash relating to COVID-19. In order to help control the virus, all businesses and individuals are encouraged to follow the latest Government advice. To work safely, retailers have been recommended to minimise contact around transactions, for example, considering using contactless payments. It remains the individual retailer’s choice as to whether to accept or decline any form of payment, including cash or card.

The Government recognises that cash remains important to millions of people across the UK, which is why it has committed to legislate to protect access to cash and to ensure that the UK’s cash infrastructure is sustainable in the long term. The Government is working at pace, engaging with industry and the regulators – the Financial Conduct Authority, Payment Systems Regulator, and Bank of England – whilst designing legislation.

To inform the development of this legislation, the Government published a Call for Evidence on 15 October seeking views on the key considerations associated with cash access, including deposit and withdrawal facilities, cash acceptance, and regulatory oversight of the cash system. As set out in the Call for Evidence, the Government considers that there may be benefit in giving a single authority overall responsibility for setting requirements to ensure that the retail distribution of cash meets the needs of consumers and businesses. The government’s view is that the FCA may be well positioned to take on the function through legislation.

The Government also remains closely engaged with the financial regulators, including through the Treasury-chaired Joint Authorities Cash Strategy Group, to monitor and assess risks around cash relating to COVID-19. In order to help control the virus, all businesses and individuals are encouraged to follow the latest Government advice. To work safely, retailers have been recommended to minimise contact around transactions, for example, considering using contactless payments. It remains the individual retailer’s choice as to whether to accept or decline any form of payment, including cash or card.

The Government recognises that cash remains important to millions of people across the UK, which is why it has committed to legislate to protect access to cash and to ensure that the UK’s cash infrastructure is sustainable in the long term. The Government is working at pace, engaging with industry and the regulators – the Financial Conduct Authority, Payment Systems Regulator, and Bank of England – whilst designing legislation.

To inform the development of this legislation, the Government published a Call for Evidence on 15 October seeking views on the key considerations associated with cash access, including deposit and withdrawal facilities, cash acceptance, and regulatory oversight of the cash system. As set out in the Call for Evidence, the Government considers that there may be benefit in giving a single authority overall responsibility for setting requirements to ensure that the retail distribution of cash meets the needs of consumers and businesses. The government’s view is that the FCA may be well positioned to take on the function through legislation.

The Government also remains closely engaged with the financial regulators, including through the Treasury-chaired Joint Authorities Cash Strategy Group, to monitor and assess risks around cash relating to COVID-19. In order to help control the virus, all businesses and individuals are encouraged to follow the latest Government advice. To work safely, retailers have been recommended to minimise contact around transactions, for example, considering using contactless payments. It remains the individual retailer’s choice as to whether to accept or decline any form of payment, including cash or card.

The Government is working closely with the insurers, the trade bodies and regulators to understand what more the sector can do to support firms in response to this pandemic. We also continue to gather and monitor information on how different sectors are being affected by the current crisis and the availability of cover.

We would not typically recommend drawing parallels with existing Government-backed insurance schemes given the specific design of any intervention is dependent on the size, frequency and nature of the risk being insured. Further, the Government would need to assess access to insurance alongside any other barriers to a sector re-opening, such as social distancing restrictions, when determining the appropriate course of action.

Event providers are eligible for assistance through the wider Government support package if they are in financial difficulty. We continue to keep the package under close review.

The Government is working closely with the insurers, the trade bodies and regulators to understand what more the sector can do to support firms in response to this pandemic. We also continue to gather and monitor information on how different sectors are being affected by the current crisis and the availability of cover.

We would not typically recommend drawing parallels with existing Government-backed insurance schemes given the specific design of any intervention is dependent on the size, frequency and nature of the risk being insured. Further, the Government would need to assess access to insurance alongside any other barriers to a sector re-opening, such as social distancing restrictions, when determining the appropriate course of action.

Event providers are eligible for assistance through the wider Government support package if they are in financial difficulty. We continue to keep the package under close review.

The Government is working closely with the insurers, the trade bodies and regulators to understand what more the sector can do to support firms in response to this pandemic. We also continue to gather and monitor information on how different sectors are being affected by the current crisis and the availability of cover.

We would not typically recommend drawing parallels with existing Government-backed insurance schemes given the specific design of any intervention is dependent on the size, frequency and nature of the risk being insured. Further, the Government would need to assess access to insurance alongside any other barriers to a sector re-opening, such as social distancing restrictions, when determining the appropriate course of action.

