Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of the request by the Mineral Products Association for quarry owners to have additional time to pay the Aggregates Levy.

The Government has announced unprecedented support for public services, business and workers to protect against the current economic emergency. Our economic response is one of the most generous and comprehensive globally.

HMRC are also delivering Time to Pay to fit the specific impacts of Covid-19. Time to Pay is a pre-existing scheme available to all firms and individuals who are in temporary financial distress as a result of Covid-19 with existing liabilities to HMRC and are unable to pay their tax on time. The government has ensured that businesses and self-employed individuals in financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities can receive help and advice with their tax affairs. HMRC has set up a dedicated COVID-19 helpline to help those in need, and they may be able to agree a bespoke Time to Pay arrangement. A business or self-employed individual can contact HMRC’s helpline for help and advice on 0800 024 1222.

In addition, the government is deferring Value Added Tax (VAT) payments so UK VAT registered businesses will not need to pay any VAT due alongside their normal VAT return from 20 March through to the end of June – a deferral worth over £30 billion or 1.5% of GDP. Businesses will have until the end of the financial year (March 31st 2021) to pay back any deferred VAT. This is to help support businesses with their cash flows, and support individuals’ employment. The option to defer VAT is open to all £2.3 million UK VAT registered businesses.