Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Financial Support: Covid-19

Wednesday 18 November 2020 · 7 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister had regular discussions with the Chancellor on financial support for Wales affected by the covid-19 outbreak.
  • Significant funding was provided to the self-employed in Wales, including an additional 5 billion guarantee to the Welsh Government.
  • Representations were made to the Chancellor regarding additional funding for areas impacted by flooding and unsafe coal tips, with some progress on specific works and national reserve funding processes.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Geraint Davies Lab
Economy Wales
Context

Discussions on financial support provided to individuals and businesses in Wales during the pandemic.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on financial support for people in Wales affected by the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Simon Hart

I have regular discussions with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor on our economic response to covid-19. We have directly provided over £500 million to the self-employed in Wales on top of the £5 billion additional funding guarantee given to the Welsh Government.

Answered
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Q2 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Wales Environment
Context

Families and communities are financially impacted due to flooding and unsafe coal tips in their area, with a focus on Tylorstown.

Question

The pandemic is putting huge financial pressure on constituents right across Wales. Families and communities are hugely impacted by flooding and unsafe coal tips, such as those in the Rhondda constituency. Can he tell us what representations have been made to the Chancellor about additional funding for these issues?

Answer from Simon Hart

There has been significant movement on the guarantee for initial important works around Tylorstown. The rest of the requested funding is part of a national reserve, requiring the normal estimates process. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury will look favourably on applications that meet necessary criteria.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline or exact amount of additional funding for Welsh Government initiatives addressing flooding and coal tip safety not provided.

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Q3 Geraint Davies Lab
Economy Wales Local Government
Context

Concern about the equitable distribution of funds due to lockdowns in England and Wales under the Barnett formula.

Question

The lockdown in England came after a firebreak in Wales. Will he ensure that Wales receives its full equivalent of the English lockdown funding through the Barnett formula, allowing best deployment by the Welsh Government?

Answer from Simon Hart

Significant sums have been made available under the Barnett scheme, including £5 billion. While additional sums are subject to UK-wide basis and normal Barnett formula, substantial funds remain unspent by the Welsh Government (£1.8 billion).

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment or timeline for ensuring Wales receives its fair share of funding not provided.

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Q4 Nia Griffith Lab Llanelli
Scotland Wales
Context

Concern over the UK Government's perceived neglect of Wales and its request for furlough extension during a firebreak.

Question

Sadly, this week we have seen the Prime Minister's utter contempt for devolution. Despite the effectiveness of the Welsh Labour Government's actions based on scientific advice, why did he fail to secure support from the Chancellor for workers in Wales as requested?

Answer from Simon Hart

The UK Government has provided significant support, with higher infection rates and lower testing rates in Wales compared to England. The First Minister knew what was possible through Treasury meetings but proceeded without meeting requirements.

Not addressed: Specific explanation for the UK Government's failure to extend furlough not addressed; instead focused on comparison of infection/testing rates between Wales and England.

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Q5 Nia Griffith Lab Llanelli
Economy Wales Local Government
Context

Request for backdated furlough to help workers and businesses affected by delays in the UK Government's response.

Question

After Conservative Government's delay led to a crisis-point lockdown, why was 80% furlough not backdated to 23 October for Welsh businesses that helped turn tide on covid numbers in Wales?

Answer from Simon Hart

Discussions have been had with Welsh businesses. UK Government has provided significant direct support: £1.6 billion to businesses, 401,000 people protected by furlough (one in three jobs), £1.47 billion in bounce-back loans, and £530 million for self-employed.

Not addressed: Specific commitment or timeline for backdating furlough support not provided; instead highlighted overall UK Government support.

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Q6 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Economy Wales Brexit
Context

With only 43 days until the end of the transition period, key EU funding in Wales has not been replaced and remains unclear. The shared prosperity fund's role is under scrutiny.

Question

On top of economic hardship from the pandemic, there are only 43 days until the end of the transition period. Key EU funding in Wales remains shrouded in mystery. Does the Secretary of State respect Welsh devolution and guarantee that funding decisions will be fully devolved? Anything else will stink of political expediency.

Answer from Simon Hart

I thoroughly support devolution, but it means getting decision making done at the closest possible level to where it matters. I have had conversations with local authorities and others about the shared prosperity fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not guarantee that funding decisions will be fully devolved.

How: Throughout Words

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Q7 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Scotland Wales
Context

A YouGov poll found that 72% of Welsh people do not trust Westminster. Support for Welsh independence is gaining speed and traction.

Question

The Prime Minister considers devolution a disaster. With 72% of Welsh people not trusting Westminster to look after their best interests, how can the Union taskforce overcome the realities of Westminster's track record in Wales?

Answer from Simon Hart

Devolution is a disaster when hijacked by separatists. The last barometer poll showed that support for Plaid Cymru had dropped by 4% and support for independence in Wales had dropped by 2%. She should not get too excited about the direction of travel.

Not addressed: Did not address how the Union taskforce can overcome lack of trust.

How: Changing Topic To Discuss Poll Results

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