Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regarding the potential impact of an increase in fuel costs on the agricultural sector in Northern Ireland; and whether she is considering targeted support measures for farmers.

Answered by James Murray - Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The Government is actively monitoring the increase in fuel costs across the whole of the UK, including in Northern Ireland, and any impacts on our food and farming sectors.

The Government has already announced that the 5p fuel duty cut will be extended until September.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what is the average cost to businesses for securing Certificate of Origin documentation.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC does not hold information about the average cost to businesses of securing origin documentation.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to section 5 of the Government Efficiency Framework, published on 24 November 2025, if she will publish the most recent quarterly efficiencies report provided to her department by each government department and public body in scope of the reporting requirements.

Answered by James Murray - Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

Departments are required to report their efficiency savings within the performance section of their Annual Reports and Accounts (ARAs) from 2026-27.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of issuing retail bonds to support increased defence investment.

Answered by James Murray - Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The majority of government borrowing is financed through the issuance of UK government bonds (known as gilts) by the UK Debt Management Office (DMO). In addition, some of the government’s financing is raised in the retail savings market through products offered by National Savings and Investments (NS&I). Finance raised via gilts or NS&I products is generally not tied to specific areas of government spending, in order to offer the best value-for-money for taxpayers.

The government keeps the introduction of new debt financing instruments under regular review.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the potential Barnett consequences arising from the proposed expansion of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme.

Answered by James Murray - Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme is being delivered in England, Wales and Scotland.

Responsibility for energy policy in Northern Ireland sits with the Northern Ireland Executive. However, the UK Government will provide funding for the Northern Ireland Executive to deliver comparable support in the usual way.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 13 April 2026 to Question 124367, what the terms of reference were for the open book exercise.

Answered by James Murray - Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The open-book review was a condition of the £400m reserve claim the Northern Ireland Executive received at Supplementary Estimates 2025-26. The review’s Terms of Reference were agreed between HM Treasury and the Northern Ireland Executive.

The exercise has now concluded, and HM Treasury has shared the report with the Northern Ireland Department of Finance.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to WPQ 124367, answered 13th April at 11:04, who commissioned the initial open book exercise.

Answered by James Murray - Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The open-book review was a condition of the £400m reserve claim the Northern Ireland Executive received at Supplementary Estimates 2025-26. The review’s Terms of Reference were agreed between HM Treasury and the Northern Ireland Executive.

The exercise has now concluded, and HM Treasury has shared the report with the Northern Ireland Department of Finance.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of a reduced rate of VAT for businesses in Northern Ireland on economic growth and competitiveness; and whether her Department has considered piloting such a measure in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

VAT operates on a UK-wide basis and is a broad-based tax on consumption with the 20 per cent standard rate applying to most goods and services. VAT is the UK’s second largest tax, forecast to raise £180 billion in 2025/26.

Tax breaks reduce the revenue available for vital public services and must represent value for money for the taxpayer.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many Certificates of Origin were granted to UK businesses for goods destined for the EU in 2025.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC does not hold information on how many Certificates of Origin were granted to UK businesses for goods destined for the EU in 2025.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many organisations were liable for the apprenticeship levy in (1) 2023, (2) 2024, and (3) 2025.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The number of employers that paid the Apprenticeship Levy in the 2022 to 2023, 2023 to 2024, and 2024 to 2025 tax years are outlined in the table below. Figures have been provided on a tax-year receipts basis and rounded to the nearest 100.

Table: Number of employers paying the Apprenticeship Levy

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of using defence bonds as a way to finance capital-intensive commitments in the Strategic Defence Review.

Answered by James Murray - Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The majority of government borrowing is financed through the issuance of UK government bonds (known as gilts) by the UK Debt Management Office (DMO). In addition, some of the government’s financing is raised in the retail savings market through products offered by National Savings and Investments (NS&I). Finance raised via gilts or NS&I products is generally not tied to specific areas of government spending, in order to offer the best value-for-money for taxpayers.

The government keeps the introduction of new debt financing instruments under regular review.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the UK’s economic performance compared to the EU and USA, considering GDP per capita.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The latest data from the ONS show that GDP per capita rose by 1.1 per cent in 2025, the fastest of any European G7 economy. Over the same period, GDP per capita rose 1.6 per cent in the United States and 1.3 per cent in the EU.

UK GDP per capita has grown by 1.0 per cent since the start of the Parliament, whereas it declined by 0.2 per cent during the previous Parliament.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government for what reason the Valuation Office Agency published official statistics for the combination of Rateable Values in special category codes broken down by local authority for the 2023 Rating List, but has not published combined statistics for the 2026 Rating List; and whether the Head of Profession for Statistics has been consulted on the discrepancy, in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics, Edition 3.0, published in October 2025.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Valuation Office Agency published a Special Category code and local authority breakdown as part of the annual `Non-domestic rating: stock of properties, 2025` official statistics.

HMRC will publish a Special Category code and local authority breakdown for the end of the 2023 list position (31 March 2026) on 14 May 2026 in the annual `NDR: Stock of Properties` publication. In the following year, HMRC will publish the first `NDR: Stock of Properties` publication which will include a Special Category code and local authority breakdown for the 2026 list. This is consistent with the data that has previously been published in official statistics by the Valuation Office Agency. The departmental Head of Profession for Statistics was regularly consulted and aware of VOA statistical publications.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what meetings (a) she, (b) Ministers, (c) special advisers and (d) officials in her Department have had with the organisers of the Forest City 1 campaign.

Answered by James Murray - Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

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

HM Treasury: ministerial overseas travel and meetings - GOV.UK

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what is the methodology and the formula used in the current rateable value calculation.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Valuation Office calculates a rateable value for each business property in England and Wales. A rateable value is an estimate of what it would cost to rent a property for a year, on a set date known as the Valuation Date.

The methodology and approach used to assess rateable values varies depending on the type of property. The Valuation Office publishes a Rating Manual describing how each property class is valued. The manual for the 2023 rating list can be found here, and will be updated for the 2026 list in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to review the operation of the merged R&D tax relief scheme in relation to companies providing pre-clinical research services.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the important role that life sciences research and development (R&D) plays in driving innovation and economic growth as well as the benefits it can bring for society. The Government committed to maintaining the generosity of the rates in both the merged R&D Expenditure Credit (RDEC) scheme and the Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS). This, combined with the commitment to cap the headline rate of Corporation Tax, means that companies doing qualifying R&D – including pre-clinical R&D – will continue to receive between £15 to £27 for every £100 spent on R&D.

Under the merged R&D scheme, relief is generally available to the company that decides to undertake R&D and bears the financial risk, rather than the company contracted to carry it out, subject to limited exceptions. This approach is intended to ensure support is targeted at the company that invests in the R&D. These rules apply to pre-clinical research services in the same way as they do for all other companies.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has had discussions with the (a) British Independent Retailers Association and (b) Independent Menswear Trade Organisation on the potential impact of changes to business rate bills on small independent retailers.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government’s Call for Evidence on business rates and investment has sought views from industry representatives, to establish more detailed evidence on how the business rates system influences investment decisions, with questions on the business rates system’s tax structure, Small Business Rates Relief, Improvement Relief and Empty Property Relief.

