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

John Healey
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)

Green Party
Ellie Chowns (Green - North Herefordshire)
Green Spokesperson (Treasury)

Conservative
Andrew Griffith (Con - Arundel and South Downs)
Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
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)
Lord Altrincham (Con - Life peer)
Shadow Minister (Treasury)
Gareth Davies (Con - Grantham and Bourne)
Shadow Financial Secretary (Treasury)
Peter Bedford (Con - Mid Leicestershire)
Shadow Minister (Treasury)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Mark Garnier (Con - Wyre Forest)
Shadow Economic Secretary (Treasury)
John Cooper (Con - Dumfries and Galloway)
Shadow Exchequer Secretary (Treasury)
Ministers of State
Emma Reynolds (Lab - Wycombe)
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
James Murray (LAB - Ealing North)
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Torsten Bell (Lab - Swansea West)
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
Lucy Rigby (Lab - Northampton North)
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
Lord Pitt-Watson (Lab - Life peer)
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
There are no upcoming events identified
Debates
Tuesday 3rd November 2026
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
Thursday 5th November 2026
Companies: Charitable Donations
To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the annual value of corporation tax relief claimed by …
Secondary Legislation
Tuesday 3rd November 2026
Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 7) Regulations 2026
Regulation 2 amends the definition of “the authorised use document” in regulation 32(2) of the Customs (Special Procedures and Outward …
Bills and Acts
Tuesday 3rd November 2026
Finance Bill 2026-27
A Bill to make provision in connection with finance.
Dept. Publications
Thursday 5th November 2026
14:44

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
Nov. 03
Oral Questions
May. 21
Urgent Questions
Oct. 28
Written Statements
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: 1st September 2026

A Bill to Specify the amount of the Sovereign Grant for the financial year 2027-28 and the percentage of the income account net surplus of the Crown Estate to be used by the Royal Trustees to determine the amount of the Sovereign Grant in subsequent financial years; to confer a duty and a power on the Treasury to specify the amount of the Sovereign Grant in subsequent financial years in certain circumstances; and for connected purposes.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 2nd November 2026 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 30th June 2026

A Bill to authorise the use of resources for the year ending with 31 March 2027; 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 2026.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 15th July 2026 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 24th June 2026

A Bill to Increase the rate of electricity generator levy and mileage amounts relating to income tax and to provide for temporary rates of vehicle excise duty for goods vehicles.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 15th July 2026 and was enacted into law.

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

Regulation 2 amends the definition of “the authorised use document” in regulation 32(2) of the Customs (Special Procedures and Outward Processing) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1249) to refer to a new version of that document. The new version of that document introduces authorised use measures to reduce the rate of import duty on nine commodity codes relating to steel goods used in the manufacture of bright bar, a precision-finished steel bar product, and wire. Further, it introduces authorised use measures to reduce the rate of import duty on six commodity codes relating to steel goods for the manufacture of linepipe, a steel pipe used in the construction of pipelines to transport oil, gas and other fluids.
These Regulations make provision requiring persons of specified description to provide specified data to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (“HMRC”) on an ongoing basis.
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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Petitions with most signatures
Petition Open
8,583 Signatures
(276 in the last 7 days)
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3,164 Signatures
(93 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
2,880 Signatures
(10 in the last 7 days)
Petition Open
2,228 Signatures
(28 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.

We want the government to introduce a new tax code for state pensioners, set at double the basic threshold. If this was implemented, pensioners would receive a higher tax-exempt limit, but wealthier pensioners would still pay tax.

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
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
Catherine West Portrait
Catherine West (Labour - Hornsey and Friern Barnet)
Treasury Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Jim Dickson Portrait
Jim Dickson (Labour - Dartford)
Treasury Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Julie Minns Portrait
Julie Minns (Labour - Carlisle)
Treasury Committee Member since 22nd June 2026
Seema Malhotra Portrait
Seema Malhotra (Labour (Co-op) - Feltham and Heston)
Treasury Committee Member since 26th October 2026
Andrew Lewin Portrait
Andrew Lewin (Labour - Welwyn Hatfield)
Treasury Committee Member since 26th October 2026
Treasury Committee: Upcoming Events
Treasury Committee - Private Meeting
10 Nov 2026, 2 p.m.
View calendar - Save to Calendar
Treasury Committee - Oral evidence
Budget 2026
11 Nov 2026, 2 p.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

29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the lump sum death benefit policy is being introduced due to issues with Civil Service pensions.

