Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposals as published in the Alcohol Tax Review on the UK-Australia free trade deal; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Helen Whately - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Government does not anticipate alcohol duty reforms will impact the UK-Australia free trade deal. All products will be taxed on the basis of strength. Therefore, Australian producers will pay the same tax rates as producers in every other country, including the UK.
The Treasury is continuing to engage with stakeholders, including the Australian Government, on these proposals and will continue to keep those impacted updated on the progress of our review.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent estimate the Government has made of the relative average cost of production of (a) wine, (b) beer, (c) cider and (d) spirits; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Helen Whately - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Treasury considers production costs complex to estimate and, as different businesses will have different business models, costs will vary between individual producers. Officials have received data from some stakeholders who have chosen to share this information, however given the commercial sensitivity of it, the Government is not in a position to share it publicly.
A consultation on the alcohol duty review ran from 27 October to 30 January, and the Treasury is now analysing the responses. The Government will continue to monitor the economic impact of our reforms, and welcome feedback from stakeholders on this point.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to maintain the independence from Government of the Business Banking Resolution Service.
Answered by John Glen - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
The Business Banking Resolution Service (BBRS), which launched on 15 February 2021, offers a free, independent service which is designed to settle unresolved complaints from larger SMEs. The Government has always been clear that it welcomes the BBRS. However, it is an independent non-governmental body, and this independence is vital to its role. Its credibility, authority and value to SMEs would be undermined if it were possible for the Government to intervene in its decision-making or detailed operational matters. As a result of its independence, I hope you understand that it would be inappropriate for the Government to comment on cases taken before the BBRS, the remuneration of BBRS employees or potential changes that could be made to the BBRS in future.
On the question about eligibility criteria, the Government has already set out high level guidance regarding what the BBRS should look to achieve. In 2018, the former Chancellor wrote to the BBRS emphasising that for the scheme to bring closure it is vital that the scheme focuses on providing a resolution to SMEs who have not had anywhere independent to take their case, rather than seeking to reopen cases that have already been settled under a previous redress scheme. Beyond this high-level guidance, I hope you can appreciate that it is not for the Government to comment on specific details about the eligibility criteria of a voluntary, non-governmental service. Similarly, it is not for Government to comment on how the BBRS handles its cases. I would note, to your question of where cases can be taken if the BBRS determines that compensation is not appropriate, that the BBRS is intended as a definitive and final assessment of cases.
On the question about Government expenditure on the BBRS, the Government has not directed any funding to the BBRS. Rather, as you may be aware the service launched with seven founding banks who make up the majority of the UK banking sector. The BBRS is funded in full by these participating banks, and is independently operated, managed and governed.
Government officials continue to monitor the performance of the BBRS through engagement with the service itself, as well as with SME representatives and the participating banks. The BBRS publishes Quarterly Insight Reports on its website, the most recent of which was released today (28th October) and can be found here: https://thebbrs.org/news/bbrs-quarterly-insight-report-october-2021/.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to introduce measures to ensure the transparency of the Business Banking Resolution Service.
Answered by John Glen - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
The Business Banking Resolution Service (BBRS), which launched on 15 February 2021, offers a free, independent service which is designed to settle unresolved complaints from larger SMEs. The Government has always been clear that it welcomes the BBRS. However, it is an independent non-governmental body, and this independence is vital to its role. Its credibility, authority and value to SMEs would be undermined if it were possible for the Government to intervene in its decision-making or detailed operational matters. As a result of its independence, I hope you understand that it would be inappropriate for the Government to comment on cases taken before the BBRS, the remuneration of BBRS employees or potential changes that could be made to the BBRS in future.
On the question about eligibility criteria, the Government has already set out high level guidance regarding what the BBRS should look to achieve. In 2018, the former Chancellor wrote to the BBRS emphasising that for the scheme to bring closure it is vital that the scheme focuses on providing a resolution to SMEs who have not had anywhere independent to take their case, rather than seeking to reopen cases that have already been settled under a previous redress scheme. Beyond this high-level guidance, I hope you can appreciate that it is not for the Government to comment on specific details about the eligibility criteria of a voluntary, non-governmental service. Similarly, it is not for Government to comment on how the BBRS handles its cases. I would note, to your question of where cases can be taken if the BBRS determines that compensation is not appropriate, that the BBRS is intended as a definitive and final assessment of cases.
