Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Tuesday 5 September 2023 · 25 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 10 Partly answered 9 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK economy showed a faster recovery than other large European economies, reaching 0.6% larger than pre-pandemic levels by Q4 2021.
  • The Government provided relief on business rates up to 75% for pubs and introduced the Brexit pubs guarantee to help with duty pricing.
  • HMRC received 38 million calls last year, with 3 million for simple tasks that could be done digitally, leading to a plan to move people to digital channels to free up staff for complex tax affairs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Elliot Colburn
Economy
Context

The UK economy's performance following the pandemic.

Question

If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. The Office for National Statistics published an update showing that the UK economy was 0.6% larger than pre-pandemic levels by Q4 2021, marking the fastest recovery from the pandemic in Europe. Questions arise about further steps to support this growth.

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

The UK economy showed a faster recovery than other large European economies due to decisions like furlough, protecting millions of jobs. Inflation has dropped by nearly 40% since its peak and is now at 11%. The autumn statement will be delivered on 22 November.

Answered
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Q2 Elliot Colburn
Taxation Business & Trade
Context

Carshalton and Wallington's pubs, including the Hope pub, won a Campaign for Real Ale award.

Question

Will he expand on the work the Treasury is doing to support pubs beyond tax relief?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

We have provided relief on business rates of up to 75% for pubs and introduced the Brexit pubs guarantee, which helps with duty pricing.

Answered
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Q3 Rachel Reeves Lab Leeds West and Pudsey
Education
Context

156 schools are at risk of collapse, with capital budgets halved in real terms since 2010.

Question

Do the Government take any responsibility for failing to address school safety issues?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

We acted fast to minimise impact on affected schools. While acknowledging cuts in 2010, capital spending at the Department for Education has increased by 16% since then.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific funding commitment

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Q4 Rachel Reeves Lab Leeds West and Pudsey
Education Economy
Context

Department for Education warned about deteriorating school conditions, ignored by the then-Chancellor.

Question

Will he publish the Department's submission to the last spending review?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

Capital spending at the DfE went up 16% in real terms, reflecting economic recovery under Conservative leadership.

Not addressed: submission publication request

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Q5 Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire
Business & Trade
Context

Labour criticises British businesses for slow growth, despite UK's faster recovery since 2010.

Question

What is his message to British businesses?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

The UK has become the strongest economy in Europe for film and television, life sciences, and technology under Conservative leadership.

Not addressed: positive business message

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Q6 Ian Lavery Lab Blyth and Ashington
Education Environment
Context

95% of schools contain asbestos, which is a silent killer. Funding to remove it is lacking.

Question

Will he commit to providing funding for asbestos removal?

Answer from John Glen

£15 billion has been invested since 2015 to keep schools safe, addressing issues related to school conditions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific funding commitment

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Q7 Philip Hollobone Con
Taxation
Context

10 million calls went unanswered at HMRC last year, and four out of five staff work from home.

Question

What measures are being taken to improve HMRC's customer service?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

HMRC received 38 million calls last year, with 3 million for simple tasks that could be done digitally. Moving people to digital channels will free up at least 500 staff to handle more complex tax affairs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: immediate call handling measures

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Q8 Alison Thewliss SNP
Energy
Context

Pensioners and households are struggling with energy costs, even in summer.

Question

Does the Minister agree that a £400 energy rebate would help?

Answer from Gareth Davies

The Government provided £94 billion of support during the energy crisis, including an energy price guarantee covering half of people's bills. Wholesale gas prices have since come down.

Not addressed: specific rebate commitment

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Q9 Craig Tracey Con
Economy
Context

Free ATM access is crucial for many individuals, especially the vulnerable. Concerns have risen over its availability in certain areas.

Question

I am concerned about free access to cash being a vital lifeline for constituents, particularly in North Warwickshire and Bedworth. Can you confirm what steps are being taken to protect this access across the country?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

We have given directions to the Financial Conduct Authority that access to cash should be no more than 1 mile in urban areas and no more than 3 miles in rural constituencies, ensuring statutory protection for this service.

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Q10 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Justice & Courts Benefits & Welfare
Context

Prison officers face immense pressure, with a critical issue being their pension age of 68, which is seen as too high.

Question

Prison officers are at breaking point due to various issues, including the pension age of 68. Can the Chancellor allow the Ministry of Justice to restart negotiations on this matter?

Answer from John Glen

I have not heard that matter raised before, but I am very happy to take it back and correspond with the hon. Lady on it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or timeline for negotiations were not provided

How: Will Look Into

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Q11 David Duguid Con
Economy Climate Energy
Context

There is a need to maximise investment opportunities in critical offshore energy infrastructure such as wind, carbon capture, and hydrogen.

Question

When will a fiscal review of all offshore energy activities be carried out to ensure maximum investment in renewable and fossil fuel infrastructure?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

I had a breakfast with clean energy industry representatives this morning. Maximising use of our oil and gas reserves during transition remains part of our energy security policy.

Not addressed: Did not address the fiscal review timeline or specifics on investment opportunities

How: Changed Subject

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Q12 Caroline Lucas Green
Economy Taxation
Context

Banks' profits have surged by 700%, yet the Bank of England is forecast to pay out billions in interest while the surcharge on bank profits has been reduced.

Question

Will the Chancellor consider introducing a windfall tax on banks' excess profits, given their significant increase and the Bank of England's expected payouts?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

With millions of jobs dependent on financial services, I hope the hon. Lady will join me in celebrating a sustainably profitable sector.