No. The changes announced at Autumn Budget 2026 to remove the ‘two-year rule’ for pension and lump sum death benefits are not driven by any specific scheme.

The government is removing the two-year deadline for pension and lump sum death benefits to be paid tax free to beneficiaries where an individual dies before age 75. This change will apply to any payment made on or after 28 October 2026 and will ensure that these benefits do not become subject to tax because of delays beyond a beneficiary’s control.

Trustees and scheme administrators will continue to have a duty to act prudently and will still need to identify beneficiaries and settle pension benefits promptly.

Torsten Bell
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
28th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what guidance his Department has issued to valuation officers from the HMRC Valuation Office regarding the taking of photographs, and their retention, (a) outside homes of dwellings or gardens and (b) inside dwellings, for council tax valuation purposes.

HMRC provides guidance to Valuation Office caseworkers undertaking property inspections that internal and external photographs are an important part of a property survey

Where photographs are taken from within the property boundary, the occupier’s permission must be obtained. Permission is not required for photographs taken from the public highway


Where photographs form part of Council Tax casework, they are retained in accordance with the Valuation Office’s information retention schedules.

James Murray
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the business rates valuation system in reflecting (a) flood risk and (b) seasonal trading patterns.

The basis of valuation for business rates is broadly the annual rental value of a property at a fixed valuation date. Any impact of these factors is reflected in the annual rental value, along with all other characteristics which may impact upon value.

James Murray
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what modelling he has done of the impact of increased taxation on income from property on the availability of housing in London.

At Budget 2025, the Office for Budget Responsibility assessed that there would be a small impact on rental prices as a result of a 2ppt increase to property rates from April 2027. The Government expects changes at Budget 2026 to have a similar effect and therefore that it will not have a significant impact on rents.

At Budget 2026, we introduced new support for First Time Buyers through the Your First Home Scheme. The Your First Home scheme will support around 70,000 first time buyers and we estimate it will deliver around 20,000 new homes.

Private renters will also continue to benefit from the stronger protections brought in through the Renters Rights Act, including limiting rent increases to no more than open market rent and only once per year.

James Murray
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of increased taxation on income from property on young people renting property in London.

At Budget 2025, the Office for Budget Responsibility assessed that there would be a small impact on rental prices as a result of a 2ppt increase to property rates from April 2027. The Government expects changes at Budget 2026 to have a similar effect and therefore that it will not have a significant impact on rents.

At Budget 2026, we introduced new support for First Time Buyers through the Your First Home Scheme. The Your First Home scheme will support around 70,000 first time buyers and we estimate it will deliver around 20,000 new homes.

Private renters will also continue to benefit from the stronger protections brought in through the Renters Rights Act, including limiting rent increases to no more than open market rent and only once per year.

James Murray
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
22nd Oct 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that people affected by climate change-related damage have equitable access to (1) domestic property, (2) commercial property, and (3) agricultural, insurance.

The Government recognises the risks that climate change may pose to the insurance market. HM Treasury continues to work with the insurance industry, regulators and across government to understand and monitor the potential impacts of increasing climate-related risks.

Insurers make commercial decisions about pricing and the terms of cover they offer based on their assessment of the relevant risks. However, the government is determined that insurers should treat customers fairly and firms are required to do so under the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) rules. The FCA is the independent body responsible for regulating and supervising the financial services industry and has powers to take action against firms that do not meet its requirements.

Different insurers may take different views of risk when determining whether to offer insurance and at what price. Consumers may wish to contact the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, which can provide guidance on accessing the insurance market and help consumers find specialist brokers where appropriate.

Lord Pitt-Watson
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
21st Oct 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to use any of the tax revenue from the Jackdaw gas field to reduce consumers' energy bills.

The Government does not comment on the taxation of individual projects for reasons of taxpayer confidentiality.

Lord Pitt-Watson
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
22nd Oct 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage corporate donations in support of the Government’s priorities.

Arrangements are already in place to enable individuals and organisations to make voluntary payments or donations to government in support of general public expenditure.

GOV.UK provides guidance and steps for how the public and private businesses can make these contributions. Such donations cannot be ring-fenced for a specific purpose or area of public spending.

Lord Pitt-Watson
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
22nd Oct 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of existing tax reliefs in encouraging corporate charitable giving.

