theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Stuart Andrew:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to maintain levels of VAT relief available on vehicles purchased by disabled people through the Motability scheme. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government keeps all taxes under review, and the Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the overall public finances.
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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when she plans to introduce a universal stop notice for tax avoidance schemes. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government recognises the damage caused to the tax system by those that promote tax avoidance schemes. It takes action to prevent that damage, for example by publishing details of schemes and promoters to help customers to steer clear of or otherwise exit such schemes.

The Government is determined to do more to close in on promoters of marketed tax avoidance and recently consulted on a package of measures to strengthen existing powers. This included a proposal to introduce a Universal Stop Notice. It will respond to this consultation in due course.
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Catherine McKinnell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with Valuation Office Agency on its policy not to review the council tax bandings of multiple properties in one request. \p Dan Tomlinson: Council Tax legislation only allows for a formal challenge of multiple properties in exceptional and very specific circumstances, as set in the Council Tax (Alteration of Lists and Appeals) (England) Regulations 2009.

If the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) finds or is alerted to information that suggests that the Council Tax List may be wrong, it will investigate and make corrections if necessary. Once a decision has been made to alter a property’s Council Tax band, the VOA have a duty to consider whether that decision should be applied to other similar properties in the locality and will take appropriate action as necessary.

The VOA is unable to disclose the outcome of any subsequent reviews of neighbouring properties, due to its strict duty to taxpayer confidentiality under the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act.
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Caroline Voaden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of including CCTV systems as rateable items on businesses. \p Dan Tomlinson: CCTV systems fall within the relevant business rates legislation relating to plant and machinery, and as such are rateable. The presence of small systems may be reflected in the overall value of the building, although more specialist systems may be separately valued as an individual plant and machinery item.

The Valuation Office Agency does not routinely record the proportion of a property's assessment that is attributable to a CCTV system. Therefore, it is not possible to determine how much is levied each year in business rates in respect of CCTV systems.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 14 July 2025 to Question 65386 on VAT Treatment of Private Hire Vehicles, if she will publish the Government’s response to the consultation referred to in that Answer. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government continues to take the issue of VAT treatment of private hire vehicle services seriously and recognises the importance of clarity to the sector. The Government will therefore publish a response to the consultation on the VAT treatment of private hire vehicles soon.
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Matt Vickers:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to monitor whether reductions in beer duty are being passed on to (a) consumers and (b) publicans. \p Dan Tomlinson: A new duty structure for alcoholic products was introduced in August 2023. This included a new Draught Relief which is a reduced rate of Alcohol Duty applied to qualifying alcoholic products sold in the on-trade (e.g. pubs, bars) under 8.5% ABV.

The government estimated the cost of Draught Relief as £145m for 24-25 and published it here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/main-tax-expenditures-and-structural-reliefs.

At Autumn Budget 2024, the Chancellor also announced a duty cut on qualifying draught products – approximately 60% of the alcoholic drinks sold in pubs. This is the equivalent to a 1p reduction on a typical pint, and means draught beer now pays 13.9% less in duty than its packaged equivalents.

HMRC plans to evaluate the impact of the new alcohol duty rates and structures, including Draught Relief, three years after the changes took effect on 1 August 2023. Three years allows time for HMRC to gather a broad range of data to properly evaluate the impacts. The Government welcomes evidence from industry on the impact of the changes so far.
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Matt Vickers:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions she has had with HMRC on the potential impact of (a) the administration of and (b) compliance with the beer duty system on small producers. \p Dan Tomlinson: A new duty structure for alcoholic products was introduced in August 2023. This included a new Small Producer Relief (SPR) which replaced and extended the previous Small Brewers Relief. SPR provides vital support to smaller producers making 4500 hectolitres or less of alcohol per year by providing reduced rates of duty on all alcoholic products below 8.5 per cent ABV.