On the question about Government expenditure on the BBRS, the Government has not directed any funding to the BBRS. Rather, as you may be aware the service launched with seven founding banks who make up the majority of the UK banking sector. The BBRS is funded in full by these participating banks, and is independently operated, managed and governed.
Government officials continue to monitor the performance of the BBRS through engagement with the service itself, as well as with SME representatives and the participating banks. The BBRS publishes Quarterly Insight Reports on its website, the most recent of which was released today (28th October) and can be found here: https://thebbrs.org/news/bbrs-quarterly-insight-report-october-2021/.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much the Business Banking Resolution Service chief adjudicator has been paid to date.
Answered by John Glen - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
The Business Banking Resolution Service (BBRS), which launched on 15 February 2021, offers a free, independent service which is designed to settle unresolved complaints from larger SMEs. The Government has always been clear that it welcomes the BBRS. However, it is an independent non-governmental body, and this independence is vital to its role. Its credibility, authority and value to SMEs would be undermined if it were possible for the Government to intervene in its decision-making or detailed operational matters. As a result of its independence, I hope you understand that it would be inappropriate for the Government to comment on cases taken before the BBRS, the remuneration of BBRS employees or potential changes that could be made to the BBRS in future.
On the question about eligibility criteria, the Government has already set out high level guidance regarding what the BBRS should look to achieve. In 2018, the former Chancellor wrote to the BBRS emphasising that for the scheme to bring closure it is vital that the scheme focuses on providing a resolution to SMEs who have not had anywhere independent to take their case, rather than seeking to reopen cases that have already been settled under a previous redress scheme. Beyond this high-level guidance, I hope you can appreciate that it is not for the Government to comment on specific details about the eligibility criteria of a voluntary, non-governmental service. Similarly, it is not for Government to comment on how the BBRS handles its cases. I would note, to your question of where cases can be taken if the BBRS determines that compensation is not appropriate, that the BBRS is intended as a definitive and final assessment of cases.
On the question about Government expenditure on the BBRS, the Government has not directed any funding to the BBRS. Rather, as you may be aware the service launched with seven founding banks who make up the majority of the UK banking sector. The BBRS is funded in full by these participating banks, and is independently operated, managed and governed.
Government officials continue to monitor the performance of the BBRS through engagement with the service itself, as well as with SME representatives and the participating banks. The BBRS publishes Quarterly Insight Reports on its website, the most recent of which was released today (28th October) and can be found here: https://thebbrs.org/news/bbrs-quarterly-insight-report-october-2021/.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to increase his Department's oversight of the Business Banking Resolution Service.
Answered by John Glen - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
The Business Banking Resolution Service (BBRS), which launched on 15 February 2021, offers a free, independent service which is designed to settle unresolved complaints from larger SMEs. The Government has always been clear that it welcomes the BBRS. However, it is an independent non-governmental body, and this independence is vital to its role. Its credibility, authority and value to SMEs would be undermined if it were possible for the Government to intervene in its decision-making or detailed operational matters. As a result of its independence, I hope you understand that it would be inappropriate for the Government to comment on cases taken before the BBRS, the remuneration of BBRS employees or potential changes that could be made to the BBRS in future.
On the question about eligibility criteria, the Government has already set out high level guidance regarding what the BBRS should look to achieve. In 2018, the former Chancellor wrote to the BBRS emphasising that for the scheme to bring closure it is vital that the scheme focuses on providing a resolution to SMEs who have not had anywhere independent to take their case, rather than seeking to reopen cases that have already been settled under a previous redress scheme. Beyond this high-level guidance, I hope you can appreciate that it is not for the Government to comment on specific details about the eligibility criteria of a voluntary, non-governmental service. Similarly, it is not for Government to comment on how the BBRS handles its cases. I would note, to your question of where cases can be taken if the BBRS determines that compensation is not appropriate, that the BBRS is intended as a definitive and final assessment of cases.