The Government recognises the important role that tax reliefs can play in supporting charitable giving. Companies can receive Corporation Tax relief on qualifying donations to charity, including monetary donations and certain gifts of assets such as land and shares.

Companies donate around £4 billion per year to charity, supported by around £1 billion a year in Corporation Tax relief on qualifying donations.

The latest available estimate of the value of Corporation Tax relief on charitable donations by companies is £880 million for the 2021-22 tax year. Annual estimates of this relief are not produced and therefore the Government is unable to provide figures for each of the last five years.

As with all taxes and reliefs, the Government keeps charitable tax reliefs under review and considers the available evidence on their effectiveness, use and impact, including any barriers within the tax system to charitable giving.

Lord Pitt-Watson
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
22nd Oct 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of barriers within the tax system to increasing corporate charitable donations.

The Government recognises the important role that tax reliefs can play in supporting charitable giving. Companies can receive Corporation Tax relief on qualifying donations to charity, including monetary donations and certain gifts of assets such as land and shares.

Companies donate around £4 billion per year to charity, supported by around £1 billion a year in Corporation Tax relief on qualifying donations.

The latest available estimate of the value of Corporation Tax relief on charitable donations by companies is £880 million for the 2021-22 tax year. Annual estimates of this relief are not produced and therefore the Government is unable to provide figures for each of the last five years.

As with all taxes and reliefs, the Government keeps charitable tax reliefs under review and considers the available evidence on their effectiveness, use and impact, including any barriers within the tax system to charitable giving.

Lord Pitt-Watson
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
22nd Oct 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the annual value of corporation tax relief claimed by companies in respect of charitable donations in each of the last five years.

The Government recognises the important role that tax reliefs can play in supporting charitable giving. Companies can receive Corporation Tax relief on qualifying donations to charity, including monetary donations and certain gifts of assets such as land and shares.

Companies donate around £4 billion per year to charity, supported by around £1 billion a year in Corporation Tax relief on qualifying donations.

The latest available estimate of the value of Corporation Tax relief on charitable donations by companies is £880 million for the 2021-22 tax year. Annual estimates of this relief are not produced and therefore the Government is unable to provide figures for each of the last five years.

As with all taxes and reliefs, the Government keeps charitable tax reliefs under review and considers the available evidence on their effectiveness, use and impact, including any barriers within the tax system to charitable giving.

Lord Pitt-Watson
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
28th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has made an estimate of the potential annual cost to the Exchequer of introducing (a) a targeted VAT refund scheme for eligible further education colleges’ spending on publicly funded education and training and (b) a scheme initially limited to colleges’ capital expenditure.

For their non-business activity, FE colleges are unable to reclaim VAT incurred. This applies to both capital and non-capital expenditure. The Government operate VAT refund schemes for schools and academies which are designed to ensure that VAT is not a burden on local taxation, and that academies are not disincentivised to leave Local Authority control. FE colleges do not meet the criteria for either scheme.

Whilst the Government does continue to look into the VAT position of FE colleges, we do not generally publish internal evidence relating to, or assessments of, tax changes where a decision has not been taken. Any decisions on tax policy are announced with accompanying costings at fiscal events, in the context of the overall public finances

In relation to business activity, FE colleges enjoy an exemption from VAT which means that they do not have to charge VAT to students but cannot recover it either.

James Murray
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
28th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many letters HMRC has sent to 21-year-olds with unclaimed matured Child Trust Funds since April 2026; how many of those accounts have since been claimed; and whether he will bring forward legislation to enable the automatic release of unclaimed HMRC-allocated accounts.

The Government is committed to reuniting young people with their Child Trust Funds (CTFs).

HMRC is going to write to all 21 year olds who have not yet accessed their CTFs. HMRC is currently implementing systems changes to ensure account holders’ details are up to date and to automate this exercise. HMRC will start sending the letters at scale next year, and the project will continue until all CTFs have matured. In the meantime, in order to test the letters and maximise their positive impact, HMRC has been manually issuing letters on a small scale. Of the first batch of customers contacted, 32% have, so far, claimed their CTF.

The Government is aware of proposals for the automatic release of funds in unclaimed matured CTF accounts, where the account was opened by HMRC and the account holder has turned 21


The Government does not have the authority to access or transfer these funds. These savings belong to the account holders and are held by private sector providers.

