theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_77
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_77

Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to ensure that enforcement powers for the Fair Work Agency are (a) proportionate and (b) equitable for (i) employees and (ii) businesses. \p Justin Madders: The Fair Work Agency (FWA) will not change the obligations on businesses who should always have been paying their workers correctly. The FWA’s enforcement powers are largely natural evolutions of powers that existing bodies have.

The FWA will take a balanced approach to upholding workers’ rights and provide better support to businesses on how to comply with the law and will take tough action against rogue employers who exploit their workers. Most businesses want to do right by their staff, and it is not fair when they are undercut by a minority who flout the law.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_78
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_78

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department (a) employs staff and (b) uses contractors on zero hour contracts; and whether any (i) staff and (ii) contractors are paid less than the London Living Wage. \p Justin Madders: The Department for Business and Trade does not use zero hours contracts for staff or contractors. Civil Servants are employed either as Senior Civil Servants or as one of the Delegated Grades with salaries determined by the relevant pay bands. The Department does not pay any staff or contractors less than the London living wage and this applies to staff based in London and Nationally. Please see the tables below for our current National and London pay scales for Delegated Grades.

DBT pay bands 2024/25 - London

Grade

London min

London max

AO (spot rate)

£32,051

£32,051

EO

£32,744

£34,669

HEO

£38,138

£39,994

Fast Stream

£35,483

£39,578

SEO

£44,942

£48,817

G7

£59,450

£66,338

G6

£70,845

£78,192

DBT pay bands 2024/25 - National

Grade

National min

National max

AO (spot rate)

£27,685

£27,685

EO

£28,695

£30,664

HEO

£34,254

£36,142

Fast Stream

£35,483

£39,578

SEO

£41,156

£45,112

G7

£55,836

£62,823

G6

£67,170

£76,117
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_79
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_79

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will make an assessment of the legislation enabling domestic firearms companies to sell firearms to Europe. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: Exports of firearms are controlled by the Export Control Order 2008 and Regulation (EU) No 258/2012. Only once an export licence has been issued can the export proceed.

We rigorously assess every application on a case-by-case basis against strict assessment criteria, the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria (SELC). The SELC provide a thorough risk assessment framework for export licence applications and require us to carefully consider the impact of providing equipment and its capabilities. We will not license the export of equipment where to do so would be inconsistent with the SELC.

The SELC were announced to Parliament on 8 December 2021 by the then International Trade Secretary. The full written ministerial statement can be found at: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2021-12-08/hcws449.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the appointment of the new chair of the Competition and Markets Authority on regulation of competition in UK markets. \p Justin Madders: The Secretary of State has welcomed the appointment of Doug Gurr as interim Chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”).

Doug Gurr has a wealth of experience as a business leader and entrepreneur. Along with the CMA Chief Executive, Sarah Cardell, he has initiated a programme of work to improve Pace, Predictability, Proportionality and Process across the CMA’s activities to support growth and investment, while ensuring a level playing field for businesses and protecting consumers.

The government is supporting this work through the new growth-focused Strategic Steer to the CMA and a new Framework Agreement to be published later this year.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_81
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_81

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if the Competitions and Markets Authority has offered apprenticeships since 2010. \p Justin Madders: The Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”), formed in 2014, is committed to developing the next generation of competition and consumer protection professionals and recognises the importance of nurturing a diverse and skilled workforce. Through its apprenticeships programme, the CMA offers individuals the opportunity to gain both a recognised professional qualification and hands-on experience in various fields including business administration, law, economics and finance.

