Asked by: Derek Twigg (Labour - Widnes and Halewood)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what representations he has received from SMEs that have not received business rates support to help mitigate the effects of the covid-19 outbreak; and when he plans to make an announcement on future support for those businesses.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
The Government has put in place a substantial package of support for businesses worth over £280 billion, which includes loans, tax deferrals, and general and sector-specific grants. It continues to engage with businesses and representative groups, including SMEs, to ensure that the support provided is right for the affected areas and for the economy as a whole.
On 5 January the Government announced one-off grants for businesses of up to £9,000. The Government will continue to ensure businesses are supported in the coming months, as measures to control the virus change, and it will keep all impacts and policies under review. The Chancellor will consider any further decisions on taxation as part of the Budget process.
Asked by: Derek Twigg (Labour - Widnes and Halewood)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will take additional fiscal steps beyond the (a) Green Recovery Challenge Fund and (b) Climate for Nature Fund to ensure that (i) nature and (ii) nature based solutions form part of the UK’s green recovery from the covid-19 pandemic.
Answered by Kemi Badenoch - Leader of HM Official Opposition
The Government remains committed to pursuing a green recovery, with concern for our environment at its heart. The £40m Green Recovery Challenge Fund opened to applications in September and will provide funding for projects across England to restore nature while creating and safeguarding up to 5,000 jobs.
Asked by: Derek Twigg (Labour - Widnes and Halewood)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the financial support required to help ensure that Science and Discovery Centres do not close permanently as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.
Answered by Kemi Badenoch - Leader of HM Official Opposition
The Chancellor receives frequent updates on the economy to ensure that he is sighted on developments across all sectors. These include science and discovery centres.
Science and Innovation is a priority for this government which is why in June we announced a support package for universities with a range of measures to protect our excellent institutions from the impact of coronavirus.
We will continue to monitor the impact of the restrictions necessary to curb the spread of Covid-19 on businesses and the economy and the need for further support.
Asked by: Derek Twigg (Labour - Widnes and Halewood)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he make an assessment of the potential merits of extending (a) VAT deferral and (b) the Time to Pay scheme for the coach industry to help ensure that no coaches are repossessed during winter 2020-21.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
The Government has put in place an unprecedented package of support for businesses and individuals affected by COVID-19. This includes the deferment of VAT and Self-Assessment payments for specified periods, with interest on these deferred payments waived. The VAT deferral ended at the end of June as planned, and payments are now due as normal.
HMRC’s Time to Pay scheme continues to be available to any taxpayer in temporary financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities, including those in the coach industry. Time to Pay agreements are tailored to each taxpayer’s circumstances and can include deferment of tax payments and an agreed time period to repay. They can cover any tax liability including VAT.
Any taxpayer with an existing Time to Pay arrangement that finds their circumstances have changed as a result of COVID-19 should contact HMRC to discuss their situation. HMRC’s dedicated COVID-19 helpline can be reached on 0800 024 1222.
Asked by: Derek Twigg (Labour - Widnes and Halewood)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will provide fiscal support to the live events industry to help safeguard jobs in that sector.
Answered by Kemi Badenoch - Leader of HM Official Opposition
The Government recognises the disruption that necessary actions to combat Covid-19 are having on sectors such as the live events industry. The Government has announced unprecedented support for individuals and businesses during the pandemic. This includes Business Interruption Loans and Bounce-Back Loans and a yearlong business rates holiday for all eligible businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. The Government has further announced a £1.57 billion support package for eligible cultural and heritage organisations including theatres and live music venues, and a temporary reduction in VAT to support businesses and jobs in the hospitality and tourism industry, for example by reducing the cost of admission to attractions and events such as concerts, theatres, fairs and exhibitions.
Asked by: Derek Twigg (Labour - Widnes and Halewood)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with mortgage providers on preventing the repossession of family homes of small business owners whose business has failed due to the covid-19 outbreak.
Answered by John Glen
The Government has been working closely with mortgage lenders throughout this period in order to provide as much certainty as possible to homeowners. In March we announced the availability of a 3-month mortgage payment deferral to help those struggling with the financial impact of Covid-19. Alongside this, FCA guidance from 2 June provided homeowners with the option of a second 3-month deferral, as well as confirming the lender ban on repossessions until 31 October 2020 meaning no homeowner will face repossession through this uncertain time.