Free Zones

(asked on 1st September 2020) - View Source

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of freeports on job displacement.


Answered by
Steve Barclay Portrait
Steve Barclay
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
This question was answered on 7th September 2020

Pre-2012 UK Freeports model was were not well used, in large part because they offered limited only basic customs benefits and were in fixed locations inside ports.

The government has consulted on the introduction of a new Freeport model which will include a wider package of policy measures, including customs measures and tariff benefits, tax reliefs and planning freedoms to boost trade, regenerate deprived communities and promote innovation. The consultation closed on 13 July, and the responses are currently being carefully considered.

The government will ensure all the necessary safeguards are in place to minimise any risk of money laundering and tax evasion and will continue to meet international standards. The government’s consultation response will set out more detail on this, as well as on how any risk of harmful job displacement will be managed.

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