Asked by: Catherine McKinnell (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne North)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many children with disabilities were in receipt of tax-free childcare as of 31 May 2019.
Answered by Elizabeth Truss
Details of the number of families with a Tax-Free Childcare account are published quarterly by HMRC. The latest publication is available at the following address:
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/tax-free-childcare-statistics-march-2019
In March 2019 there were 313,000 families with an open Tax-Free Childcare account.
In March 2019 there were 125,000 families with a used Tax-Free Childcare account.
Table 3 shows the numbers of open and used accounts for families with a self-employed parent. The proportion of families with a used account that have a self-employed parent in March 2019, was 19,000/125,000 or 15%.
In March 2019, there were 900 disabled children in receipt of Tax-Free Childcare.
The information published in these statistics comprises all months since the policy was launched in April 2017 to March 2019. A further update, including the months April to June 2019, will be published in August.
Since Tax-Free Childcare was launched in April 2017 and up to May 2019, 8,500 accounts have been closed.
Asked by: Catherine McKinnell (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne North)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps the Government is taking to protect consumers from the loyalty penalty in the insurance market.
Answered by John Glen
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) sets the conduct standards which insurance firms are required to meet so that consumers are treated fairly. The Government is committed to ensure that the insurance industry functions well for everyone and welcomed the launch of the FCA’s General Insurance Pricing Practices Market Study. We expect the FCA will report its interim findings in Autumn 2019. As part of this study, the FCA will consider all potential remedies that may be required to make the market work well for consumers. The Government is monitoring the outcomes of this Market Study closely and will engage with the FCA on the appropriate action that is required.
Asked by: Catherine McKinnell (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne North)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to his Department’s Infrastructure Finance Review, what recent progress has been made in establishing the UK’s future relationship with the European Investment Bank Group after the UK has left the EU.
Answered by Robert Jenrick
The EIB has lent to a range of sectors in the UK, including infrastructure projects and UK businesses. As you may know, the UK will cease to be a member of the EIB Group (consisting of the EIB and EIF) on exit day, as membership is only available to EU member states. Under the terms of the EU Withdrawal Agreement, the UK has secured the return of its €3.5bn capital in the European Investment Bank (EIB) through twelve annual instalments. We have reached a fair settlement with the EU, honouring commitments we made during our period of membership, and have ensured a fair deal for UK tax payers.
Alongside the terms of exit set out in the withdrawal agreement, the Political Declaration, which sets out the framework for the future relationship between the EU and the UK, states that both parties note the UK's intention to explore options for a future relationship with the EIB Group. As we leave the EU, we continue to consider options for our future relationship and discussions on this will form part of the wider negotiations on the future EU-UK relationship.
However, while Government wishes to explore a future relationship with the EIB Group, we recognise the need to be prepared for a range of scenarios. The Government already has a range of existing tools to support infrastructure finance, including the UK Guarantees Scheme and funds that support the development of new technologies including the Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund and Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund. The Infrastructure Finance Review, launched at the Spring Statement, explores future challenges in infrastructure finance, including new technologies, and seeks views on the Government’s existing tools. The review will conclude alongside the National Infrastructure Strategy at the Spending Review later this year. The Government also provides support for business and emerging technologies Research and Development (R&D) through a wide range of measures, including the largest increase in direct public R&D spending in 40 years, R&D tax reliefs, and the £2.5bn British Patient Capital programme, enabling long-term investment in innovative companies.
Government support announced following the Patient Capital Review means that the British Business Bank has the capacity to make venture capital commitments this financial year that would exceed the combined average annual commitments from the European Investment Fund and British Business Bank in the years preceding the UK’s vote to leave the EU. In April, the government made an additional £200m support for venture capital and growth finance available through the British Business Bank to support the financing of smaller businesses.
Asked by: Catherine McKinnell (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne North)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will list any meetings he and his officials have had to discuss the UK’s future relationship with the European Investment Bank Group after the UK has left the EU.
Answered by Robert Jenrick
The EIB has lent to a range of sectors in the UK, including infrastructure projects and UK businesses. As you may know, the UK will cease to be a member of the EIB Group (consisting of the EIB and EIF) on exit day, as membership is only available to EU member states. Under the terms of the EU Withdrawal Agreement, the UK has secured the return of its €3.5bn capital in the European Investment Bank (EIB) through twelve annual instalments. We have reached a fair settlement with the EU, honouring commitments we made during our period of membership, and have ensured a fair deal for UK tax payers.
