Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of his Department's decision not to extend the Loan Charge settlement deadline on the (a) mental health of and (b) risk of suicide in people subject to the Loan Charge.

The Government announced in December 2019 that it would extend the Loan Charge deadline from 31 January 2020 to 30 September 2020, for individuals due to pay the Loan Charge to submit their 2018/19 Self Assessment returns and pay the tax due or agree a time to pay arrangement.

The Government takes concerns over the physical and mental wellbeing of taxpayers very seriously. These cases are complex and typically involve many different factors.

HMRC have signposted the extra help available to taxpayers in correspondence and on calls. Their staff are trained to detect signs of stress, and look out for indications that a taxpayer may need extra support; and where appropriate will transfer them to an Extra Support adviser who has additional skills, knowledge and tools to help them. Where appropriate, HMRC also refer taxpayers to expert outside organisations that can provide further independent advice and support.