Asked by: Andrew Percy (Conservative - Brigg and Goole)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what support he plans to put in place for people who are (a) experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the rise in energy bills and (b) residing in properties with a council tax band of D or above.
Answered by Helen Whately - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Government is providing significant financial support – up to £350 – to the majority of households. Households in England residing in properties in bands A-D will receive the £150 Council Tax Energy Rebate. Local authorities will also receive £144m to provide targeted support to lower income households in bands E-H and those exempt from council tax. Domestic electricity customers in Great Britain will also receive a £200 cash rebate on their electricity costs this October, paid back automatically over the next 5 years, spreading the increased costs of global prices over time in a way that is more manageable for households. This is alongside the wider support available, such as the Warm Home Discount, the Winter Fuel Payment and the Cold Weather Payment.
Asked by: Andrew Percy (Conservative - Brigg and Goole)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to support Internal Drainage Boards negatively affected as a result of the removal the the withdrawal of the red diesel fuel duty rebate from April 2022.
Answered by Kemi Badenoch - President of the Board of Trade
The Government recognises that the changes to the tax treatment of red diesel from April 2022 may affect some public sector bodies, including Internal Drainage Boards, but these changes are designed to incentivise greater energy efficiency and the switch to more environmentally friendly alternatives in the public and private sectors. The Treasury will discuss spending pressures that may arise in the public sector as part of the next Spending Review.
The Government takes flood risk very seriously. That is why it has doubled the amount it invests in flood and coastal defences to £5.2 billion by 2027.
Asked by: Andrew Percy (Conservative - Brigg and Goole)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of whether additional financial support is required by the travel industry due to the covid-19 outbreak.
Answered by Kemi Badenoch - President of the Board of Trade
The Government has announced unprecedented support for business and workers to protect them against the current economic emergency including almost £300 billion of guarantees – equivalent to 15% of UK GDP. The travel industry, along with other businesses, may also benefit from a range of support measures including:
The Business Support website provides further information about how businesses can access the support that has been made available, who is eligible and how to apply - https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support.
The Government’s economic strategy will be closely coordinated with the public health strategy to ensure a safe return to economic activity. We will continue to monitor developments to understand the economic impacts of COVID-19, including on industries and sectors, and consider how the Government can best support their recovery.
Asked by: Andrew Percy (Conservative - Brigg and Goole)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to increase awareness of the Help to Save scheme.
Answered by John Glen - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
The Government promotes Help to Save through established channels such as the Tax Credits digital service and stakeholders including the Money and Pensions Service and StepChange.
In addition, HMRC has publicised Help to Save through social media, which generated coverage in national, regional and consumer publications.
HMRC continuously reviews how best to maximise take-up of the scheme.