Since the CMA began offering apprenticeships in April 2016, 125 apprentices have been enrolled on CMA programmes, which is broken down by year below:

Year

Total

2016 - 2017

<10

2017 - 2018

13

2018 - 2019

<10

2019 -2020

27

2020 - 2021

14

2021 - 2022

13

2022 - 2023

17

2023 - 2024

23

2024 - 2025

10

TOTAL

125
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_82

Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Digital Economy Agreement with Singapore in reducing non-tariff barriers for UK businesses exporting (a) digital services and (b) physical goods. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: The UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (DEA) stands out as one of the most comprehensive digital trade agreements globally and locks-in market liberalisations in key areas for businesses such as cross-border data flows. The seven Memoranda of Understanding signed alongside the DEA facilitate engagement on several key areas, including Fintech and Lawtech services. Trade digitalisation pilots conducted under the agreement framework demonstrated significant business benefits to trade in goods, including 40% reduction in trade processing time, 89% reduction in paperwork, and 67% improvement in staff productivity. We keep the effectiveness of the agreement under review as part of its ongoing implementation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_83

James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to ensure that websites such as Checkatrade are vetting tradespeople appropriately to reduce the risk of fraud to platform users. \p Justin Madders: Checkatrade is a private company providing a UK-based online platform that connects homeowners with vetted and approved local tradespeople. Government is not directly involved in the vetting process or checks undertaken by Checkatrade.

TrustMark is a UK government-endorsed quality scheme that covers work carried out in or around the home. It was established to ensure that consumers can find reliable and trustworthy tradespeople for various home improvement and repair tasks. TrustMark operates under a Master Licence Agreement held by the Department for Business and Trade. Consumers seeking tradespeople to undertake work in their home should consider checking for TrustMark certification.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_84

Dan Tomlinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) amending the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to include and (b) bringing into the scope of the Motor Ombudsman (i) small businesses run as limited companies and (ii) other small businesses; and what guidance he has issued to small businesses on their protections when purchasing faulty goods. \p Justin Madders: There are no current plans to amend the Consumer Right Act 2015 which focuses on transactions between businesses and consumers rather than between businesses. Under the Consumer Rights Act, consumers have several options when issues arise with goods and services.

The Department for Business and Trade has announced that it will be launching the Business Growth Service later this year to improve and streamline the support services on offer to small businesses.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_85

Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support small and medium-sized businesses in Harpenden and Berkhamsted, in the context of US tariffs. \p Gareth Thomas: We will always act in the best interests of UK businesses. That’s why the government has been focused on negotiating an economic deal with the US.

We will continue to engage with businesses to assess and understand the impact of these tariffs. On 3 April the government launched a Request for Input from businesses to help inform the UK’s response to US tariffs.

We continue to support businesses to grow and export across the world, including to the United States. Through the recently announced Business Growth Service, businesses can access export support via Great.gov.uk. including the Export Academy, International Markets Network, Growth Hubs and Help to Grow: Management scheme.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has made an assessment of the Post Office's ability to adhere to its Access Criteria. \p Gareth Thomas: The Government works to ensure Post Office Limited maintains a minimum number of branches and a geographical spread of branches in line with published access criteria. My Department has assessed the Post Office network meets Government-set access criteria at a national level. The Post Office publishes its annual network report which sets out their performance publicly each year and it can be found here.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Manuela Perteghella:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of recent changes to National Insurance contributions on small manufacturing businesses. \p Gareth Thomas: The Chancellor has decided to protect the smallest businesses, including in the manufacturing sector, by increasing the Employment Allowance to £10,500, and removing the £100,000 eligibility threshold, meaning all eligible employers benefit. This means that 865,000 employers will pay no NICs at all, more than half of employers will see no change or will gain overall from this package.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_88

Stuart Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to maintain the level of UK exports. \p Gareth Thomas: The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is committed to supporting UK businesses to export and grow globally. The Export Academy and International Trade Advisers are helping UK SME’s build their capability to export around the world. The International Markets teams in embassies around the world are connecting UK businesses with global buyers and distributors. UK businesses can access DBT’s wealth of export support via Great.gov.uk.

And we are targeting market access barriers in priority markets to open up even more opportunities for UK exporters.

As part of our new trade strategy and small business strategy, we are looking at further proposals to help UK businesses to export more.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Chris Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for UK-Israel trade of Israel’s policies on (a) democratic principles and (b) human rights. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: The UK is a leading advocate for human rights around the world; we remain committed to the promotion of universal human rights. The UK Government urges all countries, including Israel, to adhere to democratic principles and uphold human rights in line with international law. We believe that having strong diplomatic and economic relationships with partners allows us to have frank discussions on important issues.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_90

Luke Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the report by the National Hair and Beauty Federation entitled Straightening out the costs, published on 5 March 2025. \p Gareth Thomas: This Government recognises the immense economic and social value of the hair and beauty industry, which is why we have committed to reforming business rates from 2026-27 with a permanently lower multiplier for retail, leisure and hospitality properties, including hair and beauty salons.