HMRC plans to evaluate the impact of the new alcohol duty rates and structures, including SPR, three years after the changes took effect on 1 August 2023. Three years allows time for HMRC to gather a broad range of data to properly evaluate the impacts. The Government welcomes evidence from industry on the impact of the changes so far.
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Edward Morello:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of inheritance tax changes on family farms in West Dorset constituency. \p Dan Tomlinson: I refer the Honourable Member to the answer given to UIN 84115.
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Edward Morello:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to change farming inheritance tax reliefs in the Autumn Budget 2025. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government believes its reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief from 6 April 2026 get the balance right between supporting farms and businesses, fixing the public finances, and funding public services. The reforms reduce the inheritance tax advantages available to owners of agricultural and business assets, but still mean those assets will be taxed at a much lower effective rate than most other assets. Despite a tough fiscal context, the Government will maintain very significant levels of relief from inheritance tax beyond what is available to others and compared to the position before 1992. Where inheritance tax is due, those liable for a charge can pay any liability on the relevant assets over 10 annual instalments, interest-free.

The Government will invest more than £2.7 billion a year in sustainable farming and nature recovery from 2026-27 until 2028-29. This includes the largest financial investment into nature-friendly farming ever.
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Perran Moon:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Government will consider introducing VAT relief on construction costs for sub-market housing developments. \p Dan Tomlinson: VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services; this includes most construction works. Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations.

To stimulate the construction of new homes, the Government currently maintains a zero rate of VAT on new-build residential buildings. Additionally, residential renovations are subject to a reduced rate of VAT of five per cent if they meet certain conditions. These include conversions of buildings from one residential use to another, conversions from commercial to residential use, and the renovation of properties that have been empty for two or more years. These reliefs apply to all residential buildings, including sub-market housing.

To support the delivery of 1.5 million new homes over the course of this parliament, the Government has confirmed a new 10-year £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme to kickstart social and affordable housebuilding at scale across the country. This is the biggest long-term investment in social and affordable housing in recent memory.
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Matt Vickers:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions she has had with representatives of the (a) brewing and (b) pub sectors on beer duty rates. \p Dan Tomlinson: Pubs and brewers make a significant contribution to our economy and society, including through supporting jobs, and this is reflected in the tax system.

The alcohol duty system supports pubs and hospitality businesses through Draught Relief (DR), which ensures eligible products served on draught pay less duty. This recognises the cultural importance of pubs and other on-trade venues as community hubs that play a role in encouraging responsible drinking in supervised settings.

At Autumn Budget 2024, the Chancellor announced a duty cut on qualifying draught products – approximately 60% of the alcoholic drinks sold in pubs. This is the equivalent to a 1p reduction on a typical pint, and means draught beer now pays 13.9% less in duty than its packaged equivalents – an increase of over 50% on the previous draught discount of 9.2%. The Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) on this measure is published here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-rates-of-alcohol-duty/alcohol-duty-uprating

HMRC plans to evaluate the impact of the 2023 alcohol duty reforms, including DR, three years after the changes took effect on 1 August 2023. This allows time for HMRC to gather a broad range of data to properly evaluate the impacts. The Government welcomes evidence from industry on the impact of the changes so far.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events, and, as with all taxes, the Government keeps alcohol duty under review as part of its Budget process. The Government welcomes representations from the beer and pub sectors in advance of the Budget.

Treasury ministers have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Details of ministerial and permanent secretary meetings with external organisations on departmental business are published on a quarterly basis and are available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmt-ministers-meetings-hospitality-gifts-and-overseas-traveL
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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent estimate she has made of the number of farms that could be affected by proposed changes to inheritance tax. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government believes its reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief from 6 April 2026 get the balance right between supporting farms and businesses, fixing the public finances, and funding public services. The reforms reduce the inheritance tax advantages available to owners of agricultural and business assets, but still mean those assets will be taxed at a much lower effective rate than most other assets. Despite a tough fiscal context, the Government will maintain very significant levels of relief from inheritance tax beyond what is available to others and compared to the position before 1992. Where inheritance tax is due, those liable for a charge can pay any liability on the relevant assets over 10 annual instalments, interest-free.