On the question about Government expenditure on the BBRS, the Government has not directed any funding to the BBRS. Rather, as you may be aware the service launched with seven founding banks who make up the majority of the UK banking sector. The BBRS is funded in full by these participating banks, and is independently operated, managed and governed.
Government officials continue to monitor the performance of the BBRS through engagement with the service itself, as well as with SME representatives and the participating banks. The BBRS publishes Quarterly Insight Reports on its website, the most recent of which was released today (28th October) and can be found here: https://thebbrs.org/news/bbrs-quarterly-insight-report-october-2021/.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to change the eligibility criteria for applying to the Business Banking Resolution Service so that more cases are accepted.
Answered by John Glen - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
The Business Banking Resolution Service (BBRS), which launched on 15 February 2021, offers a free, independent service which is designed to settle unresolved complaints from larger SMEs. The Government has always been clear that it welcomes the BBRS. However, it is an independent non-governmental body, and this independence is vital to its role. Its credibility, authority and value to SMEs would be undermined if it were possible for the Government to intervene in its decision-making or detailed operational matters. As a result of its independence, I hope you understand that it would be inappropriate for the Government to comment on cases taken before the BBRS, the remuneration of BBRS employees or potential changes that could be made to the BBRS in future.
On the question about eligibility criteria, the Government has already set out high level guidance regarding what the BBRS should look to achieve. In 2018, the former Chancellor wrote to the BBRS emphasising that for the scheme to bring closure it is vital that the scheme focuses on providing a resolution to SMEs who have not had anywhere independent to take their case, rather than seeking to reopen cases that have already been settled under a previous redress scheme. Beyond this high-level guidance, I hope you can appreciate that it is not for the Government to comment on specific details about the eligibility criteria of a voluntary, non-governmental service. Similarly, it is not for Government to comment on how the BBRS handles its cases. I would note, to your question of where cases can be taken if the BBRS determines that compensation is not appropriate, that the BBRS is intended as a definitive and final assessment of cases.
On the question about Government expenditure on the BBRS, the Government has not directed any funding to the BBRS. Rather, as you may be aware the service launched with seven founding banks who make up the majority of the UK banking sector. The BBRS is funded in full by these participating banks, and is independently operated, managed and governed.
Government officials continue to monitor the performance of the BBRS through engagement with the service itself, as well as with SME representatives and the participating banks. The BBRS publishes Quarterly Insight Reports on its website, the most recent of which was released today (28th October) and can be found here: https://thebbrs.org/news/bbrs-quarterly-insight-report-october-2021/.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he plans to take to compensate victims of banking fraud in the event that the Business Banking Resolution Service does not offer compensation.
Answered by John Glen - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
The Business Banking Resolution Service (BBRS), which launched on 15 February 2021, offers a free, independent service which is designed to settle unresolved complaints from larger SMEs. The Government has always been clear that it welcomes the BBRS. However, it is an independent non-governmental body, and this independence is vital to its role. Its credibility, authority and value to SMEs would be undermined if it were possible for the Government to intervene in its decision-making or detailed operational matters. As a result of its independence, I hope you understand that it would be inappropriate for the Government to comment on cases taken before the BBRS, the remuneration of BBRS employees or potential changes that could be made to the BBRS in future.
On the question about eligibility criteria, the Government has already set out high level guidance regarding what the BBRS should look to achieve. In 2018, the former Chancellor wrote to the BBRS emphasising that for the scheme to bring closure it is vital that the scheme focuses on providing a resolution to SMEs who have not had anywhere independent to take their case, rather than seeking to reopen cases that have already been settled under a previous redress scheme. Beyond this high-level guidance, I hope you can appreciate that it is not for the Government to comment on specific details about the eligibility criteria of a voluntary, non-governmental service. Similarly, it is not for Government to comment on how the BBRS handles its cases. I would note, to your question of where cases can be taken if the BBRS determines that compensation is not appropriate, that the BBRS is intended as a definitive and final assessment of cases.
On the question about Government expenditure on the BBRS, the Government has not directed any funding to the BBRS. Rather, as you may be aware the service launched with seven founding banks who make up the majority of the UK banking sector. The BBRS is funded in full by these participating banks, and is independently operated, managed and governed.