For national insurance contributions, increasing the employment Allowance to £10,500 will mean that 865,000 employers will pay no NICs at all and more than half of employers see no change or gain overall from this package including many businesses in the hair and beauty industries.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_91

Manuela Perteghella:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support the growth of (a) small and (b) medium-sized manufacturing businesses. \p Sarah Jones: This Government will continue to support the advanced manufacturing sector, including SMEs, through our forthcoming Industrial Strategy, where advanced manufacturing has been selected as one of eight growth-driving sectors.

Support is available through our Made Smarter Programme where manufacturing SMEs will be able to adopt industrial digital technologies like robotics and autonomous systems to boost their productivity and competitiveness.

Later this year the government will publish its Small Business Strategy, including policies on creating thriving high streets, accessing finance, opening up overseas and domestic markets, building business capabilities, and providing a strong business environment.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_92
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_92

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many apprenticeships HM Revenue and Customs has offered since 2010, by year. \p James Murray: HMRC has made use of apprentices since 2013.

This table shows the number of apprenticeships that have been offered and started in HMRC since 2010. It equates to 13,394 apprenticeships over 15 years.

Financial Year

Apprentices starting an Apprenticeship

2010/11

0

2011/12

0

2012/13

0

2013/14

57

2014/15

0

2015/16

46

2016/17

869

2017/18

1188

2018/19

3533

2019/20

3646

2020/21

1876

2021/22

522

2022/23

589

2023/24

764

2024/25

304
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of potential impact of the Spring Statement 2025 on levels of employment in Aldridge-Brownhills. \p James Murray: At Spring Statement 2025, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), the government’s independent official forecaster, published its bi-annual economic and fiscal forecasts.

In line with its mandate as set out in law, the OBR does not produce forecasts at a sub-national level.

The OBR stated that it will make a full assessment of the economic impacts of the welfare policies announced in the Pathways to Work Green Paper ahead of its next forecast in the Autumn.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_94
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_94

Steve Darling:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 7 April 2025 to Question 43135, what historic information she holds on taxable state pension payments to people who are now deceased; and whether her Department would supply such data on request to the Department for Work and Pensions where a potential state pension underpayment is under investigation by that Department. \p James Murray: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) share information via an established legislative gateway for the administration of the State Pension.

When HMRC receive updates on State Pension payments from DWP, they store it for any tax years still subject to an end of year reconciliation check. The same process takes place for deceased customers.

While HMRC may hold information on State Pension received from DWP to ensure the collection of tax, it complies with General Data Protection Regulations by deleting any customer data that is outside of the retention period for tax purposes.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_95
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 36094 on Business Rates: Tax Allowances, if she will consider a tapering system as part of the new multiplier arrangements. \p James Murray: The Autumn Budget 2024 announcements reflect the Government’s first steps to support the high street. We want to go further to modernise the business rates system, and so, we also published a Discussion Paper setting out priority areas for reform and inviting stakeholders to engage. As set out in the Discussion Paper, one of the areas the Government is interested in hearing about includes the presence of cliff-edges in the system.

Stakeholder representations will be considered when developing options for reform. In summer, the government will publish an interim report that sets out a clear direction of travel for the business rates system, with further policy detail to follow at the Budget this Autumn.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_96

John McDonnell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the length of time taken to issue A1 forms to singers. \p James Murray: Self-employed workers in the music industry touring within the EEA are able to complete A1 forms online. Since October 2024, 70% of these type of online applications can be processed automatically providing a quicker service for customers. Applications which require manual intervention can take longer to process.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_97

Victoria Collins:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what fiscal steps her Department is taking to help support households in Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituency with their energy bills. \p James Murray: The Government is taking several fiscal steps to help support households, including those in the Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituency, with their energy bills.

