Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Oral Answers to Questions

Kirsten Oswald Excerpts
Tuesday 6th February 2024

(2 months, 4 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Jeremy Hunt Portrait Jeremy Hunt
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My hon. Friend is an assiduous supporter of the many pubs, restaurants and shops in Devon, and I commend him for that support. We will, of course, keep all those measures under review ahead of the Budget.

Kirsten Oswald Portrait Kirsten Oswald (East Renfrewshire) (SNP)
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Hair salons are a vital mainstay of our high streets, but many employers are worried about the sustainability of their businesses; a huge issue is their tax bills, with VAT a significant concern, making further business investment very difficult. Cutting VAT to 10% would make an important difference to local businesses, high streets and apprentice training. Will the Chancellor look at doing that to support all our local economies?

Jeremy Hunt Portrait Jeremy Hunt
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I will always look at anything that helps businesses to grow and expand. I set up and ran my own business for 14 years. Can I gently say to the hon. Lady that it is slightly incongruous to argue for lower taxes when the SNP has given Scotland the highest taxes in the United Kingdom?