Asked by: Greg Clark (Conservative - Tunbridge Wells)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he has taken to ensure that seasonal workers are not disadvantaged under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
The Government has ensured that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) is available for as many people as possible. Hence, employees can be on any type of contract and be eligible to be furloughed under the CJRS.
The CJRS has been available to all employers with a PAYE system and all employees on PAYE regardless of their employment contract, enabling millions of people to remain employed.
Further information on eligibility for the CJRS can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-which-employees-you-can-put-on-furlough-to-use-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme.
Asked by: Greg Clark (Conservative - Tunbridge Wells)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make it his policy to further support landlords of commercial properties by extending the Business Rates Expanded Retail Discount to owners of vacant retail premises.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
Properties which were closed temporarily due to the Government’s advice on COVID-19 should be treated as occupied for the purposes of the business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure properties.
The Government maintains an Empty Property Relief (EPR) to support property owners between the reoccupation of vacated premises.?? Under EPR, owners of retail properties do not normally have to pay business rates on newly vacated buildings for three months.
Asked by: Greg Clark (Conservative - Tunbridge Wells)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will take steps to provide the travel industry with sector specific support to assist in its recovery from the covid-19 pandemic.
Answered by Kemi Badenoch - Leader of HM Official Opposition
The Government recognises the challenging times facing the travel industry as a result of COVID-19 and firms experiencing difficulties as a result of COVID-19 can draw upon the unprecedented package of measures announced by the Chancellor, including schemes to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees.
In addition, and as part of its normal operations, the government has always considered providing support to strategically important companies that can reasonably be expected to have a long-term viable future, and whose failure or distress could cause disproportionate harm to the UK economy or society. Companies must have exhausted all other options before being considered, and any support given will be on terms that protect the taxpayer, with existing lenders and shareholders expected to contribute to and share in the financial burden. Any companies receiving support will need to agree to appropriate conditions – including those relating to tax, supplier payment terms, climate change and corporate governance.
Asked by: Greg Clark (Conservative - Tunbridge Wells)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Prime Minister, how many meetings he had with the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser (a) from 1 September to 30 November 2019 and (b) from 1 December 2019 to 29 February 2020.
Answered by Boris Johnson
I have regular meetings with ministerial colleagues, officials and others including the Government Chief Scientific Adviser.
Asked by: Greg Clark (Conservative - Tunbridge Wells)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many meetings (a) he and (b) his predecessor had with his Department’s Chief Scientific Adviser (i) from 1 September to 30 November 2019 and (ii) from 1 December 2019 to 29 February 2020.
Answered by Kemi Badenoch - Leader of HM Official Opposition
HM Treasury is committed to ensuring that we access the very best scientific expertise. The Director for the Enterprise and Growth Unit, who is responsible for public science funding, acts as HM Treasury’s Chief Scientific Adviser and meets with the Chancellor of the Exchequer regularly.
Asked by: Greg Clark (Conservative - Tunbridge Wells)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many cemeteries are exempt from paying business rates in England.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
The Government does not hold this information.
Properties which are exempt from business rates, including some cemeteries, are not assessed by the Valuation Office Agency.