Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to (a) help increase the number of banking hubs and (b) protect access to free-to-use cash machines in high-deprivation areas in Glasgow.

Answered by Rachel Blake

The way people across the UK use retail banking services has changed significantly, with many customers now choosing to bank online. In response, banks and building societies have reshaped their branch networks, reflecting changing customer preferences.

However, the Government understands the importance of banking services to communities and high streets and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Banking hubs are a voluntary service which were developed by the financial services sector in the context of legislation to protect access to cash under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023.

Over 275 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 235 are already open. The Government continues to engage with industry on ways to improve the consistency and level of services provided through banking hubs.

On 14 May the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services to assess whether changes in access to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who it affects.

The evidence collected by the Review will inform future decisions on whether further action is needed. Alongside the Review, the Financial Services and Markets Bill includes a power to allow the Government to take action in future to protect access to banking services, should this be necessary. This power ensures the Government can act swiftly and proportionately, including through future regulation, if the evidence from the Review supports intervention.

The Government also recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses.

Under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has responsibility and powers to protect access to cash, including free facilities for personal current account holders. The FCA’s most recent data shows that 99.2% of the urban population live within 1 mile of a free to use cash access point offering withdrawals. In rural areas, 98.5% of people live within 3 miles of a free to use cash access point offering withdrawals.

HMT launched the Access to Banking Services Review Call for Evidence on 8 June and will run for 6 weeks, closing on 20 July, inviting input from consumers, businesses, charities, community groups, local authorities and industry across the UK. The evidence will inform recommendations, with findings due in October. Responses can be submitted here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/access-to-banking-services-review-call-for-evidence.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to enforce the National Living Wage within the gig economy and delivery-app sectors.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Government is clear that all workers entitled to the National Minimum Wage should receive it, and all businesses, including those in the gig economy, must meet their legal obligations. This is why we have created the Fair Work Agency to bring enforcement functions together and make employment rights enforcement more effective.

Since 1999, the government has returned over £200 million to 1.5 million underpaid workers. In 2024/25, NMW investigations in Scotland returned close to £330,000 to nearly 1,000 workers, with employers fined £240,000 in total.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps the Government is taking to encourage Small and Medium Enterprises in Glasgow to register their offers on the official Great British Summer Savings website.

Answered by Chris Ward

The Great British Summer Savings (GBSS) campaign means cheaper family days out this summer across the whole of the UK. The Government is cutting VAT from 20% to 5% on family days out and for young people under 18 years old — from cinema and theatre tickets to attractions, and children's meals out.

The GBSS campaign is backed by the Federation of Small Businesses, the British Chambers of Commerce, UK Hospitality, the Society of London Theatre, UK Theatre and Small Business Britain, who - alongside government colleagues - have been engaging small and medium sized businesses in all parts of the UK.

VAT-eligible businesses can visit greatbritishsummersavings.gov.uk to take part. We have already onboarded thousands of offers with more being added every day.

Pet-inclusive homelessness and temporary accommodation

Scotland’s Tartan Army

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Patricia Ferguson (Chair); Maureen Burke; Harriet Cross; Dave Doogan

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Patricia Ferguson (Chair); Maureen Burke; Dave Doogan; Lillian Jones

Submit Evidence (by 18 Sep 2026)

Scotch whisky is one of Scotland’s most globally recognised products and the UK’s largest drink export. The industry contributes substantial economic value and supports 41,000 jobs across Scotland. Whisky also carries cultural significance and plays a central role in rural economies. However, recent global volatility and a rise in protectionist measures have contributed to a slowdown in Scotch whisky exports, while market trends are also shifting. At the same time, the sector is facing a number of domestic pressures, such as rising energy costs and the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme. This inquiry will examine these challenges, and explore how UK Government policies on trade, duty and domestic regulation are shaping the future of this key Scottish industry.