Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Bim Afolami

Tuesday 19th March 2024 Commons Chamber

[The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Bim Afolami)]

I thank my hon. Friend for her question. First, it is important to note her consistent championing of this issue for her constituents, for which she deserves huge commendation. To her precise question, it is important that industry, not the Government, makes decisions about bank branches or banking hubs, but she has made her case very ably. I urge her to work with Cash Access UK and LINK to ensure that she has the best chance of securing one of those new 225 banking hubs, as outlined by the industry, in her constituency.

[Mr Speaker]

We come to the shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer.

--- Later in debate ---

[Bim Afolami]

I am happy to meet the hon. Member to discuss the precise circumstances of his constituent’s case. In general terms, it is a priority for us to ensure that people get access to that money if it is due to them.

[Mr Speaker]

I call the Chair of the Treasury Committee.

UK Economy

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Bim Afolami

Monday 19th February 2024 Commons Chamber

[Bim Afolami]

The whole House knows that my right hon. Friend is somewhat of an expert on matters relating to the economy. To answer his point specifically, the national insurance tax cut was scored at the last fiscal event—the autumn statement—as significantly increasing the number of people in work. Although I will not speculate on fiscal events, that point has been very much noted by me and the whole Treasury.

[Mr Speaker]

I call the Scottish National party spokesperson.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Bim Afolami

Tuesday 6th February 2024 Commons Chamber

[Bim Afolami]

This Government have introduced one of Europe’s largest support packages, worth more than £100 billion during 2022 to 2025. That is an average of £3,700 per household. The point about mortgage rates is that they went up everywhere across the world, to a higher level than ours in many jurisdictions such as the United States. I have already mentioned the work that we have done on the mortgage charter, helping hundreds of thousands of people to manage their mortgages, but the critical thing that we need to do is bring inflation down. She needs to talk to her shadow Chancellor and the shadow Treasury team about their plans, which would make inflation higher.

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I am not sure that “she” is a good word to use to other Members.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lindsay Hoyle and Bim Afolami

Tuesday 19th December 2023 Commons Chamber

[Bim Afolami]

I am not sure that I quite accept my hon. Friend’s characterisation of the banking industry, but I am happy to meet him and discuss the problems he outlined in relation to specific businesses and access to bank accounts.

[Mr Speaker]

I call the shadow Minister.