Asked by: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Agnew of Oulton on 13 October (HL8609), how much of this land has been purchased; and what use is being made of this land.
Answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton
No land has yet been purchased. Two potential sites have been identified in partnership with the Welsh Government and commercial discussions are under way.
Asked by: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what space will be available for truck drivers arriving at the Port of Holyhead from Ireland to complete documentation papers from 1 January 2021.
Answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton
The small facility at Roadking in Holyhead, which was prepared last year, will remain for drivers seeking to complete their ATA Carnet paperwork. This will require traders to book in advance with Border Force who will attend to endorse the Carnets.
HMRC will be engaging with Stena and Border Force to explore whether there is any capacity for the port to accommodate other checks.
Asked by: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what additional (1) rest, and (2) refreshment, facilities will be available to arrivals at the Port of Holyhead from 1 January 2021.
Answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton
Traffic management and rest areas are devolved to Welsh ministers but HM Government through HMRC and DfT are developing potential solutions.
Asked by: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty's Government how much land they estimate will be required for the parking of lorries travelling through the port of Holyhead following the end of the transition period.
Answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton
The Government is reviewing potential sites to support Holyhead. It is estimated that approximately 14.8 acres of land will be needed to meet the Government’s requirements.
Asked by: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure insurance companies compensate those whose holidays were cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton
The Government is in continual dialogue with the insurance sector to understand and influence its response to this unprecedented situation. The Government is encouraging insurers to do all they can to support customers during this difficult period.
The independent conduct regulator for the insurance industry – the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published guidance for firms handling consumer claims, including travel insurance claims, during the COVID-19 crisis.
The FCA’s rules require insurers to handle claims fairly and promptly; provide reasonable guidance to help a policyholder make a claim; not reject a claim unreasonably; and settle claims swiftly once settlement terms are agreed. In addition to this, the FCA has stated that, in light of the COVID-19 crisis, insurers must carefully consider the needs of their customers and show flexibility in their treatment of them. The Government is working closely with the FCA to ensure that these rules are being upheld, and supports the regulator in its role.
Asked by: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether (1) land has been purchased, and (2) planning consent received, for new truck parking spaces at the Port of Holyhead in order to address any changes required as a result of the UK's departure from the EU; and if so, when (a) the land was purchased, and (b) the consent received.
Answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton
HMRC have not purchased any land near the Port of Holyhead for new HGV parking spaces. A number of HGV spaces were leased at the nearby Roadking site to support the processing of ATA Carnets ahead of the UK’s exit from the EU in January 2020. Planning permission for this was granted on 4 October 2019.
Asked by: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking, if any, to alter higher rates of income tax to ensure that no-one unduly benefits financially from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton
The Government is committed to a fair tax system in which those with the most contribute the most. The income tax system consists of three progressive rates of tax, which sit above an internationally high personal allowance. This creates a highly progressive income tax system, with the top 1% of income taxpayers projected to pay over 29% of all income tax in 2019-20.
The Government is proud of its record of reducing tax for working people. The personal allowance has increased by more than 90% in less than a decade, which means that a typical basic rate taxpayer pays over £1,200 less income tax compared to 2010-11.
The Government keeps all aspects of the tax system under review; as the UK exits the current crisis, the Government will take stock of the economy and public finances and make further decisions at that point.
Asked by: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to reduce taxation on cars to encourage recovery and re-employment following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton
The Government recognizes the challenges faced by households as a result of COVID-19. This is why the Government has announced unprecedented support for public services, business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency.
Budget 2020 announced Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates would be uprated in line with inflation only so VED liabilities have not increased in real terms since 2010.
In addition, Budget announced a freeze in fuel duty rates for the tenth successive year, which by April 2021, will have saved the average car driver £1,200 compared with pre-2010 plans.
Asked by: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the total cost of the destruction of the coins minted to commemorate the UK's withdrawal from the EU which stated the incorrect exit day.
Answered by Earl of Courtown - Opposition Deputy Chief Whip (Lords)
Approximately 1 million coins were minted in October to mark the UK’s exit from the European Union.
Coins bearing this date are to be recycled and the value from the materials will be recouped by the Exchequer. The value gained from recycling these coins is commercially sensitive.
Asked by: Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of leaving the EU on 31 October on employment levels.
Answered by Lord Young of Cookham
In November 2018 the Government published a detailed set of economic analyses on the long-term impacts of EU exit on the UK economy, its sectors, nations and regions and the public finances.
This government has a strong track record of delivering and protecting jobs. There are 3.7 million more people in work compared to 2010, and the proportion of low paid jobs is at its lowest level for at least 20 years.