The Government\u2019s Efficiency and Savings Review concluded at the Spring Budget. Through it, departments reprioritised to ensure the government can continue to protect the vital frontline services that matter most to the public despite the impacts of higher inflation.<\/p>
<\/p>
In line with wider financial delegations set by HM Treasury, it is the responsibility of departments and their functions to implement any agreed efficiencies and savings, including those that were agreed at the Efficiency and Savings Review.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4051", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for John Glen"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Salisbury"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "John Glen"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-11-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-11-13T11:05:32.377Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2023-11-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Government Departments: Cost Effectiveness"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress his Department has made on the implementation of the Government's Efficiency and Savings Review.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/193", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Dame Siobhain McDonagh"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mitcham and Morden"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Siobhain McDonagh"} ], "uin" : "661"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668329", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668329/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The UK has prohibited the export to Russia of thousands of products, including military and dual use items. Our trade with Russia is down over 96% on pre-invasion levels.<\/p>
HMRC enforces customs controls on Strategic Exports and sanctioned goods, including arms exports. The department takes breaches of sanctions very seriously and investigates all credible allegations of sanctions offences within its customs remit.<\/p>
NTE 2023/17: a compound settlement - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)<\/a><\/p> <\/p> Due to the confidentiality element of Compound Settlements, HMRC is unable to disclose details of the types of goods or companies involved.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4407", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Nigel Huddleston"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mid Worcestershire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Nigel Huddleston"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-11-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-11-16T14:55:18.007Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2023-11-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Russia: Defence Equipment"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many UK-based companies his Department has identified as having exported (a) military and (b) dual use capabilities to Russia in violation of UK sanctions since February 2022.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/400", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for John Healey"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Wentworth and Dearne"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "John Healey"}
], "uin" : "694"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668356", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668356/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The headcount for HM Treasury as at the 31st<\/sup> March 2011, 31st<\/sup> March 2016, and 31st<\/sup> March 2020 can be found in the following ONS online locations.<\/p> <\/p> - 31 March 2011- ONS Archives: https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20150905000144mp_/http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/pse/public-sector-employment/q1-2011/stb-q1-2011.pdf<\/a><\/p> <\/p> - 31 March 2016 \u2013 ONS Archives:- https://www.ons.gov.uk/file?uri=/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/publicsectorpersonnel/datasets/publicsectoremploymentreferencetable/march2016/psereferencetablesmarch2016.xls<\/a><\/p> <\/p> - 31 March 2020 \u2013 ONS Archives: https://www.ons.gov.uk/file?uri=/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/publicsectorpersonnel/datasets/publicsectoremploymentreferencetable/march2020/datasets.xlsx<\/a><\/p> <\/p> <\/p> On 2 October 2023, The Chancellor announced an immediate cap on civil servant headcount across Whitehall to stop any further expansion, increase efficiencies and boost productivity.<\/p> <\/p> The Civil Service grew in size to manage the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the illegal war in the Ukraine but it is right that we reduce the size of the Civil Service over time as we drive up productivity and deliver efficiencies.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4850", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Gareth Davies"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Grantham and Stamford"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Gareth Davies"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-11-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-11-16T15:09:23.113Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2023-11-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Treasury: Civil Servants"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference the 1,985 total headcount figure for permanent civil servants excluding agency workers working for his Department as of 31 March 2023, as detailed in Cabinet Office statistics entitled Permanent and temporary civil servants by sex, age band and department: 2023, published on 31 October 2023, what that figure was on 31 March (a) 2011, (b) 2016 and (c) 2020.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1536", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Emily Thornberry"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Islington South and Finsbury"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Emily Thornberry"}
], "uin" : "740"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668357", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668357/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " On 2 October 2023, The Chancellor announced an immediate cap on civil servant headcount across Whitehall to stop any further expansion, increase efficiencies and boost productivity.<\/p> The Civil Service grew in size to manage the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the illegal war in the Ukraine but it is right that we reduce the size of the Civil Service over time as we drive up productivity and deliver efficiencies<\/p> In answer to your question please refer to the information within the following links: - ·<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4407", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Nigel Huddleston"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mid Worcestershire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Nigel Huddleston"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-11-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-11-16T15:04:17.177Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2023-11-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Revenue and Customs: Civil Servants"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference the 67,705 total headcount figure for permanent civil servants excluding agency workers working for HMRC as of 31 March 2023, as detailed in Cabinet Office statistics entitled Permanent and temporary civil servants by sex, age band and department: 2023, published on 31 October 2023, what that figure was on 31 March (a) 2011, (b) 2016 and (c) 2020.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1536", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Emily Thornberry"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Islington South and Finsbury"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Emily Thornberry"}
], "uin" : "741"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668363", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668363/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The Government maintains VAT reliefs to aid the purchase of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), including VAT relief on purchases made by local authorities and those made through voluntary contributions, where the AED is donated to eligible charities or the NHS. Otherwise, they attract the standard rate of VAT.<\/p> The Government is currently inviting community organisations to bid for funding as part of a £1 million grant scheme that expands public access to AEDs, particularly in public places where they are most needed. In addition, last year the Government committed to supplying state-funded schools in England with defibrillators to make sure there is a device in every school, with deliveries completed in June 2023. This means that every state-funded school in England, over 21,500 schools, now has access to an AED.<\/p> <\/p> The Government keeps all taxes under review.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4407", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Nigel Huddleston"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mid Worcestershire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Nigel Huddleston"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-11-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "697"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-11-16T14:57:32.35Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2023-11-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Defibrillators: VAT"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will meet representatives of (a) the Heart Restart Tax campaign and (b) British Healthcare Trades Association to discuss the potential merits of removing VAT from automated external defibrillators.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/481", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir George Howarth"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Knowsley"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sir George Howarth"}
], "uin" : "696"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668366", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668366/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The Government maintains VAT reliefs to aid the purchase of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), including VAT relief on purchases made by local authorities and those made through voluntary contributions, where the AED is donated to eligible charities or the NHS. Otherwise, they attract the standard rate of VAT.<\/p> The Government is currently inviting community organisations to bid for funding as part of a £1 million grant scheme that expands public access to AEDs, particularly in public places where they are most needed. In addition, last year the Government committed to supplying state-funded schools in England with defibrillators to make sure there is a device in every school, with deliveries completed in June 2023. This means that every state-funded school in England, over 21,500 schools, now has access to an AED.<\/p> <\/p> The Government keeps all taxes under review.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4407", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Nigel Huddleston"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Mid Worcestershire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Nigel Huddleston"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-11-16", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "696"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-11-16T14:57:32.417Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2023-11-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Defibrillators: VAT"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make it his policy to remove VAT on all automated external defibrillators.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/481", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir George Howarth"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Knowsley"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sir George Howarth"}
], "uin" : "697"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668395", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668395/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The 2023 Green Finance Strategy set out the Government\u2019s commitment to deliver a UK Green Taxonomy to support an increase in financing for activities supporting the transition to net zero and delivering on UK environmental objectives. It also announced that we expect to consult on the Taxonomy in Autumn 2023.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4874", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrew Griffith"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Arundel and South Downs"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Andrew Griffith"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-11-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-11-13T13:53:39.903Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2023-11-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Financial Services: Environment Protection"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Green Finance Strategy, when the Government plans to publish the consultation on introducing a Green Taxonomy for the UK.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1491", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Kerry McCarthy"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bristol East"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Kerry McCarthy"}
], "uin" : "713"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668407", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668407/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Information on how many people have paid voluntary National Insurance contributions and are waiting to have those contributions credited to their National Insurance record is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4399", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Victoria Atkins"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Louth and Horncastle"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Victoria Atkins"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-11-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-11-13T12:04:02.783Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2023-11-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "State Retirement Pensions"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many and what proportion of individuals that have applied to make contributions to fill gaps in their state pension contributions are waiting to commence those contributions as of 8 November 2023.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1604", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr Virendra Sharma"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Ealing, Southall"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Virendra Sharma"}
], "uin" : "748"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668418", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668418/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Approved Mileage Allowance Payments (AMAPs) are used by employers to reimburse an employee\u2019s expenses for business mileage in their private vehicle, including public sector workers.\u202f These rates are also used by self-employed drivers to claim tax relief on business mileage (simplified motoring expenses). The AMAP rates are not mandatory, and employers can choose to pay more or less than the AMAP rate. It is therefore ultimately up to employers to determine the rate at which they reimburse their employees, including public sector employers. In considering changes to the AMAP/simplified motoring expenses rates, the Government has to balance support for individuals with the responsible management of public finances, which fund our essential public services.<\/p> <\/p> However, the Government recognises that transport is a major cost for individuals and families. At Spring Statement 2022 the Government announced a temporary 12-month cut to duty on petrol and diesel of 5p per litre. In order to continue supporting all motorists, it will extend the 5p fuel duty cut, which is worth £100 to the average driver over the next year.<\/p> <\/p> Like all taxes and allowances, the Government keeps the AMAP rate under review, and any changes will be announced at a future fiscal event.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4850", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Gareth Davies"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Grantham and Stamford"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Gareth Davies"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-11-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-11-13T13:25:29.587Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2023-11-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Public Sector: Mileage Allowances"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans his Department has to assist public sector organisations to support workers using their own cars for work.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3928", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Nick Smith"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Blaenau Gwent"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Nick Smith"}
], "uin" : "749"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668449", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1668449/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Estimates of the number of self-employed individuals is published yearly in the Survey of Personal Income (SPI), which is based on information held by HMRC on individuals who could be liable to UK Income Tax. The estimates for the tax years 2017-2018 to 2020-2021can be found at the following link:<\/p> <\/p> Table 3.10.<\/a><\/p> <\/strong><\/p> <\/p>Notes