Asked by: Sarah Edwards (Labour - Tamworth)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps HMRC is taking to ensure retirees and others with pensions and savings get clear help in avoiding mistakes with tax codes.
Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
HMRC is committed to helping retirees and others with pensions and savings understand their tax position and avoid errors with their tax codes.
Most people who receive a pension or savings income pay the right tax automatically through Pay As You Earn (PAYE). HMRC uses information provided by pension providers, banks and building societies to set and update tax codes, and continues to improve how this data is used to increase accuracy and reduce the risk of errors.
Where changes are made to a tax code, HMRC provides clear explanations so customers understand why an adjustment has been made and what action, if any, is needed. Customers can check and update their details online through their Personal Tax Account or the HMRC app, and can contact HMRC directly if something does not look right.
HMRC also recognises that some retirees may find tax matters more complex or may not be able to use digital services. For these customers, HMRC provides alternative support, including telephone and postal services, clear written guidance, and trained advisers who can offer tailored and empathetic help.
HMRC continues to improve its guidance and communications, including plain‑English information designed around real‑life situations, to help people better understand their tax affairs and avoid common mistakes.
Asked by: Sarah Edwards (Labour - Tamworth)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential financial impact on outdoor visitor attractions, including zoos like Chester Zoo and theme parks like Drayton Manor, from the presentation of weather forecasts that use a single icon to summarise whole-day conditions.
Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
DCMS recognises the vital role outdoor visitor attractions play in the UK’s visitor economy. These sites, ranging from world-leading zoos and theme parks to historic gardens, contribute to regional investment, local employment and often support learning and biodiversity conservation.
At this time, DCMS has not made a specific assessment of the potential financial impact of digital weather forecasting on outdoor visitor attractions. The Government is aware of the concerns raised by the sector regarding how these forecasts can influence visitor behaviour, including the recent campaign led by Chester Zoo.
My department continues to represent the interests of the visitor economy across Government and my officials are engaged on this matter. This includes membership of the Public Weather Service (PWS) Customer Group. This Group has been working closely with the Met Office to strengthen the focus on supporting the outdoor economy, including the visitor economy. More broadly, I remain committed to maintaining a close and constructive dialogue with industry representatives to ensure the visitor economy continues to thrive.