The Government has set out that the reforms are expected to result in up to 520 estates across the UK claiming agricultural property relief, including those also claiming business property relief, paying more inheritance tax in 2026-27. Almost three-quarters of estates claiming agricultural property relief, including those that also claim for business property relief, will not pay any more tax as a result of the changes in 2026-27, based on the latest available data.

The Government published a tax information and impact note on 21 July 2025 and this is available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/reforms-to-agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief/agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief-reforms.

The Government will invest more than £2.7 billion a year in sustainable farming and nature recovery from 2026-27 until 2028-29. This includes the largest financial investment into nature-friendly farming ever.
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Edward Morello:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of changes to Inheritance Tax on the long-term financial viability of family farms in West Dorset constituency. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government believes its reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief from 6 April 2026 get the balance right between supporting farms and businesses, fixing the public finances, and funding public services. The reforms reduce the inheritance tax advantages available to owners of agricultural and business assets, but still mean those assets will be taxed at a much lower effective rate than most other assets. Despite a tough fiscal context, the Government will maintain very significant levels of relief from inheritance tax beyond what is available to others and compared to the position before 1992. Where inheritance tax is due, those liable for a charge can pay any liability on the relevant assets over 10 annual instalments, interest-free.

Information from claims is not recorded to enable regional or national breakdowns of the number of estates expected to be affected. However, the Government has set out that the reforms are expected to result in up to 520 estates across the UK claiming agricultural property relief, including those also claiming business property relief, paying more inheritance tax in 2026-27. Almost three-quarters of estates claiming agricultural property relief, including those that also claim for business property relief, will not pay any more tax as a result of the changes in 2026-27, based on the latest available data.

The Government published a tax information and impact note on 21 July 2025 and this is available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/reforms-to-agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief/agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief-reforms.

The Government will invest more than £2.7 billion a year in sustainable farming and nature recovery from 2026-27 until 2028-29. This includes the largest financial investment into nature-friendly farming ever.
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Perran Moon:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of implementing an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme for civil service departments. \p Dan Tomlinson: Currently electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes are not available for central Civil Service departments. HM Treasury approval would be required for any such scheme to be implemented. HM Treasury keeps all policies under review and will consider carefully any requests which are made for scheme expansion.
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Mr Will Forster:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of removing the tax on sustainable fuel on the UK's motorsport sector. \p Dan Tomlinson: Liquid biofuels and renewable fuels are taxed at the same rate as their petrol and diesel equivalents. The main rate is 52.95 pence per litre. The government keeps the tax system under review, with changes announced at fiscal events.
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Gareth Snell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what proportion of (a) tableware and (b) crockery used in her Department is made by a British manufacturer. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government is committed to supporting British businesses and ensuring they have the best chance to win public contracts.

The new Procurement Act creates a simpler and more transparent system that will support British businesses bidding for work.

The Act also allows contracting authorities to set standards that recognise the quality and standard of UK businesses and products.

Alongside this, the National Procurement Policy Statement encourages contracting authorities to consider this government’s Industrial strategy and the sectors vital to our economic growth.

HM Treasury does not hold the information requested. The provision of catering facilities, including tableware and crockery in catering outlets for HM Treasury staff and buildings, is managed under contracts administered by the Government Property Agency.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of removing the ABV limit of 8.5% from Small Producer Relief. \p Dan Tomlinson: I refer the Hon. Member the answer that I gave to PQ UIN 82442 on 21 October 2025.
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David Chadwick:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans she has to (a) abolish the Carbon Price Support mechanism and (b) introduce further measures to reduce electricity costs for energy-intensive industries. \p Dan Tomlinson: The government’s Industrial Strategy published in June 2025 announced that from 2027, a new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs by c.£35-40/MWh and support thousands of businesses. The scheme will benefit manufacturing electricity intensive frontier industries in the Industrial Strategy and foundational manufacturing industries in their supply chains. Eligible businesses will be exempt from paying the costs of the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and the Capacity Market. The scheme will bring GB electricity costs more in line with other major economies in Europe, and level the playing field for GB businesses.