I have established a dedicated Taskforce to reduce the number of unclaimed matured CTF accounts and improve outcomes for account holders. This brings together Government and industry to strengthen tracing activity, increase engagement, and support access to funds.

Lucy Rigby
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Financial Conduct Authority communicated concerns relating to the Seventy Ninth Group to any regulated banks, building societies and payment service providers before the public announcement of the criminal investigation into that company.

The FCA will respond to the Hon. Member for Henley and Thame Oxfordshire, and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House of Commons.

Lucy Rigby
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of bank branch closures on rural communities.

The Government is committed to ensuring that people who need in-person banking can continue to access essential services.

That is why the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, to assess whether changes to in-person banking services are causing consumer detriment, the scale of any detriment, and who and where it affects. The Review is considering these questions across the whole of the UK, including in rural communities.

The Government will publish the Review’s report in due course.

Lucy Rigby
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
28th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate his Department has made of the cost to UK businesses of cyber attacks in each year since 2015.

Recent research commissioned by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, as was, models the cost of significant cyber attacks to UK businesses at approximately £14.7 billion in 2024, equivalent to around 0.5% of UK GDP. This is an indicative estimate, using predominantly US data covering a range of private and public-sector organisations to estimate the cost of a significant cyber attack, combined with UK data on the number of businesses estimated to experience such attacks.

The government is clear that decisive action is required to tackle the increasing cyber threat. That is why at the Budget this month, the Chancellor announced an investment of £150 million into cyber defence, including a National Exposure and Real-Time Vulnerability Centre, expansion of public sector AI cyber defence and a national Cyber Shield.

Lucy Rigby
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
28th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of allegations that leaked records from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China demonstrate it has worked with sanctioned individuals and autocratic regimes.

The Government keeps all potential threats to the UK’s national and economic security under close review and will not hesitate to act where concerns are identified. The Government does not comment on specific cases. More broadly, our approach is evidence-based and risk-based, and we use a range of regulatory and economic security measures to protect the UK’s interests. This includes powers available under the National Security Act and other relevant legislation to address threats where they arise.

All UK persons, including UK based subsidiaries of foreign state-owned banks, are required to comply with relevant UK sanctions, anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing laws. The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), part of HM Treasury, assesses every instance of reported non-compliance with UK financial sanctions and takes action in all cases where it concludes that a breach has occurred. OFSI works closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in respect of the enforcement of UK financial sanctions where cases concern FCA-regulated firms.

Under the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs), banks and other regulated firms must have appropriate policies, controls and procedures to mitigate money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing risks. This includes customer due diligence, sometimes referred to as “Know Your Customer” requirements, to verify customers’ identities and understand the purpose of transactions. The FCA is responsible for supervising banks’ compliance with these regulations and is empowered to take enforcement action where necessary.

Lucy Rigby
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
28th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department plans to review regulatory safeguards for UK based subsidiaries of foreign state owned banks following reports that ICBC’s London units served firms linked to oligarchs and autocrats to secure resources and alliances for the Chinese state.

The Government keeps all potential threats to the UK’s national and economic security under close review and will not hesitate to act where concerns are identified. The Government does not comment on specific cases. More broadly, our approach is evidence-based and risk-based, and we use a range of regulatory and economic security measures to protect the UK’s interests. This includes powers available under the National Security Act and other relevant legislation to address threats where they arise.

All UK persons, including UK based subsidiaries of foreign state-owned banks, are required to comply with relevant UK sanctions, anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing laws. The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), part of HM Treasury, assesses every instance of reported non-compliance with UK financial sanctions and takes action in all cases where it concludes that a breach has occurred. OFSI works closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in respect of the enforcement of UK financial sanctions where cases concern FCA-regulated firms.

Under the Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs), banks and other regulated firms must have appropriate policies, controls and procedures to mitigate money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing risks. This includes customer due diligence, sometimes referred to as “Know Your Customer” requirements, to verify customers’ identities and understand the purpose of transactions. The FCA is responsible for supervising banks’ compliance with these regulations and is empowered to take enforcement action where necessary.

Lucy Rigby
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact on homeowners of mortgage lenders refusing to lend on office to residential converted properties that were previously considered mortgage eligible; and whether HM Treasury plans to engage with the Financial Conduct Authority and mortgage lenders on this issue.

HM Treasury is regularly in contact with mortgage lenders and the Financial Conduct Authority to discuss lending conditions.

