HM Treasury

HM Treasury is the government’s economic and finance ministry, maintaining control over public spending, setting the direction of the UK’s economic policy and working to achieve strong and sustainable economic growth.



Secretary of State

 Portrait

Rachel Reeves
Chancellor of the Exchequer

Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Baroness Kramer (LD - Life peer)
Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Treasury and Economy)
Daisy Cooper (LD - St Albans)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Treasury)

Conservative
Mel Stride (Con - Central Devon)
Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer

Liberal Democrat
Charlie Maynard (LD - Witney)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)

Green Party
Ellie Chowns (Green - North Herefordshire)
Green Spokesperson (Treasury)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Richard Fuller (Con - North Bedfordshire)
Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury
Baroness Neville-Rolfe (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Treasury)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
James Wild (Con - North West Norfolk)
Shadow Exchequer Secretary (Treasury)
Mark Garnier (Con - Wyre Forest)
Shadow Economic Secretary (Treasury)
Ministers of State
Lord Livermore (Lab - Life peer)
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
Lord Stockwood (Lab - Life peer)
Minister of State (HM Treasury)
Lucy Rigby (Lab - Northampton North)
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Torsten Bell (Lab - Swansea West)
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
Dan Tomlinson (Lab - Chipping Barnet)
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
Rachel Blake (LAB - Cities of London and Westminster)
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Tuesday 9th June 2026
Select Committee Docs
Wednesday 10th June 2026
14:15
Select Committee Inquiry
Tuesday 31st January 2023
Quantitative tightening

This inquiry will examine quantitative tightening, including its impact on the economy and its fiscal costs. It will also investigate …

Written Answers
Monday 15th June 2026
Thames Water: Insolvency
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to UIN 5852, what advice her department has received from the ONS …
Secondary Legislation
Thursday 11th June 2026
National Savings (Remediation Scheme) Regulations 2026
The National Savings Bank Act 1971(3) (“the 1971 Act”) and the National Debt Act 1972(4) created the current statutory framework …
Bills
Tuesday 19th May 2026
Financial Services and Markets Bill [HL] 2026-27
A Bill to make provision about the regulation of financial services and markets; and for connected purposes.
Dept. Publications
Monday 15th June 2026
16:40

News and Communications

HM Treasury Commons Appearances

Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs

Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:
  • Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
  • Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
  • Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.

Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue

Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.

Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Apr. 28
Oral Questions
May. 21
Urgent Questions
May. 21
Written Statements
Jun. 03
Westminster Hall
May. 20
Adjournment Debate
View All HM Treasury Commons Contibutions

Bills currently before Parliament

HM Treasury does not have Bills currently before Parliament


Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament

Introduced: 4th December 2025

A Bill to Make provision to amend section 4 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992, and section 4 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992, so that amounts of salary sacrificed for employer pensions contributions pursuant to optional remuneration arrangements are liable to national insurance contributions.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 29th April 2026 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 2nd December 2025

A Bill to make provision in connection with finance.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 18th March 2026 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 4th March 2026

A Bill to Authorise the use of resources for the years ending with 31 March 2025, 31 March 2026 and 31 March 2027; to authorise the issue of sums out of the Consolidated Fund for those years; and to appropriate the supply authorised by this Act for the years ending with 31 March 2025 and 31 March 2026.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 18th March 2026 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 25th June 2025

A Bill to Authorise the use of resources for the year ending with 31 March 2026; to authorise both the issue of sums out of the Consolidated Fund and the application of income for that year; and to appropriate the supply authorised for that year by this Act and by the Supply and Appropriation (Anticipation and Adjustments) Act 2025.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 21st July 2025 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 13th November 2024

A Bill to make provision about secondary Class 1 contributions.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 3rd April 2025 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 6th November 2024

A Bill to make provision about finance.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 20th March 2025 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 25th July 2024

A Bill to amend the Crown Estate Act 1961.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 11th March 2025 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 5th March 2025

A Bill to Authorise the use of resources for the years ending with 31 March 2024, 31 March 2025 and 31 March 2026; to authorise the issue of sums out of the Consolidated Fund for those years; and to appropriate the supply authorised by this Act for the years ending with 31 March 2024 and 31 March 2025.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 11th March 2025 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 6th November 2024

A Bill to make provision for loans or other financial assistance to be provided to, or for the benefit of, the government of Ukraine.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 16th January 2025 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 18th July 2024

A Bill to impose duties on the Treasury and the Office for Budget Responsibility in respect of the announcement of fiscally significant measures.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 10th September 2024 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 24th July 2024

A Bill to authorise the use of resources for the year ending with 31 March 2025; to authorise both the issue of sums out of the Consolidated Fund and the application of income for that year; and to appropriate the supply authorised for that year by this Act and by the Supply and Appropriation (Anticipation and Adjustments) Act 2024.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 30th July 2024 and was enacted into law.

HM Treasury - Secondary Legislation

The National Savings Bank Act 1971(3) (“the 1971 Act”) and the National Debt Act 1972(4) created the current statutory framework for the operation of the National Savings and Investment Bank and the Director of Savings. The Director of Savings, a statutory officeholder, carries on the business of the National Savings Bank under section 1 of the 1971 Act, principally providing a range of savings and investment accounts which are subject to the 1971 Act and the secondary legislation made under that Act, consolidated in the National Savings Regulations 2015(5).
Section 3(6) of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013 (c. 25) (“the 2013 Act”) lists certain types of scheme regulations that are exempt from the requirement in section 3(5) of the Public Service Pensions Act 2013 to obtain consent from HM Treasury before being made.
View All HM Treasury Secondary Legislation

Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Trending Petitions
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13,192 Signatures
(2,313 in the last 7 days)
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21,419 Signatures
(2,310 in the last 7 days)
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8,199 Signatures
(2,284 in the last 7 days)
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37,174 Signatures
(340 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
1,799 Signatures
(94 in the last 7 days)
Petitions with most signatures
Petition Open
37,174 Signatures
(340 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
21,419 Signatures
(2,310 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
13,192 Signatures
(2,313 in the last 7 days)
Petition Debates Contributed

Raise the income tax personal allowance from £12570 to £20000. We think this would help low earners to get off benefits and allow pensioners a decent income.

We think that changing inheritance tax relief for agricultural land will devastate farms nationwide, forcing families to sell land and assets just to stay on their property. We urge the government to keep the current exemptions for working farms.

Prevent independent schools from having to pay VAT on fees and incurring business rates as a result of new legislation.

View All HM Treasury Petitions

Departmental Select Committee

Treasury Committee

Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.

At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.

Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.