Alongside the terms of exit set out in the withdrawal agreement, the Political Declaration, which sets out the framework for the future relationship between the EU and the UK, states that both parties note the UK's intention to explore options for a future relationship with the EIB Group. As we leave the EU, we continue to consider options for our future relationship and discussions on this will form part of the wider negotiations on the future EU-UK relationship.
However, while Government wishes to explore a future relationship with the EIB Group, we recognise the need to be prepared for a range of scenarios. The Government already has a range of existing tools to support infrastructure finance, including the UK Guarantees Scheme and funds that support the development of new technologies including the Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund and Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund. The Infrastructure Finance Review, launched at the Spring Statement, explores future challenges in infrastructure finance, including new technologies, and seeks views on the Government’s existing tools. The review will conclude alongside the National Infrastructure Strategy at the Spending Review later this year. The Government also provides support for business and emerging technologies Research and Development (R&D) through a wide range of measures, including the largest increase in direct public R&D spending in 40 years, R&D tax reliefs, and the £2.5bn British Patient Capital programme, enabling long-term investment in innovative companies.
Government support announced following the Patient Capital Review means that the British Business Bank has the capacity to make venture capital commitments this financial year that would exceed the combined average annual commitments from the European Investment Fund and British Business Bank in the years preceding the UK’s vote to leave the EU. In April, the government made an additional £200m support for venture capital and growth finance available through the British Business Bank to support the financing of smaller businesses.
Asked by: Catherine McKinnell (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne North)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what sectors of the economy are most exposed to the loss of European Investment Bank funding.
Answered by Robert Jenrick
The EIB has lent to a range of sectors in the UK, including infrastructure projects and UK businesses. As you may know, the UK will cease to be a member of the EIB Group (consisting of the EIB and EIF) on exit day, as membership is only available to EU member states. Under the terms of the EU Withdrawal Agreement, the UK has secured the return of its €3.5bn capital in the European Investment Bank (EIB) through twelve annual instalments. We have reached a fair settlement with the EU, honouring commitments we made during our period of membership, and have ensured a fair deal for UK tax payers.
Alongside the terms of exit set out in the withdrawal agreement, the Political Declaration, which sets out the framework for the future relationship between the EU and the UK, states that both parties note the UK's intention to explore options for a future relationship with the EIB Group. As we leave the EU, we continue to consider options for our future relationship and discussions on this will form part of the wider negotiations on the future EU-UK relationship.
However, while Government wishes to explore a future relationship with the EIB Group, we recognise the need to be prepared for a range of scenarios. The Government already has a range of existing tools to support infrastructure finance, including the UK Guarantees Scheme and funds that support the development of new technologies including the Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund and Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund. The Infrastructure Finance Review, launched at the Spring Statement, explores future challenges in infrastructure finance, including new technologies, and seeks views on the Government’s existing tools. The review will conclude alongside the National Infrastructure Strategy at the Spending Review later this year. The Government also provides support for business and emerging technologies Research and Development (R&D) through a wide range of measures, including the largest increase in direct public R&D spending in 40 years, R&D tax reliefs, and the £2.5bn British Patient Capital programme, enabling long-term investment in innovative companies.
Government support announced following the Patient Capital Review means that the British Business Bank has the capacity to make venture capital commitments this financial year that would exceed the combined average annual commitments from the European Investment Fund and British Business Bank in the years preceding the UK’s vote to leave the EU. In April, the government made an additional £200m support for venture capital and growth finance available through the British Business Bank to support the financing of smaller businesses.
Asked by: Catherine McKinnell (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne North)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of the loss of European Investment Bank funding on (a) emerging technologies and (b) industries which rely heavily on long-term research and development funding.
Answered by Robert Jenrick
The EIB has lent to a range of sectors in the UK, including infrastructure projects and UK businesses. As you may know, the UK will cease to be a member of the EIB Group (consisting of the EIB and EIF) on exit day, as membership is only available to EU member states. Under the terms of the EU Withdrawal Agreement, the UK has secured the return of its €3.5bn capital in the European Investment Bank (EIB) through twelve annual instalments. We have reached a fair settlement with the EU, honouring commitments we made during our period of membership, and have ensured a fair deal for UK tax payers.
