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Written Question
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Tuesday 5th May 2020

Asked by: Selaine Saxby (Conservative - North Devon)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Government plans to support employees who are not eligible to be furloughed following the change of cut off date for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Answered by Jesse Norman

The eligibility cut-off date for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was pushed back from 28 February 2020 to 19 March 2020. This means that employees who were originally ineligible can now participate in the scheme. This change makes the scheme more generous while keeping the significant fraud risks under control.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is open to any individual who was on an employer’s PAYE payroll on or before 19 March 2020 and for whom HMRC received an RTI submission notifying payment in respect of that employee on or before the 19 March 2020. Processing claims for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme where HMRC did not have RTI data by 19 March would significantly slow down the system while risking substantial levels of fraud. It would also require greater resource for HMRC when they are already under significant pressure to deliver the system designed.

Those not eligible for the scheme may be able to access other support that the Government is providing, including a package of temporary welfare measures and up to three months’ mortgage payment holidays for those struggling with their mortgage payments.


Written Question
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: EU Nationals
Friday 1st May 2020

Asked by: Selaine Saxby (Conservative - North Devon)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure that EU citizens eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme are issued with National Insurance numbers as quickly as possible.

Answered by Jesse Norman

HMRC have put processes in place to allow an employer with employees that do not have a National Insurance number to submit a claim to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, in order to ensure that employees without a National Insurance number, including EU citizens, are not disadvantaged.
Written Question
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: EU Nationals
Friday 1st May 2020

Asked by: Selaine Saxby (Conservative - North Devon)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure EU citizens receiving a National Insurance number for the purposes of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme are not disadvantaged by any delay to that process as a result of covid-19.

Answered by Jesse Norman

HMRC have put processes in place to allow an employer with employees that do not have a National Insurance number to submit a claim to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, in order to ensure that employees without a National Insurance number, including EU citizens, are not disadvantaged.
Written Question
Council Tax: Small Businesses
Tuesday 28th April 2020

Asked by: Selaine Saxby (Conservative - North Devon)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to support small businesses that pay council tax on their properties and not business rates during the covid-19 outbreak.

Answered by Jesse Norman

The Chancellor has set out a package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19.

All councils have their own local council tax support scheme which provides reductions in council tax for low income residents. In addition, the Government has provided councils with a £500m hardship fund to enable additional council tax relief.

This funding is in addition to support for businesses, including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. Those who are self-employed or a member of a partnership may be eligible for a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.