The pricing and availability of mortgages is a commercial decision for mortgage lenders in which the Government does not intervene. Lenders are responsible for setting their own lending criteria, including decisions about the properties on which they are willing to lend. These criteria may consider a range of factors, including property valuations and the risks associated with certain property types, such as former commercial buildings that have been converted for residential use.

The UK benefits from a competitive mortgage market, with a wide variety of products available, and mortgage brokers can help prospective borrowers identify products that are suitable for their individual circumstances, whether from a mainstream or a more specialist lender.

The Government is committed to making the aspiration of home ownership a reality for as many households as possible. At the Budget, the Government announced a range of measures to support more people to purchase their first home, including the Your First Home scheme and the First Time Buyer ISA.

Lucy Rigby
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Financial Conduct Authority regarding the consistency of valuation methodologies applied to former commercial buildings converted for residential use; and whether the Government plans to review whether current lender guidance is creating barriers for homeowners seeking to sell such properties.

HM Treasury is regularly in contact with mortgage lenders and the Financial Conduct Authority to discuss lending conditions.

The pricing and availability of mortgages is a commercial decision for mortgage lenders in which the Government does not intervene. Lenders are responsible for setting their own lending criteria, including decisions about the properties on which they are willing to lend. These criteria may consider a range of factors, including property valuations and the risks associated with certain property types, such as former commercial buildings that have been converted for residential use.

The UK benefits from a competitive mortgage market, with a wide variety of products available, and mortgage brokers can help prospective borrowers identify products that are suitable for their individual circumstances, whether from a mainstream or a more specialist lender.

The Government is committed to making the aspiration of home ownership a reality for as many households as possible. At the Budget, the Government announced a range of measures to support more people to purchase their first home, including the Your First Home scheme and the First Time Buyer ISA.

Lucy Rigby
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Financial Conduct Authority on the protections available to existing homeowners whose properties have become unmortgageable due to retrospective changes in lender policies or surveyor risk assessments.

HM Treasury is regularly in contact with mortgage lenders and the Financial Conduct Authority to discuss lending conditions.

The pricing and availability of mortgages is a commercial decision for mortgage lenders in which the Government does not intervene. Lenders are responsible for setting their own lending criteria, including decisions about the properties on which they are willing to lend. These criteria may consider a range of factors, including property valuations and the risks associated with certain property types, such as former commercial buildings that have been converted for residential use.

The UK benefits from a competitive mortgage market, with a wide variety of products available, and mortgage brokers can help prospective borrowers identify products that are suitable for their individual circumstances, whether from a mainstream or a more specialist lender.

The Government is committed to making the aspiration of home ownership a reality for as many households as possible. At the Budget, the Government announced a range of measures to support more people to purchase their first home, including the Your First Home scheme and the First Time Buyer ISA.

Lucy Rigby
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
28th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking with the Financial Conduct Authority to implement the UK’s regulatory regime for cryptoassets; and what support and transitional arrangements will be provided to firms preparing for authorisation.

The Government has worked closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to deliver a comprehensive and internationally competitive UK regulatory regime for cryptoassets. The Government’s objective is to ensure the regime appropriately balances the protection of consumers with a regulatory environment that supports innovation and growth.

The regime will come into force in October 2027 and includes transitional and savings provisions to support an orderly transition to the new regulatory framework. The FCA’s authorisation gateway opened on 30 September 2026, and the FCA is providing various forms of support for firms through the authorisation process. This includes offering a free, optional pre-application meeting to discuss a firm’s business model, the authorisation process, and the FCA’s expectations.

Lucy Rigby
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
28th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the UK’s proposed regulatory framework for cryptoassets compared with those of other major jurisdictions, including the EU; and what steps he is taking to ensure the UK attracts digital-assets investment and innovation.

The Government has worked closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to deliver a comprehensive and internationally competitive UK regulatory regime for cryptoassets. The Government’s objective is to ensure the regime appropriately balances the protection of consumers with a regulatory environment that supports innovation and growth.

The regime will come into force in October 2027 and includes transitional and savings provisions to support an orderly transition to the new regulatory framework. The FCA’s authorisation gateway opened on 30 September 2026, and the FCA is providing various forms of support for firms through the authorisation process. This includes offering a free, optional pre-application meeting to discuss a firm’s business model, the authorisation process, and the FCA’s expectations.