The government will also continue support for the Energy-Intensive Industries Compensation Scheme to support energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and technical innovation.

The government keeps all taxes under review and will continue to review Carbon Price Support beyond the announced rates as part of the policy making process.
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Antonia Bance:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of charging a 5% surcharge when paying vehicle tax by direct debit on lower income motorists; and whether she has plans to remove this surcharge. \p Dan Tomlinson: When Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is paid monthly or six-monthly, rather than annually, the cost to the exchequer is higher because of lost interest. To reflect this impact on the public finances, the previous government introduced in 2014 an extra charge for monthly and six-monthly VED payments to make up for the lost interest

The Government annually reviews the rates and thresholds of taxes and reliefs to ensure that they are appropriate and reflect the current state of the economy. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the public finances.
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David Chadwick:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to retain the lower rate of landfill tax for (a) industrial by-products and (b) other steel-making residues. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government recently consulted on proposals to reform Landfill Tax to ensure the regime remains effective in encouraging waste to be diverted away from landfill. The proposals aimed to support the Government’s circular economy objectives to facilitate economic growth by stimulating investment in technologies, sectors and infrastructure that keep resources in circulation for longer. As part of the consultation, the Government has received a wide range of views from stakeholders, including representatives from manufacturing sectors, such as steelmaking. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the Government is considering responses and will set out next steps in due course.
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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what measures HMRC has in place to continue to run critical services in the event of a major internet outage. \p Dan Tomlinson: HMRC services are designed with resilience and continuity in mind. While some services rely on internet connectivity—for example, digital access for citizens and connections to certain Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms—the majority of HMRC’s core systems will continue to operate during an internet outage.

Internal connectivity between HMRC sites and hosted services is maintained through private, dedicated links that do not depend on the public internet. This ensures that critical processing and internal operations can continue without interruption.

For citizen-facing services that require internet access, HMRC has established Business Continuity plans. These include alternative communication channels, prioritisation of essential services, and manual fallback processes where appropriate, to minimise disruption and maintain service availability.
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Mr Louie French:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of changes to employers' National Insurance contributions on seasonal hospitality-based businesses following the 2025 summer season. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government closely monitors the health of different sectors across the UK economy and regularly engages with the hospitality sector.

The Government protected the smallest hospitality businesses from the recent changes to employer National Insurance through increasing the Employment Allowance to £10,500.

We have also taken a number of other steps to support the hospitality industry. This includes:
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Mr Louie French:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to employers' National Insurance contributions on the availability of jobs for (a) young people and (b) young people not in education, employment and training. \p Dan Tomlinson: A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the Bill containing the changes to employer NICs. The TIIN sets out the impact of the policy on the exchequer, the economic impacts of the policy, and the impacts on individuals, businesses, and civil society organisations, as well as an overview of the equality impacts.

The Office for Budget Responsibility also published the Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO), which sets out a detailed forecast of the economy and public finances.  With all policies considered, the OBR's March 2025 EFO forecasts the employment level to increase from 33.6 million in 2024 to 34.8 million in 2029.

The Government is committed to supporting young people to earn and learn. That is why we have recently announced that we will offer a guaranteed job to young people on Universal Credit, who are unemployed for over 18 months. This will provide an opportunity for young people to gain essential skills and experience and prevent the damaging effects of long-term unemployment. This initiative forms a key part of the Government’s Youth Guarantee and will build upon existing employment support and sector-based work academies (SWAPs) currently being delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Further details will be announced at the Budget 2025.
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Dame Chi Onwurah:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 17 July 2025 to Question 67326 on Taxation, what reforms to the tax system are being considered to support (a) job creation and (b) economic participation in regions with persistently lower employment levels. \p Dan Tomlinson: The OBR will produce a new forecast for the annual Budget, and the Chancellor will make decisions in the round based on that forecast.

The Government is focused on unleashing the potential of people across all nations and regions of the UK and growing the economy – a key priority in the Plan for Change.
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Cat Smith:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has considered joining the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government is committed to helping deliver global climate finance, including the New Collective Quantified Goal agreed at COP29 of at least $300bn per year to developing countries by 2035, and responding to the wider call on all actors to increase climate finance to developing countries to £1.3trn per year.

