Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an assessment of (a) the impact of share buybacks on economic inequality and (b) the potential impact of a targeted tax on this issue.

Share buybacks are already subject to taxation in the form of Stamp Taxes on Shares (STS), which raise important revenue – up to £4.4bn per year – that helps to fund our public services.

There are also rules in place to ensure that any returns that arise to shareholders as part of a buyback are treated consistently with the policies and principles that underpin the broader tax system.

The Government keeps all taxes under review.