St Albans City and District Council and Dacorum Borough Council have received £2.5 million and £3.8 million respectively from the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund to enhance energy efficiency and low-carbon technology in social housing. Additionally, the Warm Homes Local Grant has allocated £1.5 million to St Albans and £2.3 million to Dacorum to provide energy efficiency upgrades to low-income energy inefficient homes. This support is expected to save households £300-£400 on their annual energy bills.

The Government is also supporting households with their energy bills through the Warm Home Discount, a £150 energy bill rebate for eligible low-income and vulnerable households, the Winter Fuel Payment, a £200-£300 payment provided to pensioner households in England and Wales with someone receiving Pension Credit or certain other income-related benefits, the Cold Weather Payment, and Household Support Fund.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_98
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_98

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the National Infrastructure Commission has offered apprenticeships in each year since it was set up. \p Darren Jones: Since its inception, the National Infrastructure Commission has successfully trained and developed a number of apprentices. As a small organisation, the number of apprentices trained and developed has been determined by business needs, balanced against obligations.

On 1st April 2025, the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) and the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) merged to become the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA). NISTA is a unit of HM Treasury, reporting to both HM Treasury and Cabinet Office.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_99
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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John McDonnell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights’ concluding observations on the seventh periodic report of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, published on 3 March 2025, what assessment she has made of the implications for her Department's policies of the findings of that report. \p Emma Reynolds: The government engages with various international organisations, including the United Nations, considering their reports as part of the policy development process. Any decisions on changes to HM Treasury policies are also taken in the context of the wider public finances and the government’s efforts to reform the state and sustainably grow the economy.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_100
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the total value is of the UK's contributions to the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine scheme. \p Emma Reynolds: The total UK contribution to the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine scheme is £2.26bn ($3bn).

To date, approximately £1.5bn of this has been disbursed in the form of budgetary support earmarked for military procurement.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Helen Maguire:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a requirement for maritime insurers to verify with bank statements whether the oil price for Russian exports was paid below the price cap. \p Emma Reynolds: The UK, alongside G7+ Oil Price Cap (OPC) Coalition partners, keeps the efficacy of the OPC under constant review, whilst working closely with industry to aid compliance and ensure that any changes to the measure are implementable – as evidenced by the February 2024 updates to the OPC compliance regime and the OPC industry advisory on falsified certificates of origin, published in November 2024.

The UK is committed to continuing to adapt the OPC as necessary and practicable, alongside our international partners, to further our objectives of constraining Russian oil revenues.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Graeme Downie:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department is aware of Chinese components in (a) banks, (b) payment terminals and (c) other economic infrastructure classified as critically important to national interests; and if she will conduct an audit of Chinese-made components in critical national infrastructure. \p Emma Reynolds: We expect firms in the finance sector, including banks, payment terminal providers and financial market infrastructures (FMIs), to manage their procurement and supply chains in an appropriate manner. The finance sector’s regulators – Bank of England, Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – also provide guidance to firms on managing supply chain risks.

We will continue to cooperate with China on trade and investment, although recognise that there will be some areas where we need to protect sensitive sectors of the economy.

Government will continue to use the full suite of our economic security tools, including the National Security and Investment Act, to protect against threats to our national security.

The National Technical Authorities provide advice to owners and operators of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) in industry on best practice for CNI security and resilience.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Alex Brewer:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with banks on the time taken to pay full refunds to people who have been subject to phishing scams. \p Emma Reynolds: Government ministers have meetings with a wide variety of organisations, details of which can be found at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmt-ministers-meetings-hospitality-gifts-and-overseas-travel

The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) is the independent regulator with responsibility for the Authorised Push Payment (APP) scam reimbursement regime. The PSR’s rules require in scope Payment Service Providers (PSP’s) to reimburse victims of APP scams which take place over the Faster Payments System within five business days of making a claim. However, PSPs may take longer in specific circumstances, including where it may need more time to gather sufficient information from the victim or third parties to help assess the claim.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_104
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Ruth Cadbury:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress she has made on developing a central finance facility for credit unions. \p Emma Reynolds: The Government has made clear its strong support for the credit union sector, recognising the value that credit unions bring to their members in local communities across the country in providing savings products and affordable credit.