As part of that effort, we are pressing for faster and more ambitious reforms to the global financial system to deliver much more and higher quality climate and development finance. Alongside this, we are supportive of exploring revenue raising mechanisms for climate action.

We recognise the work being undertaken by the Global Solidarity Levies Taskforce and will consider their proposals and those of other organisations on a case-by-case basis.
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Mr Louie French:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the potential impact of the 2026 business rates revaluation for hospitality businesses on (a) the number of businesses subject to the surcharge on businesses over £500,000 and (b) the total level of taxes paid by the hospitality sector; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the 2026 business rates revaluation on the number of jobs in the hospitality business sector. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.

As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with ratable values (RVs) below £500,000 from 2026/27. This permanent tax cut will ensure they benefit from much-needed certainty and support. The Government is sustainably funding this by introducing a higher tax rate on properties with RVs of £500,000 and above.

The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes and broader economic and fiscal context into decision-making. When the new multipliers are set, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.

The Government will support those seeing the biggest increases at the revaluation. The Government will announce details at Budget 2025, in light of the revaluation outcomes.
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Kim Johnson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of creating a dedicated form of business rates relief for post offices. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government has no plans to introduce a targeted business rates relief for post offices.

However, as set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with ratable values below £500,000, including post offices, from 2026/27. This permanent tax cut will ensure that eligible post offices benefit from much-needed certainty and support.

Post offices are also eligible for 40 per cent RHL relief up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business in 2025/26. They are also eligible for 100 per cent rural rate relief if they meet certain conditions.
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Gareth Thomas:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if her Department will bring forward legislative proposals to ensure that SMEs are referred to the (a) most appropriate and (b) best value funding option under the Bank Referral Scheme. \p Lucy Rigby: The Bank Referral Scheme is a legislative initiative that requires major lenders (designated banks) to refer SME customers that they reject for finance, with the SME’s permission, to designated finance platforms that can connect the SME with alternative finance providers.

The Scheme is designed so that once an SME has consented to referral, its details are shared with all designated finance platforms – there are currently three. Each designated finance platform is an online service that hosts a panel of lenders. Under the design of the Scheme, lenders decide whether to offer finance to an SME applying for finance and on what terms, and it is for the SME to decide whether it wishes to proceed if an offer is made. The SME could potentially be offered finance by more than one provider and would be free to choose the product best suited to its needs.

On 27th October, the Government launched a consultation and call for evidence on the Bank Referral Scheme, inviting views on a range of issues and proposals aimed at better facilitating SME access to finance through the Scheme. Depending on feedback, the Government will consider whether the existing legislative framework needs to be amended. The consultation is available here and will close on 22nd December: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/bank-referral-scheme-consultation-and-call-for-evidence
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Mr Will Forster:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department made arrangements to (a) maintain the property and (b) pay any outstanding liabilities following the introduction of sanctions on the owners of Sutton Place. \p Lucy Rigby: OFSI does not generally comment on specific cases. For further information about how OFSI takes licensing decisions, please see the OFSI’s general guidance here, and OFSI’s supplemental licensing guidance here.

The asset freeze imposed on designated persons prohibits them from dealing with or benefiting from their UK assets, including real estate.

Where appropriate, OFSI may issue either a general or specific licence on behalf of HM Treasury to permit activity that would otherwise be prohibited by an asset freeze. This includes to enable payments for pre-existing obligations and for the routine holding and maintenance of properties owned by designated persons.

However, while a licence permits such payments, it does not compel the designated person to undertake the work. Therefore, even if OFSI issues a licence, maintenance or repairs will only take place if the designated person is willing to carry them out.
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Gareth Thomas:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to require (a) banks and (b) other major financial services providers to invest in community development finance institutions. \p Lucy Rigby: The Government recognises the vital role Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) play in providing affordable credit to underserved consumers and businesses. To support this, in November 2024, the British Business Bank launched the Community ENABLE Funding (CEF) Programme, which aims to deploy £150 million over the next two years to ‘not for profit’ lenders, including CDFIs.