Lucy Rigby
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
30th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what fiscal steps he is taking to support high streets in South Holland and The Deepings constituency.

The Government is backing high streets including those in South Holland and The Deepings through a significant package of support. All retail, hospitality and leisure properties in England, including hotels, will see their business rates either frozen in real terms, reduced, or cut to zero.

The package includes, from 1 April 2027:

  • a two-year real-terms freeze for all retail, hospitality and leisure properties to cap bill increases at inflation; and
  • removing a further 70,000 smaller properties from business rates, meaning half of all RHL properties will now pay no business rates at all.

Alongside this tax support, the Government has published our plan for ‘Hope on the High Street’, which will help put high streets back under local control, where local leaders can drive the change their communities want to see. We backed this commitment with £210m to transform derelict buildings into the new anchors of our high streets and create resilient community-owned businesses and institutions. This includes £65 million to help communities protect valued local assets and £10 million to expand High Street Rental Auctions, which is available to eligible local authorities across England to help bring persistently empty commercial properties back into productive use.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)
21st Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Energy Wealth Fund will be used to fund nuclear energy projects.

Established within the National Wealth Fund (NWF), the Energy Wealth Fund (EWF) will invest in renewable and low carbon energy infrastructure across the UK, helping unlock growth and supporting projects that will drive the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy. To support this, £2bn for the EWF will be provided to the NWF. Further details will be set out in due course.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)
21st Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether nuclear energy projects are eligible for funding from the Energy Wealth Fund.

Established within the National Wealth Fund (NWF), the Energy Wealth Fund (EWF) will invest in renewable and low carbon energy infrastructure across the UK, helping unlock growth and supporting projects that will drive the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy. To support this, £2bn for the EWF will be provided to the NWF. Further details will be set out in due course.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)
21st Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether renewables projects in England are eligible for funding from the Energy Wealth Fund.

Established within the National Wealth Fund (NWF), the Energy Wealth Fund (EWF) will invest in renewable and low carbon energy infrastructure across the UK, helping unlock growth and supporting projects that will drive the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy. To support this, £2bn for the EWF will be provided to the NWF. Further details will be set out in due course.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)
29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential benefits of VAT relief for renovating vacant commercial premises in town centres such as Hamilton.

The Government is committed to empowering local communities, and recently released £52 million from the Local Growth Fund to support local leaders throughout Scotland to revive local high streets, start-up businesses and create skilled jobs.

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

Outside of a limited number of reliefs aimed at supporting the supply of new homes, the standard rate applies to most construction works. Exceptions to the standard rate are limited and must be balanced against their impact on the public finances.

James Murray
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits in aligning the taxation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with their real-world emissions.

New emission standards are being introduced in the UK, which reflect the higher real-world emissions of Plug in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs).These new standards will be reflected within Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and Benefit in Kind systems.

In addition, from 1 April 2025 the VED first year rates have changed to support the take-up of electric vehicles, with higher rates for higher emitting hybrid and petrol/diesel vehicles, and the lowest rate for zero emission cars being frozen until 2029/30.

The emissions level of hybrids varies and while they are generally cleaner than petrol/diesel cars, their emission levels are higher than electric vehicles (EVs). It is therefore right to focus the most generous VED incentives towards zero emission vehicles (ZEV) as the ZEV transition continues.

James Murray
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Autumn Budget 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of levels of Machine Game Duty on community bingo clubs.

At Budget 2026, the government announced the rate of Machines Games Duty will increase from 20% to 25% on higher stake machines from 1 April 2027. The increase is targeted at higher risk machine games which are more associated with gambling harm.

An assessment of the impacts is published within the Tax Impact and Information Note, which can be found at the following link: Machine Games Duty: increasing the rate on higher stake and prize machines - GOV.UK

James Murray
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
21st Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what consideration he has given to ensuring that all further income from oil and gas resources that goes to the UK Treasury is placed in a Future Generations Fund.

The Energy Wealth Fund (EWF) will be linked to the Government's future revenues from North Sea projects, ensuring investment in the energy transition. To support this, an additional £2 billion downpayment for the EWF will be provided to the National Wealth Fund. The government will keep new revenues from the North Sea under review and determine at future Budgets what level of top-ups can be made to the EWF as a result.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)
21st Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate has been made of the value of the Energy Wealth Fund over the next i) year ii) 5 years and iii) 10 years.

