Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Tuesday 1 December 2020 · 17 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 12 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Andrew Griffith asked about the impact of tier 2 restrictions on businesses in his constituency, and the Minister pledged continued support for their recovery.
  • The Chancellor confirmed that public sector workers earning less than 24,000 will receive a guaranteed fixed increase of at least 250.
  • Anneliese Dodds inquired about the modelling and positive impact of the Government's deal on working families, and the Minister expressed hope for a positive outcome from ongoing talks.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Griffith Con Arundel and South Downs
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The question follows the Chancellor's initial statement on his departmental responsibilities. It highlights the significant impact of the pandemic on local businesses in Arundel and South Downs.

Question

Many businesses in my constituency, such as hospitality, events, beauty, and wedding venues, have been hit terribly hard by the pandemic. As they now find themselves in tier 2 with restrictions and uncertainty, will he continue to do what he can to protect these essential enterprises?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

My hon. Friend is right to champion his local businesses. I know it has been a very difficult time for small and medium-sized companies in Arundel and South Downs, and they will receive my continued support as we work towards recovery.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer lacks specific details on the ongoing measures or plans to support businesses under current restrictions

How: Reassurance Without Specifics

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Andrew Griffith Con Arundel and South Downs
Taxation Employment
Context

The Chancellor previously announced a guaranteed fixed increase of £250 for public sector workers on less than £24,000. However, critics argue this will result in real-term cuts due to inflation.

Question

Will the Chancellor confirm that he is delivering a real-terms pay cut for many teaching assistants, prison officers and police constables by sticking with his announcement of a fixed increase of £250?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I stand by what I said. Those earning less than £24,000 in the public sector will receive a guaranteed fixed increase of at least £250.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Anneliese Dodds Labour (Co-op) Oxford East
Economy Brexit
Context

The Office for Budget Responsibility predicts a long-run loss of output of about 4% if no comprehensive trade deal is reached with the EU. The Chancellor previously promised to model the economic impact.

Question

Will he provide the modelling and confirm that his Government's deal will have a positive impact on ordinary working families?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I would not want to pre-empt the outcome of ongoing talks, which are constructive. I am very hopeful they will reach a positive conclusion. Regardless of the trading relationship with Europe, I remain confident in our country's economic future and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Not addressed: The modelling and direct impact on working families were not addressed

How: Preventing Pre-Emption, Hope Without Specifics

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Anneliese Dodds Labour (Co-op) Oxford East
Transport Science & Technology Energy
Context

The Chancellor recently announced the national infrastructure bank to be headquartered in the north of England with a £4 billion infrastructure investment fund.

Question

Can he outline more details of those proposals, particularly how forthcoming projects will benefit Southport's constituents?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The new national infrastructure bank will invest in transport, digital infrastructure, renewable energy through loans, guarantees, equity, and hybrid products. The levelling-up fund will finance projects up to £20 million that can be delivered quickly, making a tangible difference for constituents.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on Southport's benefits are not provided

How: General Description Without Specifics

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q5 Damien Moore Con
Taxation Scotland
Context

The Scottish First Minister announced a £500 thank you payment to healthcare staff. The UK Government holds tax powers over exemptions, allowances, and national insurance.

Question

Will the Chancellor ensure that these festive gifts are not clawed back by HMRC given that income tax on these payments is actually paid to Scotland?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The hon. Lady should know that the income tax on these payments is actually paid to Scotland, not Westminster. The Scottish Government have power and funding to gross up the payment if they wish. The UK Government has provided over £8.2 billion extra funding for the Scottish Government this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Direct commitment on tax status is lacking

How: Clarification Without Assurance

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q6 Alison Thewliss SNP
Economy Employment Business & Trade
Context

Many individuals, such as self-employed people, business owners, freelancers, company directors, are struggling to access financial support during the pandemic.

Question

Will the Government consider supporting these individuals on a loss of income basis similar to discretionary grants or hardship schemes for the dairy sector?

Answer from Jesse Norman

My hon. Friend is right to focus on specific impacts, and we are always happy to look for more schemes if he writes to me with details. We meet organisations like the Federation of Small Businesses to discuss these issues further.

Not addressed: The question on loss of income support was not directly addressed

How: Encouragement For Written Suggestions, Meetings Without Direct Commitments

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q7 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Economy
Context

A Health Minister suggested that the north-east is unlikely to move from tier 3 to tier 2 before the new year, despite a review in two weeks. This raises concerns about economic support for local businesses.

Question

Does the Chancellor agree with this message of no hope and will he publish his secret dashboard on the economic impact of covid?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will listen to what the Prime Minister and Health Secretary have to say about hope for all parts of our country fighting against this virus. Regarding the dashboard, I would refer him to published documents with sectoral dashboards and further information on local economies.

Not addressed: No direct answer regarding a 'secret' dashboard or specific support for north-east businesses

How: Reference To Other Officials, Published Documentation

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q8 Elliot Colburn
Business & Trade
Context

Carshalton and Wallington businesses, particularly pubs and restaurants, are worried about reopening plans as vaccines are rolled out.

Question

Businesses in Carshalton and Wallington welcome the support offered so far but are concerned about a road map to reopening. Will the Minister provide this roadmap and reconsider tiering restrictions?