Not addressed: Did not address the windfall tax proposal or its implications

How: Changed Subject

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Q13 Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire
Economy
Context

There is an 'advice gap' where 93% of constituents cannot afford regulated financial advice, leading to difficulties in accessing personalised support.

Question

Will the Economic Secretary update on progress made to enable constituents to access tailored financial guidance due to affordability issues?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

My hon. Friend raises an important point about the advice gap; Treasury officials, FCA and I are consulting on this issue, with an update planned for autumn.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete steps or timeline beyond general consultation

How: Under Review

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Q14 Richard Thomson
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The company set up by the UK Government to recover personal debt has seen a significant increase in profits, raising concerns during the cost of living crisis.

Question

Do Ministers believe it is right that Integrated Debt Services should profit significantly from people's financial difficulties?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

The hon. Gentleman raises an important point regarding the regulated company working with Crown Commercial Service on debt recovery, and I will be making inquiries.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address if profits are considered excessive or unjustified

How: Will Look Into

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Q15 Priti Patel Con Witham
Business & Trade
Context

Businesses across Essex are experiencing complexities and delays in processing R&D tax credit claims with HMRC, hindering their growth.

Question

May I ask the Minister to meet me and some businesses to address issues surrounding R&D tax credit claim delays?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

I would be delighted to meet my right hon. Friend and those businesses, underlining the support given by this Government.

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Q16 Stephen Timms Lab East Ham
Economy Business & Trade
Context

There is a shift from Government gilts towards engaging pension funds with more productive investment in UK businesses.

Question

Do the Minister have proposals to secure such investments for UK firms rather than them going overseas?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

Our objective is to increase investment but we do not believe in mandating where pensions should be invested, unlike the Opposition who support such regulation.

Not addressed: Did not propose specific measures for securing domestic investments

How: Philosophical Difference

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Q17 David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington
Economy Housing Transport
Context

6,000 bank branches will close by the end of the year and 15,000 ATMs have closed in the last five years. The Economic Secretary promised underwriting for access rights.

Question

The Economic Secretary told my hon. Friend that he is going to underwrite the statutory right of access to cash, but 6,000 bank branches will close by the end of the year and 15,000 ATMs have closed in the last five years. How is this promise being ensured?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

The FCA has sanctions for ATM closures leaving communities without free access to cash. The change in technology and consumer patterns are leading to significant branch closures, but there should be more than 100 community banking hubs on the way.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics of how statutory right of access will be ensured were not provided

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Q18 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
Economy Taxation
Context

People view current income tax rates as punitive and there is a need to move towards a growth-based economy.

Question

Does the Chancellor accept that income tax rates are exceptionally punitive, and does he agree with moving towards a growth-based economy?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

As a Conservative, I want to bring taxes down as soon as we can afford it. People can earn £1,000 a month without paying tax or national insurance.

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Q19 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Context

Need to build confidence among consumers in financial services industry through regulator compliance and sanctions.

Question

Does my hon. Friend agree that regulators must respond to complaints, impose sanctions against breaches, and publish performance metrics for consumer trust?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

Yes, I agree. We have beefed up the role of the financial regulators review commissioner and will require regulators to publish regular operating metrics.

Answered
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Q20 Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
NHS
Context

Gary Godwin lost over £6,000 to Safe Hands prepaid funeral plan collapse. This is part of a wider scandal with millions lost by others.

Question

Will the Minister meet me and discuss Gary Godwin's case in light of the Safe Hands prepaid funeral plan scandal?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

Yes, I will be happy to meet the hon. Gentleman. What happened with Safe Hands is a scandal, so we have enlarged the regulatory perimeter.

Answered
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Q21 Stephen Crabb Con
Economy Energy Business & Trade
Context

Ports are bidding to the Government's infrastructure fund for new floating offshore wind projects.

Question

May I encourage Ministers to look favourably on bids from Celtic sea ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot, as they are key to unlocking economic benefits?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

I am happy to do that. I agree with my right hon. Friend about the enormous potential of those areas.

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Q22 Daisy Cooper Lib Dem St Albans
NHS
Context

Outdated Treasury rules prevent integrated care boards from spending money on GP practice locations, putting practices at risk.

Question

Will the Treasury encourage officials to resolve this issue by the end of the year?

Answer from John Glen

Dialogue is ongoing on this matter and I confirm we will continue to work on it in the coming weeks.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete resolution by end of year was not committed to

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Q23 Saqib Bhatti Con Meriden and Solihull East
Economy
Context

The former Bank of England chief economist criticized excessive money printing contributing to global inflation.

Question

Does the Chancellor agree that central banks' cheap money policies have not been without consequences and should focus on productivity?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

I agree. The Bank of England has said there were problems with its inflation forecasting, but we are supporting it as it brings down inflation.

Answered
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Q24 Barry Sheerman Lab
Economy Employment
Context

The previous Chancellor was responsible for a major loan fraud recovery issue.

Question

Has the current Chancellor recovered any money from the fraudulent bounce back loans scheme?

Answer from Jeremy Hunt

We are ferociously determined to recover money obtained through fraud. We have the fastest recovery of any major European country.

Answered
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Q25 James Sunderland
Taxation
Context

Several self-employed constituents are concerned about heavy fines for late filing even though no money is owed.

Question

Will the Treasury meet me to review this policy on tax fine imposition?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

I will be happy to meet my hon. Friend, but I cannot intervene personally in individual cases and will look at the general principle he sets out.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Personal intervention not committed to

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