The Energy Wealth Fund (EWF) will be linked to the Government's future revenues from North Sea projects, ensuring investment in the energy transition. To support this, an additional £2 billion downpayment for the EWF will be provided to the National Wealth Fund. The government will keep new revenues from the North Sea under review and determine at future Budgets what level of top-ups can be made to the EWF as a result.

Dan Tomlinson
Exchequer Secretary (Cabinet Office) (Jointly with HM Treasury)
29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much Apprenticeship Levy was paid by employers in South Lanarkshire in the latest financial year for which data is available.

HMRC does not hold any estimates on the amount of Apprenticeship Levy receipts paid by employers in South Lanarkshire.

James Murray
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the contribution of creative industry tax reliefs to jobs and investment in Scotland.

The Creative Industry Tax Reliefs Evaluation commissioned by HMRC in 2022 (available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/creative-industry-tax-reliefs-evaluation) found that there was strong evidence that the main four creative tax reliefs have made the UK a more attractive filming and production location, and led to more productions taking place in the UK. There was a widespread perception that the reliefs have had a significant impact on employment.

James Murray
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what comparative assessment he has made of international approaches to taxing heavier vehicles, including the vehicle weight tax operating in France.

I refer the Honourable Member to the answer given to the question in PQ UIN 36187.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-10-19/36187

James Murray
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of alcohol duty increases introduced since 2025 on rural pubs; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing further support for community pubs through reductions in beer duty.

At Budget 2026, the Chancellor announced that Alcohol Duty rates will be kept constant in real terms by uprating in line with the Retail Prices Index (RPI) on 1 February 2027. Alcohol Duty was also previously uprated by RPI on 1 February 2026 and 1 February 2025. Uprating is a prudent decision for the public finances that balances the important contribution of alcohol producers, pubs and the wider hospitality sector with the tax’s role in supporting public health.

This Government is also proud to have been able to significantly expand the generosity of Draught Relief this parliament, in recognition of the economic and cultural importance of pubs, and the wider “on trade”.

Further information on the impacts of these Alcohol Duty measures can be found in the relevant Tax Information and Impact Notes.

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Exceptions to the standard rate are limited and must be balanced against their impact on the public finances.

James Murray
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of current levels of (a) alcohol duty and (b) VAT on the viability of pubs, breweries and hospitality businesses; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing reductions in those taxes to support the sector.

At Budget 2026, the Chancellor announced that Alcohol Duty rates will be kept constant in real terms by uprating in line with the Retail Prices Index (RPI) on 1 February 2027. Alcohol Duty was also previously uprated by RPI on 1 February 2026 and 1 February 2025. Uprating is a prudent decision for the public finances that balances the important contribution of alcohol producers, pubs and the wider hospitality sector with the tax’s role in supporting public health.

This Government is also proud to have been able to significantly expand the generosity of Draught Relief this parliament, in recognition of the economic and cultural importance of pubs, and the wider “on trade”.

Further information on the impacts of these Alcohol Duty measures can be found in the relevant Tax Information and Impact Notes.

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Exceptions to the standard rate are limited and must be balanced against their impact on the public finances.

James Murray
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
28th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what consequential funding will the Welsh Government receive as a result of the UK Government's decision to award a Household Energy Payment to households in England.

Barnett consequentials associated with the Household Energy Payment announced at Budget 2026 will be included in the next iteration of the Block Grant Transparency which will be published in due course.

Emma Reynolds
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
27th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to increase enforcement action against retail premises selling illegal tobacco products.

I refer the Member to the answer given to Question 92805 on 27 November 2025, which sets out HMRC’s approach to tackling illicit tobacco.

Sentencing in individual cases is a matter for the independent courts.

James Murray
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
27th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has considered the merits of increased judicial punishment for people involved in the selling of illegal tobacco products.

I refer the Member to the answer given to Question 92805 on 27 November 2025, which sets out HMRC’s approach to tackling illicit tobacco.

Sentencing in individual cases is a matter for the independent courts.

James Murray
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
28th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, of the £5 billion committed to the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank, how much will be spent on (a) defence, (b) dual use and (c) other sectors.