On 14 November, the Chancellor announced new measures to support the growth of the credit union and mutuals sector. Following this Mansion House speech, HM Treasury has concluded a call for evidence on potential reforms to credit union common bonds, supported the industry-led Mutual and Co-operative Sector Business Council, and commissioned the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) to publish a report on the mutuals landscape by the end of 2025.

There are currently no plans to develop a central finance facility for credit unions. The Government continues to engage with the sector and will keep all issues, like central finance functions, under review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Gregory Stafford:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to support to the victims of the Safe Hands Funeral Plan. \p Emma Reynolds: I refer the honorable member to my response to UIN 39592.
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Gregory Stafford:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with UK-based private lenders on debt cancellation for lower-income countries. \p Emma Reynolds: Supporting developing countries to tackle unsustainable debt is a key development priority of this government.

The UK government is working closely with borrowers, official and private creditors, and the IMF and World Bank, to strengthen the wider debt architecture and provide timely and coordinated restructurings for countries where needed, to support holistic debt sustainability for low-income countries.

The Paris Club, and now the G20 as part of its commitment to coordinate on debt treatments under the Common Framework, are clear on our collective expectation that private creditors must participate in restructurings on terms at least as favourable as those provided by sovereign creditors.

In working with the private sector, the government has focussed on enhancing a market-based approach. This includes working with private sector creditors to strengthen contracts underpinning debt issuance to ensure private sector participation in debt restructuring, building on IMF evidence that suggests this approach is working well.

Recognising the importance of the private sector in debt discussions and drawing on the expertise of the City of London, we have set up the London Coalition on Sustainable Sovereign Debt, which I will co-chair and which will consider non-bonded debt issues among others. The Coalition will leverage London’s role as a financial services hub by bringing together government and private sector stakeholders to drive solutions for more sustainable sovereign debt financing in developing economies.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Jonathan Davies:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment her Department has made of the Financial Conduct Authority’s handling of misconduct by Safe Hands Plans; and what steps she is taking to strengthen consumer protections in the prepaid funeral plan market. \p Emma Reynolds: I refer the honorable member to my response to UIN 41597.
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Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an assessment of trends in the level of tax avoidance associated with the Overseas Territories. \p James Murray: The inhabited Overseas Territories (OTs) are largely self-governing jurisdictions with democratically elected governments. In many OTs, responsibility for fiscal matters is devolved, including the determination of tax rates in line with international standards.

The Crown Dependencies (CDs) and all OTs with financial centres have committed to upholding international tax standards, including the tax transparency framework and the BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) Framework.

HMRC can access relevant information from the OTs, through both the automatic exchange of information (AEOI), and exchange on request, for tax investigations.

The Government has announced a record package to close the tax gap, including a commitment to grow HMRC’s compliance workforce by 5,500 people over the next five years. The Government has also published its approach to tacking offshore tax non-compliance, and announced an increase in HMRC’s resource assigned to tackling wealthy offshore non-compliance by around 400 people.

Accessible registers of beneficial ownership provide support in tackling illicit finance and corruption, and in exposing tax and sanctions evasion. The OTs have already made commitments to establish accessible registers. It remains our expectation that the CDs and OTs will ultimately implement fully public registers.
wrans/answers2025-04-28 conversation_109
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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John Glen:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to her Department's consultation on the UK Green Taxonomy, published in November 2024, what assessment she has made of (a) the potential regulatory costs of a UK Green Taxonomy and (b) the duplication with other regimes. \p Emma Reynolds: The government has set out its ambition for the UK to be the world leader in sustainable finance. This includes delivering a regulatory framework to support sustainable growth and enable the private sector to realise the opportunities of the transition. Through the consultation, the government was keen to explore whether a UK Green Taxonomy can be a useful tool in contributing to this ambition.

