Asked by: David Jones (Conservative - Clwyd West)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he had with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on securing free access to cash through ATMs.
Answered by John Glen
In line with the practice of successive administrations, details of ministerial discussions are not normally disclosed.
However, the Government recognises that free access to cash remains extremely important to the day-to-day lives of millions of people across the UK, as well as the impact that COVID-19 has had on cash usage.
At the March 2020 Budget, the Chancellor announced that the Government will bring forward legislation to protect access to cash. This will ensure that millions of people can get hold of the cash they need when they need it.
The Government continues to engage with the Payment Systems Regulator, who regulate LINK, the scheme that runs the UK’s largest ATM network, and the financial regulators on access to cash.
Asked by: David Jones (Conservative - Clwyd West)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of the decrease in the number of high street ATMs on (a) small businesses and retailers and (b) consumers.
Answered by John Glen
The Government recognises the continued importance of cash for many retailers and consumers, particularly in light of COVID-19. That is why, at the March 2020 Budget, the Chancellor announced that the Government will bring forward legislation to protect access to cash. The Government will ensure that the approach reflects the needs of cash users across the economy.
With regard to ATMs, as of 2019, there were approximately 45,000 free-to-use ATMs in the UK. Although this is less than the peak number of free ATMs in 2017, this remains 13% higher than a decade ago. Furthermore, most ATMs are clustered together in areas of high demand and high footfall, particularly in retail centres and transport hubs. As of January 2020, 78% of all free-to-use machines were within 300 metres of the next, and 94% were within one kilometre of the next.
LINK, the scheme that runs the UK’s largest ATM network, has put in place specific arrangements to protect remote free-to-use ATMs one kilometre or further from the next nearest free-to-use ATM or Post Office, including all high streets with five or more qualifying retailers. Furthermore, LINK has made £5 million available to fund requests for new ATMs from communities with poor access to cash.
The Payment Systems Regulator, which regulates LINK, is monitoring ATM market developments closely and has used its powers to hold LINK to account over its public commitments.
Asked by: David Jones (Conservative - Clwyd West)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the average substantive response time was for letters to his office from hon. Members in the latest period for which figures are available.
Answered by Kemi Badenoch - Leader of HM Official Opposition
Information on average response times is not held.
However, in 2019, the Treasury replied to 90% of MPs’ correspondence within 15 working days.
The Treasury has received unprecedented amounts of correspondence since the start of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK. All Member’s correspondence is currently receiving attention and will be responded to as soon as possible.
Asked by: David Jones (Conservative - Clwyd West)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the level of financial liabilities that would arise pursuant to the provisions of Article 143 of the draft Withdrawal Agreement with the EU.
Answered by John Glen
Under Article 143 of the draft Withdrawal Agreement, the UK will continue to stand behind a share of the EU’s contingent liabilities related to financial operations up to the date of withdrawal. These contingent liabilities are reported to Parliament in the Consolidated Fund accounts as having a remote probability of crystallising. The UK will also get a share of the associated pre-paid guarantee funds and reflows from the financial operations and, in the event of a contingent liability being triggered, the UK will receive its share of any subsequent amounts recovered by the EU.
Asked by: David Jones (Conservative - Clwyd West)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of opportunities to reform the VAT system to support the charity sector following the UK’s departure from the EU.
Answered by Mel Stride - Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
All taxes remain under review and future decisions on VAT will be continue to be taken as part of the normal Budget process following the UK’s departure from the European Union. In the meantime, the UK remains a member of the EU and will continue to meet its rights and obligations. That includes the application of EU VAT rules.