Asked by: Martin Rhodes (Labour - Glasgow North)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed agri-food tariff reductions on the ability of small-scale farmers in the Global South to benefit from preferential tariff arrangements under the UK’s Developing Country Trading Scheme.
Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
The Government is aware that some developing country exporters may face extra competition as a result of UK agri-food tariff suspensions. However, there are potential opportunities for addressing cost-of-living pressures faced by UK families. Therefore, it is right we review our tariffs to help alleviate some of these pressures.
The Government welcomes views on the impacts of suspending tariffs on any of the specific products listed in the call for input which launched on 27th May and closes on 24th June 2026.
Asked by: Martin Rhodes (Labour - Glasgow North)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to ensure (i) people can access Disabled Person’s Trust accounts from high street banks and (ii) public bodies are using powers to ensure access for families of disabled people to those accounts.
Answered by Lucy Rigby - Chief Secretary to the Treasury
The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone can access appropriate financial services and products, which is vital for financial resilience and wellbeing and ensuring that individuals are able to fully participate in the economy.
The provision of services such as trust accounts is a commercial decision for individual banks and building societies, and the Government does not intervene in these decisions.
Under the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Consumer Duty, firms must consider the impact of withdrawing a product and take steps to mitigate harm. However, the FCA cannot compel firms to offer specific products.
The FCA is currently engaging with industry and stakeholders to explore issues around the provision of trust accounts for disabled people, and the Government supports this work.
Asked by: Martin Rhodes (Labour - Glasgow North)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that people with disabilities have equitable access to services provided by (a) banks and (b) financial service providers.
Answered by Emma Reynolds - Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
As service providers, banks and building societies are bound under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments, where necessary, in the way they deliver their services.
In this context, the Government recognises that access to financial products and services ensures everyone can participate fully in the economy and in society.
This is why the Government has committed to publish a Financial Inclusion Strategy later this year. The strategy is being developed alongside a committee of industry and consumer representatives and will aim to tackle barriers to individuals’ and households’ ability to access affordable and appropriate products. As part of this, the committee is considering the cross-cutting theme of accessibility (alongside the themes of economic abuse and mental health) to ensure this informs the strategy’s development.
For people with disabilities who require in-person services, the Government is also working closely with industry to roll out at least 350 banking hubs which will provide communities with critical cash and banking services. Over 230 hubs have been announced so far, and over 170 are already open. Cash Access UK, who oversee banking hub rollout, work to ensure that their physical premises are fully accessible, and their services promote an inclusive environment.