Several banks have already shown tangible support for CDFIs. For example, in 2023 NatWest provided £900,000 to the sector, with half distributed directly to households to help meet immediate needs during the cost-of-living crisis, and the remainder used to strengthen the sector’s capacity for future support. Similarly, Lloyds was announced as the lead investor in a new £62 million Community Investment Enterprise Fund, designed to help small businesses across England and Wales access finance through CDFIs, supporting local jobs and economic activity.

My predecessor co-chaired a roundtable in July with Responsible Finance, which was an important opportunity to discuss how banks and CDFIs can work together to improve access to affordable credit. However, the Government has no plans to require banks or other major providers to invest in CDFIs.
wrans/answers2025-10-28 conversation_337
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-28 conversation_337

Anna Dixon:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will take steps to help people with CIFAS markers to access banking facilities to enable them to receive (a) wages and (b) welfare payments. \p Lucy Rigby: CIFAS, the UK’s fraud prevention service, plays a vital role in protecting individuals and the financial system from fraud and financial crime. Its work supports the Government’s broader efforts to tackle fraud and maintain trust in the financial system.

The Government also recognises the importance of ensuring that individuals can access banking services to receive wages and welfare payments. Where individuals face barriers when accessing banking services, alternative options may be available. The nine largest personal current account providers in the UK are legally required to offer basic bank accounts to customers who do not have a bank account or are not eligible for a standard current account. These accounts are fee-free and provide essential banking services, though they do not include overdrafts or cheque books. Beyond the high street banks, other options for people to make and receive payments may include payment and electronic money institutions.

If someone with a CIFAS marker wishes to further understand the information that CIFAS holds against them, they may wish to make a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) to CIFAS

Furthermore, if an individual believes that a CIFAS marker has been incorrectly assigned, they should first raise it with the organisation that recorded it to the CIFAS database for them to review. If the organisation does not remove the marker then the individual can reach out directly to CIFAS following the process outlined in its complaints procedure.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-28 conversation_338

Adam Thompson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed higher multiplier for business rates on (a) The Underworld, (b) Soul Mama and (c) other grassroots music venues with a rateable value of over £500,000. \p Dan Tomlinson: As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties with rateable values (RVs) below £500,000, including grassroots music venues, from 2026-27. This permanent tax cut will ensure they benefit from much-needed certainty and support. The Government is sustainably funding this by introducing a higher multiplier on properties with RVs of £500,000 and above.

The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes, as well as the broader economic and fiscal context into decision-making. When the new multipliers are set, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-28 conversation_339

James McMurdock:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of her business rates policies on small hospitality businesses. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.

As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with ratable values (RVs) below £500,000 from 2026-27.

The final design, including the rates, of the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes, as well as the broader economic and fiscal context into decision-making. When the new multipliers are set, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.

Ahead of the new multipliers being introduced, the Government prevented RHL business rates relief from ending in April 2025, extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business, and froze the small business multiplier.

Over a third of properties (more than 700,000) already pay no business rates as they receive 100 per cent Small Business Rate Relief, with an additional c.60,000 benefiting from reduced bills as this relief tapers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-28 conversation_340

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has had recent discussions with representatives of the distilling industry on the potential impact of the increase in (a) duties on spirits (b) employer's National Insurance contributions on businesses in the sector. \p Chris Bryant: I have not had any such direct conversations but the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) maintains regular engagement with stakeholders from across the distilling industry and remains committed to supporting economic growth in the sector. Although duties and National Insurance contributions are set by Treasury, DBT regularly shares industry feedback across government to help inform policy decisions to help foster growth, resilience and awareness. We also support the sector by providing access to significant export opportunities overseas, delivered via our free trade agreements in addition to maintaining and opening new market access.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-28 conversation_341