The Government is carefully considering the representations received – including those from BIRA and other retailers - and a summary of responses will be published in due course. HM Treasury also continues to have regular discussions with sector representatives to understand the impact of business rates on the sector’s financial sustainability.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when HMRC will publish full staffing projections for Managed Service Provider and HMRC customer services staff.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC is currently in an initial proof‑of‑value phase for its use of MSPs, which is helping to inform longer‑term workforce planning. At this stage, HMRC has no plans to publish full staffing projections for either MSPs or HMRC customer services staff.

Decisions about future staffing levels will be based on what is learned from the proof‑of‑value phase and will be taken through HMRC’s normal business planning and Spending Review processes.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of Valuation Office Agency delays on people in West Dorset constituency.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

I refer the Member to the answer given to Question UIN 126456 on 20 April 2026.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has undertaken modelling of the potential impact of introducing an overnight visitor levy on tourism demand in terms of a) number of nights stayed by domestic and international visitors, b) number of visits by domestic and international visitors, c) accommodation spend linked to number of nights spent in accommodation and d) tourism spend.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government has announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth, including through support for the local visitor economy.

At Budget, the Government published a consultation so that the public, businesses, and local government could shape the design of these powers, including options to minimise the burden on businesses and communities. This consultation closed on the 18th of February and the Government will publish a response in due course.

The precise design and scope of the power for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy is still under development, and the impacts of the levy will largely be determined by local decisions. Evidence from international and domestic schemes suggested modest rates have minimal impact on visitor numbers. Mayors will decide whether to introduce a levy and, if so, consult on specific proposals. We expect Mayors to engage constructively with businesses and their communities to hear any concerns. Following consultation, we expect Mayors to publish a summary of the consultation results and their response, including a final prospectus, and an impact assessment.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has undertaken modelling on the potential impact of introducing an overnight visitor levy on a) high street footfall, b) numbers of empty shops and c) social mobility.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government has announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth, including through support for the local visitor economy.

At Budget, the Government published a consultation so that the public, businesses, and local government could shape the design of these powers, including options to minimise the burden on businesses and communities. This consultation closed on the 18th of February and the Government will publish a response in due course.

The precise design and scope of the power for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy is still under development, and the impacts of the levy will largely be determined by local decisions. Evidence from international and domestic schemes suggested modest rates have minimal impact on visitor numbers. Mayors will decide whether to introduce a levy and, if so, consult on specific proposals. We expect Mayors to engage constructively with businesses and their communities to hear any concerns. Following consultation, we expect Mayors to publish a summary of the consultation results and their response, including a final prospectus, and an impact assessment.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has undertaken an assessment of the potential impact of an overnight visitor levy on (a) employment in the hospitality and tourism sector, (b) regional growth and (c) tax receipts, including (i) VAT, (ii) income tax and (iii) National Insurance contributions associated with overnight stays and related visitor spending.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government has announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth, including through support for the local visitor economy.

At Budget, the Government published a consultation so that the public, businesses, and local government could shape the design of these powers, including options to minimise the burden on businesses and communities. This consultation closed on the 18th of February and the Government will publish a response in due course.

The precise design and scope of the power for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy is still under development, and the impacts of the levy will largely be determined by local decisions. Evidence from international and domestic schemes suggested modest rates have minimal impact on visitor numbers. Mayors will decide whether to introduce a levy and, if so, consult on specific proposals. We expect Mayors to engage constructively with businesses and their communities to hear any concerns. Following consultation, we expect Mayors to publish a summary of the consultation results and their response, including a final prospectus, and an impact assessment.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has undertaken modelling of the potential impact of introducing an overnight visitor levy on the economy in terms of a) jobs, b) GDP, c) sectoral investment and d) net tax benefit.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government has announced powers for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy on short-term overnight accommodation in their region, to drive economic growth, including through support for the local visitor economy.

At Budget, the Government published a consultation so that the public, businesses, and local government could shape the design of these powers, including options to minimise the burden on businesses and communities. This consultation closed on the 18th of February and the Government will publish a response in due course.

The precise design and scope of the power for Mayors to introduce a visitor levy is still under development, and the impacts of the levy will largely be determined by local decisions. Evidence from international and domestic schemes suggested modest rates have minimal impact on visitor numbers. Mayors will decide whether to introduce a levy and, if so, consult on specific proposals. We expect Mayors to engage constructively with businesses and their communities to hear any concerns. Following consultation, we expect Mayors to publish a summary of the consultation results and their response, including a final prospectus, and an impact assessment.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the relative additional costs to domestic refineries of not including refined products in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism from January 2028 for the 2028-29 financial year.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government recognises the role that refineries play in energy security and the UK’s industrial base. The Government published a call for evidence (https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/future-of-the-uk-downstream-oil-sector/future-of-the-uk-downstream-oil-sector-call-for-evidence) on the future of the fuel sector on 23^rd February 2026 in order to help understand the current state of the refining sector.

Following a strategic and technical assessment by HMG, it has been decided not to expand the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to refined oil products in January 2028. We are continuing to work with the sector to assess the options and case for expanding CBAM to refined oil products at a later date.

We are unable to conclude that expanding the CBAM to refined oil products is technically feasible for January 2028, especially in an uncertain global environment where the potential adverse impacts of inclusion could not necessarily be managed effectively at such accelerated timelines.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to examine how AI could speed up the issuance of Remedial Service Statements to people in receipt of public sector pensions affected by the McCloud judgement.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Scheme managers of the individual public service pension schemes are responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of the McCloud remedy to affected members. I have written to scheme managers to remind them of their responsibilities to implement the remedy as quickly as possible and I would expect them to work with administrators the most appropiate available tools to do this.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the war in the Middle East on projected living standards in each of the next 5 years.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government keeps the economic outlook, including living standards, under close review. The economic impact of the situation in the Middle East will depend on its severity, duration and the extent of disruption to energy supplies. Official forecasts, including for living standards, are published by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility.

Living standards are rising, with real household disposable income per capita having risen by £700 in the last 12 months compared to the final year of the last Parliament.

The Government is acting to improve living standards by growing the economy, tackling inflation and supporting households, including measures at the Budget to cut energy bills, expand targeted support for lower‑income households, and freeze rail fares and NHS prescription charges.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of voluntary industry commitments to deliver banking hubs on adequate assurance of long term access to in person banking services.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Banking is changing, with many customers benefitting from the convenience and flexibility of managing their finances remotely. However, the Government understands the importance of access to in‑person banking services for communities and high streets and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Importantly, this number is a floor, not a ceiling, and Cash Access UK will deliver a banking hub wherever LINK has recommended one. Over 275 hubs have been announced so far, and more than 230 are already open.

Banking hubs are a voluntary industry initiative from the largest UK high street banks which provide ‘assisted cash services’ in shared premises. They were developed in preparation for the FCA’s access to cash regime.

Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services.

Banking hub locations are independently recommended by LINK, the operator of UK’s largest ATM network. When a bank branch closes, or there is a material change to a cash service, or a community request is received, LINK conducts an access to cash assessment under the access to cash regime set out in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023. In its assessments, LINK takes into consideration a wide range of criteria, including those unique to each location, such as population demographics, public transport links, existing and remaining cash access facilities and the number of shops.

