Asked by: Jo Gideon (Conservative - Stoke-on-Trent Central)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the potential revenue generated by by extending the Soft Drinks Industry Levy to include (a) milk-based drinks and (b) fruit juice; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Gareth Davies - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
The exemption for milk-based and certain milk substitute drinks will next be considered after the Office for Health Inequalities and Disparities completes its voluntary sugar reduction reporting programme, expected later in 2023.
The primary aim of the SDIL is to encourage producers to remove added sugar from soft drinks. There are no current plans to review the exclusion of fruit juices packaged and sold without added sugars.
Asked by: Jo Gideon (Conservative - Stoke-on-Trent Central)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will offer targeted support to businesses which agreed energy contracts in 2022 when wholesale energy prices were high and which are now having difficulty in meeting their operating costs.
Answered by James Cartlidge - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) will provide all eligible businesses and other non-domestic energy users with a discount on high energy bills for 12 months from 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2024. It will also provide businesses in sectors with particularly high levels of energy use and trade intensity with a higher level of support.
EBDS will help those locked into contracts signed before recent substantial falls in the wholesale price manage their costs and provide others with reassurance against the risk of prices rising again.
The Government is aware that some businesses are having difficulties securing the benefit of falling wholesale prices from their energy suppliers. The Government welcomes Ofgem’s recent update on their investigation into the non-domestic retail market. We encourage them to complete their review at pace and welcome their commitment to take swift compliance and enforcement action against any supplier who has breached market rules.
Asked by: Jo Gideon (Conservative - Stoke-on-Trent Central)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of local climate bonds in funding local environment projects.
Answered by Helen Whately - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Government considers current funding options for local authorities to pursue environmental projects to be appropriate. Local authorities have full, independent control over their borrowing choices and are free to issue local climate bonds if they wish. It is for local authorities to determine the most appropriate financing mechanism for their projects.
The Government provides accessible, low-cost lending via the Public Works Loan Board which can be used to finance environmental projects, and environmental projects could also be funded via the UK Infrastructure Bank where they meet the bank’s mandate.
In addition, the UK Green Financing Programme has raised £16bn to date, which will be used to finance projects that help tackle climate change and other environmental challenges – some of which local authorities may benefit from.
Asked by: Jo Gideon (Conservative - Stoke-on-Trent Central)
Question to the HM Treasury:
What fiscal steps he is taking to help give people the skills they need for the jobs of the future.
Answered by Simon Clarke
We are increasing funding for Further Education by £400 million in 2020-21, recognising the sector’s vital role in delivering the skills people and businesses need. Funding of £2.5 billion is also available for high-quality apprenticeships this year, and our manifesto has committed £3bn for a new National Skills Fund to transform the lives of people who lack qualifications, are keen to return to work, or want to switch careers.