Event providers are eligible for assistance through the wider Government support package if they are in financial difficulty. We continue to keep the package under close review.

The Government is working closely with the insurers, the trade bodies and regulators to understand what more the sector can do to support firms in response to this pandemic. We also continue to gather and monitor information on how different sectors are being affected by the current crisis and the availability of cover.

We would not typically recommend drawing parallels with existing Government-backed insurance schemes given the specific design of any intervention is dependent on the size, frequency and nature of the risk being insured. Further, the Government would need to assess access to insurance alongside any other barriers to a sector re-opening, such as social distancing restrictions, when determining the appropriate course of action.

Event providers are eligible for assistance through the wider Government support package if they are in financial difficulty. We continue to keep the package under close review.

The Government is working closely with the insurers, the trade bodies and regulators to understand what more the sector can do to support firms in response to this pandemic. We also continue to gather and monitor information on how different sectors are being affected by the current crisis and the availability of cover.

We would not typically recommend drawing parallels with existing Government-backed insurance schemes given the specific design of any intervention is dependent on the size, frequency and nature of the risk being insured. Further, the Government would need to assess access to insurance alongside any other barriers to a sector re-opening, such as social distancing restrictions, when determining the appropriate course of action.

Event providers are eligible for assistance through the wider Government support package if they are in financial difficulty. We continue to keep the package under close review.

The Government is working closely with the insurers, the trade bodies and regulators to understand what more the sector can do to support firms in response to this pandemic. We also continue to gather and monitor information on how different sectors are being affected by the current crisis and the availability of cover.

We would not typically recommend drawing parallels with existing Government-backed insurance schemes given the specific design of any intervention is dependent on the size, frequency and nature of the risk being insured. Further, the Government would need to assess access to insurance alongside any other barriers to a sector re-opening, such as social distancing restrictions, when determining the appropriate course of action.

Event providers are eligible for assistance through the wider Government support package if they are in financial difficulty. We continue to keep the package under close review.

The Government recognises that cash remains important to millions of people across the UK, which is why it has committed to legislate to protect access to cash and to ensure that the UK’s cash infrastructure is sustainable in the long term. Government is working at pace, engaging with industry and the regulators – the Financial Conduct Authority, Payment Systems Regulator, and Bank of England – whilst designing legislation. To inform the development of this legislation, today (15 October) the Government published a Call for Evidence seeking views on the key considerations associated with cash access, including deposit and withdrawal facilities, cash acceptance, and regulatory oversight of the cash system.

The Government also remains closely engaged with the financial regulators, including through the Treasury-chaired Joint Authorities Cash Strategy Group, to monitor and assess risks around cash relating to COVID-19. In order to help control the virus, all businesses and individuals are encouraged to follow the latest Government advice. To work safely during COVID-19, retailers have been recommended to minimise contact around transactions, for example, considering using contactless payments. However, it remains the individual retailer’s choice as to whether to accept or decline any form of payment, including cash or card.

The Government recognises that cash remains important to millions of people across the UK, which is why it has committed to legislate to protect access to cash and to ensure that the UK’s cash infrastructure is sustainable in the long term. Government is working at pace, engaging with industry and the regulators – the Financial Conduct Authority, Payment Systems Regulator, and Bank of England – whilst designing legislation. To inform the development of this legislation, today (15 October) the Government published a Call for Evidence seeking views on the key considerations associated with cash access, including deposit and withdrawal facilities, cash acceptance, and regulatory oversight of the cash system.

The Government also remains closely engaged with the financial regulators, including through the Treasury-chaired Joint Authorities Cash Strategy Group, to monitor and assess risks around cash relating to COVID-19. In order to help control the virus, all businesses and individuals are encouraged to follow the latest Government advice. To work safely during COVID-19, retailers have been recommended to minimise contact around transactions, for example, considering using contactless payments. However, it remains the individual retailer’s choice as to whether to accept or decline any form of payment, including cash or card.

The Government recognises that cash remains important to millions of people across the UK, which is why it has committed to legislate to protect access to cash and to ensure that the UK’s cash infrastructure is sustainable in the long term. Government is working at pace, engaging with industry and the regulators – the Financial Conduct Authority, Payment Systems Regulator, and Bank of England – whilst designing legislation. To inform the development of this legislation, today (15 October) the Government published a Call for Evidence seeking views on the key considerations associated with cash access, including deposit and withdrawal facilities, cash acceptance, and regulatory oversight of the cash system.