11 Members of the Treasury Committee
Meg Hillier Portrait
Meg Hillier (Labour (Co-op) - Hackney South and Shoreditch)
Treasury Committee Member since 9th September 2024
Yuan Yang Portrait
Yuan Yang (Labour - Earley and Woodley)
Treasury Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Siobhain McDonagh Portrait
Siobhain McDonagh (Labour - Mitcham and Morden)
Treasury Committee Member since 21st October 2024
John Glen Portrait
John Glen (Conservative - Salisbury)
Treasury Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Harriett Baldwin Portrait
Harriett Baldwin (Conservative - West Worcestershire)
Treasury Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Bobby Dean Portrait
Bobby Dean (Liberal Democrat - Carshalton and Wallington)
Treasury Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Chris Coghlan Portrait
Chris Coghlan (Liberal Democrat - Dorking and Horley)
Treasury Committee Member since 28th October 2024
John Grady Portrait
John Grady (Labour - Glasgow East)
Treasury Committee Member since 9th December 2024
Catherine West Portrait
Catherine West (Labour - Hornsey and Friern Barnet)
Treasury Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Luke Murphy Portrait
Luke Murphy (Labour - Basingstoke)
Treasury Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Jim Dickson Portrait
Jim Dickson (Labour - Dartford)
Treasury Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Treasury Committee: Upcoming Events
Treasury Committee - Oral evidence
The OBR: 15 years on
16 Jun 2026, 9:30 a.m.
View calendar - Save to Calendar
Treasury Committee: Previous Inquiries
The Financial Conduct Authority’s Regulation of London Capital & Finance plc Budget 2021 Work of National Savings and Investments Lessons from Greensill Capital Appointment of Carolyn Wilkins to the Financial Policy Committee Appointment of Tanya Castell to the Prudential Regulatory Committee The work of the Prudential Regulation Authority Reappointment of Jill May and Julia Black to the Prudential Regulation Committee Committee on COP26: climate change and finance Spring Budget 2020 Appointment of Sarah Breeden to the Financial Policy Committee Appointment of Catherine Mann to the Monetary Policy Committee Reappointment of Jonathan Haskel to the Monetary Policy Committee Bank of England July Financial Stability Report and August Monetary Policy Report Economic Crime Regional Imbalances in the UK economy The Work of the Debt Management Office Appointment of Richard Hughes as Chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility Reappointment of Professor Silvana Tenreyro to the Monetary Policy Committee Reappointment of Andy Haldane to the Monetary Policy Committee Appointment of Jonathan Hall to the Financial Policy Committee Appointment of Nikhil Rathi as Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority Maxwellisation inquiry The work of National Savings and Investments inquiry Retail Banking Market Review inquiry HMRC Executive Chair and Chief Executive Financial stability one-off hearing Appointment of the CEO of Financial Conduct Authority Bank of England Financial Stability Report Hearings 2016-17 UK's future economic relationship with the EU inquiry Appointment of Deputy Governor for Prudential Regulation EU Insurance Regulation inquiry HM Treasury: Report and Accounts 2015 – 2016 Appointment of Michael Saunders to the Monetary Policy Committee Appointment of Anil Kashyap to the Financial Policy Committee Tax credits, fraud and error inquiry The work of the Chancellor of the Exchequer inquiry Bank of England Inflation Report Hearing August 2016 Prudential Regulation Authority inquiry Sir Charles Bean appointment to Budget Responsibility Committee UK tax policy and the tax base inquiry Government Internal Audit Agency inquiry HM Treasury Annual Report and Accounts 2014-15 inquiry Valuation Office Agency inquiry Independent review of report into failure of HBOS inquiry Review of the Office for National Statistics inquiry Appointment of Angela Knight as Chair of the Office for Tax Simplification Appointment of Tim Parkes as Chair of Regulatory Decisions Committee Budget 2016 inquiry Financial Policy Committee re-appointment hearings Bank of England Inflation Report Hearing May 2016 Work of the Court of the Bank of England inquiry Bank of England Inflation Report Hearing February 2017 Appointment of the Deputy Governor for Markets and Banking Budget 2017 inquiry Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster inquiry Capital inquiry Work of the Payment Systems Regulator inquiry Effectiveness and impact of post-2008 UK monetary policy Access to basic retail financial services inquiry Financial Conduct Authority inquiry Bank of England Inflation Report Hearing November 2016 UK Financial Investments annual reports and accounts 2015-16 Housing Policy inquiry Autumn Statement 2016 Household finances: income, saving and debt inquiry Bank of England Inflation Reports inquiry Budget Autumn 2017 inquiry Student Loans inquiry The UK's economic relationship with the European Union inquiry The work of the Bank of England inquiry The work of the Financial Conduct Authority The work of the National Infrastructure Commission inquiry Women in finance inquiry Appointment of Professor Silvana Tenreyro to the Monetary Policy Committee Appointment of Sir Dave Ramsden as Deputy Governor for Markets and Banking, Bank of England The work of the Chancellor of the Exchequer EU Insurance Regulation inquiry HMRC Annual Report and Accounts inquiry Re-appointment of Professor Anil Kashyap to the Financial Policy Committee inquiry Re-appointment of Ben Broadbent as Deputy Governor for Monetary Policy, Bank of England inquiry The effectiveness of gender pay gap reporting inquiry Decarbonisation of the UK Economy and Green Finance inquiry Regional Imbalances in the UK Economy inquiry Work of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme inquiry Spending Round 2019 inquiry Access to Cash Review inquiry Appointment of Kathryn Cearns as Chair of the Office of Tax Simplification inquiry The future of the UK’s financial services inquiry The impact of Business Rates on business inquiry Spring Statement 2019 inquiry The work of the Adjudicator’s Office inquiry The work of the Debt Management Office inquiry Independent Review of the Co-Operative Bank inquiry Work of the Court of the Bank of England inquiry Tax enquiries and resolution of tax disputes inquiry IT failures in the financial services sector inquiry Work of the Banking Standards Board inquiry Independent Review of the Financial Ombudsman Service Appointment of Bradley Fried as Chair of Court, Bank of England Appointment of Professor Jonathan Haskel to the Monetary Policy Committee Andy King, Nominated Member of the Budget Responsibility Committee Re-appointment of Dr Gertjan Vlieghe to the Monetary Policy Committee Maxwellisation inquiry Work of the Valuation Office Agency inquiry Appointment of Julia Black as external member of the Prudential Regulation Committee Appointment of Jill May as an external member of the Prudential Regulation Committee Consumers’ Access to Financial Services inquiry The re-appointment of Sir Jon Cunliffe as Deputy Governor for Financial Stability at the Bank of England inquiry Budget 2018 inquiry The Work of the Treasury inquiry Service Disruption at TSB inquiry Economic Crime inquiry Re-appointment of Alex Brazier to the Financial Policy Committee Re-appointment of Donald Kohn to the Financial Policy Committee Re-appointment of Martin Taylor to the Financial Policy Committee VAT inquiry Spring Statement 2018 Digital Currencies inquiry Appointment of Charles Randell as Chair of the Financial Conduct Authority SME Finance inquiry Appointment of Elisabeth Stheeman to the Bank of England Financial Policy Committee The work of the Prudential Regulation Authority inquiry Bank of England Financial Stability Reports RBS's Global Restructuring Group and its treatment of SMEs inquiry Childcare inquiry The work of the Payment Systems Regulator inquiry HM Treasury Annual Report and Accounts inquiry Women in the City Crown Estate Cheques, the end of? Mortgage Arrears and Access to Mortgage Finance: Follow up Financial Institutions - Too Important To Fail? Budget 2010 Credit Searches European Macro and Micro Prudential Financial Regulation Presbyterian Mutual Society Pre-Budget Report 2009 Budget 2009 Pre-Budget Report 2008 Budget 2008 Pre-Budget Report 2007 Mortgage Arrears and Access to Mortgage Finance Evaluating the Efficiency Programme Administration and expenditure of the Chancellor’s Departments, 2008-09 Banking Crisis Banking Crisis: International Dimensions Banking Reform Run on the Rock Budget June 2010 Competition and choice in the banking sector Office for Budget Responsibility Financial Regulation Spending Review 2010 Administration and effectiveness of HMRC The principles of tax policy Retail Distribution Review European financial regulation Autumn forecast 2010 Accountability of the Bank of England Private Finance Initiative Budget 2011 Future of Cheques Independent Commission on Banking: Interim Report Closing the tax gap: HMRC's record at ensuring tax compliance Budget Measures and Low-income Households Financial Conduct Authority Inherited Estates Counting the population Administration and expenditure of the Chancellor's Departments, 2006-07 Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 Administration and expenditure of the Chancellor's Departments, 2007-08 Independent Commission on Banking: Final Report Global Imbalances Autumn Statement 2011 Budget 2012 Corporate governance and remuneration Money Advice Service LIBOR FSA's report into HBOS Spending Round 2013 Project Verde Macroprudential tools Disposal of Government Stakes in RBS and Lloyds Credit Rating Agencies Autumn Statement 2012 Appointment of Dr Mark Carney as Governor of the Bank of England Budget 2013 Quantitative easing Private Finance 2 Autumn Statement 2013 Bank of England Financial Stability Report hearings: Session 2014-15 Appointment hearings, Session 2013-14 Bank of England Inflation Report Hearings: Session 2013-14 EU Financial Regulation Monetary Policy: Forward Guidance UK Financial Investments Ltd 2013 The economics of HS2 SME Lending Financial Conduct Authority hearings The costing of pre-election policy proposals Performance of the Royal Mint Budget 2014 The economics of currency unions OBR: July 2013 Fiscal Sustainability Report Banks' Lending Practices: Treatment of Businesses in Distress RBS Independent Lending Review Prudential Regulation Authority Hearings: Session 2014-15 HM Treasury Annual Report and Accounts 2013-14 Treatment of Financial Services Consumers Bank of England Inflation Report Hearings: Session 2014-15 HMRC Business Plan 2014-16 Manipulation of Benchmarks Appointment hearings, Session 2014-15 Co-op Governance Review Cost effectiveness of economic and financial sanctions Bank of England Financial Stability Report Hearings 2015-16 Bank of England Inflation Report Hearings 2015-16 Summer Budget 2015 inquiry UK Financial Investments Ltd Annual Report and Accounts 14-15 Review of scope and performance of Office for Budget Responsibility Bank of England Bill inquiry Chair of Office for Budget Responsibility reappointment hearing HMRC Annual Report and Accounts 2014-15 inquiry Prudential Regulation Authority inquiry Comprehensive Spending Review and Autumn Statement 2015 inquiry Review of CMA work on Retail Banking Market one-off session Financial Conduct Authority Practitioner Panels one-off session Appointment of Gertjan Vlieghe to the Monetary Policy Committee hearing Reappointment of Ian McCafferty to the Monetary Policy Committee hearing Financial Conduct Authority Economic and financial costs and benefits of UK's EU membership Crown Estate Annual Report and Accounts 2013/14 Bank of England Foreign Exchange Market Investigation HM Revenue and Customs and HSBC Budget 2015 The UK's EU Budget Contributions Press briefing of information in the Financial Conduct Authority’s 2014/15 Business Plan Fair and Effective Markets Review The Payment Systems Regulator Implementing the recommendations on the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards Autumn Statement 2014 Work of the Tax Assurance Commissioner UK Financial Investments Ltd Proposals for further Fiscal and Economic Devolution to Scotland Debt Management Office Annual Report and Accounts 2013-14 UK Customs Policy Infrastructure The cost of living The venture capital market The crypto-asset industry Tax Reliefs September 2022 Fiscal Event The Financial Services and Markets Bill The mortgage market The Edinburgh Reforms Quantitative tightening Retail Banks Appointment of Andrew Bailey as Governor of the Bank of England Work of Government Actuary’s Department Work of the Financial Ombudsman Service Work of HM Treasury Future of Financial Services Spending Review 2020 HMRC Annual Report and Accounts Bank of England Financial Stability Reports The appointment of John Taylor to the Prudential Regulation Committee UK’s economic and trading relationship with the EU The appointment of Antony Jenkins to the Prudential Regulation Committee Access to Cash Review Bank of England Financial Stability Reports Bank of England Inflation Reports Consumers’ Access to Financial Services Decarbonisation of the UK Economy and Green Finance Economic Crime The effectiveness of gender pay gap reporting HMRC Annual Report and Accounts inquiry Tax enquiries and resolution of tax disputes IT failures in the financial services sector Appointment of Dame Colette Bowe to the Financial Policy Committee Re-appointment of Professor Anil Kashyap to the Financial Policy Committee Work of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme Spending Round 2019 The impact of Business Rates on business Work of the Court of the Bank of England Independent Review of the Co-Operative Bank Regional Imbalances in the UK Economy Re-appointment of Michael Saunders to the Monetary Policy Committee Re-appointment of Ben Broadbent as Deputy Governor for Monetary Policy, Bank of England Maxwellisation RBS's Global Restructuring Group and its treatment of SMEs SME Finance Spring Statement 2019 The future of the UK’s financial services HM Treasury Annual Report and Accounts Service Disruption at TSB The UK's economic relationship with the European Union VAT The work of the Bank of England The work of the Chancellor of the Exchequer The work of the Financial Conduct Authority The Work of the Treasury The work of the Prudential Regulation Authority