Answer from John Glen

The covid-19 winter plan, published on 23 November, sets out objectives to manage the virus through vaccines, improved treatments, expanded test and trace programme, and rapid testing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify a roadmap for reopening or changes in tiering restrictions.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q9 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Employment Business Compliance
Context

The Arcadia Group's collapse impacts thousands of jobs, including those at Debenhams in Newport West.

Question

What discussions has the Chancellor had regarding support for employees affected by the Arcadia Group's closure?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The Government stands ready to support impacted individuals, but ongoing negotiations between parties in companies make it inappropriate for me to comment specifically at this time.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not outline specific discussions on providing support.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q10 Robert Halfon Con
Benefits & Welfare
Context

Freelancers and limited company directors have not received adequate financial support during the pandemic.

Question

Will the Minister outline steps to ensure excluded individuals can access significant financial assistance?

Answer from John Glen

Over £280 billion has been spent, self-employment income support scheme grants have increased from 55% to 80%, additional restrictions grant provides further support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not outline specific steps for freelancers and directors of limited companies.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q11 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Taxation Business & Trade
Context

Pubs in Twickenham face difficulties due to tiering restrictions.

Question

Will the Chancellor extend VAT relief, business rates relief, and further grants for hospitality businesses?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Measures like a business rates holiday and VAT cut last through spring. A grant programme provides support to businesses whether open or closed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not extend specific measures beyond current ones.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q12 Mark Fletcher
Business & Trade
Context

Enterprise zones are vital for levelling up, according to the MP.

Question

Will the Chancellor agree to meet to discuss a new generation of enterprise zones?

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

The Treasury recognises the role of enterprise zones and is interested in discussing it further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm meeting will happen.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q13 Tommy Sheppard SNP
Scotland Wales
Context

The UK Government's decision affects Scottish key workers' bonus payments under the Scotland Act.

Question

Will the Chancellor allow Scottish key workers to keep the full value of their bonuses given by the Scottish Government?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The UK Government's approach is similar to recent actions in Wales. The Scottish Government can increase payment values if they wish net payments of £500.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm tax exemptions for bonuses.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q14 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Economy Taxation
Context

N/A

Question

Does anybody in this Conservative Government still believe in a low-tax, deregulated and small-state Britain? In which case, what are they going to do about it?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

That is music to my ears. My right hon Friend is absolutely right: this is a Government who believe in a low-tax dynamic economy. He will also appreciate that, in the midst of the crisis that we are facing, it is incumbent on the Government to provide unprecedented support to preserve the economic capacity of our country. But as soon as we get through this, I like him look forward to returning to that dynamic free market economy that we both passionately believe in.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific plans for achieving a low-tax economy were not addressed with concrete actions or timelines

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q15 Andrea Leadsom Con
NHS Children & Families
Context

The questioner highlights the importance of early childhood intervention for long-term economic productivity.

Question

Does my right hon Friend agree that the best time to invest in the emotional lifelong capacity of a human being that leads to future economic productivity is in the critical period between conception and the age of two? The Prime Minister's levelling-up agenda will be best served by ensuring that every single baby across our United Kingdom gets the best start in life.

Answer from Kemi Badenoch

I assure my right hon Friend that I agree with her. The Government remain committed to improving health outcomes during the first 1001 days and early childhood. At the spending review, we confirmed an additional £25.8 million to increase the value of healthy start vouchers to £4.25, in line with the recommendation of the national food strategy, to help combat child food poverty and to give children the best start in life.

Answered

Not addressed: null

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q16 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Economy
Context

The charity sector has spent £750 million provided at the start of the pandemic and now faces a £10 billion debt. Many organisations are due to close, but there was no mention of further support in the Chancellor's statement last week.

Question

The Chancellor provided £750 million for charities at the start of the pandemic. However, that money has been spent, and the charity sector now faces £10 billion of debt. Many organisations are due to close, and there was no mention of support in his statement last week. What additional support will he provide to save our charities and help them do their vital work?

Answer from Steve Barclay

As my right hon Friend the Chancellor set out earlier, and as the Office for Budget Responsibility set out last week, the total package of support comes to over £280 billion. In the spending review last week we also signalled further support as part of our covid response, with an additional £55 billion next year. Of course my right hon Friend continues to keep under review the specific support to the charity sector, but as he set out in his earlier response, a comprehensive package of support has already been allocated.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked for additional support specifically for charities, which was not directly addressed with new commitments or figures

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q17 Julian Sturdy Con
Taxation
Context

Tier 2 areas such as York have restrictions on serving alcohol only with a meal, which is particularly hard for pubs. The questioner suggests that now more than ever there needs to be reassessment of how beer and pubs are taxed.

Question

My right hon Friend will know that pubs in tier 2 areas such as York will be hit particularly hard by the Government's requirement to serve alcohol only with a meal. Given that pubs were already struggling prior to the pandemic, does he agree that now, more than ever, we need a fundamental reassessment of the way we tax beer and pubs?

Answer from Steve Barclay

As the Chancellor set out in the Budget, we are undertaking a comprehensive alcohol duty review which will provide an opportunity to look at this issue in depth. My hon Friend will also be aware that in six of the last seven Budgets the Government have cut or frozen beer duty, meaning that it is now at its lowest level for 30 years.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific reassessment requested was not directly addressed with new commitments or figures; instead, it acknowledged past actions and future reviews without providing concrete immediate solutions

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)