Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to open the new customs agent academy; and what estimate she has made of the cost to the public purse of potential delays in the opening of that academy.

The Government recognises the importance of the role of intermediaries in supporting trade and understands that existing UK to rest of world trade is heavily reliant on intermediary services.

HMRC have already made available £34 million of funding to support the expansion of the already well-established customs intermediaries sector. This includes the development of an online customs academy to deliver training to the sector which has been operational since November 2019.

The Government continues to work closely with industry to consider if further support may be needed.