Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with the devolved Administrations on the adequacy of the level of Government financial support provided in response to the covid-19 lockdown announced in January 2021; and if he will make a statement.

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic and following discussions with the devolved administrations for additional borrowing powers, the UK Government announced the unprecedented Barnett guarantee in July 2020.

These uplifts have given the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive the certainty to ensure they can plan for coronavirus response in the months ahead. It will continue support people, businesses and individuals across the devolved administrations, and it further demonstrates our unwavering support for all parts of the Union.

The devolved administrations have also benefitted from UK-wide support programmes including through Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, Self-Employed Income Support Scheme and business lending schemes.