Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on Corporate Joint Committees; and what progress has been made on ensuring that said committees are able to (a) reclaim VAT, (b) access borrowing via Public Works Loan Board, (c) access Debt Management Account Deposit facilities.

Treasury officials engage regularly with the Welsh Government on a range of issues, including the Corporate Joint Committees (CJCs).

Bodies such as the CJCs can apply to HM Treasury for admission to VAT refund schemes. Applications are assessed based on objective criteria. The status of any applications that are made is a confidential matter between applicants, HM Treasury and HMRC.

HMT is committed to the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) offering low-cost loans to local authorities. HMT has indicated to the Welsh Government earlier this year that we agree in principle with PWLB access being given to CJCs.

The Debt Management Office (DMO) provides the Debt Management Account Deposit Facility (DMADF) as part of its cash management operations designed to support local authorities' cash management. The DMO considers applications from eligible institutions. The current list of eligible institutions is published on the DMO’s website at https://www.dmo.gov.uk/responsibilities/money-markets/debt-management-account-deposit-facility-dmadf/#eligible_institutions