Debates between Victoria Atkins and Daniel Zeichner during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Victoria Atkins and Daniel Zeichner
Tuesday 9th May 2023

(1 year, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Victoria Atkins Portrait The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Victoria Atkins)
- View Speech - Hansard - -

It is right that everyone contributes to sustainable public finances, and the Government are ensuring that those with the broadest shoulders pay their fair share. The spring Budget took steps to tackle avoidance and to improve the ability of His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to collect tax debts. That is alongside taking millions out of tax altogether by consistently raising personal tax allowances. An average of more than £3,300 of assistance per household in the UK has been provided for help with the cost of living over this year and last.

Daniel Zeichner Portrait Daniel Zeichner
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

Last week, energy companies announced record profits—some £60 million a day from North sea oil and gas. Today, the Daily Mirror reports that last month 2 million people were unable to pay a bill, so why on earth do the Government not close those huge, huge holes in the levy on North sea oil and gas profits, and get that money to the people who need it?

Victoria Atkins Portrait Victoria Atkins
- View Speech - Hansard - -

I do not think that the hon. Gentleman is being quite fair, as he neglects to tell the House the rate of levy for those companies. He will understand why we have said to businesses that want to invest to improve energy security in the United Kingdom that we will support such investment. That is in our interests, as we have heard today concerns raised by Members of Parliament on behalf of their constituents about the cost of living and the impact particularly of energy prices.