Asked by: Peter Dowd (Labour - Bootle)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether (a) officials and (b) Ministers in his Department have met representatives of the UK-China Cooperation Fund in the last twelve months.
Answered by John Glen
The UK-China Cooperation Fund is a private sector initiative. Treasury ministers and officials have not met with representatives of the UK-China Cooperation Fund in the last twelve months, nor have officials discussed with relevant stakeholders the allocation of its funding, which is an independent commercial matter.
Asked by: Peter Dowd (Labour - Bootle)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions officials in his Department have had with relevant stakeholders on the allocation of funding for the UK-China Cooperation Fund.
Answered by John Glen
The UK-China Cooperation Fund is a private sector initiative. Treasury ministers and officials have not met with representatives of the UK-China Cooperation Fund in the last twelve months, nor have officials discussed with relevant stakeholders the allocation of its funding, which is an independent commercial matter.
Asked by: Peter Dowd (Labour - Bootle)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions officials in his Department have had with relevant stakeholders on the provision of green finance for the Green Belt and Road.
Answered by John Glen
The government engages with a range of stakeholders on the provision of green finance, particularly in the run to COP26. This involves working with international partners and the financial sector to promote advancement of and adherence to international green standards that support the delivery of sustainable infrastructure, including via initiatives such as the Belt and Road.
Asked by: Peter Dowd (Labour - Bootle)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of extending business rates exemptions and the temporary VAT reduction to businesses in the wedding industry.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
This year, due to the direct adverse effects of COVID-19, the Government has provided an unprecedented business rates holiday for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties. The Government has also frozen the business rates multiplier for all businesses for 2021-22.
The temporary VAT reduced rate came into effect on 15 July 2020 and was initially scheduled to end on 12 January 2021. The Government extended the reduced rate of VAT (five per cent) until 31 March 2021.
The Government has provided various schemes to support firms, including those in the wedding industry, including Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans, Bounce Back Loans, grants and VAT deferrals.
The Budget will set out the next phase of the Government’s plans to tackle the virus, protect jobs and support business.