The government is reviewing and analysing the consultation responses, this includes considering the potential costs and how it fits in with existing regulation and regimes. We will publish a formal consultation response in due course which will set out next steps.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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John Glen:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which Department is responsible for the (a) UK Climate Transition Benchmarks and (b) UK Paris-aligned Benchmarks. \p Emma Reynolds: HM Treasury is responsible for financial services policy, including financial benchmarks.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Sarah Gibson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of changes to Vehicle Excise Duty from April 2025 on levels of electric vehicle adoption; and what impact these changes will have on owners of zero-emission vehicles registered between 2017 and 2025 which will move from a £0 rate to the standard rate of £190-£195 per year. \p James Murray: Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is a tax on vehicles used or kept on public roads. As announced by the Government at Autumn Statement 2022, from April 2025, zero emission and hybrid cars, vans and motorcycles will begin to pay VED in a similar way to petrol and diesel vehicles. Revenue from motoring taxes helps ensure we can continue to fund the vital public services and infrastructure that people and families across the UK expect.

The Policy Costings document and Tax Information and Impact Note published alongside Autumn Statement 2022 when the change was announced both estimate the impact on zero emission vehicle take-up to be ‘minimal’.

The Tax Information and Impact Note also sets out expected economic, equalities and other impacts of the changes, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/introduction-of-vehicle-excise-duty-for-zero-emission-cars-vans-and-motorcycles-from-2025/introduction-of-vehicle-excise-duty-for-zero-emission-cars-vans-and-motorcycles-from-2025.

The Government is committed to supporting the transition to zero emission vehicles and announced a number of measures at Autumn Budget 2024 to support zero emission vehicle take-up. From 1 April 2025, VED First Year Rates have changed to apply higher rates to hybrid, petrol and diesel vehicles.

The Government has also maintained incentives for the purchase of zero emission vehicles within the Company Car Tax and Salary Sacrifice regimes until 2030, and extended the 100% First Year Allowances for businesses purchasing zero emission cars and installing chargepoint infrastructure.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the cost to the public purse has been of the National Insurance holiday for the employers of veterans in each financial year since the introduction of that policy. \p James Murray: HMRC publishes estimates for the National Insurance contributions relief for veterans annually which are available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/main-tax-expenditures-and-structural-reliefs
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether (a) Ministers and (b) special advisers from her Department (i) met and (ii) took hospitality from senior executives from TikTok at the Labour Party Conference in 2024. \p James Murray: Both Ministers and special advisers are required to regularly publish information on the meetings that they have taken and the hospitality that they have received. These publications can be found on gov.uk.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether life insurance policies written in trust will be subject to taxation following the changes made to Inheritance Tax rules at the Autumn Budget 2024. \p James Murray: As announced at Autumn Budget 2024, from 6 April 2027 most unused pension funds and death benefits will be included within the value of a person’s estate for inheritance tax purposes. No changes were announced to the taxation of life assurance policies written into trust.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Afzal Khan:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of (a) climate change and (b) new oil and gas production on the economy. \p James Murray: Illustrative analysis in the OBR's 2024 Fiscal Risks and Sustainability Report suggests that UK GDP could be around 3% lower by 2074 under a below 2°C warming scenario and around 5% lower under a below 3°C warming scenario.

For decades, the North Sea’s workers, businesses and communities have been at the heart of Britain’s energy future - something they will continue to do for decades to come. This Government will not revoke existing licences and will partner with businesses and workers to manage our existing fields for the entirety of their lifespans

This Government is engaging industry via the ‘Building the North Sea’s Energy Future’ consultation to develop and set out the next steps for the overarching objective for the North Sea. Scaling up industries that will shape the future of the North Sea (including offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, and decommissioning), will be vital for delivering the best outcomes for workers and communities, energy security, and sustainable economic growth.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 25 March 2025 to Question 39035 on Business Rates: Tax Allowances, whether a retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) hereditament in receipt of the lower RHL multiplier will (a) lose that multiplier discount and (b) be levied the higher multiplier surcharge if their rateable value rises above £499,999 under the proposed regime from April 2026. \p James Murray: To deliver our manifesto pledge, we intend to introduce permanently lower tax rates for high street retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties, with rateable values below £500,000, from 2026-27.