50 most recent Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department

10th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on what date HMRC began actively enforcing charges on VAT free of charge medicines.

Under long-standing UK VAT law, some non-monetary transactions are treated as supplies to ensure a fair tax result where VAT has been recovered on costs. The application of VAT to medicines or treatments provided free of charge depends on the specific facts of each case. HMRC has applied this law consistently for many years and continues to do so fairly across all taxpayers.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
5th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the cost to her Department was of tax relief for landlords of residential properties in the last financial year.

Unincorporated landlords receive basic rate relief through a tax reduction. The estimated cost of basic rate tax relief on finance costs for landlords of residential properties reporting in Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA) in 2023/24 (the latest available year) is £1.4 billion.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
5th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on the potential merits of building in safeguards against fraud in the development of account-to-account payment systems.

The Government takes the issue of fraud very seriously and is dedicated to protecting the public from this appalling crime.

In the National Payments Vision, the Government set out its ambitions for a trusted, world-leading payments ecosystem delivered on next-generation technology, where consumers and businesses have a choice of payment methods to meet their needs. As part of this, the Government set out its ambition for account-to-account payments to be developed as a ubiquitous payment method.

In November, the Payments Vision Delivery Committee published its strategy to guide the development of the future retail payments infrastructure. This includes setting as a strategic outcome that consumers and businesses can trust that their payments are protected from fraud and wider financial crime.

To achieve this and 'design out' financial crime, the future infrastructure must enable: advanced prevention, detection and resolution capabilities; robust authentication mechanisms; appropriate protection across payment methods; and secure and efficient data access and sharing.

