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1198867

	registered interest
	date	01/06/2020
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Wonga
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many claims for refunds from Wonga customers who were mis-sold higher risk loans remain outstanding; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing support from the public purse to those customers who only received 4.3 per cent of the compensation due to them.
	tabling member constituency	Coventry South
	tabling member printed	Zarah Sultana
	uin	52558
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 04/06/2020 answer text <p>When a firm enters administration, assets are pooled and used to cover customer redress claims and administration costs. In the case of Wonga, the pooled assets are not sufficient to meet all of the redress claims. The administrator, Grant Thornton UK LLP, is therefore unable to pay out 100% of these claims and must address claims in order of the creditor hierarchy. The number of redress claims and the amounts due in the case of Wonga is a matter for the administrators.</p><p>The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), who regulate payday loans, has the power to decide which activities are given Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protection. In 2016, the FCA decided not to extend FSCS protection to most consumer credit activities because it believed other regulatory requirements were sufficient. The full reasoning behind the FCA’s decision is set out in a letter from their Chief Executive to the Chair of the Treasury Select Committee on 15 February 2019.</p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen question first answered 04/06/2020 09:53:47 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	4786 label Biography information for Zarah Sultana

1271854

	registered interest
	date	16/12/2020
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many restaurants registered for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme; how many meals were claimed through that scheme; and how much was claimed in each (i) Local Authority District, (ii) parliamentary constituency and (iii) Middle Layer Super Output Area in each week when that scheme was operational.
	tabling member constituency	Coventry South
	tabling member printed	Zarah Sultana
	uin	130852
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/01/2021 answer text <p>HMRC published official statistics on the Eat Out to Help Out scheme on 25 November. Local area statistics covering local authority district and parliamentary constituencies will be published at a later date. The requested information cannot be provided by middle layer super output area due to the risk of identifying individual taxpayers.</p> answering member constituency Hereford and South Herefordshire answering member printed Jesse Norman question first answered 11/01/2021 14:54:43 answering member 3991 label Biography information for Jesse Norman
	tabling member	4786 label Biography information for Zarah Sultana

1337964

	registered interest
	date	17/06/2021
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Digital Technology: Taxation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he has made an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the Digital Services Tax from 2 per cent to 10 per cent to help rebuild the economy following Covid-19' and if he will make it his policy to implement that change.
	tabling member constituency	Coventry South
	tabling member printed	Zarah Sultana
	uin	17862
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/06/2021 answer text <p>It is right that profitable companies share in the burden of restoring the public finances to a sustainable footing following the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to support this goal, the Chancellor announced at the Budget that Corporation Tax would increase to 25% from April 2023, raising over £45 billion over the next five years.</p><p> </p><p>The Government supports the G7 agreement on global tax reform that would lead to large digital businesses paying more tax here in the UK and UK HQ multinationals paying more tax on their global profits, helping to fund public services and level the playing field for UK firms.</p><p> </p><p>The DST is intended to serve as a temporary solution before a global digital tax solution is reached. It is the Government’s strong preference to secure a comprehensive global solution on digital tax and remove the DST once this is implemented.</p> answering member constituency Hereford and South Herefordshire answering member printed Jesse Norman question first answered 24/06/2021 14:15:12 answering member 3991 label Biography information for Jesse Norman
	tabling member	4786 label Biography information for Zarah Sultana

1544884

	registered interest
	date	23/11/2022
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Bank Services and Banking Hubs
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Financial Services and Markets Bill on (a) preventing the loss of local access to cash and banking services, (b) support for local communities to create banking hubs and (c) protecting free access to cash and in-person banking services.
	tabling member constituency	Coventry South
	tabling member printed	Zarah Sultana
	uin	94876
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/11/2022 answer text <p>The way consumers and businesses make payments and interact with their banking continues to develop at pace, bringing significant benefits to those who choose to opt for the convenience, security, and speed of digital payments and banking.</p><p> </p><p>The government is currently taking legislation through Parliament as part of the Financial Services and Markets Bill to protect access to cash. The Bill will establish the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as the lead regulator for access to cash and provide it with appropriate powers to seek to ensure reasonable provision of withdrawal and deposit facilities. These powers will allow the FCA to take account of factors it considers appropriate, which could include cost for end users and accessibility.</p><p> </p><p>Following the government’s commitment to legislate, industry is working together to develop new initiatives to provide shared access to cash services. As a result, communities can request an assessment of access to cash in their area by LINK: <a href="https://www.link.co.uk/consumers/request-access-to-cash/" target="_blank">https://www.link.co.uk/consumers/request-access-to-cash/</a></p><p> </p><p>The government has welcomed industry’s commitments and, in recognition of these developments, the Bill grants HM Treasury powers to bring the operators of cash coordination arrangements under the FCA’s oversight.</p><p> </p><p>In terms of access to banking services, the government believes that all customers, wherever they live, should have appropriate access to banking services. However, decisions on opening and closing branches are a commercial issue for banks and building societies. The government does not intervene in these decisions or make direct assessments of these branch networks.</p><p> </p><p>Guidance from the FCA sets out its expectation of firms when they are taking decisions relating to the closure of their branches or free-to-use ATMs. Firms are expected to carefully consider the impact of planned branch closures on the everyday banking and cash access needs of their customers and possible alternative access arrangements. This ensures that the implementation of closure decisions is undertaken in a way that treats customers fairly. The FCA expects firms to exercise particular care with vulnerable customers, such as those who are elderly or disabled, and the guidance has recently been strengthened to enhance protections for consumers that rely on branch services.</p><p> </p><p>Alternative options for access can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking, and the Post Office. Furthermore, industry has committed to new shared bank hubs in 27 locations across the UK to date, in addition to two existing pilot sites. These hubs provide basic banking services, including cash withdrawals and deposits, and a dedicated space where community bankers from participating banks can meet customers of that bank.</p> answering member constituency Arundel and South Downs answering member printed Andrew Griffith question first answered 28/11/2022 13:37:22 answering member 4874 label Biography information for Andrew Griffith
	tabling member	4786 label Biography information for Zarah Sultana

1244687

	registered interest
	date	19/10/2020
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Debts Written Off: Developing Countries
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make representations to his overseas counterparts at the G20 Finance Ministers Meetings on the cancellation of developing countries' debts to the IMF and World Bank to help those countries tackle the covid-19 pandemic.
	tabling member constituency	Coventry South
	tabling member printed	Zarah Sultana
	uin	105566
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/10/2020 answer text <p>The Government is closely monitoring the impact of the crisis on the debt situation in developing countries, including through our membership of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and Paris Club. It is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic is placing extraordinary pressures on the finances of low and middle income countries. Recognising this, the G20 has taken action to support these countries, agreeing the landmark DSSI (Debt Service Suspension Initiative).The DSSI provides a suspension of debt repayments to eligible countries so they can focus resources on their coronavirus response.</p><p>On the 14<sup>th</sup> October, the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) met. They agreed to extend the DSSI for a further six months and, importantly, reached an in principle agreement on a Common Framework on future debt treatments beyond the DSSI to facilitate timely and orderly debt treatment for DSSI-eligible countries where this is required.A further G20 FMCBG meeting is to take place in early November and the UK is asking all G20 countries to fulfil the necessary internal approvals to endorse and publish the Common Framework in due course.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen question first answered 23/10/2020 08:19:16 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	4786 label Biography information for Zarah Sultana

1330613

	registered interest
	date	08/06/2021
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Health Services: Private Sector
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 26 April 2021 to Question 182103 on Health Services: Private Sector, if he will publish the rationale for his decision to make covid-19 financial support, such as business rates discounts and grants, available to betting shops but not some dental practices.
	tabling member constituency	Coventry South
	tabling member printed	Zarah Sultana
	uin	12316
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/06/2021 answer text <p>The Government has provided enhanced support to the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors through business rates relief given the direct and acute impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on those sectors.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has targeted COVID-19 business grant schemes, including Restart Grants, at businesses that have been mandated to close, many of whom are facing high fixed property related costs. This was on the basis that these businesses are less likely to have sufficient cash reserves to meet their costs. These businesses have also continued to be hardest hit by social restrictions and social distancing over the last few months, and therefore have a reduced ability to generate revenue to cover their costs.</p><p> </p><p>A range of further measures to support all businesses, including dental practices, have also been made available, such as the extension of the furlough scheme, Recovery Loan Schemes, and enhanced Time to Pay for Taxes.</p> answering member constituency Saffron Walden answering member printed Kemi Badenoch question first answered 14/06/2021 13:01:20 answering member 4597 label Biography information for Kemi Badenoch
	tabling member	4786 label Biography information for Zarah Sultana

1239663

	registered interest
	date	01/10/2020
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Debts Written Off: Developing Countries
	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 potential merits of (a) debt cancellation for lower-income countries from Governments, the IMF and World Bank, the private sector and all other creditors for 2020 and 2021 and (b) bringing forward legislative proposals similar to the Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Act 2010 to enforce on the private sector the terms of an international agreement for debt relief.
	tabling member constituency	Coventry South
	tabling member printed	Zarah Sultana
	uin	98290
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/10/2020 answer text <p>The Government is concerned about the debt vulnerabilities of low-income developing countries, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p> </p><p>The UK cancelled most of our low-income developing country debt under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. However, we have remained a global leader in advancing sovereign debt transparency and sustainability. In April 2020 the Chancellor joined his G20 counterparts to commit to a temporary suspension on debt service repayments from the 77 poorest countries under the debt service suspension initiative (DSSI). To date, the DSSI has supported 43 countries which have requested suspensions by freeing up $5 billion to fund their COVID-19 responses. Given the depth of liquidity needs in these countries, the UK supports an extension of the DSSI into 2021.</p><p> </p><p>The G20 agreed private sector DSSI participation should be voluntary and at borrowers’ discretion. The Government continues to support this approach, which helps protect these countries’ hard-won market access which will be essential for financing COVID recovery. Where borrowers do make requests, private creditors should implement the DSSI. Where sovereign debt reductions are necessary, it will be important for there to be fair and timely burden sharing between all creditor types, including commercial creditors.</p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen question first answered 06/10/2020 12:51:11 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	4786 label Biography information for Zarah Sultana

1359706

	registered interest
	date	15/10/2021
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Aviation
	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 potential merits of extending the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for the aviation industry beyond September 2021.
	tabling member constituency	Coventry South
	tabling member printed	Zarah Sultana
	uin	57395
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/10/2021 answer text <p>The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) was designed as a temporary economy-wide measure to support businesses while widespread restrictions were in place. After running for nineteen months, the scheme closed on 30 September 2021. To date, it has succeeded in supporting 11.7 million jobs across the UK, with employer claims totalling £69.3 billion.</p><p> </p><p>As the economy has reopened, the jobs market has recovered, vacancies are at record highs and the success of the Government’s vaccine programme has allowed us to lift almost all restrictions. That is why it is right that the Government continues to wind down its temporary pandemic support, while continuing to support businesses to invest in the recovery and supporting people into new jobs.</p><p> </p><p>The Government recognises the challenging circumstances the aviation industry has faced as a result of Covid-19. The aviation and aerospace sectors are being supported with over £12 billion that has been made available through loan guarantees, support for exporters, the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF), and grants for research and development.</p><p> </p><p>Thanks to the rollout of the UK's vaccination programme, the Government has been able to relax the rules on our international travel programme. A new system for a safe and sustainable return to travel has been set out, which separates countries into a red list and the rest of the world. On Monday 11 October 2021, England's red list was reduced to just seven countries, with 47 countries coming off the red list.</p><p> </p><p>From 24 October 2021, fully vaccinated passengers with an authorised vaccine and most under 18s arriving in England from countries not on the red list can take a cheaper lateral flow test, instead of a PCR test, on or before Day 2 of their arrival into the UK. They will not need to self-isolate or take a pre-departure or day eight test.</p><p> </p><p>Eligible travellers vaccinated in over 100 countries and territories including Brazil, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Turkey, will not need to self-isolate, nor complete pre-departure testing and day eight testing requirements on arrival to the UK from non-red list countries and territories, like UK vaccinated adults. Anyone who tests positive will need to take a confirmatory PCR test which can be genomically sequenced to help identify new variants.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is focused on fully reopening international travel as soon as it is safe to do so and will further review England's international travel policy in the new year.</p> answering member constituency South East Cambridgeshire answering member printed Lucy Frazer question first answered 20/10/2021 13:37:31 answering member 4517 label Biography information for Lucy Frazer
	tabling member	4786 label Biography information for Zarah Sultana

1300142

	registered interest
	date	08/03/2021
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Protective Clothing: VAT Zero Rating
	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 potential merits of extending the VAT exemption on personal protective equipment available for (a) funeral homes and (b) other businesses.
	tabling member constituency	Coventry South
	tabling member printed	Zarah Sultana
	uin	164644
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/03/2021 answer text <p>The temporary zero rate was an extraordinary measure introduced to help affected sectors such as hospitals and care homes during the initial acute period of the COVID-19 crisis, when global supply of PPE did not meet demand and PPE was procured directly from the open market.</p><p> </p><p>Companies in the funeral sector source their own PPE through their normal supply routes. In extreme circumstances, there is provision for them to approach their Local Resilience Forum (LRF) or local authority, where the LRF has stood down, to discuss access to an emergency supply. Given this, there are no plans to review the VAT treatment of PPE.</p> answering member constituency Hereford and South Herefordshire answering member printed Jesse Norman question first answered 11/03/2021 12:47:18 answering member 3991 label Biography information for Jesse Norman
	tabling member	4786 label Biography information for Zarah Sultana

1313839

	registered interest
	date	12/05/2021
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Sanitary Products: VAT
	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 potential merits of including reusable and environmentally sustainable menstrual products in sanitary products that are supplied at the zero rate of VAT.
	tabling member constituency	Coventry South
	tabling member printed	Zarah Sultana
	uin	884
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/05/2021 answer text <p>A zero rate of VAT has applied to women’s sanitary products since 1 January 2021. This applies to those products which were previously subject to the reduced rate of 5 per cent, for example, tampons and pads, and also includes reusable and environmentally sustainable menstrual products, such as keepers.</p><p> </p><p>The relief specifically excludes articles of clothing. Such exclusions are designed to ensure that the relief is properly targeted, since difficulties in policing the scope of the relief create the potential for litigation, erosion of the tax base and a reduction in revenue.</p> answering member constituency Hereford and South Herefordshire answering member printed Jesse Norman question first answered 17/05/2021 11:51:52 answering member 3991 label Biography information for Jesse Norman
	tabling member	4786 label Biography information for Zarah Sultana