Topical Questions

Question

If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. We should add to the Chancellor's statistics that we have the widest economic inequalities in Europe. Last week, Professor Sir Michael Marmot published new analysis showing significant increases in health inequalities—how long we live, and how long we live in good health—and that is particularly the case between the north and south-east England.

Question

The Government's plans for a carbon border adjustment mechanism will create a level playing field for British manufacturers facing un-green, high-carbon competition from abroad, but to comply with free trade rules, the CBAM must be an environmental measure, rather than revenue-raising trade protectionism. Will Ministers confirm that it will be fiscally neutral and that any net receipts will be returned to taxpayers, perhaps even by cutting fuel duty or green levies on energy bills?

Question

At the Budget, the Chancellor set out his intention to abolish national insurance—a £46 billion annual commitment with no clear plan as to how it would be paid for. One way to do it would be to merge income tax and national insurance. Does the Chancellor agree with analysis from the House of Commons Library that shows that merging those two would increase income tax by 8p in the pound?

Question

That is strange, because the day after the Budget, the Chancellor told Sky News that “you can end that unfairness of taxing work: you can merge income tax and national insurance.” The late Chancellor, Nigel Lawson—the Prime Minister's hero—warned that merging them would destroy the contributory principle and create many losers, especially among the elderly. In fact, a retired pensioner with an average occupational pension income of £198 a week would pay an additional £738 a year in tax. Is the reason that the Conservatives will not come clean not that they are planning to pick pensioners' pockets to fund the abolition of national insurance?

Question

The taskforce on nature-related financial disclosures came out with its framework last year. I would like an update on where we are with the International Sustainability Standards Board approach, because just as it has been a huge success for companies and for UK plc to switch to the recommendations of the taskforce on climate-related financial disclosure, it is vital for our planet that we also start to have the TNFD framework as standard right across the board.

Question

We have all seen it: the richest Prime Minister in history has spent the weekend telling the public that his plan is working. Well, it is not working for people in Leeds East, whose taxes are going through the roof while our public services are on their knees. Would a better plan not be to go after the tax dodgers, rather than making ordinary people pay the price for this Government's abject failures?

Question

I am concerned that the Bank of England's quantitative easing is not part of its official policy targeting and could cost £179 billion in Treasury underwriting. This is affecting our fiscal situation. Will HM Government encourage the Bank to hold these bonds until maturity?

Question

Families are paying £240 more each year from remortgaging. The Government's economic policies have led to inflation at 11%. Does the Chancellor acknowledge the impact on homeowners if interest rates rise further?

Question

Furnished holiday lets play a crucial role in the local economy. The change in tax arrangements has caused concern among these businesses. Will the Chancellor reconsider this decision?

Question

Rural drivers are heavily impacted by rising fuel costs. The average fill-up now costs £82.50 for a family car. What efforts will the Government make to help these people?

Question

Thanking the Chancellor for allocating funds to a police violence reduction unit in my area, do I have his support that these units reduce crime by engaging with schools?

Question

Time is of essence. Will the Chancellor indicate when the Government's promises will be fulfilled?

Question

Does the Chancellor agree that recent overreach by the FCA regarding its EDI policies is counterproductive?

Question

The Chancellor recently claimed £100,000 a year is not a huge salary. Does he realise how out of touch that sounds to families earning much less?

Question

Will the Chancellor meet me to discuss the impact on pharmaceutical investment given Organon's role?

Question

Soaring rent costs are the biggest reason why my constituents in Bath are struggling. The average monthly rent in Bath and north-east Somerset has risen by more than £200 in the past three years. What support will the Government give to people who rent in the private sector?

Question

I would like the Chancellor of the Exchequer to know that high business rates are having a devastating effect on small and medium-sized businesses in historic market towns, such as Romford, that are large retail centres. As the Government are business friendly, will he please look at ways to reduce the burden of business rates on local businesses in constituencies like mine?

Question

What steps have been taken to support pensioners to know what benefits they are possibly entitled to? I understand that 1.4 million people access pension credit, but a great many more are entitled to it.

Question

The lifetime ISA is a positive instrument, but I understand that under its terms there are circumstances under which savers lose not only the benefits of the ISA but also part of their capital investment. That does not seem right; will the Minister please meet me to discuss it?