Oral Answers to Questions

Duncan Baker Excerpts

Tuesday 24th March 2020 Commons Chamber

The Chancellor of the Exchequer was asked—

[Duncan Baker (North Norfolk) (Con)]

2. What steps he is taking to review the taxation of online sales to support the high street.

[The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Jesse Norman)]

A change to the taxation of online sales would require careful consideration, as my hon. Friend is aware. Many high street retailers are moving more of their business online, and we want to help them to manage that transition, without increasing the costs for them or their customers. The business rates review that we have announced will work closely with stakeholders to consider this issue in more detail. Meanwhile, as my hon. Friend will be aware, the Government have taken significant steps to support our high streets, including huge cuts to business rates and the £3.6 billion towns fund.

[Duncan Baker]

Clearly, we are living through unprecedented times, and I want to say thank you to all the Treasury team for the incredible work they are doing—working throughout the night—to help businesses up and down the country. Many sectors will be hugely impacted by coronavirus, not least my home of North Norfolk. We are now seeing shops being shut on the high street—quite rightly so—and I just want the Minister to consider that they will be hit enormously. When we come out of this pandemic, a 2% or 3% VAT-style tax rise to help high streets would be very well considered and welcome. Let us just remember that our last great leader was Margaret Thatcher, who said that we are a nation of shopkeepers—let us help them.

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I think the hon. Gentleman ought not to take advantage. We are just starting. I think he has got the message.