Customers can also access everyday banking services through the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check balances and pay bills at over 10,500 Post Office branches across the UK.

Some banks also provide points of access through initiatives such as pop-up services in libraries and community centres, or mobile banking vans serving rural and remote areas.  The Government supports initiatives which give customers access to in-person banking, as well as digital access.

The Government keeps the effectiveness of current arrangements under review through regular engagement with stakeholders to ensure they meet the needs of local communities.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of discussions at the UK–US Financial Regulatory Working Group on (a) financial stability and (b) cross-border regulatory co-operation.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The UK and US are also working closely together on the Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future, which was established jointly by HM Treasury and US Treasury on 22 September.

The Taskforce is exploring options to strengthen linkages between UK and US capital markets, supporting growth and competitiveness in both jurisdictions by reducing burdens for UK and US firms raising capital-cross border. It is also exploring opportunities for collaboration on digital assets and other innovative financial activities.

HM Treasury and the US Treasury have conducted joint senior-level industry engagement in both London and Washington DC to ensure the Taskforce’s work is informed by what matters most to industry on both sides of the Atlantic. The Taskforce aims to report back to both finance ministries on its recommendations via the FRWG in summer 2026.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Pursuant to the answer of 24 March 2026, to Question 119974, on Bank Notes: Design, if she will make it her policy to have discussions with the Court of the Bank of England to lobby for the retention of historic British figures from the new series of British banknotes.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

As set out in the Memorandum of Understanding between HM Treasury and the Bank of England, the Bank of England is entirely responsible for the design, production, issue and distribution of banknotes. There are no current plans to change these responsibilities.

The Bank of England will launch another consultation in summer 2026 to seek the views of the public on images for the next series of banknotes. Further detail can be found on the Bank of England’s website.

The final decision about what imagery will appear on the next series of banknotes will be made by the Governor of the Bank of England.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will introduce a time-limited rebate on fuel duty for public transport providers and essential users in the road haulage sector.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is taking action on fuel affordability at the pump.

At Budget 2025, the Government extended the 5p-per-litre cut for a further five months, until the end of August this year. The Government has also cancelled the increase in line with inflation for 2026/27; instead, rates will only gradually return to early 2022 levels by March 2027.

The Government's action on fuel duty will save an average heavy goods vehicle more than £800 in 2026/27 compared to previous plans, and follows an extended period where freezes to fuel duty have resulted in substantial savings for the haulage industry.

As with all taxes, the Government keeps fuel duty under review.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the proportion of UK income going to workers in each of the next five years.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

HM Treasury does not prepare forecasts for the UK economy. These forecasts are the responsibility of the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

The OBR publishes its forecasts in their Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO). The OBR’s latest EFO can be found here: Economic and fiscal outlook – March 2026 - Office for Budget Responsibility. This includes the OBR’s forecast for the labour share of income at March 2026 which can be found in tab 1.6 of this link: Detailed Forecast Economy Tables.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of enhanced UK-US regulatory co-operation on the competitiveness of UK capital markets.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The UK and US are also working closely together on the Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future, which was established jointly by HM Treasury and US Treasury on 22 September.

The Taskforce is exploring options to strengthen linkages between UK and US capital markets, supporting growth and competitiveness in both jurisdictions by reducing burdens for UK and US firms raising capital-cross border. It is also exploring opportunities for collaboration on digital assets and other innovative financial activities.

HM Treasury and the US Treasury have conducted joint senior-level industry engagement in both London and Washington DC to ensure the Taskforce’s work is informed by what matters most to industry on both sides of the Atlantic. The Taskforce aims to report back to both finance ministries on its recommendations via the FRWG in summer 2026.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to strengthen UK–US co-operation on digital finance and innovation.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The UK and US are also working closely together on the Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future, which was established jointly by HM Treasury and US Treasury on 22 September.

The Taskforce is exploring options to strengthen linkages between UK and US capital markets, supporting growth and competitiveness in both jurisdictions by reducing burdens for UK and US firms raising capital-cross border. It is also exploring opportunities for collaboration on digital assets and other innovative financial activities.

HM Treasury and the US Treasury have conducted joint senior-level industry engagement in both London and Washington DC to ensure the Taskforce’s work is informed by what matters most to industry on both sides of the Atlantic. The Taskforce aims to report back to both finance ministries on its recommendations via the FRWG in summer 2026.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of co-locating community banking representatives within post offices.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Banks provide access to in‑person banking services through a range of channels, including branches, banking hubs and post offices.

Some banks also provide access to community bankers through pop‑up services in locations such as libraries and community centres, or via mobile banking vans serving rural and remote areas. Community bankers are bank employees who provide face-to-face support to customers in local communities outside a traditional branch, helping with banking queries and access to further support as needed. Decisions about where such services are located are commercial matters for individual banks.

The retail banking sector provides everyday banking services at post offices through the Banking Framework, a commercial agreement that enables personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check balances and pay bills at over 10,500 Post Office branches across the UK.

The Government supports initiatives that help customers access banking services in ways that reflect local needs, alongside digital provision.

In January, the Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation and the Economic Secretary to the Treasury convened a roundtable with the Post Office and the banking sector to facilitate discussion on where further collaboration would allow all parties to better meet the needs of people and businesses.

The Government supports collaboration between banks and the Post Office, while being clear that this must be achieved on a voluntary and commercial basis.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to mitigate risks to UK economic security arising from financial instability in the Middle East.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Since the start of the conflict the Government has engaged allies and partners to urge de-escalation and shared efforts towards diplomacy, and has taken action to protect the UK public from the rising cost of living by providing immediate support for vulnerable heating oil customers and bringing energy bills down.

HM Treasury has also been working closely with the financial regulators to monitor potential risks to financial stability, including through its membership of the Bank of England’s Financial Policy Committee (FPC) and the global Financial Stability Board (FSB). The FPC is responsible in the UK for identifying, monitoring and taking action to remove or reduce systemic risks to the UK financial system.

In its April 2026 Record, the FPC assessed that conflict in the Middle East represents a negative supply shock to the global economy. The FPC noted that while the financial system has remained resilient, and the UK banking system has the capacity to support households and businesses even if conditions were to be substantially worse than expected, the conflict has increased global uncertainty following a period of already elevated risks and called for firms to actively manage their risks.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will publish a policy to disregard VAT for the construction of budlings for the public benefit and services by charities.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government maintains a zero rate of VAT for the construction of new buildings that will be used solely for a relevant charitable purpose.

Information on the definition of a relevant charitable purpose for the purpose of the zero rate of VAT can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/buildings-and-construction-vat-notice-708

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to changes to the inheritance tax treatment of pension pots whether it is her policy that a) the total estate will be taken to include the unused pension pot, and b) donations to charity made from the unused pension pot will be considered as contributing to the 10% minimum.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced that unused pension funds and death benefits payable from a pension will form part of a person’s estate for inheritance tax purposes from 6 April 2027.