At the Budget, the Chancellor announced an additional £20.4bn of capitalisation for the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank. The Chancellor also announced a commitment that National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank will deploy up to £5 billion of investment and lending over the next four years into defence, dual use and other sectors supporting UK national security, sovereign capability, and resilience. This could include areas such as AI, critical minerals, cyber, quantum and advanced manufacturing

Investment across these sectors will depend on the viable opportunities that come forward, with individual investments assessed on a case-by-case basis in line with each institutions’ respective investment framework.

Emma Reynolds
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
28th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Autumn Budget 2026 section 5.30, what is defined as “other sectors”.

At the Budget, the Chancellor announced an additional £20.4bn of capitalisation for the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank. The Chancellor also announced a commitment that National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank will deploy up to £5 billion of investment and lending over the next four years into defence, dual use and other sectors supporting UK national security, sovereign capability, and resilience. This could include areas such as AI, critical minerals, cyber, quantum and advanced manufacturing

Investment across these sectors will depend on the viable opportunities that come forward, with individual investments assessed on a case-by-case basis in line with each institutions’ respective investment framework.

Emma Reynolds
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
29th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 29 October 2026, to question 38127 on Defence: Expenditure, if he can provide a breakdown of the £5 billion for each of the next four financial years by a) defence, b) dual use and c) other sectors.

At the Budget, the Chancellor announced an additional £20.4bn of capitalisation for the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank. The Chancellor also announced a commitment that National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank will deploy up to £5 billion of investment and lending over the next four years into defence, dual use and other sectors supporting UK national security, sovereign capability, and resilience. This could include areas such as AI, critical minerals, cyber, quantum and advanced manufacturing

Investment across these sectors will depend on the viable opportunities that come forward, with individual investments assessed on a case-by-case basis in line with each institutions’ respective investment framework.

Emma Reynolds
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
27th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how future fiscal events will account for capital expenditure requirements identified in the Resilience Action Plan implementation reports.

The Resilience Action Plan, published 8 July 2025, sets out the UK government’s strategic vision for a stronger and more resilient UK and the steps being taken to deliver this. The Government ran a coordinated approach to resilience spending at the 2025 Spending Review. This spending is tracked against the baseline established with a view to future spending reviews. Any future capital expenditure will be considered in the round at the next Spending Review.

Emma Reynolds
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
27th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what targets HM Treasury has set for departmental productivity improvements in 2026–27.

For 2026–27, the government committed to delivering £4,758 million in technical efficiencies, supported by bespoke departmental delivery plans agreed with the Office for Value for Money as part of Spending Review 2025. The published Departmental Efficiency Plans set out a departmental breakdown of technical efficiency targets across the Spending Review 2025 period.

Emma Reynolds
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
27th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Answer of 20 October 2026 to Question 36525, if he will make a comparative assessment of the impact of the difference in treatment between (a) people who settled loan charge liabilities before implementation of the Ray McCann review recommendations with (b) people offered the new settlement opportunity for those with outstanding loan charge liabilities following the Ray McCann review. recommendations.

The independent review's focus was on taking action to help people who do not yet have certainty about their liabilities, or who still owe money, to move on from this matter.

To help bring the matter to a close, the Government is taking the extraordinary step of relieving people of some of their liabilities. The Government has no plans to apply the review's recommendations beyond those with outstanding liabilities who were the focus of the review.

James Murray
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
21st Oct 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to increase the business rates on airport operators at the next Budget.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events, and does not routinely comment on proposals.

Lord Pitt-Watson
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
21st Oct 2026
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Pitt-Watson on 19 October (HL3858), whether they will provide details of any gold currently held in Bank of England vaults that bears Soviet or other Communist state insignia, including (1) the quantity of such gold, and (2) the countries concerned.

Gold accepted into the Bank of England's vaults must meet London Good Delivery standards and comply with applicable sanctions - it is not classified by its markings. The Bank of England does not share information on which foreign governments and central banks it holds gold reserves on behalf of as this would contradict their customer confidentiality obligations.

Lord Pitt-Watson
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
27th Oct 2026
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has assessed the potential impact of exempting employer-provided private medical insurance from income tax and National Insurance contributions on the economy.

Benefits in kind form part of an employee's overall remuneration and are generally subject to tax in the same way as cash earnings. This supports fairness between employees receiving remuneration in different forms.

The tax system does, however, provide targeted exemptions for certain employer-funded health and occupational health support, including annual health screenings, certain welfare counselling services and, subject to conditions, recommended medical treatment to help an employee return to work.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events, and does not routinely comment on proposals.

James Murray
Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General