Government officials continue to monitor the performance of the BBRS through engagement with the service itself, as well as with SME representatives and the participating banks. The BBRS publishes Quarterly Insight Reports on its website, the most recent of which was released today (28th October) and can be found here: https://thebbrs.org/news/bbrs-quarterly-insight-report-october-2021/.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to introduce a new body in place of the Business Banking Resolution Service to determine compensation for small businesses.
Answered by John Glen - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
The Business Banking Resolution Service (BBRS), which launched on 15 February 2021, offers a free, independent service which is designed to settle unresolved complaints from larger SMEs. The Government has always been clear that it welcomes the BBRS. However, it is an independent non-governmental body, and this independence is vital to its role. Its credibility, authority and value to SMEs would be undermined if it were possible for the Government to intervene in its decision-making or detailed operational matters. As a result of its independence, I hope you understand that it would be inappropriate for the Government to comment on cases taken before the BBRS, the remuneration of BBRS employees or potential changes that could be made to the BBRS in future.
On the question about eligibility criteria, the Government has already set out high level guidance regarding what the BBRS should look to achieve. In 2018, the former Chancellor wrote to the BBRS emphasising that for the scheme to bring closure it is vital that the scheme focuses on providing a resolution to SMEs who have not had anywhere independent to take their case, rather than seeking to reopen cases that have already been settled under a previous redress scheme. Beyond this high-level guidance, I hope you can appreciate that it is not for the Government to comment on specific details about the eligibility criteria of a voluntary, non-governmental service. Similarly, it is not for Government to comment on how the BBRS handles its cases. I would note, to your question of where cases can be taken if the BBRS determines that compensation is not appropriate, that the BBRS is intended as a definitive and final assessment of cases.
On the question about Government expenditure on the BBRS, the Government has not directed any funding to the BBRS. Rather, as you may be aware the service launched with seven founding banks who make up the majority of the UK banking sector. The BBRS is funded in full by these participating banks, and is independently operated, managed and governed.
Government officials continue to monitor the performance of the BBRS through engagement with the service itself, as well as with SME representatives and the participating banks. The BBRS publishes Quarterly Insight Reports on its website, the most recent of which was released today (28th October) and can be found here: https://thebbrs.org/news/bbrs-quarterly-insight-report-october-2021/.
Asked by: Bill Wiggin (Conservative - North Herefordshire)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to abolish the Business Banking Resolution Service.
Answered by John Glen - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
The Business Banking Resolution Service (BBRS), which launched on 15 February 2021, offers a free, independent service which is designed to settle unresolved complaints from larger SMEs. The Government has always been clear that it welcomes the BBRS. However, it is an independent non-governmental body, and this independence is vital to its role. Its credibility, authority and value to SMEs would be undermined if it were possible for the Government to intervene in its decision-making or detailed operational matters. As a result of its independence, I hope you understand that it would be inappropriate for the Government to comment on cases taken before the BBRS, the remuneration of BBRS employees or potential changes that could be made to the BBRS in future.
On the question about eligibility criteria, the Government has already set out high level guidance regarding what the BBRS should look to achieve. In 2018, the former Chancellor wrote to the BBRS emphasising that for the scheme to bring closure it is vital that the scheme focuses on providing a resolution to SMEs who have not had anywhere independent to take their case, rather than seeking to reopen cases that have already been settled under a previous redress scheme. Beyond this high-level guidance, I hope you can appreciate that it is not for the Government to comment on specific details about the eligibility criteria of a voluntary, non-governmental service. Similarly, it is not for Government to comment on how the BBRS handles its cases. I would note, to your question of where cases can be taken if the BBRS determines that compensation is not appropriate, that the BBRS is intended as a definitive and final assessment of cases.
On the question about Government expenditure on the BBRS, the Government has not directed any funding to the BBRS. Rather, as you may be aware the service launched with seven founding banks who make up the majority of the UK banking sector. The BBRS is funded in full by these participating banks, and is independently operated, managed and governed.
Government officials continue to monitor the performance of the BBRS through engagement with the service itself, as well as with SME representatives and the participating banks. The BBRS publishes Quarterly Insight Reports on its website, the most recent of which was released today (28th October) and can be found here: https://thebbrs.org/news/bbrs-quarterly-insight-report-october-2021/.