Topical Questions

Question

Given the government's commitment to increasing social security payments in line with inflation, why won't you honour that promise?

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To support job creation and more economic growth, will you commit to funding the dualling of the A120 between Braintree and Marks Tey along the route specified by the county council, businesses, and local community?

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Since the disastrous mini-Budget just 18 days ago, we have seen wild swings in the value of the pound, gilt yields up 100 basis points in a single day, and the Bank of England intervening. Now the Government are looking for cuts that hit the most vulnerable and public services. Will you put aside your pride, do the right thing, and reverse the Budget?

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Early results from my local business survey strongly suggest that a lower VAT rate would increase investment, which would boost recovery and growth in the hospitality sector. Will my right hon. Friend be reviewing the case for a lower rate to bring us back into line with some of our international competitors?

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Push payment fraud losses have increased by 71% in the first half of 2021, surpassing card fraud losses for the first time. What steps is the Chancellor taking to tackle this surge in fraud and ensure victims are reimbursed?

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It is a massive relief that the nightmare scenario of energy bills of £4,000, £5,000 or even £6,000 has been prevented by the energy price cap. Will the Government explain how they are reducing the cost to taxpayers of this scheme and stabilising the energy market for the future?

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The Scottish Government announced they will double the December bridging payment to £260, and the Child Poverty Action Group noted this would help households. What plans do the UK Government have to follow suit?

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While £100 support is welcome, will the Chancellor and Business Secretary review additional support given severe price rises for off-grid heating oil?

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Given the Bank of England's actions to refinance government bonds, what discussions has the Chancellor had with the Pensions Regulator about the viability of pension schemes?

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Will the Chancellor's medium-term fiscal plan include measures to reduce government debt and what analysis supports this, given the IFS predicts significant tightening?

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Despite confident words, the IMF suggests longer-lasting inflation. With many constituents worried about essential budget cuts and potential reliance on food banks, will the Chancellor reassess his growth plan?

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The previous Chancellor confirmed an equivalent scheme exists for off-grid heating oil users. Could you provide an update for residents in Hyndburn and Haslingden?

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The upkeep of Chester city walls is a significant annual expense. Can the Government set aside funding to support the stewardship of such important heritage assets?

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Funding has been allocated but not yet provided. Will the Minister agree to meet me and Hampshire County Council to discuss this long-awaited project?

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The Chancellor was warned that unfunded tax cuts would force the Bank of England to increase rates and that is exactly what has happened. The Bank of England has said today that, in effect, the mini-Budget has caused a material risk to Britain's financial stability. Can the Chancellor explain how people are supposed to pay their mortgages which have gone up by £500 on average and £900 in London? What is he going to do about it, because it is not acceptable that his incompetence is risking people's livelihoods?

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Talking to people working in the housing industry in Winchester, I have found that they are not convinced that the stamp duty reduction will help first-time buyers while inflation and particularly mortgage rates are creeping up. Lenders are coming back with some good rates, and the Chancellor will know that, but when he delivers his statement on 31 October, will he ensure that it has confidence at its heart and that it is—knowing him, it will be—a relentlessly positive statement, so that we can push confidence right the way through the market?

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Will the Minister admit that, if the Government do not increase the guarantee credit component of pension credit in line with inflation this year, they are effectively cutting the incomes of our poorest pensioners when they need help most?

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Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the cuts to national insurance will help not only working households, but businesses and the public sector, such as schools?

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Can the Chancellor state how much the investment zones are worth and how they will be funded?

Question

Thank you, Mr Speaker. The UK has rightly frozen around £30 billion of Russian foreign currency reserves. A number of countries are moving from freezing those assets to seizing them to pay reparations to Ukraine. Will my right hon. Friend look at similar measures from the UK?