Where at least 10% of a person’s net estate is left to a qualifying charity, their estate is taxed at a reduced rate of inheritance tax of 36% instead of 40%. When considering this, the pension will fall within the general component of the estate. This component includes the deceased’s free estate and from 6 April 2027 will also include any unused pension funds and death benefits (called notional pension property). Any notional pension property that is paid to a qualifying charity will count toward the charitable giving conditions for the general component Further guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/inheritance-tax- manual/ihtm45003. Guidance will be updated before the changes are implemented in April 2027.

Charity Lump Sum Death Benefits can be paid free of Income Tax. These lump sums are deliberately limited to money purchase arrangements where the deceased member had no dependants. These rules are not changing as this ensures that pension funds are used to support dependants where they exist, while allowing schemes to pay out benefits where there is no other beneficiary.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of amending the definition of a charitable lump sum death benefit so that people with dependents do not face barriers to donating to charity from their pension.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government announced that unused pension funds and death benefits payable from a pension will form part of a person’s estate for inheritance tax purposes from 6 April 2027.

Where at least 10% of a person’s net estate is left to a qualifying charity, their estate is taxed at a reduced rate of inheritance tax of 36% instead of 40%. When considering this, the pension will fall within the general component of the estate. This component includes the deceased’s free estate and from 6 April 2027 will also include any unused pension funds and death benefits (called notional pension property). Any notional pension property that is paid to a qualifying charity will count toward the charitable giving conditions for the general component Further guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/inheritance-tax- manual/ihtm45003. Guidance will be updated before the changes are implemented in April 2027.

Charity Lump Sum Death Benefits can be paid free of Income Tax. These lump sums are deliberately limited to money purchase arrangements where the deceased member had no dependants. These rules are not changing as this ensures that pension funds are used to support dependants where they exist, while allowing schemes to pay out benefits where there is no other beneficiary.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to support farmers who have been affected by the increase in the price of red Diesel in South Suffolk.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Farmers retained the entitlement to use red diesel for agricultural machinery after it was withdrawn from most sectors in 2022. In contrast to full duty diesel, taxed at 52.95p per litre, red diesel currently incurs a duty of 10.18p per litre.

At Budget 2025, the Government extended the temporary 5p fuel duty cut alongside extending the proportionate percentage cut for rebated fuels, which includes red diesel. This maintains the red diesel rate at the levels set in March 2022 at 10.18p per litre until the end of August 2026, with rates then gradually returning to March 2022 levels by March 2027, an increase of less than 1p a litre. The planned inflation increase for 2026-27 has also been cancelled.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment she has made of the potential effect of developments in the Middle East on global financial stability.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Since the start of the conflict the Government has engaged allies and partners to urge de-escalation and shared efforts towards diplomacy, and has taken action to protect the UK public from the rising cost of living by providing immediate support for vulnerable heating oil customers and bringing energy bills down.

HM Treasury has also been working closely with the financial regulators to monitor potential risks to financial stability, including through its membership of the Bank of England’s Financial Policy Committee (FPC) and the global Financial Stability Board (FSB). The FPC is responsible in the UK for identifying, monitoring and taking action to remove or reduce systemic risks to the UK financial system.

In its April 2026 Record, the FPC assessed that conflict in the Middle East represents a negative supply shock to the global economy. The FPC noted that while the financial system has remained resilient, and the UK banking system has the capacity to support households and businesses even if conditions were to be substantially worse than expected, the conflict has increased global uncertainty following a period of already elevated risks and called for firms to actively manage their risks.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 19 March 2026 to Question 120278 on Electric Vehicles: Costs, whether she will publish the analysis underpinning the estimated monthly cost savings under the proposed Government’s proposed electric Vehicle Excise Duty.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

In answer to Question 120278 the Government set out that analysis suggests that the average EV driver will pay around £20 a month under the Government’s eVED proposals once the new policy starts in 2028, roughly half the equivalent rate for a petrol car.

This is based on an average EV driving 8,000 miles per year subject to an eVED rate of three pence per mile. The average EV driver will therefore pay £240 - or £20 per month - in eVED, while an average petrol/diesel car driving the same distance will pay around £480 in fuel duty, or six pence per mile.

The Government has set out expected impacts from eVED and other Budget measures in the Budget 2025 Policy Costings document at GOV.UK: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/692872fd2a37784b16ecf676/Budget_2025-Policy_Costings.pdf

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what is the current revenue to the Exchequer of VAT from pilot training; and what would the estimated net cost to the Exchequer be of removing VAT from pilot training.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC does not hold information on the VAT revenue from pilot training.

This is because businesses are not required to provide a breakdown by product or service on their VAT returns, as this would impose an excessive administrative burden.

I refer the Honourable Member to my answer of 21 January 2026 (UIN 105280) stating that the Government has no plans to change policy in this area.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to ensure that national economic policy does not disproportionately impact the Oxford‑Cambridge growth corridor over regions with industrial, technology and energy capacity such as the North East.

Answered by James Murray - Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The Government’s economic strategy aims to spread growth across Britain, supporting all regions by investing in transport, housing, skills, and key industrial sectors. The Chancellor has repeatedly emphasised that regional growth, including in the North and North East, is central to her plans, highlighted by ongoing work on the Northern Growth Strategy. These measures are part of a place-based approach to boost the UK’s productive capacity and living standards, ensuring national policy promotes growth in every region rather than focusing on a single area.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to consolidating the anti-money laundering supervisory responsibilities of professional body supervisors under a statutory regulator, such as the Financial Conduct Authority.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Chancellor announced in October that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will become the Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) supervisor for professional services firms, simplifying the current complex model. The FCA are currently working on the implementation of this new supervisory framework and HM Treasury will announce next steps shortly.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect vulnerable people from turning to illegal moneylenders.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government recognises the serious harm that illegal money lenders can cause, particularly to vulnerable people. To help prevent people from turning to illegal money lenders, the Government funds specialist Illegal Money Lending Teams (IMLTs). These teams combine enforcement action against illegal lenders with prevention and victim support, including awareness-raising in communities, working with local partners to identify those at risk, and encouraging the safe reporting of illegal lenders. More information about the work of the IMLTs is available on the Stop Loan Sharks website.[1] The Government is also taking steps to ensure appropriate access to regulated credit through the Financial Inclusion Strategy.

[1] https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on 26 October 2009 (HC col 140W), on housing valuation, how many and what proportion of dwellings in (1) Wales, and (2) England, are now recorded on the Valuation Office Agency's database with (a) dwellinghouse, and (b) value significant code, data.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

As of 14 April 2026 there are 25,950,670 dwellings on the Council Tax list in England. Of these, 25,781,260 (99.3%) have a dwelling group, and 25,784,950 (99.4%) have a dwelling type, and 6,755,400 (26.0%) have at least one value significant code.

In Wales, there are 1,494,410 dwellings on the Council Tax list. Of these, 1,494,180 (>99.9%) have a dwelling group, and 1,494,060 (>99.9%) have a dwelling type. 403,610 (27.0%) have at least one value significant code.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government, with reference to the Core Spending Power table: final local government finance settlement 2026–27 to 2028–29, published on 9 February, and the associated council tax requirement estimates for each year from 2024–25 to 2028–29 in England, whether they will publish equivalent estimates for the total business rate receipts in England in each of those years.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

As set out in the Office for Budget Responsibility’s March 2026 Economic and Fiscal Outlook, business rates receipts in England were £32.1 billion in 2024/25 and are forecast to be £33.7 billion, £37.1 billion, £37.9 billion and £38.8 billion in 2025/26, 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29 respectively.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Chancellor has met the City Remembrancer Paul Wright; and if so, on how many occasions.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Chancellor has not held or attended any meetings with the City Remembrancer Paul Wright.

