Asked by: Alberto Costa (Conservative - South Leicestershire)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether individuals who run and manage rental properties are eligible for the Self Employment Income Support Scheme.
Answered by Jesse Norman
The new Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will help those with lost trading profits due to COVID-19. It means the UK will have one of the most generous self-employed COVID-19 support schemes in the world. Property income is distinct from trading income and is therefore not covered by the SEISS.
Those who are not eligible for the SEISS may be eligible for other elements of the Government’s financial support package. Following urgent discussions with the banking industry, the mortgage payment holiday of up to three months will be extended to landlords whose tenants are?experiencing difficulties?due to coronavirus.? In addition, the Government has announced immediate steps to give businesses access to cash to pay rent, salaries or suppliers. More information about the full range of business support measures is available at www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support.
Asked by: Alberto Costa (Conservative - South Leicestershire)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans his Department has to review the income threshold for child benefit eligibility.
Answered by Jesse Norman
Child Benefit remains a universal benefit. However, the Government introduced the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) from January 2013 to ensure that support is targeted at those who need it most. It applies to anyone with an individual income over £50,000, who claims Child Benefit or whose partner claims it. The charge increases gradually for taxpayers with incomes between £50,000 and £60,000.
The Government believes that these are currently the right levels for the HICBC thresholds, but as with all elements of tax policy this remains under review.
Asked by: Alberto Costa (Conservative - South Leicestershire)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of reclassifying motorhomes as private cars for the purpose of vehicle excise duty.
Answered by Simon Clarke
Since 1 September 2019, motorhomes are captured by the same VED regulations as light passenger vehicles. These reforms encourage the take-up of vehicles with low carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to help meet legally binding climate change targets. Transport is the largest sector for UK greenhouse gas emissions (27%), of which road transport accounts for over 90%.
Whilst the Government recognises the concerns of the leisure industry, tax is only one of many factors impacting purchasing decisions. Like all taxes, the Government keeps the VED treatment of motorhomes under review. Any changes will be considered by the Chancellor and announced at fiscal events.
Asked by: Alberto Costa (Conservative - South Leicestershire)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Government plans to abolish stamp duty.
Answered by Jesse Norman
The Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the usual tax policy making process. Tax changes, including changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), are generally announced at the Autumn Budget, where decisions are taken in the round.
SDLT is an important source of government revenue, raising several billion pounds each year to help pay for essential public services. Therefore, any changes to SDLT would have to be carefully considered given the potential effect on public finances.