The Government also remains closely engaged with the financial regulators, including through the Treasury-chaired Joint Authorities Cash Strategy Group, to monitor and assess risks around cash relating to COVID-19. In order to help control the virus, all businesses and individuals are encouraged to follow the latest Government advice. To work safely during COVID-19, retailers have been recommended to minimise contact around transactions, for example, considering using contactless payments. However, it remains the individual retailer’s choice as to whether to accept or decline any form of payment, including cash or card.

The Government is in continual dialogue with the insurance sector on its response to this unprecedented situation. We are working closely with the insurers, the trade bodies and regulators to understand what more the industry can do to help individuals and businesses in time of need, and how the insurance market delivers the support firms need as the economy reopens.

The Government is exploring all options to ensure businesses can build resilience following the outbreak of COVID-19. We encourage businesses encountering financial difficulty as a result of this unprecedented situation to review the initiatives in the Government’s support package, such as Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, for which the application window has been extended to 30 November, and businesses rates holidays. We have taken steps to make our schemes deliverable, fair and targeted at those who need it the most. We continue to keep the Government support package under close review.

Any potential further insurance interventions, including for the contingency insurance sector, will be assessed on a case by case basis; officials continue to gather and monitor information on how event providers are being affected by the current crisis and the availability of cover. As part of this monitoring, the Government is open to receiving representations from (a) the insurance industry and (b) the Let Live Thrive campaign.

The Government is in continual dialogue with the insurance sector on its response to this unprecedented situation. We are working closely with the insurers, the trade bodies and regulators to understand what more the industry can do to help individuals and businesses in time of need, and how the insurance market delivers the support firms need as the economy reopens.

The Government is exploring all options to ensure businesses can build resilience following the outbreak of COVID-19. We encourage businesses encountering financial difficulty as a result of this unprecedented situation to review the initiatives in the Government’s support package, such as Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, for which the application window has been extended to 30 November, and businesses rates holidays. We have taken steps to make our schemes deliverable, fair and targeted at those who need it the most. We continue to keep the Government support package under close review.

Any potential further insurance interventions, including for the contingency insurance sector, will be assessed on a case by case basis; officials continue to gather and monitor information on how event providers are being affected by the current crisis and the availability of cover. As part of this monitoring, the Government is open to receiving representations from (a) the insurance industry and (b) the Let Live Thrive campaign.

The Government is in continual dialogue with the insurance sector on its response to this unprecedented situation. We are working closely with the insurers, the trade bodies and regulators to understand what more the industry can do to help individuals and businesses in time of need, and how the insurance market delivers the support firms need as the economy reopens.

The Government is exploring all options to ensure businesses can build resilience following the outbreak of COVID-19. We encourage businesses encountering financial difficulty as a result of this unprecedented situation to review the initiatives in the Government’s support package, such as Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, for which the application window has been extended to 30 November, and businesses rates holidays. We have taken steps to make our schemes deliverable, fair and targeted at those who need it the most. We continue to keep the Government support package under close review.

Any potential further insurance interventions, including for the contingency insurance sector, will be assessed on a case by case basis; officials continue to gather and monitor information on how event providers are being affected by the current crisis and the availability of cover. As part of this monitoring, the Government is open to receiving representations from (a) the insurance industry and (b) the Let Live Thrive campaign.

The Government is in continual dialogue with the insurance sector on its response to this unprecedented situation. We are working closely with the insurers, the trade bodies and regulators to understand what more the industry can do to help individuals and businesses in time of need, and how the insurance market delivers the support firms need as the economy reopens.

The Government is exploring all options to ensure businesses can build resilience following the outbreak of COVID-19. We encourage businesses encountering financial difficulty as a result of this unprecedented situation to review the initiatives in the Government’s support package, such as Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, for which the application window has been extended to 30 November, and businesses rates holidays. We have taken steps to make our schemes deliverable, fair and targeted at those who need it the most. We continue to keep the Government support package under close review.

Any potential further insurance interventions will be assessed on a case by case basis; officials continue to gather and monitor information on how event providers are being affected by the current crisis and the availability of cover.

The Government is in continual dialogue with the insurance sector on its response to this unprecedented situation. We are working closely with the insurers, the trade bodies and regulators to understand what more the industry can do to help individuals and businesses in time of need, and how the insurance market delivers the support firms need as the economy reopens.

The Government is exploring all options to ensure businesses can build resilience following the outbreak of COVID-19. We encourage businesses encountering financial difficulty as a result of this unprecedented situation to review the initiatives in the Government’s support package, such as Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, for which the application window has been extended to 30 November, and businesses rates holidays. We have taken steps to make our schemes deliverable, fair and targeted at those who need it the most. We continue to keep the Government support package under close review.