The Chancellor and City Remembrancer are likely to have attended a number of the same events, relevant to their respective roles.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the National Wealth Fund (a) conducted due diligence on alternative pipeline route and junction location options and (b) commissioned an independent engineering assessment of alternative junction locations for the meeting point of pipeline Sections 3 and 4 before investing in Peak Cluster Limited.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is operationally independent in regard to its investment decisions. The NWF undertakes extensive due diligence in line with commercial investor assessment standards, processes and quantification methodologies, to ensure that taxpayer funds are deployed safely, represent value for money, and support technically and commercially viable projects.

As part of this process, the NWF considers all relevant design, technical and delivery risks associated with proposed projects. Details of individual assessments, including any consideration of specific design or routing options, remain commercially sensitive.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of extending joint and several liability for payroll taxes within umbrella company arrangements on recruitment agencies supplying temporary staff to public sector bodies, including the NHS.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Umbrella companies are a type of employment intermediary that engages workers on behalf of recruitment agencies and end client organisations. Although many umbrella companies operate diligently, others are used to facilitate non-compliance including tax avoidance and fraud.

From 6 April 2026, recruitment agencies are responsible for ensuring that Pay As You Earn and National Insurance contributions obligations are met when they choose to use an umbrella company to engage a worker. Where these obligations are not met, HMRC will recover underpayments from the recruitment agency. If there is no recruitment agency involved in an arrangement with an umbrella company, this responsibility will fall to the end client organisation. The rules apply regardless of the sector in which workers are engaged.

The new rules are intended to drive behavioural change in the temporary labour market, increasing the amount of assurance undertaken by organisations that use umbrella companies to force non-compliance umbrella companies out of the market. This change is forecast to protect around £2.7 billion across the scorecard period up to and including 2030-31.

It is right that organisations that choose to use umbrella companies to engage workers should take steps to make sure that they are compliant. HMRC has published extensive guidance to support organisations that use umbrella companies to undertake assurance checks.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what consideration she has given to establishing a government-recognised (a) compliance and (b) accreditation standard for umbrella companies to reduce payroll tax risk within labour supply chains supplying public sector bodies.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Umbrella companies are a type of employment intermediary that engages workers on behalf of recruitment agencies and end client organisations. Although many umbrella companies operate diligently, others are used to facilitate non-compliance including tax avoidance and fraud.

From 6 April 2026, recruitment agencies are responsible for ensuring that Pay As You Earn and National Insurance contributions obligations are met when they choose to use an umbrella company to engage a worker. Where these obligations are not met, HMRC will recover underpayments from the recruitment agency. If there is no recruitment agency involved in an arrangement with an umbrella company, this responsibility will fall to the end client organisation. The rules apply regardless of the sector in which workers are engaged.

The new rules are intended to drive behavioural change in the temporary labour market, increasing the amount of assurance undertaken by organisations that use umbrella companies to force non-compliance umbrella companies out of the market. This change is forecast to protect around £2.7 billion across the scorecard period up to and including 2030-31.

It is right that organisations that choose to use umbrella companies to engage workers should take steps to make sure that they are compliant. HMRC has published extensive guidance to support organisations that use umbrella companies to undertake assurance checks.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment HMRC has made of the risk of unpaid employer National Insurance contributions within labour supply chains providing temporary staffing to the NHS following the Ducas tax dispute; and whether she plans to introduce a statutory (a) accreditation and (b) licensing regime for umbrella companies operating in the labour market.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Umbrella companies are a type of employment intermediary that engages workers on behalf of recruitment agencies and end client organisations. Although many umbrella companies operate diligently, others are used to facilitate non-compliance including tax avoidance and fraud.

From 6 April 2026, recruitment agencies are responsible for ensuring that Pay As You Earn and National Insurance contributions obligations are met when they choose to use an umbrella company to engage a worker. Where these obligations are not met, HMRC will recover underpayments from the recruitment agency. If there is no recruitment agency involved in an arrangement with an umbrella company, this responsibility will fall to the end client organisation. The rules apply regardless of the sector in which workers are engaged.

The new rules are intended to drive behavioural change in the temporary labour market, increasing the amount of assurance undertaken by organisations that use umbrella companies to force non-compliance umbrella companies out of the market. This change is forecast to protect around £2.7 billion across the scorecard period up to and including 2030-31.

It is right that organisations that choose to use umbrella companies to engage workers should take steps to make sure that they are compliant. HMRC has published extensive guidance to support organisations that use umbrella companies to undertake assurance checks.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to WPQ 128052, whether she will maintain the free to use MTD software for taxpayers for the lifetime of this Parliament.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

I refer the honourable member to the answer provided in the response to UIN 126551.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 20 April 2026 to Question 125241 on Gyms and Leisure Centres: Business Rates, whether fiscal pressures from business rates have recently been raised by leisure centre and gym sector representatives in meetings with (a) Treasury Ministers and (b) officials.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The sector was engaged as part of the recent Call for Evidence on business rates and investment, which closed on 18 February. The Government is carefully considering representations it has received, and a response to the Call for Evidence will be published in due course.

The sector was also engaged ahead of the Transforming Business Rates: Interim Report, published in September 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transforming-business-rates-interim-report/transforming-business-rates-interim-report

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many individuals have settled their loan charge liability (a) in full or (b) through a Time to Pay arrangement since the publication of the Ray McCann review on 26 November 2025 until the most recent date for which data are available.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 20 April 2026 to Question 125241 on Gyms and Leisure Centres: Business Rates, on what date did (a) HM Treasury Ministers and (b) officials last meet with representatives from the gyms and leisure centre sector.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The sector was engaged as part of the recent Call for Evidence on business rates and investment, which closed on 18 February. The Government is carefully considering representations it has received, and a response to the Call for Evidence will be published in due course.

The sector was also engaged ahead of the Transforming Business Rates: Interim Report, published in September 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transforming-business-rates-interim-report/transforming-business-rates-interim-report

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with the banking sector on the rollout of banking hubs beyond the lifetime of this Parliament.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Treasury Ministers regularly engage with the banking sector on access to banking services, including the rollout of banking hubs.

The Government understands the importance of access to in-person banking services for communities and high streets and is committed to supporting the financial services industry’s roll-out of 350 banking hubs by the end of this Parliament. Importantly, this number is a floor, not a ceiling, and Cash Access UK will deliver a banking hub wherever LINK has recommended one.

The Government keeps the effectiveness of current arrangements under review through regular engagement with industry and other stakeholders to ensure they meet the needs of people and communities.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she made of the the potential impact of the economy of poor access to nutrient-dense food in low-income neighbourhoods.

Answered by James Murray - Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March 2026 to Question 120381 on Lord Mandelson, whether the Chief Secretary to the Treasury discussed the exit payment with (a) the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and (b) 10 Downing Street.