The Retail Payments Infrastructure Board, chaired by the Bank of England and with representation from across the payments ecosystem, is working to translate this strategy into the design of the future infrastructure, in line with the Government’s vision.

Rachel Blake
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
5th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of increasing the Lifetime ISA £450,000 cap, especially for areas where affordable housing is more expensive, such as Henley and Thame.

Data from the latest UK House Price Index shows that while the average price paid by first-time buyers has increased, it is still below the LISA property price cap in all regions of the UK except for London, where the average price paid is affected by boroughs with very high property values.

The Government keeps all aspects of savings tax policy under review.

Rachel Blake
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
5th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of the Lifetime ISA £450,000 cap on first time buyers in areas with high land prices, such as Henley and Thame constituency.

Data from the latest UK House Price Index shows that while the average price paid by first-time buyers has increased, it is still below the LISA property price cap in all regions of the UK except for London, where the average price paid is affected by boroughs with very high property values.

The Government keeps all aspects of savings tax policy under review.

Rachel Blake
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
9th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the average time to reply to correspondence from hon. Members was in each month since July 2024.

HM Treasury fully recognises the important role Parliament has in holding Government to account and the need for ministers to provide full and timely responses to requests for information.

HM Treasury does not track average response times but in line with Cabinet Office guidance, aims to respond to ministerial correspondence from parliamentarians within 20 working days. Correspondence performance data is published each year within HM Treasury’s Annual Report and Accounts. The last published annual report and accounts is the 2024-25 Report which noted that 52% of replies to parliamentarians were answered within the timeframe.

The 2025-26 Annual Report and Accounts is expected to be published before the parliamentary recess. However, in 2025 the Cabinet Office published correspondence performance which confirms that 40% of replies were answered within the same timeframe Data on responses to correspondence from MPs and peers, 2025 - GOV.UK

Rachel Blake
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
8th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent progress she has made on the seizure of Russian assets in the United Kingdom; and the impact of those assets for the Ukrainian war effort.

The Government remains determined to ensure Russia is held accountable for the damage it has caused, and continues to cause, in Ukraine.

We will continue work and coordinate with G7 and EU partners to ensure that Ukraine gets the funding it needs, ensuring any options developed by the Government are in line with international law.

As the Prime Minister and the E3 reaffirmed in their joint statement on 7 June, the UK has pledged that Russia's sovereign assets will remain immobilised until they cease the war and pay compensation to Ukraine.

Rachel Blake
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
8th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the publication, High Value Council Tax Surcharge, published 19 May 2026, what assessment she has made of the number of people eligible for the deferment scheme.

The Government is seeking views on the eligibility criteria under which homeowners might defer HVCTS liability in a consultation published on 29 May 2026. Numbers of homeowners eligible will depend on the final design of any deferral scheme.

The consultation can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/high-value-council-tax-surcharge/high-value-council-tax-surcharge

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
5th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many people reported a gross property income of greater than £1,000 to HMRC in the last financial year.

Estimates of the number of people reporting a gross property income of greater than £1,000 to HMRC for the latest available financial year are shown in the table below.

Tax Year

Category

No. of People Reporting Gross Property Income Greater Than £1,000 in 2023/24 (Rounded to the Nearest 1,000) (1)

2023/24

Individual

2,887,000

2023/24

Partnership

33,000

(1) The figures include unincorporated landlords reporting total property rental income greater than £1,000, before any expenses and allowances deductions, via Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA).

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
5th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to encourage investment in areas with high economic inactivity historically impacted by deindustrialisation.

The Government is committed to improving economic growth and living standards across every part of the United Kingdom, including in communities affected by the long-term decline of industry. We are moving away from a model where growth is concentrated in a few places to one that unlocks investment in every region.

At the March 2026 Mais Lecture, the Chancellor set out plans to empower regional growth, including establishing City Investment Funds with an additional £2.3 billion of grant, loan and patient capital funding for major city regions, with up to £1.7 billion going directly to mayors in the North. Over £150 million will also be invested through the IS8 cluster (Industrial Strategy growth driving sectors) programme into five areas across the North and North East, backing growth-driving sectors where places already have strengths, to grow firms and create good local jobs. This builds on the £15.6 billion confirmed at the Spending Review for Transport for City Regions settlements, and the £5.8 billion being provided for deprived neighbourhoods across the UK through the Pride in Place Programme.

Alongside investment, the Government is tackling economic inactivity directly. We have announced further investment to unlock up to 200,000 new jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for young people, including a new Youth Jobs Grant and an expanded Jobs Guarantee, taking total investment in the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy to £2.5 billion over the next three years. Through the National Wealth Fund, the Government has invested £3.8 billion across a number of projects, creating or supporting 20,300 jobs in its first year.

Taken together, these measures are designed to raise investment, create more jobs and improve living standards in the places that have too often been left behind.

Lucy Rigby
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
5th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to encourage a culture of economic growth in deindustrialised areas.

The Government is committed to improving economic growth and living standards across every part of the United Kingdom, including in communities affected by the long-term decline of industry. We are moving away from a model where growth is concentrated in a few places to one that unlocks investment in every region.

At the March 2026 Mais Lecture, the Chancellor set out plans to empower regional growth, including establishing City Investment Funds with an additional £2.3 billion of grant, loan and patient capital funding for major city regions, with up to £1.7 billion going directly to mayors in the North. Over £150 million will also be invested through the IS8 cluster (Industrial Strategy growth driving sectors) programme into five areas across the North and North East, backing growth-driving sectors where places already have strengths, to grow firms and create good local jobs. This builds on the £15.6 billion confirmed at the Spending Review for Transport for City Regions settlements, and the £5.8 billion being provided for deprived neighbourhoods across the UK through the Pride in Place Programme.

Alongside investment, the Government is tackling economic inactivity directly. We have announced further investment to unlock up to 200,000 new jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for young people, including a new Youth Jobs Grant and an expanded Jobs Guarantee, taking total investment in the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy to £2.5 billion over the next three years. Through the National Wealth Fund, the Government has invested £3.8 billion across a number of projects, creating or supporting 20,300 jobs in its first year.

Taken together, these measures are designed to raise investment, create more jobs and improve living standards in the places that have too often been left behind.

Lucy Rigby
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
5th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has assessed the potential merits of tax breaks and financial incentives for new parents.

The Government is committed to supporting new parents and keeps relevant tax breaks and financial incentives under regular review.

Available support includes Child Benefit which provides weekly payments of £27.05 for eldest children and £17.90 for subsequent children, as well as a £500 one-off payment through the Sure Start Maternity Grant to help with the costs of having a child.

Lucy Rigby
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
9th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to UIN 5852, what advice her department has received from the ONS regarding the implications for ONS classification if Thames Water was taken into Special Administration.

HM Treasury has not asked for, nor received, any advice from the ONS regarding the implications for ONS classification if Thames Water was taken into Special Administration.

Lucy Rigby
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
5th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Payment Systems Regulator's document entitled Specific Direction 17 on expanding Confirmation of Payee, published in October 2022, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of that Direction on trends in the level of fraud.

The Government is committed to tackling fraud and protecting victims from this appalling crime. The Government has recently introduced a new and expanded Fraud Strategy and is determined to turn the tide on fraud and better protect the public and businesses.

