Oral Answers to Questions

Gregory Campbell Excerpts

Tuesday 1st October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Anne Milton (Guildford) (Ind)]

17. If he will suspend 2019 loan charge repayments for the duration of the review of that charge.

[Mr Gregory Campbell (East Londonderry) (DUP)]

18. If he will make it his policy to suspend the 2019 loan charge for the duration of his Department’s review of that charge.

[The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Jesse Norman)]

The Government have listened to concerns expressed across the House about the loan charge, and, as the House will know, an independent review is now in progress under the leadership of Sir Amyas Morse. While it is under way, it is right for the loan charge to remain in force and for the Government to implement legislation on which the House agreed. The review will conclude by mid-November, to let anyone who may be affected know, and to give people time to plan in advance of the January self-assessment filing deadline. To help taxpayers who may need longer to pay, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs has confirmed again that there is no maximum time limit for payment plans.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Gregory Campbell]

The Minister is bound to be aware of the scale of concern across the House and among those who are directly affected. He has outlined a date of mid-November. Immediately upon that date being reached, will he take urgent action to assist those affected?

[Jesse Norman]

I have no idea what the loan charge review will conclude, but I guarantee that we will look at its findings with all due speed and dispatch.