Alongside the terms of exit set out in the withdrawal agreement, the Political Declaration, which sets out the framework for the future relationship between the EU and the UK, states that both parties note the UK's intention to explore options for a future relationship with the EIB Group. As we leave the EU, we continue to consider options for our future relationship and discussions on this will form part of the wider negotiations on the future EU-UK relationship.
However, while Government wishes to explore a future relationship with the EIB Group, we recognise the need to be prepared for a range of scenarios. The Government already has a range of existing tools to support infrastructure finance, including the UK Guarantees Scheme and funds that support the development of new technologies including the Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund and Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund. The Infrastructure Finance Review, launched at the Spring Statement, explores future challenges in infrastructure finance, including new technologies, and seeks views on the Government’s existing tools. The review will conclude alongside the National Infrastructure Strategy at the Spending Review later this year. The Government also provides support for business and emerging technologies Research and Development (R&D) through a wide range of measures, including the largest increase in direct public R&D spending in 40 years, R&D tax reliefs, and the £2.5bn British Patient Capital programme, enabling long-term investment in innovative companies.
Government support announced following the Patient Capital Review means that the British Business Bank has the capacity to make venture capital commitments this financial year that would exceed the combined average annual commitments from the European Investment Fund and British Business Bank in the years preceding the UK’s vote to leave the EU. In April, the government made an additional £200m support for venture capital and growth finance available through the British Business Bank to support the financing of smaller businesses.
Asked by: Catherine McKinnell (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne North)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will take steps to secure a share of the European Investment Bank’s retained earnings, interest and dividends for the 12-year period over which the UK’s investment capital will be repaid.
Answered by Robert Jenrick
The EIB has lent to a range of sectors in the UK, including infrastructure projects and UK businesses. As you may know, the UK will cease to be a member of the EIB Group (consisting of the EIB and EIF) on exit day, as membership is only available to EU member states. Under the terms of the EU Withdrawal Agreement, the UK has secured the return of its €3.5bn capital in the European Investment Bank (EIB) through twelve annual instalments. We have reached a fair settlement with the EU, honouring commitments we made during our period of membership, and have ensured a fair deal for UK tax payers.
Alongside the terms of exit set out in the withdrawal agreement, the Political Declaration, which sets out the framework for the future relationship between the EU and the UK, states that both parties note the UK's intention to explore options for a future relationship with the EIB Group. As we leave the EU, we continue to consider options for our future relationship and discussions on this will form part of the wider negotiations on the future EU-UK relationship.
However, while Government wishes to explore a future relationship with the EIB Group, we recognise the need to be prepared for a range of scenarios. The Government already has a range of existing tools to support infrastructure finance, including the UK Guarantees Scheme and funds that support the development of new technologies including the Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund and Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund. The Infrastructure Finance Review, launched at the Spring Statement, explores future challenges in infrastructure finance, including new technologies, and seeks views on the Government’s existing tools. The review will conclude alongside the National Infrastructure Strategy at the Spending Review later this year. The Government also provides support for business and emerging technologies Research and Development (R&D) through a wide range of measures, including the largest increase in direct public R&D spending in 40 years, R&D tax reliefs, and the £2.5bn British Patient Capital programme, enabling long-term investment in innovative companies.
Government support announced following the Patient Capital Review means that the British Business Bank has the capacity to make venture capital commitments this financial year that would exceed the combined average annual commitments from the European Investment Fund and British Business Bank in the years preceding the UK’s vote to leave the EU. In April, the government made an additional £200m support for venture capital and growth finance available through the British Business Bank to support the financing of smaller businesses.
Asked by: Catherine McKinnell (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne North)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Spring Statement of 13 March 2019, Official Report, volume 656, column 372, what recent discussions he has held with the Secretary of State for Transport on future investment in the East Coast Main Line.
Answered by Elizabeth Truss
The Chancellor holds regular bilateral meetings with the Secretary of State for Transport where they discuss a range of issues. With regards to facilitating greater transport connections for regions north of York, a £780m fund was made available in July 2018 for major upgrades. A significant proportion of this will fund power supply upgrades between Doncaster and Edinburgh. When combined with the new Intercity Express Trains, this will provide passengers with more seats as well as faster, more frequent journeys on the line.