Specific Direction 17 was issued by the independent Payment Systems Regulator in October 2022 under the Financial Services (Banking Reform) Act 2013. It requires certain payment service providers, including some participants in Faster Payments and CHAPS, to use Confirmation of Payee. This is a name-checking service designed to reduce certain types of authorised push payment fraud and accidentally misdirected payments.

As Specific Direction 17 is made and overseen by the independent Payment Systems Regulator, this is a matter for the PSR.

Rachel Blake
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
8th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the time taken by National Savings and Investments to return the savings of customers who have died to their bereaved families.

On 19 May, I updated Parliament that from the week commencing 25 May, NS&I would start to contact all affected estates, with holdings of £10 or more, to reunite them with the holdings owed to them. Remediation will be delivered in phases. NS&I has since issued letters to the first cohort of affected estates. NS&I aims to return holdings to affected estates as swiftly as possible and expects to complete its remediation programme in the first half of 2027.

NS&I has published a delivery plan that it will follow to ensure proactive, timely contact and will publish an update on progress against this plan on a quarterly basis.

Torsten Bell
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
1st Jun 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the shift in recruitment within the financial technology sector towards payments infrastructure, engineering and operational resilience roles.

The UK has a long history as a powerhouse of financial services innovation, which has made the UK one of the most attractive locations worldwide for Fintechs to start, scale, list, and stay. The Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy set out a comprehensive package of reforms to maintain the UK’s global leadership in Fintech.

The Government is committed to ensuring the UK is at the forefront of transformation, so that consumers and businesses benefit from faster, cheaper and more seamless financial technology. This includes in sectors such as payments, where the Government is implementing its National Payments Vision.

Hiring decisions in the Fintech sector are ultimately a matter for individual firms.

Lord Livermore
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
1st Jun 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government further to the Written Answers by Lord Livermore on 30 March (HL15749 and HL15750), on what date they expect to receive the report of the Royal Trustees on the 2026 review of the Sovereign Grant; when they intend to lay that report before Parliament; and when they intend to introduce the Sovereign Grant Bill announced in the King’s Speech.

As required by the Sovereign Grant Act 2011, the next review of the Sovereign Grant is taking place this year. Further detail will be announced in due course.

The Government is committed to bringing forward legislation to reset the Grant to a lower level from 2027-28 once Buckingham Palace reservicing works are completed. The Government will bring forward the Sovereign Grant Bill when parliamentary time allows.

Lord Livermore
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
1st Jun 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government why property owners will be liable for the High Value Council Tax Surcharge when occupiers are liable for council tax as set out in section 6 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

The High Value Council Tax Surcharge is a new charge on owners of residential property in England worth £2 million or more, ensuring those who own the most valuable properties pay their fair share.

Lord Livermore
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
1st Jun 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what mechanisms will be introduced in the Sovereign Grant Review to prevent overlap of funding between the Sovereign Grant and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in respect of (1) inbound state visits to the UK, (2) outbound visits by members of the Royal Family, and (3) the monarch’s costs as Head of the Commonwealth.

Expenditure met from the Sovereign Grant and that met by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) budgets serve distinct purposes.

The Sovereign Grant provides funding to support the official duties of working Members of the Royal Family, including staff, overseas travel to conduct and prepare for outward State Visits and the maintenance of the Occupied Royal Palaces. The FCDO and other departments meet separate costs associated with the UK’s diplomatic activity, both in the UK and overseas.

The FCDO funds in-country arrangements for outward State Visits, including accommodation and wider hosting arrangements. For inward State Visits, the FCDO funds the accommodation of the visiting delegation, as well as gifts and certain ceremonial activity, such as the State Banquet.

For activity undertaken in respect of His Majesty’s role as Head of the Commonwealth, the Sovereign Grant, FCDO and other departments fund respective activities that support the UK’s diplomatic objectives. Costs associated exclusively with The King’s role as Head of the Commonwealth may be met by the host country or participating Commonwealth member states. As with inward and outward visits, there remains a clear distinction between funding provided by the Sovereign Grant, and the funding provided by the FCDO and other departments for Commonwealth-related activity.

Lord Livermore
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
2nd Jun 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the pilot announced in the Financial Inclusion Strategy, which aims to increase uptake of contents insurance among social renters in England, will include residents on socially rented Gypsy and Traveller sites.

Opportunities for social landlords to participate in the contents insurance pilot will open later this year.

This is part of the Government’s Financial Inclusion Strategy which encompasses an ambitious package of measures to help people access the products they need and support household financial resilience. The Strategy recognises the important role that insurance products play in giving households the ability to weather financial shocks and identifies contents insurance as a product area with low take-up among those who may stand to benefit from it the most.

The Government’s key financial inclusion delivery partner, Fair4All Finance, is working with the insurance and social housing sectors to explore different methods of increasing contents insurance uptake for social renters. This will consider approaches to reduce friction in delivery methods, raise awareness, and increase uptake and choice.

Where a consumer has found it difficult to find cover, a broker can support them to identify and access a product which meets their needs.

Lord Livermore
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
5th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the rate of VAT charged on electricity used at public electric vehicle charging points.

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services.

The supply of energy for domestic use attracts the reduced rate of VAT (5 per cent). Whilst this relief was not designed or introduced for charging EVs at home, it applies for all uses of domestic energy, as it is not easy for energy companies to distinguish between electricity used to charge an EV and electricity used for general domestic purposes. Public EV charging, on the other hand, is subject to the standard rate of VAT (twenty per cent). This matches the VAT treatment of petrol and diesel, as well as all non-domestic electricity.

The Government will review the cost of public electric vehicle charging, looking at the impact of energy prices, wider cost contributors, and options for lowering these costs for consumers. Terms of Reference for the review will be set out in due course, and the review will report later in 2026.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
8th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Treasury has assessed the potential merits of introducing a Gift Aid-equivalent tax relief, or other bespoke tax exemption, for donations made by UK taxpayers to UNITED24 in support of Ukraine's defence and reconstruction.

Gift Aid is restricted to UK-registered charities so that UK taxpayer money only supports UK charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs), enabling strong oversight and fraud prevention.

UK charities are regulated by the Charity Commission, which can enforce standards, supporting HMRC to operate necessary compliance activity. These controls are far harder to apply to overseas organisations subject to different laws and regulators. Limiting eligibility to UK entities ensures Gift Aid benefits legitimate charities, and that any improper claims can be recovered.

Support for overseas causes, such as supporting Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction, can be carried out through UK-registered charities operating internationally.

For this reason, the Government has no plans at present to extend Gift Aid eligibility (or a bespoke and similar tax relief). The Government remains committed to supporting Ukraine through direct funding and other mechanisms.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the UK has committed £21.8 billion in support. This includes £13 billion in military support, up to £5.3 billion in non-military assistance, and a £3.5 billion export finance cover limit to support reconstruction and defence projects.

In 2026 alone support totals £5.2bn, this has included £1.5 billion in fiscal support, £700 million disbursed via the UK’s Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loan, and £3 billion in standing military commitments.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
5th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the impact of additional business rate reliefs from South Oxfordshire District Council, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of adding further reliefs to business rates nationally, extending the criteria for these reliefs, and keeping these reliefs beyond the 2026/27.

At the Budget, the VO announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since the pandemic, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties.