Answered by James Murray - Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when HMRC last reviewed the overseas subsistence scale rates; what assessment she has made of the potential impact of those rates on employees working abroad, in the context of increases in the cost of food; and whether she plans to bring forward an updated schedule.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Where employers reimburse allowable travel expenses, tax relief is available provided the expenses are wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred for work purposes.

Ordinarily, employers must hold evidence of the employee’s actual expenditure. However, to reduce administrative burdens on employers, HMRC allows expenses for travel outside the UK to be reimbursed without evidence up to the levels contained within the Overseas Scale Rates.

Where the Overseas Scale rates do not cover the expense incurred by employees, employers can still reimburse and provide tax relief provided they have appropriate evidence.

The Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the policy‑making process. Any decisions on future changes in this area will be taken in the context of the wider public finances.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the Valuation Office Agency’s performance in responding to Checks and Challenges to rateable values of non‑domestic properties; and what steps her Department is taking to help speed up that process.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

I refer the hon member to the answer to UIN 126458, tabled on 10 April 2026.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will provide a list of training programmes used by civil servants in her department since 2020.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The diverse nature of roles in HM Treasury means training is often provided at team-level rather than being centrally managed. As such, a list of all training courses is not readily available centrally and the information requested cannot be obtained without disproportionate cost.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment has been made of the potential impact of Stamp Duty Land Tax, particularly the Higher Rates for Additional Dwellings, on the ability of residential property traders to provide liquidity to the housing market, especially among transactions relating to housing stock where no Stamp Duty Land Tax relief is available for those traders.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government increased the higher rates of SDLT by two percentage points and set out the impacts of this change. This information can be found here on page 130: Autumn Budget 2024 - GOV.UK

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has had discussions with the Mayor of London on the causes of gender disparities in the unemployment rate in London.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

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

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hm-treasury-ministerial-overseas-travel-and-meetings

This Government takes gender equality seriously. We are working to increase women’s participation in the labour market and close the gender pay gap, including funding 30 hours of childcare for working parents of under-fives, so more women can work the hours they choose and build their careers if they want to.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the salary of the DHSC Permanent Secretary was approved by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

Answered by James Murray - Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The salary for the DHSC Permanent Secretary was approved as per the rules outlined in the senior pay guidance.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to extend business rates relief to independent gyms and fitness centres.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Pubs rents in business rates valuations are analysed differently to some other sectors. While most hospitality and leisure properties are valued by comparing the size of the property, pubs are valued by comparing their turnover potential. Industry bodies have highlighted concerns with how costs are accounted for in this methodology, particularly during periods of high inflation. The Government agrees this needs to be looked at and is therefore launching a review which will explore how pubs are valued for business rates. In the meantime, pubs are being provided with additional support.

Independent gyms and fitness centres will continue to benefit from the wider £4.3 billion support package announced at Budget, which protects against ratepayers seeing large overnight increases in bills.

The Government has also introduced new permanently lower multipliers for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties. These new multipliers are worth nearly £1 billion per year and benefit over 750,000 properties, including gyms and fitness centres.

As a result, over half of ratepayers see no bill increases this year, including 23 per cent whose bills go down. Most properties seeing increases have them capped at 15 per cent or less this year, or £800 for the smallest properties.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of larger housing transaction volumes arising from changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax for residential property traders, particularly the Higher Rates for Additional Dwellings, on fiscal receipts.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government increased the higher rates of SDLT by two percentage points and set out the impacts of this change. This information can be found here on page 130: Autumn Budget 2024 - GOV.UK

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HMRC has issued guidance on whether the provision of advice on tax matters by an employer in relation to matters not connected to employment is a benefit in kind.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The general rules for employment-related benefits are set out in HMRC’s guidance at: www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/employment-income-manual/eim20020

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to Q13 of the oral evidence given by the Prime Minister to the Liaison Committee on 23 March 2026, HC 1770, if she will set out a funding plan to spend 3% of GDP on defence before the next Parliament.

Answered by James Murray - Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The Government has set an ambition to spend 3 per cent of GDP on defence next Parliament, when economic and fiscal conditions allow. Departmental budgets have been set for the Spending Review period, and will be reviewed at Spending Review 2027.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will take steps to bring back into use the vacant Duke of Bridgewater pub on the Crown Estate in Stoke-on-Trent North constituency.

Answered by James Murray - Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

This property is subject to escheat, meaning it is effectively ownerless. The only action that the Crown Estate may take in relation to such property is to dispose of it to an appropriate person or body.

The Crown Estate is currently in touch with Stoke-on-Trent City Council regarding proposed future disposals of the property.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to her Department’s press release entitled Decisive action to break influence of gas on electricity prices, published on 21 April 2026, what assessment her has made of the potential impact of the (a) increase of the rate and (b) the duration of the Electricity Generator Levy on household bills.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The government does not expect the increase in the Electricity Generator Levy (EGL) rate from 1 July to increase bills for consumers. The EGL applies only to existing, older renewable generators when wholesale prices are above a benchmark price of £82.61 per MWh. These generators receive larger revenues when wholesale prices rise with gas prices, without commensurate increased costs.

Increasing the EGL will ensure a proportion of any exceptional revenue that generators receive because of the conflict in the Middle East is available to Government to support businesses and households with their cost of living.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2026 to Question 119948 on Cryptocurrencies, whether her Department holds information on whether the Tether cryptocurrency is being used to make political donations into the UK from abroad.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

HMT Treasury does not collect or hold information on the use of specific cryptoassets in political donations. Oversight of political donations rests with the Electoral Commission.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the number of income tax payers in tax year ending April 2026 with taxable income of a) between £90,000 and £99,999 b) £100,000-£109,999 and c) £110,000 to £119,999.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC publish the distribution of total income before tax in Table 3.3 of the Personal Incomes Statistics, linked below.

Personal Incomes Statistics for the tax year 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the volume of private capital that could be unlocked through partnerships with venture capital firms in the defence sector.

Answered by James Murray - Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

The Government recognises the important role that venture capital and other private investors play in backing innovation across the economy. The forthcoming Defence Finance Investment Strategy will be the Government’s blueprint for how we increase the capital available to improve warfighting readiness while also driving UK growth.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the regulations governing financial institutions handling Tether cryptocurrency.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

The Government legislated in February of this year to establish a financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets, requiring firms to be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority for providing relevant cryptoasset services in or to the UK. This built on previous regulatory interventions on cryptoasset money laundering and financial promotions. The Government’s approach is ensuring cryptoasset users are protected against detriment, whilst giving firms the certainty needed to invest and grow in the UK.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HMRC has issued guidance on whether a donation of cryptocurrency to a (a) political party and (b) regulated donee creates a capital gains tax liability for the donor.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC has not published specific guidance on the donation of cryptoassets to political parties or regulated donees.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Customs Declaration Service and its Bulk Import Reduced Data Set, how many entries were logged under Customs Procedure Code 0020 21V in each year since 2022.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

For the purposes of this answer, “entries” have been interpreted as customs declarations.

The table shows the number of customs declarations logged on the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) under Customs Procedure Code (CPC) 0020 21V, which is used for the Bulk Import Reduced Data Set (BIRDs).

