Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Derek Thomas and Jane Ellison

Tuesday 17th January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Derek Thomas (St Ives) (Con)]

T4. Businesses, including restaurants and guest houses in my constituency, curtail their business to keep within the VAT threshold, but that has a negative impact on economic activity and jobs in west Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Will the Chancellor consider increasing the VAT threshold as soon as the opportunity arises?

[The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Jane Ellison)]

I thank my hon. Friend for that point, which I am happy to discuss. It is worth putting on record that VAT is projected to raise £138 billion for the public finances this year. We have one of the highest thresholds in the EU, but I am always happy to listen to colleagues. I know that the concerns of the tourism industry are to the fore in the minds of many colleagues.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Derek Thomas and Jane Ellison

Tuesday 10th May 2016 Commons Chamber

[Jane Ellison]

On this, I am happy to say that I very much agree with the right hon. Gentleman. I encourage all colleagues to look at the evidence deposited with the Committee. Just last year, UK European health insurance card holders—5.5 million people—were able to travel to any other EEA country or Switzerland safe in the knowledge that they would be able to receive free healthcare or reduced costs arising from healthcare if they needed it. That offers great peace of mind and shows that Britain is safer in a reformed EU.

[Derek Thomas (St Ives) (Con)]

13. What support his Department is providing for meeting additional costs incurred by NHS providers in the integration of health and social care.