In recognition of the impact of the revaluation on bills, the Government has introduced a support package worth £4.3 billion, to protect against ratepayers seeing large overnight increases in bills.

As a result, over half of ratepayers see no bill increases in 2026/27, including 23 per cent whose bills go down. This also means most properties seeing increases have them capped at 15 per cent or less in 2026/27, or £800 for the smallest.

Around a third of properties already pay no business rates as they receive 100 per cent Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR), with an additional 85,000 benefiting from reduced bills as this relief tapers.

The government offers a range of Business Rates reliefs. Guidance on these can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/business-rates-relief.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
5th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has considered the potential merits of introducing additional business rate reliefs.

At the Budget, the VO announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since the pandemic, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties.

In recognition of the impact of the revaluation on bills, the Government has introduced a support package worth £4.3 billion, to protect against ratepayers seeing large overnight increases in bills.

As a result, over half of ratepayers see no bill increases in 2026/27, including 23 per cent whose bills go down. This also means most properties seeing increases have them capped at 15 per cent or less in 2026/27, or £800 for the smallest.

Around a third of properties already pay no business rates as they receive 100 per cent Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR), with an additional 85,000 benefiting from reduced bills as this relief tapers.

The government offers a range of Business Rates reliefs. Guidance on these can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/business-rates-relief.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
5th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the cost to her Department was of the Replacement of Domestic Items Relief for landlords in the last financial year.

Estimates of the Exchequer cost of the Replacement of Domestic Items Relief for landlords are not readily available.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
5th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the cost to her Department was of allowing incorporated landlords to deduct mortgage interest from rental properties when calculating taxable profits in the last year.

Estimates of the cost of allowing incorporated landlords to deduct mortgage interest from rental properties are not readily available since landlords subject to Corporation tax are not required to report separately their residential finance costs.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
9th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of publishers' ability to secure preferential rates of duty for goods sold through Import One Stop Shop. .

The Import One Stop Shop is an EU VAT reporting and collection scheme for goods that are not subject to duty. It deals solely with the collection of VAT.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
3rd Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of an increase in the SCAPE discount rate on police officers in the 1987 Police Pension Scheme.

In line with the existing methodology, the Government announced on 19 May 2026 that the SCAPE discount rate is 2%+CPI.

HM Treasury is not the responsible authority for individual Public Service Pension Schemes. Regulation B7 of the Police Pension Scheme Regulations 1987 provides for commutation of pension to purchase lump sum and specifies that the rate is that set out by the Scheme Actuary. The factors were updated on 21 May 2026 to reflect the change to the SCAPE discount rate.

Lucy Rigby
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
3rd Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she made of the potential merits of an immediate implementation of the SCAPE discount rate.

The Government remains committed to reviewing the SCAPE discount rate at every valuation cycle. The SCAPE discount rate was announced in Parliament on 19 May 2026. This is in line with established precedent for reviews of the SCAPE discount rate. Where the SCAPE discount rate changes, the factors used in the schemes (for example to calculate the commuted lump sum provided in exchange for a member giving up part of their pension) are reviewed in line with best practice and the law.

Lucy Rigby
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
4th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Reeves to use Parliament to drive through power plants and infrastructure, published on 20 May 2026, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to maximise the use of domestic suppliers and manufacturers in nationally significant infrastructure and energy projects accelerated under the proposed reforms.

On 20 May, the Chancellor announced a package of infrastructure planning reforms to accelerate delivery of the most important clean energy projects, strengthen the UK’s energy security and support economic growth.

By reducing delays and making the judicial review process faster, more predictable and more focused on genuine legal concerns, these reforms are expected to give investors greater confidence and support continued investment in infrastructure projects.

More broadly, this Government believes that it matters where things are made and who makes them and is reforming public procurement so that more of what the public sector buys supports UK-based businesses, including in critical industries.

HM Treasury is working closely with relevant departments on the detailed policy and legislative framework for these infrastructure planning reforms. Further detail will be set out in due course.

Lucy Rigby
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
4th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Reeves to use Parliament to drive through power plants and infrastructure, published on 20 May 2026, if she will set out what role hon. Members will have in approving or scrutinising projects designated as being of Critical National Importance under the proposals.

On 20 May, the Chancellor announced a package of infrastructure planning reforms to accelerate delivery of the most important clean energy projects, strengthen the UK’s energy security and support economic growth.

These proposals include a new route for Parliament to approve projects designated as Critical National Importance, providing greater certainty where the national interest is clearest. The route would apply only to energy projects identified by the Energy Secretary as Critical National Importance, and any such designation would require explicit parliamentary approval.


HM Treasury is working closely with relevant departments on the detailed policy and legislative framework for these reforms. Further detail will be set out in due course.

Lucy Rigby
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
4th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to her Department's press release entitled Reeves to use Parliament to drive through power plants and infrastructure, published on 20 May 2026, what safeguards will remain in place for local communities affected by projects designated as being of Critical National Importance.

On 20 May, the Chancellor announced a package of infrastructure planning reforms to accelerate delivery of the most important clean energy projects, strengthen the UK’s energy security and support economic growth.

Under these reforms, projects designated as being of Critical National Importance would still be required to proceed through the normal Development Consent Order process, and existing arrangements for considering impacts and hearing from affected communities would remain in place. This route would apply only to energy projects that the Energy Secretary designates as of Critical National Importance, and any such designation would also require explicit parliamentary approval

HM Treasury is working closely with relevant departments on the detailed policy and legislative framework for these reforms. Further detail will be set out in due course.

Lucy Rigby
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
8th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment she has made of the potential benefit to the UK of joining the proposed Defence, Security and Resilience Bank.

The UK announced that it is exploring setting up the Multilateral Defence Mechanism with Finland, the Netherlands and other partners by 2027. This will be designed to improve value for money and increase standardisation in the defence sector through joint procurement. It will enhance collaboration among allies and improve interoperability. It will aim to increase the availability of munitions and other critical capabilities when we need them most and aim to support a more resilient and efficient defence industrial sector, underpinned by more certainty of orders from aggregated demand through joint procurement from its members.

The Chancellor regularly discusses with NATO allies the need to meet the challenge jointly of increasing expenditure on our defence and resilience.

Lucy Rigby
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
8th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussion has she has had with NATO-Partner countries on membership of the proposed Defence, Security and Resilience Bank.

The UK announced that it is exploring setting up the Multilateral Defence Mechanism with Finland, the Netherlands and other partners by 2027. This will be designed to improve value for money and increase standardisation in the defence sector through joint procurement. It will enhance collaboration among allies and improve interoperability. It will aim to increase the availability of munitions and other critical capabilities when we need them most and aim to support a more resilient and efficient defence industrial sector, underpinned by more certainty of orders from aggregated demand through joint procurement from its members.

The Chancellor regularly discusses with NATO allies the need to meet the challenge jointly of increasing expenditure on our defence and resilience.

Lucy Rigby
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
4th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the Approved Mileage Allowance Payment rate.

Approved Mileage Allowance Payments (AMAPs) are used by employers to reimburse an employee's expenses for business mileage in their private vehicle. The AMAP rate is advisory, so employers can choose to pay more or less than the advisory rate. Employees reimbursed less than the AMAP rate may be able to claim tax relief on the difference, depending on their circumstances. Amounts reimbursed over the AMAP rate are classed as earnings and subject to Income Tax.

