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Written Question
Rent a Room Scheme
Thursday 8th February 2024

Asked by: Caroline Ansell (Conservative - Eastbourne)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of raising the threshold on the Rent a Room scheme.

Answered by Nigel Huddleston - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Rent a room relief provides an effective incentive for people to make spare rooms available for rent.

In 2016, the threshold was raised to give an income tax exemption on income of up to £7,500 for individuals who let furnished accommodation in their only or main residence. This aligns with the Government’s objectives of supporting living standards and increasing the availability of low-cost housing. It also reduces and simplifies the tax and administration burden for those affected and has taken some taxpayers out of self assessment entirely.

The Government does not currently have evidence that increasing the rent a room relief threshold above £7,500 would further encourage spare rooms to be made available for rent. As with all aspects of the tax system, the Government will keep this under review.


Written Question
English Language: Education
Wednesday 8th July 2020

Asked by: Caroline Ansell (Conservative - Eastbourne)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether English Language Schools are eligible for business rate relief for the 2020-21 financial year; and if he will make a statement.

Answered by Jesse Norman

The Government has provided enhanced support through business rates relief to businesses occupying properties used for retail, hospitality and leisure given the direct and acute impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on those sectors.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published guidance for local authorities on eligible properties. As set out in the guidance, support is targeted at premises that are wholly or mainly being used as shops, restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas and live music venues; for assembly and leisure; or as hotels, guest and boarding premises and self-catering accommodation. It is for local authorities to determine eligibility for reliefs, having regard to guidance issued by the Government.

A range of further measures to support all businesses, including those not eligible for the business rates holiday, such as language schools, has also been made available.


Written Question
Soft Drinks: Taxation
Monday 23rd May 2016

Asked by: Caroline Ansell (Conservative - Eastbourne)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, who he plans to consult about the soft drinks industry levy; and when that consultation will be launched.

Answered by Damian Hinds - Minister of State (Education)

We will launch a formal consultation covering various aspects of the proposed levy this summer and we are developing the consultation questions now. The consultation will be open to anyone to respond.


Written Question
Treasury: Families
Thursday 19th November 2015

Asked by: Caroline Ansell (Conservative - Eastbourne)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to implement the family test; and if he will make a statement.

Answered by Damian Hinds - Minister of State (Education)

As announced by the Prime Minister in August 2014, the objective of the Family Test is to introduce an explicit family perspective to the policy making process, and ensure that potential impacts on family relationships and functioning are recognised in the process of developing new policy.


The Treasury carefully considers all relevant obligations – statutory or otherwise - including the family test - when formulating relevant policies. Guidance is available to Treasury staff and advice to Ministers reflects this.