Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Oral Answers to Questions

Baroness Chapman of Darlington Excerpts
Tuesday 11th September 2012

(11 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Danny Alexander Portrait Danny Alexander
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My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We can use the strength of the balance sheet that has been built up as a result of this Government’s fiscal credibility to provide, for example, £40 billion of guarantees to infrastructure investment and £10 billion of guarantees to registered social landlords. The Labour party may oppose these guarantees, but they have been widely welcomed by infrastructure providers, by the business community and, in the latter case, by housing associations. That shows precisely the benefit of the tough fiscal policy decisions this Government have taken.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington Portrait Jenny Chapman (Darlington) (Lab)
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Will Ministers look urgently at the length of time it is taking to process tax credit applications? My constituents are being declined their tax credits simply because they are on fixed-term contracts that come to an end before the tax credit application is considered.

David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
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I certainly take the hon. Lady’s comments on board. It is our intention to deal with tax credit applications as swiftly as possible. We will look at individual cases, so if she wants to contact me or the permanent secretary at HMRC, either of us would be happy to take the case up.