Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Nigel Huddleston and David Gauke

Wednesday 23rd March 2016 Commons Chamber

[Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)]

7. What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on commencement of the fiscal powers in the Scotland Bill.

[The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke)]

The UK and Scottish Governments have met 10 times under the Joint Exchequer Committee since the election last year. These discussions resulted last month in the agreement of a new fiscal framework for the Scottish Government. Agreement on the fiscal framework enables us to deliver on the vow we made to the Scottish people and delivers one of the most powerful and accountable devolved Parliaments in the world, with the economic and national security that comes from being part of the UK.

[Nigel Huddleston]

Does the Minister agree that it would be bad news for Scotland if it became the highest taxed part of the United Kingdom? Does he agree with Ruth Davidson MSP that Scottish taxpayers should not have to pay any more in tax than fellow Britons in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

[Mr Gauke]

The Scottish people have essentially three choices in their elections. Two of them—voting Labour or SNP—would involve paying more in income tax.

Budget Changes

Debate between Nigel Huddleston and David Gauke

Monday 21st March 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

I am pleased to hear that the hon. Gentleman believes we have to get the deficit and the debt under control. He will be aware that an independent Scotland, given what has happened to the oil price, would face the biggest deficit in the western world.

[Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)]

Will the Minister confirm what the top rate of income tax is today, what the top rate of income tax was for 99.3% of the previous Labour Government, and how many basic rate taxpayers have been taken out of paying income tax altogether under the Conservatives?

[Mr Gauke]

Forty-five, 40, and about 4 million.