This tax cut must be sustainably funded, and so we intend to apply a higher rate from 2026-27 on the most valuable properties - those with a Rateable Value of £500,000 and above. These represent less than one per cent of all properties, but cover the majority of large distribution warehouses, including those used by online giants.

Ahead of these changes being made, we have prevented RHL relief from ending in April 2025 by extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business, and frozen the small business multiplier.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will take steps to increase Inheritance Tax thresholds. \p James Murray: The previous Government fixed the nil-rate band and residence nil-rate band at their current levels until the end of 2027-28.

This Government set out its plans for inheritance tax thresholds at Autumn Budget 2024 by fixing the nil-rate band and residence nil-rate band at their current levels for a further two years in 2028-29 and 2029-30. This is included in Finance Act 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of increases in employers National Insurance Contributions on wages. \p James Murray: The Office for Budget Responsibility published the Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO) in March 2025, which sets out a detailed forecast of the economy and public finances, including their forecast on wages Economic and fiscal outlook – March 2025 - Office for Budget Responsibility.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Margaret Mullane:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing (a) fiscal measures and (b) tax incentives to promote the uptake of (i) heat battery and (ii) other low carbon technologies in homes. \p James Murray: The Government is committed to improving the quality and sustainability of our housing stock, through improvements such as low carbon heating, insulation, solar panels, and batteries.

Installations of qualifying energy-saving materials (ESMs) in residential accommodation and buildings used solely for a charitable purpose benefit from a temporary VAT zero rate until March 2027, after which they will revert to the reduced rate of VAT at five per cent. This support – worth over £1 billion – will aid households and charities in improving the energy efficiency of their buildings and help to reduce carbon emissions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Stuart Anderson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will reduce the level of VAT on food and hot beverages in the hospitality sector. \p James Murray: VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Tax breaks reduce the revenue available for vital public services and must represent value for money for the taxpayer. Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations.

The exceptional VAT relief for tourism and hospitality during the Covid-19 pandemic cost over £8 billion. Reintroducing a similar relief would come at a significant further cost.

Delivering on its manifesto pledge, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for high street retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties, with rateable values below £500,000, from 2026-27. In the meantime, the Government has prevented RHL relief from ending in April 2025 by extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business and frozen the small business multiplier.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Euan Stainbank:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what proportion of funding forecast to be raised by the Digital Services Tax between 2025-26 and 2029-30 will be generated by US resident companies. \p James Murray: HMRC do not hold the information requested as the forecast is produced at an aggregated level, rather than for individual companies.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which retail, hospitality and leisure hereditaments have their rateable value assessed by the Valuation Office Agency using turnover expenditure as part of the metrics. \p James Murray: The hereditaments that have their rateable value assessed with reference to their trade are those where there is limited reliable rental evidence, and the nature of their occupation is primarily concerned with anticipated profit. In such cases, the rateable value would likely be based upon a consideration of the receipts and expenditure of the property.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Lisa Smart:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HMRC plans to improve its (a) telephone and (b) online chat services to ensure that people can receive human assistance when digital systems fail to provide information. \p James Murray: Once they have submitted an A1 certificate renewal or other time-sensitive application, customers can use the “check when you can expect a reply from HMRC” tool which is available on gov.uk to confirm when they are likely to receive a response.

Customers can contact HMRC via telephony or web chat for urgent A1 applications. HMRC advisors will then decide if the case needs urgent escalation and will take it forward as appropriate. These cases relate to customers who need a certificate to work in another country.

HMRC are always seeking to improve their day to day performance including their telephony and webchat service. HMRC received extra funding last year to recruit more customer service advisers and, under the current Government, are focused on transforming services to better support taxpayers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-04-28)

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Ian Byrne:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of freezing the personal tax allowance on low income households. \p James Murray: The Government is committed to keeping taxes for working people as low as possible while ensuring fiscal responsibility. At our first Budget, we decided not to extend the freeze on personal tax thresholds which was implemented by the previous Government.

The Government also remains committed to supporting low-income households in other ways, including through the Plan to Make Work Pay, the increase in the National Living Wage to £12.21 per hour from this April, and the new Fair Repayment Rate which caps debt repayments made through Universal Credit.