Any potential further insurance interventions will be assessed on a case by case basis; officials continue to gather and monitor information on how event providers are being affected by the current crisis and the availability of cover.

The Office for National Statistics classifies the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority as public sector and therefore it is appropriate that they are in scope of the cap.

However, we recognise that the function of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is time-limited. Therefore, all employees are covered by a mandatory waiver. This means employees whose employment is terminated as a result of the decommissioning programme and for a reason which amounts to redundancy can receive, without seeking ministerial approval, certain pension related payments above the 95K threshold.

This was agreed between HM Treasury, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Unions and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in 2017.

This ensures the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority can continue to effectively fulfil their function and employees receive suitable renumeration for the important work they do.

The administration of the tax system is a matter for HM Revenue and Customs, who have indicated that they are in dialogue with the taxpayer. It would not be appropriate for Treasury ministers to become involved in the administration of the tax system in specific cases.

The Government`s priority is to support the economy through the crisis; keep as many people as possible in their existing jobs, support viable businesses and protect the incomes of the most vulnerable. That is why the Government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency including almost £300 billion of guarantees – equivalent to 15% of UK GDP.

Food and drink wholesale distributors continue to have access to the Government’s unprecedented package of support for business, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the four government-backed loan schemes for firms of all sizes. The Business Support website provides further information about how businesses can access the support that has been made available, who is eligible and how to apply - https://www.gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder.

On 11 May the Government published its COVID-19 recovery strategy which sets out our plan for moving to the next phase of our response. Going forward, as the economy opens up, our energies will focus on supporting the recovery. The Government will continue to closely monitor the impacts of the support packages and continue to engage with businesses and representative groups in the wholesale sector. Any announcements on the next stage of our economic response will be made at the appropriate time.

The Scottish Government’s fiscal framework sets out the timeline for its review. An independent panel jointly commissioned by the UK and Scottish governments will report by the end of 2021. This will inform negotiations between the UK and Scottish governments that will conclude by the end of 2022.

The Government recognises that cash plays a vital role in the daily lives of millions of people across the UK, including those who may be self-isolating due to Covid-19.

At the March 2020 Budget, the Chancellor announced that the Government will bring forward legislation to protect access to cash. The Government will continue to engage with regulators, industry and consumer groups whilst developing this legislation, to support those who rely on cash.

This will build upon existing initiatives from industry. LINK, the scheme that runs the UK’s largest ATM network, has put in place specific arrangements to protect free-to-use ATMs that do not have another free-to-use ATM or Post Office within 1 kilometre. The Government-established Payment Systems Regulator regulates LINK and is holding them to account over their public commitments.

Further information on the timing and detail of the legislation will be announced in due course.

Self-employed people who pay themselves a salary through their own company may be eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). The CJRS is available to employers, including personal service companies, and individuals paying themselves a salary through a PAYE scheme are eligible.

Employers can use a portal to claim for 80% of the usual monthly wage costs of furloughed employees (employees on a leave of absence) up to £2,500 a month, plus the associated Employer National Insurance contributions and minimum automatic enrolment employer pension contributions for that wage.

This scheme supplements the other significant support announced for UK businesses, including the Bounce Back Loans Scheme for small businesses, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the deferral of tax payments. More information about the full range of business support measures is available at www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/

Those who pay themselves a salary through their own company may be eligible to claim for 80% of usual monthly wages, up to £2,500 a month, through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). The CJRS is available to employers, including personal service companies, and individuals paying themselves a salary through a PAYE scheme are eligible.

The Government’s priority has been to support as many people as it possibly can, and as quickly as possible. Under current reporting mechanisms it is not possible for HM Revenue and Customs to distinguish between dividends derived from an individual’s own company and dividends from other sources, and between dividends in lieu of employment income and as returns from other corporate activity. Expanding the scope would require HMRC to collect and verify new information and any such proposal would need to be considered against the other schemes which the Government is committed to delivering as quickly as possible.

Those who are not eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme may be able to access other support Government is providing, including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, the Bounce Back Loans Scheme for small businesses, and the deferral of tax payments. More information about the full range of business support measures is available at?www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/

We are discussing with Cabinet colleagues our next steps regarding the Airbus dispute that has led to tariffs being imposed on a range of UK products. We are urging the US and EU to come to a negotiated settlement as soon as possible, as the best way to resolve this dispute.