In recognition of the pressures facing drivers, the Government announced in May the first uprating of these rates since 2011, backdated to April 2026. For 2026/27, mileage rates for cars and vans will increase from 45p to 55p per mile for the first 10,000 miles annually, followed by 25p per mile thereafter. These rates are UK-wide so apply to Northern Ireland.

The 25p per mile rate for mileage above 10,000 miles remains unchanged, reflecting that the average motorist drives fewer than 10,000 miles for work and the need to balance targeted support with overall fiscal responsibility. Employees can also claim an additional 5p per mile for each fellow employee transported. Mileage rates for other vehicles, including motorcycles, remain unchanged.

Looking ahead and beyond 2026/27, the Government has already committed to a review of these rates and will set this out at the Budget. More broadly, 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.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
4th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to introduce an indexation mechanism linking the Approved Mileage Allowance Payment rate to (a) inflation and (b) motoring cost indices.

Approved Mileage Allowance Payments (AMAPs) are used by employers to reimburse an employee's expenses for business mileage in their private vehicle. The AMAP rate is advisory, so employers can choose to pay more or less than the advisory rate. Employees reimbursed less than the AMAP rate may be able to claim tax relief on the difference, depending on their circumstances. Amounts reimbursed over the AMAP rate are classed as earnings and subject to Income Tax.

In recognition of the pressures facing drivers, the Government announced in May the first uprating of these rates since 2011, backdated to April 2026. For 2026/27, mileage rates for cars and vans will increase from 45p to 55p per mile for the first 10,000 miles annually, followed by 25p per mile thereafter. These rates are UK-wide so apply to Northern Ireland.

The 25p per mile rate for mileage above 10,000 miles remains unchanged, reflecting that the average motorist drives fewer than 10,000 miles for work and the need to balance targeted support with overall fiscal responsibility. Employees can also claim an additional 5p per mile for each fellow employee transported. Mileage rates for other vehicles, including motorcycles, remain unchanged.

Looking ahead and beyond 2026/27, the Government has already committed to a review of these rates and will set this out at the Budget. More broadly, 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.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
4th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Approved Mileage Allowance Payment rate on small and medium-sized enterprises and mobile workers in rural regions, including in Northern Ireland.

Approved Mileage Allowance Payments (AMAPs) are used by employers to reimburse an employee's expenses for business mileage in their private vehicle. The AMAP rate is advisory, so employers can choose to pay more or less than the advisory rate. Employees reimbursed less than the AMAP rate may be able to claim tax relief on the difference, depending on their circumstances. Amounts reimbursed over the AMAP rate are classed as earnings and subject to Income Tax.

In recognition of the pressures facing drivers, the Government announced in May the first uprating of these rates since 2011, backdated to April 2026. For 2026/27, mileage rates for cars and vans will increase from 45p to 55p per mile for the first 10,000 miles annually, followed by 25p per mile thereafter. These rates are UK-wide so apply to Northern Ireland.

The 25p per mile rate for mileage above 10,000 miles remains unchanged, reflecting that the average motorist drives fewer than 10,000 miles for work and the need to balance targeted support with overall fiscal responsibility. Employees can also claim an additional 5p per mile for each fellow employee transported. Mileage rates for other vehicles, including motorcycles, remain unchanged.

Looking ahead and beyond 2026/27, the Government has already committed to a review of these rates and will set this out at the Budget. More broadly, 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.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
4th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her officials have had discussions with colleagues in the Northern Ireland Office on the adequacy of the Approved Mileage Allowance Payment rate of 45 pence per mile.

Approved Mileage Allowance Payments (AMAPs) are used by employers to reimburse an employee's expenses for business mileage in their private vehicle. The AMAP rate is advisory, so employers can choose to pay more or less than the advisory rate. Employees reimbursed less than the AMAP rate may be able to claim tax relief on the difference, depending on their circumstances. Amounts reimbursed over the AMAP rate are classed as earnings and subject to Income Tax.

In recognition of the pressures facing drivers, the Government announced in May the first uprating of these rates since 2011, backdated to April 2026. For 2026/27, mileage rates for cars and vans will increase from 45p to 55p per mile for the first 10,000 miles annually, followed by 25p per mile thereafter. These rates are UK-wide so apply to Northern Ireland.

The 25p per mile rate for mileage above 10,000 miles remains unchanged, reflecting that the average motorist drives fewer than 10,000 miles for work and the need to balance targeted support with overall fiscal responsibility. Employees can also claim an additional 5p per mile for each fellow employee transported. Mileage rates for other vehicles, including motorcycles, remain unchanged.

Looking ahead and beyond 2026/27, the Government has already committed to a review of these rates and will set this out at the Budget. More broadly, 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.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
3rd Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when the HGV road tax holiday will commence and finish; what the eligibility criteria are for that scheme; and how the application process will work.

The government will introduce a 12-month holiday from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED, also known as road tax). This will apply to the majority of HGVs renewing their VED between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027. Eligible vehicles will pay just £1 for their annual VED, saving £600 for a typical heavy lorry. Tax classes eligible include: standard HGV (tax class 1); trailer HGV (tax class 2); special types (tax class 57); combined transport (tax class 23); and island goods vehicles (tax class 16). If a vehicle is liable for the HGV levy, it will continue to be charged at the existing rate.

This temporary reduction in VED is in recognition of the key role the road haulage sector plays in transporting goods, including food, across the UK and its disproportionate exposure to fuel costs. Fuel costs make up a substantial proportion of HGV operating costs, and this action will help prevent cost pressures from the Iran conflict spreading across the economy.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
4th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of increasing the VAT registration threshold on small businesses; and if she will consider raising the VAT registration threshold to support entrepreneurs.

At £90,000, the UK has a higher VAT registration threshold than any EU country and the joint highest in the OECD. This means the majority of UK businesses are not in the VAT system at all.

Any consideration of changes to the threshold would have to carefully balance potential impacts on small businesses, the economy as a whole, and tax revenues. Tax breaks reduce the revenue available for public services and must represent value for money for the taxpayer.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
3rd Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the cost to the Exchequer and expected economic impact on families of the temporary reduction in VAT on children's meals and summer attractions; what categories of business and attraction will be eligible for the scheme; what assessment she has made of the proportion of the tax reduction likely to be passed on through lower prices; and whether the Government intends to publish an evaluation of the scheme following its conclusion.

From 25 June to 1 September the Government is introducing a temporary reduced rate of VAT on children's menu meals and eligible family attractions.

This is a targeted and temporary scheme to reduce the costs of children’s meals in restaurants, children’s tickets for theatres and cinemas and tickets for everyone for attractions like soft play, adventure centres, and theme parks, helping families enjoy a day out for less. Individual businesses should consult HMRC’s guidance to determine how the rules apply in their circumstances.

The temporary reduced rate is estimated to cost about £300m. All costings will be subject to certification in the next OBR forecast in the usual way.

The Government expects participating businesses to pass savings on to families by lowering the prices people pay on eligible children's meals and tickets, so the VAT cut is reflected directly at the till.

