Asked by: Dan Aldridge (Labour - Weston-super-Mare)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of the age limit for GWR scholar discounts on pupils who turn 16 during Year 11 but remain in compulsory education; and whether her Department has considered the potential merits of allowing pupils to retain access to the GWR Scholar Annual Pass until the end of the academic year in which they complete their GCSEs.
Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Government recognises the importance of affordable travel for young people and works closely with operators on ticketing products designed to support access to education. Decisions regarding specific rail discount schemes are generally a matter for operators, although the Department keeps arrangements under review to ensure they support passenger needs.
Asked by: Dan Aldridge (Labour - Weston-super-Mare)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will exempt Armed Forces personnel on mandatory overseas postings from the three year time limit on Stamp Duty Land Tax refunds.
Answered by James Murray - Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General
Successive Governments have taken the view that the three-year limit on SDLT refund claims when replacing a main residence should apply consistently to armed forces personnel and other employment.
The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events, and does not routinely comment on proposals.