Covid-19: Government Support for Business

Debate between John Glen and Liz Twist

Thursday 16th December 2021 Commons Chamber

[John Glen]

I am sorry, but I cannot accept that. The Government have given an additional £12 billion to the devolved Administrations, which also benefit from the reduced VAT, the recovery loans and the other UK-wide measures, and the additional £430 million that was agreed this week.

[Liz Twist (Blaydon) (Lab)]

Two weeks ago, on a very frosty north-east morning, I met small businesses at my business forum. They told me of their concerns about what might happen over the Christmas period with covid-19. They included beauty businesses and businesses such as the Railway Tavern in Rowlands Gill in my constituency. Will the Minister please urgently address the need to support our hospitality and personal care businesses throughout this situation?

[John Glen]

The hon. Lady makes a very reasonable case about businesses in her constituency. As I have said, we will be engaging with the sector to come forward with appropriate interventions based on the data and the experience across the economy.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Glen and Liz Twist

Tuesday 2nd November 2021 Commons Chamber

[Liz Twist (Blaydon) (Lab)]

3. What recent steps he has taken to help reduce economic inequality.

[The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (John Glen)]

Distributional analysis published at the Budget and spending review last week shows that in 2024-25, tax, welfare and spending decisions made since the spending round two years ago will have benefited the poorest house- holds most as a percentage of income. This Government believe that work is the best route out of poverty. That is why the Government are investing £6 billion in labour market support over the next three years.

[Liz Twist]

Analysis of the Chancellor’s Budget and tax and spending plans for the next six years shows that they will cost women an additional £48 billion over that period. That is a staggering amount of money to be taken from women, and it is in contrast to the planned tax cuts for banks. Is that why the Government have failed to produce an equality impact assessment for this Budget, as they are required to—because the Chancellor knows that his tax choices are totally unfair?

[John Glen]

The hon. Lady must have missed a number of measures announced by the Chancellor in the Budget last week in which significant investment was made to support families through the household recovery fund and support for women in particular to get back into the labour market, alongside a whole range of other interventions.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Glen and Liz Twist

Thursday 14th September 2017 Commons Chamber

[John Glen]

That sounds like an excellent initiative. Funds are available either through Arts Council England or the Heritage Lottery Fund, and I am happy to work with my hon. Friend to identify the most appropriate route for an application.

[Liz Twist (Blaydon) (Lab)]

T6. Blaydon has a growing number of small and micro-charities, many of which are trying to fill the gaps left by Government cuts to local authorities, and their survival is often precarious. Following the Secretary of State’s discussions within the sector, what action is she taking to help those charities with fundraising and other support?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between John Glen and Liz Twist

Thursday 29th June 2017 Commons Chamber

[John Glen]

I shall be delighted to do so, and I would be happy to visit my hon. Friend’s constituency to see some of the excellent work that he has been doing with the tourism sector.

[Liz Twist (Blaydon) (Lab)]

7. What steps her Department is taking to ensure that digital infrastructure meets the needs of the economy.