Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May 2020 to Question 43961 on Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, what discussions he has had with (a) the Home Secretary and (b) other Cabinet colleagues on enforcement of the obligation on employers to utilise funds paid under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme in accordance with clause 2.2 of the Schedule to the Treasury Direction dated 15 April 2020.

The Government expects that the vast majority of employers will do the right thing, but HMRC reserve the right to follow up on claims and take whatever action is necessary if people abuse the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). Fraudulent claims risk the provision of public services and the protection of livelihoods.

The CJRS is a reserved matter and the responsibility for compliance remains with HMRC.

The Government is continuing to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including other departments and the Devolved Administrations, to inform the development and use of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.