While the government has not made a specific assessment of the impact on the lives of homeless people, the new duty band is expected to have a positive impact on the health of individuals in the UK, including homeless people.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4320", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Robert Jenrick"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Newark"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Robert Jenrick"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-01-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-01-23T17:07:50.147Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "CaTreasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-01-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Cider: Excise Duties"} , "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 assessment he has made of the potential effect of the new duty band for high strength white cider on the lives of homeless people.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4510", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Helen Hayes"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Dulwich and West Norwood"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Helen Hayes"} ], "uin" : "122497"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/822833", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/822833/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government believes that it is important to improve competition in the banking sector and ensure consumers have the information they need to make sensible decisions about their money. The Government has established competition and conduct-focussed regulators which have broad and robust powers to enforce breaches of their rules.<\/p>
<\/p>
On current accounts, the Government has worked with industry to deliver the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) so customers can switch where they see a better deal. Customers have switched over 4.2 million times since CASS was launched in 2013. The Government is currently supporting industry to put in place additional measures to build on and improve CASS, as part of the package of remedies proposed by the Competition and Markets Authority to improve competition in the banking sector.<\/p>
<\/p>
On cash savings accounts, following a 2015 study of the market, which concluded that competition in the sector was not working as effectively as it could be, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) developed a series of measures to improve the information firms make available to consumers and to make it easier for them to switch accounts. For example, the FCA trialled a \u2018sunlight\u2019 remedy to bring to light firms\u2019 strategies towards their longstanding customers by publishing the lowest interest rates offered on easy access cash savings accounts and easy access cash ISAs on the FCA\u2019s website. The FCA is currently evaluating the effectiveness of the \u2018sunlight\u2019 remedy trial and considering whether any other actions may be needed to achieve more effective competition.<\/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" : "2018-01-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-01-18T17:36:12.813Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "CaTreasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-01-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Bank Services: Competition"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has plans to tackle the loyalty penalty faced by consumers who do not switch bank providers.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/163", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Stephen Timms"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "East Ham"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Stephen Timms"} ], "uin" : "122516"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/822835", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/822835/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
In the UK, the NHS ensures that any individual or family has access to the high-quality health care they need irrespective of their ability to pay.<\/p>
<\/p>
At Spending Review 2015 we funded the NHS\u2019s \u2018Five Year Forward View\u2019 plan, with £10 billion a year of additional funding by 2020/21. However, we recognise that the NHS remains under pressure \u2013 with high demand on its services caused by the UK\u2019s ageing population and rapidly advancing technology. The government acted in response to these challenges at Budget 2017 and provided £6.3 billion in new funding for the NHS.<\/p>
<\/p>
The government is clear that it considers it important that everyone has access to suitable insurance at the right price. However, we do not intervene in non-compulsory insurance matters. It is up to individuals to decide whether to take out private health insurance.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4097", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Elizabeth Truss"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Norfolk"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Elizabeth Truss"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-01-22", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-01-22T11:09:20.213Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "CaTreasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-01-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Health Insurance"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if his Department will take steps to encourage the uptake of private health insurance to relieve pressures on the NHS.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1566", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Daniel Kawczynski"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Shrewsbury and Atcham"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Daniel Kawczynski"} ], "uin" : "122518"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/822836", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/822836/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
As the Chancellor made clear in front of the Treasury Select Committee on Wednesday 6 December, the department has undertaken a variety of analysis and continues to do so. This ongoing analysis continues to inform our negotiation position with the EU.<\/p>
The government has committed to keep Parliament informed provided that doing so would not risk damaging our negotiating position.<\/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" : "2018-01-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-01-18T17:34:50.52Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "CaTreasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-01-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Treasury: Brexit"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will list the titles of all assessments undertaken by his Department relating to the impact of the UK's departure from the EU.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4673", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Jo Platt"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Leigh"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Jo Platt"} ], "uin" : "122519"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/822852", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/822852/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Treasury does not make assessments of bank branch closures. The decision to close a branch remains a commercial judgement for banks. However, the impact on communities must be understood, considered and mitigated where possible.<\/p>
<\/p>
The industry\u2019s Access to Banking Standard, launched in May 2017, commits banks to ensure personal and business customers are better informed about branch closures and the reasons for them closing, along with the options they have locally to continue to access banking services, including specialist assistance for customers who need more help. The Access to Banking Standard is monitored and enforced by the independent Lending Standards Board.<\/p>
<\/p>
99% of banks\u2019 personal and 95% of banks\u2019 business customers are now able to withdraw cash, deposit cash and cheques, and make balance enquiries at a Post Office counter via its network of 11,600 branches. At Autumn Budget 2017, my predecessor wrote to the Post Office and UK Finance to ask them to raise public awareness of the banking services available at the Post Office for individuals and SMEs. I look forward to receiving their proposals later this month.<\/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" : "2018-01-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-01-18T17:33:46.157Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "CaTreasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-01-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Royal Bank of Scotland: Midlothian"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if his Department will make an assessment of the implications for local communities of the closure of RBS branches in (a) Penicuik and (b) Bonnyrigg later this year; and if he will make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4628", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Danielle Rowley"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Midlothian"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Danielle Rowley"} ], "uin" : "122535"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/822853", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/822853/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The government is committed to building an economy that works for everyone and supporting people with protected characteristics. For example, we have increased the personal allowance and the National Living Wage; by 2018-19, over 700,000 women will be taken out of income tax altogether, and over 60% of those currently benefitting from the National Living Wage are women. The proportion of women in work is at a joint record high, and the gender pay gap for full-time employees is at a record low. The government is also spending over £50bn per year on benefits to support disabled people and people with health conditions.<\/p>
<\/p>
In line with the Government\u2019s legal responsibilities and policy commitment to promote fairness, the Treasury and other Government departments fully comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty, including with respect to all publication requirements.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4097", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Elizabeth Truss"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Norfolk"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Elizabeth Truss"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-01-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-01-18T13:39:05.873Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "CaTreasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-01-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Budget November 2017"} , "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 assessment he has made about the financial effect of Autumn Budget 2017 on (a) women and (b) people with protected characteristics.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4628", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Danielle Rowley"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Midlothian"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Danielle Rowley"} ], "uin" : "122536"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/822857", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/822857/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "