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1180118

	registered interest
	date	24/02/2020
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Treasury: Civil Society
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the total amount of funding from the public purse given by his Department to (a) civil society and (b) campaigning bodies in each of the last five years.
	tabling member constituency	Harlow
	tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
	uin	19836
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/03/2020 answer text <p>Civil society forms an essential part of our communities up and down the country. It includes large, national charities, social enterprises, volunteers and small grassroots organisations but what joins them all is the idea of creating social value to help build a better society.</p><p> </p><p>Government funding to civil society is ring-fenced for particular projects or programmes. Grant agreement terms and conditions prohibit grant funding being used for paid for lobbying and political campaigning.</p><p> </p><p>HMT has not contributed towards any funding for either civil society or campaigning bodies in any of the last 5 years.</p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen question first answered 03/03/2020 13:28:21 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1185721

	registered interest
	date	17/03/2020
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Travel: Insurance
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to ensure that people that can no longer travel as a result of the outbreak of covid-19 can claim compensation through their travel insurance.
	tabling member constituency	Harlow
	tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
	uin	30745
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/03/2020 answer text <p>On Tuesday 17 March the Chancellor announced that as the wider economic picture becomes clearer, the Government would do whatever it takes to get our nation through the impacts of COVID-19 and that he stands ready to announce further action wherever necessary. The Government is in continual dialogue with the insurance sector about its contribution to handling this unprecedented situation.</p><p> </p><p>In the first instance, customers who can no longer travel should seek compensation from their travel providers. Many UK carriers are offering vouchers, free rebooking or refunds.</p><p> </p><p>Further, on 17 March the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised against all non-essential travel abroad. Generally, insurance for cancellation or travel disruption will be triggered by FCO advice. This decision will therefore allow policyholders to claim for cancelled trips that were already booked and cannot now go ahead, if they have the relevant cancellation or travel disruption cover in place.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, the FCA’s rules require insurers to handle claims fairly and promptly; provide reasonable guidance to help a policyholder make a claim, and appropriate information on its progress; not reject a claim unreasonably; and settle claims promptly once settlement terms are agreed.</p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen question first answered 23/03/2020 14:11:09 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1186205

	registered interest
	date	18/03/2020
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Insurance Companies: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with insurance companies that will not pay out insurance monies to their customers on the basis that the covid-19 has not yet been put on their list of infectious diseases.
	tabling member constituency	Harlow
	tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
	uin	31482
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/03/2020 answer text <p>The Government is in continual dialogue with the insurance sector about its contribution to handling this unprecedented situation. Most businesses have not purchased insurance policies that cover unspecified notifiable diseases, such as COVID-19. Insurance policies differ significantly, so businesses are encouraged to check the terms and conditions of their specific policy and contact their providers.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, the FCA’s rules require insurers to handle claims fairly and promptly; provide reasonable guidance to help a policyholder make a claim, and appropriate information on its progress; not reject a claim unreasonably; and settle claims promptly once settlement terms are agreed.</p><p>On Tuesday 17 March the Chancellor announced that the Government would do whatever it takes to get our nation through the impacts of COVID-19 and that he stands ready to announce further action wherever necessary.</p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen question first answered 23/03/2020 14:25:56 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1192571

	registered interest
	date	04/05/2020
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on ensuring that the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme is reaching all those businesses that will benefit from that scheme.
	tabling member constituency	Harlow
	tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
	uin	42990
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/05/2020 answer text <p>The Government has set out an unprecedented package of support for all businesses affected by this crisis, including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).</p><p> </p><p>As of 12 May, 36,000 facilities, with a value of over £6 billion, had been approved for SMEs through CBILS. The Government continues to monitor closely the impact of its policies and keeps all policies under review.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has taken further action by launching the Bounce Back Loan Scheme to ensure that the smallest SMEs, who may have struggled to see their finance applications approved as quickly as they need, can access finance. Businesses can apply for a loan from £2,000 up to £50,000, capped at 25% of a firm’s turnover. The Government will provide lenders with a 100% guarantee on each loan, to give lenders the confidence they need to support the smallest businesses in the country. The Government will cover the first 12 months of interest payments and fees charged to the business by the lender. The interest rate after the first 12-month period has been agreed between the Government and lenders at 2.5%. No early repayment fees will be charged to a borrower.</p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen question first answered 13/05/2020 12:54:26 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1283090

	registered interest
	date	02/02/2021
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Mortgages: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to extend the mortgage holiday.
	tabling member constituency	Harlow
	tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
	uin	147822
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/02/2021 answer text <p>We have extended the period that borrowers can apply for a mortgage holiday to support all homeowners in financial distress. Mortgage borrowers who have not yet taken a payment holiday are able to take a payment holiday for up to six months. Borrowers who have taken an initial payment holiday can top this up to six months. The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA’s) guidance released on 17 November sets out that mortgage holidays (up to a maximum of 6 months) will remain an option for borrowers until 31 March 2021. However, the FCA guidance also notes that all payment holidays will need to end by 31 July 2021.</p><p> </p><p>For borrowers that have already taken a full six months payment holiday, the FCA’s guidance sets out that firms should continue to provide support through tailored forbearance options for those borrowers that are facing ongoing financial difficulties. This could include granting new mortgage payment holidays.</p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen question first answered 08/02/2021 11:29:18 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1415812

	registered interest
	date	24/01/2022
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Credit
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the increase in the number of people using buy now, pay later services.
	tabling member constituency	Harlow
	tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
	uin	110322
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/01/2022 answer text <p>HM Treasury regularly monitors changes in the consumer credit market as part of the normal process of policy development.</p><p> </p><p>The Woolard Review into the unsecured credit market found several potential risks of consumer detriment from interest-free Buy-Now Pay-Later products, including the absence of information given to consumers about features of Buy-Now Pay-Later agreements. The Government recognises those risks, but also notes that as an interest-free product, Buy-Now Pay-Later can often be lower-risk than other forms of borrowing and a useful tool to help consumers manage their finances. That is why, on 2 February 2021, the Government announced its intention to regulate Buy-Now Pay-Later products in a proportionate manner.</p><p> </p><p>The Government published a consultation on policy proposals for the regulation of Buy-Now Pay-Later on 21 October 2021, which closed on 6 January. The consultation included proposals to apply Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules on pre-contract disclosure and adequate explanations to Buy-Now Pay-Later agreements. These rules require firms to make adequate pre-contractual explanation to ensure the customer is in a position to assess whether the agreement is suitable for their needs and financial situation.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is now reviewing responses to this consultation and considering next steps and intends to publish a consultation response in the spring.</p><p> </p><p>HMT does not hold information regarding the number of 18- to 24-year-olds who have been referred to debt collection agencies by Buy-Now Pay-Later in the last 12 months, or the amount collected in late payment fees by the Buy-Now Pay-Later sector in each of the last three years. Instead, HMT draws on the research of various stakeholders including consumer groups and the wider financial services industry.</p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen grouped question UIN 110323 110324 110325 110326 110647 question first answered 31/01/2022 16:29:27 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1415813

	registered interest
	date	24/01/2022
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Credit: Public Consultation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to publish a response to the consultation on the regulation of buy now pay later products which closed on 6 January 2022.
	tabling member constituency	Harlow
	tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
	uin	110323
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/01/2022 answer text <p>HM Treasury regularly monitors changes in the consumer credit market as part of the normal process of policy development.</p><p> </p><p>The Woolard Review into the unsecured credit market found several potential risks of consumer detriment from interest-free Buy-Now Pay-Later products, including the absence of information given to consumers about features of Buy-Now Pay-Later agreements. The Government recognises those risks, but also notes that as an interest-free product, Buy-Now Pay-Later can often be lower-risk than other forms of borrowing and a useful tool to help consumers manage their finances. That is why, on 2 February 2021, the Government announced its intention to regulate Buy-Now Pay-Later products in a proportionate manner.</p><p> </p><p>The Government published a consultation on policy proposals for the regulation of Buy-Now Pay-Later on 21 October 2021, which closed on 6 January. The consultation included proposals to apply Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules on pre-contract disclosure and adequate explanations to Buy-Now Pay-Later agreements. These rules require firms to make adequate pre-contractual explanation to ensure the customer is in a position to assess whether the agreement is suitable for their needs and financial situation.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is now reviewing responses to this consultation and considering next steps and intends to publish a consultation response in the spring.</p><p> </p><p>HMT does not hold information regarding the number of 18- to 24-year-olds who have been referred to debt collection agencies by Buy-Now Pay-Later in the last 12 months, or the amount collected in late payment fees by the Buy-Now Pay-Later sector in each of the last three years. Instead, HMT draws on the research of various stakeholders including consumer groups and the wider financial services industry.</p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen grouped question UIN 110322 110324 110325 110326 110647 question first answered 31/01/2022 16:29:27 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1415814

	registered interest
	date	24/01/2022
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Credit: Young People
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate his Department has made of the number of 18 to 24 year olds who have been referred to debt collection agencies by buy now, pay later firms in the last 12 months.
	tabling member constituency	Harlow
	tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
	uin	110324
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/01/2022 answer text <p>HM Treasury regularly monitors changes in the consumer credit market as part of the normal process of policy development.</p><p> </p><p>The Woolard Review into the unsecured credit market found several potential risks of consumer detriment from interest-free Buy-Now Pay-Later products, including the absence of information given to consumers about features of Buy-Now Pay-Later agreements. The Government recognises those risks, but also notes that as an interest-free product, Buy-Now Pay-Later can often be lower-risk than other forms of borrowing and a useful tool to help consumers manage their finances. That is why, on 2 February 2021, the Government announced its intention to regulate Buy-Now Pay-Later products in a proportionate manner.</p><p> </p><p>The Government published a consultation on policy proposals for the regulation of Buy-Now Pay-Later on 21 October 2021, which closed on 6 January. The consultation included proposals to apply Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules on pre-contract disclosure and adequate explanations to Buy-Now Pay-Later agreements. These rules require firms to make adequate pre-contractual explanation to ensure the customer is in a position to assess whether the agreement is suitable for their needs and financial situation.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is now reviewing responses to this consultation and considering next steps and intends to publish a consultation response in the spring.</p><p> </p><p>HMT does not hold information regarding the number of 18- to 24-year-olds who have been referred to debt collection agencies by Buy-Now Pay-Later in the last 12 months, or the amount collected in late payment fees by the Buy-Now Pay-Later sector in each of the last three years. Instead, HMT draws on the research of various stakeholders including consumer groups and the wider financial services industry.</p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen grouped question UIN 110322 110323 110325 110326 110647 question first answered 31/01/2022 16:29:27 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1415815

	registered interest
	date	24/01/2022
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Credit
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate his Department has made of amount collected in late payment fees by the buy now, pay later sector in each of the last three years.
	tabling member constituency	Harlow
	tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
	uin	110325
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/01/2022 answer text <p>HM Treasury regularly monitors changes in the consumer credit market as part of the normal process of policy development.</p><p> </p><p>The Woolard Review into the unsecured credit market found several potential risks of consumer detriment from interest-free Buy-Now Pay-Later products, including the absence of information given to consumers about features of Buy-Now Pay-Later agreements. The Government recognises those risks, but also notes that as an interest-free product, Buy-Now Pay-Later can often be lower-risk than other forms of borrowing and a useful tool to help consumers manage their finances. That is why, on 2 February 2021, the Government announced its intention to regulate Buy-Now Pay-Later products in a proportionate manner.</p><p> </p><p>The Government published a consultation on policy proposals for the regulation of Buy-Now Pay-Later on 21 October 2021, which closed on 6 January. The consultation included proposals to apply Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules on pre-contract disclosure and adequate explanations to Buy-Now Pay-Later agreements. These rules require firms to make adequate pre-contractual explanation to ensure the customer is in a position to assess whether the agreement is suitable for their needs and financial situation.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is now reviewing responses to this consultation and considering next steps and intends to publish a consultation response in the spring.</p><p> </p><p>HMT does not hold information regarding the number of 18- to 24-year-olds who have been referred to debt collection agencies by Buy-Now Pay-Later in the last 12 months, or the amount collected in late payment fees by the Buy-Now Pay-Later sector in each of the last three years. Instead, HMT draws on the research of various stakeholders including consumer groups and the wider financial services industry.</p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen grouped question UIN 110322 110323 110324 110326 110647 question first answered 31/01/2022 16:29:27 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon

1415816

	registered interest
	date	24/01/2022
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Credit
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of increases in the number of people using buy now, pay later services as an additional form of short-term credit financing.
	tabling member constituency	Harlow
	tabling member printed	Robert Halfon
	uin	110326
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 31/01/2022 answer text <p>HM Treasury regularly monitors changes in the consumer credit market as part of the normal process of policy development.</p><p> </p><p>The Woolard Review into the unsecured credit market found several potential risks of consumer detriment from interest-free Buy-Now Pay-Later products, including the absence of information given to consumers about features of Buy-Now Pay-Later agreements. The Government recognises those risks, but also notes that as an interest-free product, Buy-Now Pay-Later can often be lower-risk than other forms of borrowing and a useful tool to help consumers manage their finances. That is why, on 2 February 2021, the Government announced its intention to regulate Buy-Now Pay-Later products in a proportionate manner.</p><p> </p><p>The Government published a consultation on policy proposals for the regulation of Buy-Now Pay-Later on 21 October 2021, which closed on 6 January. The consultation included proposals to apply Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules on pre-contract disclosure and adequate explanations to Buy-Now Pay-Later agreements. These rules require firms to make adequate pre-contractual explanation to ensure the customer is in a position to assess whether the agreement is suitable for their needs and financial situation.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is now reviewing responses to this consultation and considering next steps and intends to publish a consultation response in the spring.</p><p> </p><p>HMT does not hold information regarding the number of 18- to 24-year-olds who have been referred to debt collection agencies by Buy-Now Pay-Later in the last 12 months, or the amount collected in late payment fees by the Buy-Now Pay-Later sector in each of the last three years. Instead, HMT draws on the research of various stakeholders including consumer groups and the wider financial services industry.</p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen grouped question UIN 110322 110323 110324 110325 110647 question first answered 31/01/2022 16:29:27 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	3985 label Biography information for Robert Halfon