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1344613

	registered interest
	date	07/07/2021
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Health and Safety: Batteries
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will review the exclusion of lithium-ion batteries for grid storage from the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	29036
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/07/2021 answer text <p>The Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015 (COMAH) apply to dangerous substances as classified by the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulations 2008. Lithium-ion batteries are considered to be articles, rather than substances, and are therefore outside of the scope of the COMAH.</p><p> </p><p>The Health and Safety Executive considers that the current regulatory framework is sufficient and suitably robust in relation to lithium-ion batteries and battery energy storage systems.</p><p> </p><p>Of particular relevance are the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations which set minimum requirements for the protection of workers and others from fire and explosion risks; the Electricity at Work Regulations which require precautions to be taken against the risk of death or personal injury from electricity in work activities; and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations which require risks to be assessed and appropriately managed. In addition, for large scale battery storage, there are statutory requirements to notify the Fire and Rescue Service to inform their emergency response planning.</p> answering member constituency Mid Sussex answering member printed Mims Davies question first answered 12/07/2021 13:52:59 answering member 4513 label Biography information for Mims Davies
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1486521

	registered interest
	date	05/07/2022
	answering body	Department for Work and Pensions
	answering dept id	29
	answering dept short name	Work and Pensions
	answering dept sort name	Work and Pensions
	hansard heading	Pensioners: Energy
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will take further steps to assist pensioners who are experiencing increased energy bills.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	31085
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 12/07/2022 answer text <p>The Chancellor announced on 26 May a cost-of-living package which included a pensioner cost of living payment of £300 per household to be paid alongside the winter fuel payment this coming winter increasing the amount to £500/£600 depending on age. Once added to the non-repayable £400 discount on energy bills this autumn for domestic electricity customers, this will result in all pensioners households in Great Britain receiving £900 for households with someone of state pension age and under 80 and £1,000 for households with someone aged 80 or over to help with increased fuel costs. In addition, there is a £650 Cost of Living Payment deliberately targeted at low-income households in receipt of a means tested qualifying benefit. For people above State Pension age, this is those in receipt of Pension Credit.</p> answering member constituency Hexham answering member printed Guy Opperman question first answered 12/07/2022 14:24:55 answering member 4142 label Biography information for Guy Opperman
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1256018

	registered interest
	date	26/11/2020
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Foreign Investment in UK
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what fiscal steps his Department is taking to create a positive environment for investment in the UK after the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	121245
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/12/2020 answer text <p>The Government will maintain a competitive tax environment for business, ensuring the UK remains one of the most attractive places in the world to invest, start and grow a business.</p><p> </p><p>As part of this, last month the Government announced a year-long extension to the £1 million temporary cap of the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA). The AIA provides firms 100% same year tax relief on qualifying capital expenditure, up to a fixed limit; and it responds to the needs of business, providing further upfront support for investment in 2021.</p> answering member constituency Hereford and South Herefordshire answering member printed Jesse Norman question first answered 01/12/2020 16:35:24 answering member 3991 label Biography information for Jesse Norman
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1258670

	registered interest
	date	07/12/2020
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Pensions: Uprating
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the outcome of the consultation on the Reform to Retail Prices Index (RPI), published on 25 November 2020. what steps the Government plans to take to (a) protect the lifetime value of people’s defined benefit pension savings which are RPI-linked from 2030 and (b) maintain confidence in defined benefit pension schemes.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	126013
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 10/12/2020 answer text <p>On 25 November, the Government and UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) published their response to the consultation on the timing of reform to the Retail Prices Index (RPI). Owing to shortcomings in its calculation, UKSA intends to bring the methods and data sources of the Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) into RPI.</p><p> </p><p>The Government and UKSA are mindful of the widespread use of RPI in the economy, and, as such, sought views in the consultation on the broader impacts of reform. The Government and UKSA received approximately 550 responses from members of defined benefit (DB) pension schemes whose benefits are linked to RPI.</p><p> </p><p>It is apparent that some DB pension schemes members will be affected by UKSA’s reform. The effect of reform on the members of such schemes will depend on whether their benefits are linked to RPI under the trust deed and rules of the scheme.</p><p> </p><p>The announcement in the response by the Chancellor and UKSA Chair means that reform will not be implemented before 2030. The Government keeps the occupational pensions system under review and will continue to do so.</p><p> </p><p>For further information please see the consultation response at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-consultation-on-the-reform-to-retail-prices-index-rpi-methodology" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-consultation-on-the-reform-to-retail-prices-index-rpi-methodology</a>.</p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen question first answered 10/12/2020 13:22:00 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1274674

	registered interest
	date	08/01/2021
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Buildings: VAT
	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 merits of reducing the VAT rate on building refurbishment works to zero.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	134418
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 13/01/2021 answer text The Government already maintains a reduced rate of VAT at five per cent, subject to certain conditions, for residential renovations.<p> </p><p>Introducing a zero rate of VAT would come at a significant cost to the Exchequer, estimated at about £4 billion per year, which would have to be balanced by a reduction in public spending, higher borrowing or increased taxation elsewhere. While the Government keeps all taxes under review, there are no plans to change the VAT treatment of the repair and renovation of buildings.A</p> answering member constituency Hereford and South Herefordshire answering member printed Jesse Norman grouped question UIN 134445 question first answered 13/01/2021 15:43:20 answering member 3991 label Biography information for Jesse Norman
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1274675

	registered interest
	date	08/01/2021
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Energy: VAT
	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 merits of reducing the VAT rate to zero for existing dwellings when making energy efficient improvements as part of any climate change strategy.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	134419
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/01/2021 answer text <p>The installation of various environmentally friendly home improvement materials, such as insulation and draft stripping, is already eligible for relief from VAT, subject to certain conditions.</p><p> </p><p>Although the Government keeps all taxes under review, there are no plans to change the VAT treatment of home improvements at present.</p> answering member constituency Hereford and South Herefordshire answering member printed Jesse Norman question first answered 18/01/2021 14:36:15 answering member 3991 label Biography information for Jesse Norman
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1277439

	registered interest
	date	18/01/2021
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Business: Coronavirus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of setting up an equity finance scheme to support businesses through the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	138942
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 21/01/2021 answer text As part of the government’s response to Covid-19, we developed the Future Fund, which provides equity finance for high growth, highly innovative companies. As of December, more than 900 firms have taken part in the scheme. answering member constituency Saffron Walden answering member printed Kemi Badenoch question first answered 21/01/2021 14:34:00 answering member 4597 label Biography information for Kemi Badenoch
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1278621

	registered interest
	date	20/01/2021
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Coronavirus: Disease Control
	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 financial effect of the extended duration of the covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions put in place in response to the covid-19 outbreak on (a) limited company directors, (b) the self-employed, (c) hospitality staff substantially remunerated through tronc payments and (d) others who have received no or limited Government support during the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	140796
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 26/01/2021 answer text <p>The Government has provided substantial levels of support throughout this crisis to protect people’s jobs and livelihoods, and support businesses and public services across the UK. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has helped to pay the wages of people in 9.9 million jobs across the country and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) has received claims from 2.7 million self-employed workers.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has acknowledged that it has not been possible to support everyone as they might want and that the past months have been very difficult for many people.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has put in place a wide-ranging £280 billion package of support including over £65 billion in affordable finance to firms through business loan schemes, a temporary £8 billion increase to welfare, mortgage holidays, help with council tax payments, business loans, grants, a business rates holiday, and tax cuts and VAT deferrals.</p><p> </p><p>The resurgence of the virus has required further action to protect people’s health, while preserving the capacity of people to work and businesses to trade. The Government keeps the economic response to the pandemic under review.</p> answering member constituency Hereford and South Herefordshire answering member printed Jesse Norman question first answered 26/01/2021 14:22:21 answering member 3991 label Biography information for Jesse Norman
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1280785

	registered interest
	date	26/01/2021
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	Social Enterprises: Tax Allowances
	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 (a) potential effect on community benefit societies of the Social Investment Tax Relief ending in April 2021 and (b) potential merits of extending that tax relief.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	143750
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/02/2021 answer text <p>The Social Investment Tax Relief (SITR) was introduced in 2014 to incentivise risk finance investments in qualifying social enterprises and charities. HMRC statistics show that up to 2018-19, about 110 enterprises have used the scheme to raise £11.2 million.</p><p> </p><p>The Government keeps all taxes and reliefs under review in order to ensure they continue to meet policy objectives and represent value for money for taxpayers. The Government previously published a Call for Evidence on SITR’s use to date. A response to the consultation will be published in due course and a decision on SITR’s future will be announced at the Budget ahead of its sunset clause in April 2021.</p> answering member constituency Hereford and South Herefordshire answering member printed Jesse Norman question first answered 01/02/2021 15:27:19 answering member 3991 label Biography information for Jesse Norman
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1280797

	registered interest
	date	26/01/2021
	answering body	Treasury
	answering dept id	14
	answering dept short name	Treasury
	answering dept sort name	Treasury
	hansard heading	London Capital & Finance: Insolvency
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to Dame Elizabeth Gloster's report entitled, Independent Investigation into the Financial Conduct Authority’s Regulation of London Capital & Finance plc, published on 23 November 2020, what steps he has taken to implement the recommendations of that report and re-compensate bondholders.
	tabling member constituency	Wycombe
	tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
	uin	143751
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 01/02/2021 answer text <p>The Government recognises that this has been a very difficult time for LCF bondholders. That is why on 23 May 2019, following a request from Charles Randell, Chair of the FCA, we formally directed the FCA to launch an independent investigation into the events at LCF, and approved the FCA’s appointment of Dame Elizabeth Gloster to lead it.</p><p> </p><p>Dame Elizabeth’s independent investigation considered the events and circumstances surrounding the failure of LCF and whether, in its supervision of LCF, the FCA discharged its functions in a manner which enabled it to effectively fulfil its statutory objectives. Dame Elizabeth delivered her report to the FCA on 23 November 2020, and the report alongside the FCA’s response was published on 17 December 2020. A Written Ministerial Statement was made on the same day setting out the Government’s response. These documents are available online at gov.uk.</p><p> </p><p>Dame Elizabeth makes nine recommendations for the FCA. The Government welcomes the FCA’s apology to LCF bondholders and their commitment to implement Dame Elizabeth’s recommendations.</p><p> </p><p>HM Treasury has also accepted the four recommendations that Dame Elizabeth Gloster made for the government regarding the regulatory regime. The Written Statement set out the steps that the Government will be taking to implement them.</p><p>As set out in the Written Statement, there are three main channels through which London Capital &amp; Finance plc (LCF) bondholders can seek compensation. These are the administration process, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), and the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Complaints Scheme.</p><p> </p><p>The Written Statement also set out that, taking into consideration the specific and complex set of circumstances surrounding the collapse of LCF, the Treasury will set up a compensation scheme which will assess whether there is justification for further one-off compensation payments in certain circumstances for some LCF bondholders. The Government will announce further details in due course.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency Salisbury answering member printed John Glen grouped question UIN 143761 question first answered 01/02/2021 11:50:29 answering member 4051 label Biography information for John Glen
	tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker