Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people affected by the loan charge has Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs referred to suicide prevention organisations since that charge was introduced.

Any loss of life is a tragedy, and my thoughts are with the families of those affected. The Government takes concerns about the wellbeing of all taxpayers seriously and recognises that the Loan Charge can add significant pressures for some taxpayers.

Individuals are supported on a case-by-case basis and all HMRC call handlers and case workers are trained to identify taxpayers who might need extra help, including those in distress. The support HMRC provides could be in relation to their tax affairs, or by signposting to specialist voluntary and community organisations, such as Mind or Samaritans. However, we do not keep a composite record of taxpayers that HMRC has referred to these specialist organisations.

The Government is working with HMRC to consider what additional specialised support could be provided to taxpayers who need extra help.