These figures represent the number of declarations submitted to CDS under CPC 0020 21V only.

It should be noted that the figures are not directly comparable across years. In 2022 and 2023 a substantial proportion of BIRDs declarations were submitted via the legacy CHIEF system, under CPCs 4900003 and 4000003, and are therefore not included in the CDS figures shown above. In 2022 around 21% of BIRDs declarations were submitted via CDS, rising to around 75% in 2023.

The figures also exclude BIRDs declarations submitted using multiple additional procedure codes and therefore do not represent total BIRDs volumes.

Number of customs declarations are rounded to the nearest thousand.

You should note that a BIRDs declaration can cover multiple consignments.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the time was for HMRC to determine whether to levy a penalty charge for the incorrect payment of residential stamp duty in the last 12 months.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Where HMRC identifies an inaccuracy during a compliance check into a Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) return or claim, it is standard practice to also consider whether a penalty is due.

In the vast majority of cases any penalty will be issued at the conclusion of the compliance check, at the same time as when the tax position is decided.

The length of a compliance check depends on multiple factors such as the technical complexity of the issue and whether a customer appeals a decision. HMRC does not record separately the amount of time within compliance checks spent considering whether penalties are due.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of marginal electricity pricing on the Consumer Prices Index since July 2024.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Forecasting the economy, including the impact of Government policy decisions on inflation, is the responsibility of the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). The OBR has not published a specific estimate of the impact of marginal electricity pricing on Consumer Price Index inflation.

The electricity market operates on the principle of marginal cost pricing, where gas-fired generation frequently sets the wholesale price, meaning electricity prices have closely tracked gas prices. This is link is already weakening as more renewable energy comes online. The Government is taking further steps to reduce this link: we will set out plans for legacy low-carbon generators to move onto fixed-price arrangements from 2027, and the Electricity Generator Levy's rate has been increased, and it will be extended beyond its scheduled end date. Further details on these measures will be provided in due course. As reliance on gas falls, electricity prices are expected to be set increasingly by lower-cost generation, including renewables.

Found: internal policy/operational criteria for maintaining super-injunctions, regularly reviewed, and updated HMT

Found: internal policy/operational criteria for maintaining super-injunctions, regularly reviewed, and updated HMT

Found: We anticipate continuing to work with NISTA and HM Treasury to improve transparency in this area, where

Found: memorandum has been prepared according to the requirements and guidance set out by HM Treasury

Found: Welsh Government Northern Ireland Executive Department for Work and Pensions The Home Office HM Treasury

Found: In line with guidance from His Majesty’s Treasury (HMT), from Main Estimate 2026- 27, the depreciation

Found: the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) from the Consolidated Fund managed by HM Treasury

Found: Following discussions with HMT it has now been decided that the expenditure will score within Capital

Found: within the department to manage further unforeseen pressures that may emerge in year, in line with HMT

Found: 3 As previously agreed with HM Treasury, UKEF typically offsets its operational costs (RDEL) with

Found: This is primarily a result of additional funding received from HM Treasury for the Census 2031 programme

Found: Depreciation of £3,677k has been included in this per HMT guidelines to provide a total AME of £4,291k

Found: admin funding at the start of the SR period, ahead of a planned reduction in later years to meet the HMT

Found: has been prepared and approved with reference to guidance in the Estimates Manual published by HM Treasury

Found: website. 3.2 Measures of performance against each priority GLD’s performance measures, agreed with HM Treasury

Found: Resource AME in 2022-23 was impacted by a CSC percentage set by GAD of 82.0% , significantly influenced by HMT

Found: HMT issue updated discount rates each year, which directly affect the valuation of long-term provisions

Found: Transfer (MHCLG) relating to National Railway Museum Central Hall project07.686Budget Cover Transfer (HMT

Found: causes of the changes in Resource DEL compared to the 2025-26 Supplementary Estimate are: ● D ecrease: HMT

Found: There is also a net increase of £ 1.8bn from HMT which is attributable to existing budget reclassification

Found: HMLR has agreed with HM Treasury (HMT) that up to 10% above the income total of £486.0m may be retained

Found:  The Government should commission HM Treasury and NHS England to design a Genomic Prevention Bond

Found: HM Treasury should commission a formal review of how IAS 38 treatment of internally generated intangibles

Found: This figure is also inclusive of initial funding provided by HM Treasury’s (HMT) Reserve for the net

Found: Approval This memorandum has been prepared according to the requirements and guidance set out by HM Treasury

Found: Approval This memorandum has been prepared according to the requirements and guidance set out by HM Treasury

Found: In line with the HM Treasury approach to reduce future Reserve access, any requirement to be drawn will

Found: Approval This memorandum has been prepared according to the requirements and guidance set out by HM Treasury

Found: In line with the HM Treasury approach to reduce future Reserve access, any requirement to be drawn will

Found: Protected and Policy Ring-fenced budgets These budgets are ring-fenced by HMT, meaning that funding

Found: 10% 26.748 13% 8.250 4% *The SR25 figures include £17.2m temporary funding from DfE **Note that HMT

Found: Government • Northern Ireland Executive • Department for Work and Pensions • The Home Office • HM Treasury

Found: Minister for Investment Department for Business and Trade & HM Treasury

Found: Care, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Department for Education and HM Treasury

Found: The EDI has brought together the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, HM Treasury, the Department

Found: In particular, the role of HM Treasury is critical and should be explicitly considered, given its influence

Found: Right to Buy receipts with SAHP grant from 2026/27 and retain the share previously returned to HM Treasury

Found: Commonwealth and Development Office FSA Food Standards Agency HMRC His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs HMT

Found: I was pleased that HM Treasury and the Government Finance Function are co-ordinating the production

Found: Letter to the Permanent Secretary to HM Treasury relating to Treasure Minute response - Government Services

Found: Letter to the Permanent Secretary to HM Treasury relating to Treasury Minute response - Government Services

Found: Transport, Department for Transport, Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and HM Treasury

Found: appropriate—and in doing so must have regard to any advice provided by the Committee of Public Accounts and HM Treasury

Found: HM Treasury should go further and faster by developing options for a streamlined reporting regime for

Found: Parliament.25 In the 2026–27 financial year, 23 Seafood Scotland (FME0022); APPG Fisheries (FME0012) 24 HM Treasury

Found: currently operating under a proposed Framework Agreement between Diamond Light Source, DSIT and HM Treasury

Found: One thing to pick up on is the financial 20 inclusion strategy, which was published by HM Treasury back

Found: Department for Business and Trade, Department for Business and Trade and HM Treasury, British Business

Found: If it gets to the formal stage, it has to go to HM Treasury.

Found: If it gets to the formal stage, it has to go to HM Treasury.

Found: The approach that one gets from the Home Office versus DBT or HMT is often quite different.

Found: The approach that one gets from the Home Office versus DBT or HMT is often quite different.

Found: STA0069 - Growth and proposed regulation of stablecoins in the UK HM Treasury Written Evidence

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will set out if a Civil Service Pension Scheme recipient is liable for the repayment of overpayments, including where the the recipient has queried the payment with the scheme administrator, and is repeatedly advised by the scheme administrator that the level of the payment is correct.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The government has a duty to recover overpaid public money to ensure the scheme remains fair and sustainable for all taxpayers. The scheme follows the HM Treasury guidance on “Managing Public Money” which requires the scheme, where possible, to recover any money that a member is not entitled to.