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of Post Office services on rural communities. \p Blair McDougall: Post Office services are vital to rural communities, providing access to mail, cash, banking, bill payments, and government services. Around 41% of branches are in rural areas, and 99% of the rural population lives within three miles of a branch. The Government supports the rural network with targeted funding and access criteria, recognising its role in tackling social isolation and supporting local businesses. The Department for Business and Trade continues to monitor the impact of network changes and works closely with Post Office Ltd to ensure rural communities retain convenient access to essential services.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-28 conversation_342

Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what progress his Department has made on improving parental rights for workers in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire. \p Kate Dearden: We are strengthening rights for parents through the Employment Rights Bill, including making Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave ‘day one’ rights for qualifying employees, removing restrictions on taking Paternity Leave after Shared Parental Leave, strengthening flexible working rights, and bolstering protections for new and expectant mothers. We also launched the Parental Leave Review on 1 July which will consider how parental leave can better reflect modern work and childcare realities and support working families.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-28 conversation_343

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of reductions in numbers of pubs on the vitality of high streets. \p Kate Dearden: We recognise the value of Pubs in all communities across in the UK. They’re social anchors that support local economies and footfall and are a key part in a high street’s vitality. We’re also aware of the pressures that they face.

We want planning and licensing systems to work fairly for businesses and residents and so we are creating a more balanced premises licensing system that not only safeguards communities but also supports responsible businesses. On 7 October the Government issued a Call for Evidence on Reforming the licensing system - GOV.UK (deadline: midday, 6 November 2025).

Additionally, we have cut alcohol duty on qualifying draught products, covering about 60% of pub sales saving pubs over £85m annually. We are also creating a fairer business rates system, including permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties under £500,000 rateable value and through the English Devolution Bill, we have introduced a strong new ‘right to buy’ to help communities safeguard valued community assets, empowering local communities to reclaim and revitalise empty shops, pubs, and community spaces, helping to revamp our high streets and eliminate the blight of vacant premises. We continue to work closely with the sector, including through the Hospitality Sector Council, working together to address the challenges facing all hospitality businesses.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-28 conversation_344

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of trends in the level of energy costs on the number of hospitality business closures in each year since 2021. \p Kate Dearden: Whilst no specific assessment has been made on these trends, as Government we understand the importance to businesses of reducing their energy bills and reaching net zero and recognise the increased burdens and barriers businesses, particularly SMEs, face when trying to overcome these challenges.

The Government has announced a new Zero Carbon Services Hospitality Trial, which aims to provides pubs, cafés, restaurants and hotels with free energy and carbon-cutting advice to slash their energy bills as part of the Government’s Plan for Change. This initiative is designed to help businesses reduce costs and support the transition to net zero.

The Government continues to work closely with the Hospitality Sector Council, which brings together industry leaders to address strategic challenges and co-create solutions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-28 conversation_345

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what criteria his Department is applying to select rural pub diversification projects for the funding scheme. \p Kate Dearden: Government recognises the important role rural pubs and those in deprived areas can play in supporting their communities and the work of Pub Is The Hub in helping them improve their resilience by providing additional community services.

That is why the Government has provided £440,000 to help Pub Is The Hub continue this important work. In its 2025 report: PiTH-Social-Value-of-Pubsfinal.pdf, Pub Is The Hub highlighted over 40 diversification projects that could not be delivered due to a lack of funding. Pub Is The Hub operates across the UK and applications for funding are assessed using its criteria.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-28 conversation_346

Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential for the recently announced funding for rural village pubs to support broader community-services provision in Buckingham and Bletchley constituency. \p Kate Dearden: Government recognises the important role rural pubs and those in deprived areas can play in supporting their communities and the work of Pub Is The Hub in helping them improve their resilience by providing additional community services.

That is why the Government has provided £440,000 to help Pub Is The Hub continue this important work. In its 2025 report: PiTH-Social-Value-of-Pubsfinal.pdf, Pub Is The Hub highlighted over 40 diversification projects that could not be delivered due to a lack of funding. Pub Is The Hub operates across the UK and applications for funding are assessed using its criteria.