The impact of the measure will be kept under review through communication with affected taxpayer groups.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
3rd Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to introduce an essential user rebate on fuel costs for haulage, van and coach operators, in addition to the recent extension of the fuel duty freeze and the 12‑month Vehicle Excise Duty holiday.

The Government keeps all taxes under review and will continue to monitor the situation and make the necessary decisions to help protect households and businesses from price increases from the conflict in the Middle East. The Government’s priorities will continue to be helping families with the cost of living, including through protecting the public finances to support the Bank of England with its role in keeping inflation as low as possible

In addition to the recent extension of the fuel duty freeze and the 12-month Vehicle Excise Duty holiday for HGV's, the Government also announced the first uprating of mileage rates for employees using their own vehicle for work and the self-employed who use the simplified expenses rates, back-dated to April, recognising pressures facing these drivers. Mileage rates for cars and vans will increase for2026/27 from 45p to 55p for the first 10,000 miles, and 25p thereafter, with effect from 6 April 2026. Looking ahead and beyond 2026/27, the Government has already committed to a review of these rates and will set this out at the Budget.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
4th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of revenue lost in 2027/28 by permanently reducing VAT to 5% for hospitality businesses.

HMRC estimates that the cost of changing the 20 per cent Standard Rate of VAT on all accommodation and food and beverage services to the Reduced Rate of 5 per cent would be around £17 billion in 2027-28

The Government recognises the significant contribution made by hospitality businesses to economic growth and social life in the UK.

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. A reduction on the scale outlined above would have significant implications for the funding of public services.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
4th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Great British Summer Savings scheme to include admission to public swimming pools.

From 25 June to 1 September the Government is introducing a temporary reduced rate of VAT on children's menu meals and eligible family attractions.

This is a targeted and temporary scheme to reduce the costs of children’s meals in restaurants, children’s tickets for theatres and cinemas and tickets for everyone for attractions like soft play, adventure centres, and theme parks, helping families enjoy a day out for less. Individual businesses should consult HMRC’s guidance to determine how the rules apply in their circumstances.

Sport, including swimming pools, is not in scope of the relief. This is in line with the decision to focus on a narrower set of eligible activities to ensure the scheme is targeted and financially sustainable.

Many sports facilities which families use already enjoy some form of VAT relief, including many leisure centres and local swimming pools that are operated by local authorities and are out of scope of VAT already. Local authorities are able to reclaim their input VAT when providing sports facilities in leisure centres.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
9th Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the impact of grant-funded voluntary organisations on reducing unresolved tax disputes.

The VCS Grant Funding programme complements the Extra Support services HMRC provides and extends the Department’s reach. Grant Funding enables organisations to deliver trusted support to vulnerable and extra support customers with complex or unresolved tax issues. This helps those customers engage with HMRC and understand their obligations. The VCS support contributes to positive outcomes, building confidence, helping resolution and bringing tax affairs up to date. In 2025/26 the Scheme supported 43,000 individual customers.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
3rd Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many and what proportion of applications for exemption from Making Tax Digital have (a) been granted, (b) been refused and (c) are pending decision.

HMRC has been accepting applications for exemption from Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax since September 2025.

Around 6,500 applications for exemption have been received to date. Decisions have been reached on around 60% of these cases, with approximately 75% of the determined applications granted exemptions based on the specific circumstances of each taxpayer.

Taxpayers may request a review or appeal decisions using established processes, with a very small number proceeding to appeal.

Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis, including factors such as age, disability, health conditions, religious beliefs or lack of internet access; HMRC does not produce a single estimate of the number of those who may qualify.

In January 2026 HMRC had 15 FTE focused on exemptions. This increased to 42 in June 2026.

HMRC provides guidance and communications directly to taxpayers and works with agents, charities and representative bodies to help raise awareness of exemptions. Taxpayers who cannot use digital services can meet their obligations through alternative channels, mitigating the risk of inappropriate penalties.

The Government keeps the operation of MTD under review, including exemptions. Decisions on publishing further statistics in relation to MTD will be considered alongside wider transparency arrangements.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
3rd Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many appeals against decisions to refuse exemption from Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment have been (a) submitted, (b) upheld and (c) rejected.

HMRC has been accepting applications for exemption from Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax since September 2025.

Around 6,500 applications for exemption have been received to date. Decisions have been reached on around 60% of these cases, with approximately 75% of the determined applications granted exemptions based on the specific circumstances of each taxpayer.

Taxpayers may request a review or appeal decisions using established processes, with a very small number proceeding to appeal.

Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis, including factors such as age, disability, health conditions, religious beliefs or lack of internet access; HMRC does not produce a single estimate of the number of those who may qualify.

In January 2026 HMRC had 15 FTE focused on exemptions. This increased to 42 in June 2026.

HMRC provides guidance and communications directly to taxpayers and works with agents, charities and representative bodies to help raise awareness of exemptions. Taxpayers who cannot use digital services can meet their obligations through alternative channels, mitigating the risk of inappropriate penalties.

The Government keeps the operation of MTD under review, including exemptions. Decisions on publishing further statistics in relation to MTD will be considered alongside wider transparency arrangements.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
3rd Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate her Department has made of the number of people who meet the eligibility criteria for exemption from Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment.

HMRC has been accepting applications for exemption from Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax since September 2025.

Around 6,500 applications for exemption have been received to date. Decisions have been reached on around 60% of these cases, with approximately 75% of the determined applications granted exemptions based on the specific circumstances of each taxpayer.

Taxpayers may request a review or appeal decisions using established processes, with a very small number proceeding to appeal.

Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis, including factors such as age, disability, health conditions, religious beliefs or lack of internet access; HMRC does not produce a single estimate of the number of those who may qualify.

In January 2026 HMRC had 15 FTE focused on exemptions. This increased to 42 in June 2026.

HMRC provides guidance and communications directly to taxpayers and works with agents, charities and representative bodies to help raise awareness of exemptions. Taxpayers who cannot use digital services can meet their obligations through alternative channels, mitigating the risk of inappropriate penalties.

The Government keeps the operation of MTD under review, including exemptions. Decisions on publishing further statistics in relation to MTD will be considered alongside wider transparency arrangements.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
3rd Jun 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many HMRC staff are assigned to process Making Tax Digital exemption applications by (a) headcount and (b) full-time equivalent.

HMRC has been accepting applications for exemption from Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax since September 2025.

Around 6,500 applications for exemption have been received to date. Decisions have been reached on around 60% of these cases, with approximately 75% of the determined applications granted exemptions based on the specific circumstances of each taxpayer.

Taxpayers may request a review or appeal decisions using established processes, with a very small number proceeding to appeal.

Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis, including factors such as age, disability, health conditions, religious beliefs or lack of internet access; HMRC does not produce a single estimate of the number of those who may qualify.

In January 2026 HMRC had 15 FTE focused on exemptions. This increased to 42 in June 2026.

HMRC provides guidance and communications directly to taxpayers and works with agents, charities and representative bodies to help raise awareness of exemptions. Taxpayers who cannot use digital services can meet their obligations through alternative channels, mitigating the risk of inappropriate penalties.

The Government keeps the operation of MTD under review, including exemptions. Decisions on publishing further statistics in relation to MTD will be considered alongside wider transparency arrangements.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)