The Civil Service Pension Scheme pays out 732,000 pensions per month. Any potential recovery is carefully considered, including the cost effectiveness of doing so (e.g. the relative costs of recovering very small amounts). Members have the opportunity to submit evidence should they believe that either recovery should not take place or where they might require a longer repayment plan.

We recognise that being asked to repay funds can be stressful. To manage the impact on retired civil servants, the scheme administrator works individually with those affected to create manageable recovery plans. These plans focus on the member's specific ability to pay, often spreading repayments over a long period to ensure that no undue financial hardship is caused.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 30 March (HL15723), whether the interim leadership cover for the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board carries out the same statutory duties as the redundant Chief Executive role; and if so, what assessment they have made of the compliance of this redundancy with the HM Treasury guidance on Public Sector Exit Payments and value for money protocols.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on extending energy cost support for hospitality businesses.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Government recognises the pressures that energy costs can place on hospitality businesses. We engage regularly with colleagues across Government, including HM Treasury, on measures to support businesses, including the hospitality sector and we keep the impact of energy prices on businesses under close review.

The Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, and the interim CEO of Ofgem, Tim Jarvis, have written to business energy suppliers setting clear expectations that customers, particularly small businesses, must be treated fairly. The letter makes clear that any unfair practices will not be tolerated, and that suppliers should take a fair and supportive approach, offering maximum flexibility and transparency for small businesses.

The Government also plans to legislate on Third Party Intermediaries, including energy brokers, through the forthcoming Energy Independence Bill to strengthen protections for SMEs.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 2 March 2026, to Question 113631, on West Yorkshire Combined Authority: Lexington Communications, and of 12 March 2026, to Question 117739, on Local Government: Lobbying, if the departmental Accounting Officer will undertake an assessment of whether departmental funding to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority is being spent in a manner which is compliant with HM Treasury guidance of Managing Public Money by hiring a lobbying firm to lobby the government.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

MHCLG is not aware of West Yorkshire Combined Authority breaching any grant conditions in relation to funds it provides. Mayoral Strategic Authorities are expected to follow the existing principles and processes described in the English Devolution Accountability Framework and Scrutiny Protocol, which sets out how Mayors will be held to account by central government, at local level and by the public. This includes a duty to ensure value for money.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce the potential impact of climate change-driven food inflation on food security.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra is taking action to reduce this impact and support the continued production and supply of food for UK citizens. For example, we are actively implementing the third National Adaptation Programme which sets out a range of measures to improve resilience and adaptation to climate change across the food supply and farming sector.

Defra works across Government to improve understanding of the drivers of food prices and their impact on households. This includes analysis of food inflation trends, engagement with industry to improve transparency where possible, and close collaboration with HM Treasury, the Department for Business and Trade, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health and Social Care to mitigate cost pressures on consumers, particularly those most affected by the cost of living. Defra also works to reduce unnecessary regulatory costs that can feed through to consumer prices.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has discussed the Global Combat Air Programme with his (a) Swedish, (b) Polish, (c) Canadian, (d) Australian, (e) Saudi Arabian and (f) Singaporean counterpart.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As part of the Ministry of Defence’s close working relationship with HMT, the Chancellor and the Defence Secretary, as well as other Ministers and officials, regularly discuss many of the Department’s largest programmes. These discussions can include the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

The Secretary of State has regular discussions with his international counterparts on a range of issues.

We have always maintained that we remain open to others joining GCAP, however, the UK and GCAP partners, Italy and Japan, are focused on delivering this vital military capability at pace.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has held discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the cost of delivering the Global Combat Air Programme.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As part of the Ministry of Defence’s close working relationship with HMT, the Chancellor and the Defence Secretary, as well as other Ministers and officials, regularly discuss many of the Department’s largest programmes. These discussions can include the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

The Secretary of State has regular discussions with his international counterparts on a range of issues.

We have always maintained that we remain open to others joining GCAP, however, the UK and GCAP partners, Italy and Japan, are focused on delivering this vital military capability at pace.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of climate change on food prices.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra works across Government to improve understanding of the drivers of food prices and their impact on households. This includes analysis of food inflation trends, engagement with industry to improve transparency where possible, and close collaboration with HM Treasury, DBT, DWP and DHSC to mitigate cost pressures on consumers, particularly those most affected by the cost of living.

Defra is implementing the third National Adaptation Programme (NAP3), which sets out a range of measures to improve resilience and adaptation to climate change across the food supply and farming sector.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with HM Treasury on targeted relief or subsidies for agricultural fuel use.

Answered by Angela Eagle - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is determined to help keep costs down for farmers. Red diesel continues to benefit from an 80% tax discount - saving farmers almost £300 million a year – and continue to provide £11.8 billion to support sustainable farming and food production.

There is a commitment across Government to ensure that this market functions fairly and the Government will continue discussions with industry leaders, including the NFU and farming stakeholders.

The Government stands ready to act swiftly and appropriately to support our farming industry and protect food security.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 31 March 2025 to Question 122861 on Business Rates, Gyms and Leisure Centres, whether she hold discussions with the leisure centre and gym sector on the impact of business rate costs on levels of service provision to promote health and wellbeing in communities.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring public access to gyms and leisure facilities, which are great spaces for people of all ages to stay fit and healthy, and play an important role within communities.

We regularly engage with the leisure sector on a broad range of issues, including the impact of business rates.

DCMS engaged extensively with HM Treasury in the run up to the Autumn Budget 2025 and provided evidence to HM Treasury on the anticipated impact to the sport and leisure sector. The Government has announced a support package worth £4.3 billion to protect against ratepayers seeing large overnight increases in their business rates bills because of the revaluation. As a result, over half of ratepayers will see no bill increases, including 23% seeing their bills go down, next year. This also means most properties seeing increases will see them capped at 15% or less next year, or £800 for the smallest.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the use of AI tools in corporate governance and decision-making processes within financial institutions; and what steps they are taking to ensure that regulatory frameworks relating to accountability, transparency and oversight remain effective.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government’s ambition is to make the UK the fastest AI adopter in the G7 and encouraging safe adoption is an essential part of realising that ambition. We will continue to work closely with regulators and industry to ensure innovation proceeds safely and responsibly in the financial sector. In January 2026, the government also appointed Financial Services AI Champions to catalyse adoption and innovation of AI in this sector.

UK regulated financial firms are required to manage technology-related risks to consumers and financial stability, including those arising from the use of AI. These include requirements relating to governance and accountability. Alongside this, HM Treasury and the regulators are continually reviewing our approach as new technology develops to ensure that the framework continues to develop accordingly, and can be strengthened should this become necessary.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions her Department has had with HM Treasury on the UK fiscal framework for pre-clinical Contract Research Organisations.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology engages routinely with HM Treasury on a range of issues affecting the UK life sciences sector, including the fiscal framework. Officials have discussed options for supporting pre‑clinical Contract Research Organisations with HM Treasury and work continues.

Found: govuk-template--rebranded" lang="en">