The Government legislated in the Banking Reform Act 2013 to require the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to introduce a cap on the cost of high-cost short-term credit, including payday loans, in order to protect consumers from excessive costs. In designing the cap, the FCA will take into account the interest rate and other fees and charges which may be incurred in relation to a high-cost loan.<\/p>
<\/p>
As part of the FCA's powers to cap the cost of credit in the Financial Services Act 2012, the Government gave the FCA specific powers to prevent a lender enforcing a credit agreement and recovering the debt, if the agreement contravenes its rules on the cost of credit. It can also require that any money or property transferred under the credit agreement must be returned.<\/p>
<\/p>
The FCA is currently conducting analysis to inform the design of the cap; it has committed to publishing its proposed rules which implement the cap in July. The FCA plans to publish final rules in the autumn and all lenders must be compliant with the cap by 2 January 2015. The Government supports the FCA's proposed timetable for implementing the cap: it allows the FCA appropriate time to conduct analysis, consult on its proposals and ensure that firms are fully compliant by January. It also allows the FCA to draw on the insight of the Competition and Markets Authority's study into payday lenders in designing the cap.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4117", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrea Leadsom"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Northamptonshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Andrea Leadsom"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-04-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "195597"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-04-29T12:00:00.00Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "CaTreasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-04-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "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 bring forward legislative proposals to make personal debt charged at an APR of over 30 per cent unrecoverable; and if he will make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/372", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Austin Mitchell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Great Grimsby"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Austin Mitchell"} ], "uin" : "195592"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47126", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47126/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government legislated in the Banking Reform Act 2013 to require the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to introduce a cap on the cost of high-cost short-term credit, including payday loans, in order to protect consumers from excessive costs. In designing the cap, the FCA will take into account the interest rate and other fees and charges which may be incurred in relation to a high-cost loan.<\/p>
<\/p>
As part of the FCA's powers to cap the cost of credit in the Financial Services Act 2012, the Government gave the FCA specific powers to prevent a lender enforcing a credit agreement and recovering the debt, if the agreement contravenes its rules on the cost of credit. It can also require that any money or property transferred under the credit agreement must be returned.<\/p>
<\/p>
The FCA is currently conducting analysis to inform the design of the cap; it has committed to publishing its proposed rules which implement the cap in July. The FCA plans to publish final rules in the autumn and all lenders must be compliant with the cap by 2 January 2015. The Government supports the FCA's proposed timetable for implementing the cap: it allows the FCA appropriate time to conduct analysis, consult on its proposals and ensure that firms are fully compliant by January. It also allows the FCA to draw on the insight of the Competition and Markets Authority's study into payday lenders in designing the cap.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4117", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrea Leadsom"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Northamptonshire"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Andrea Leadsom"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-04-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "195592"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-04-29T12:00:00.00Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "CaTreasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2014-04-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "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 bring forward proposals to limit the interest rate payable on payday loans; and if he will make a statement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/372", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Austin Mitchell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Great Grimsby"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Austin Mitchell"} ], "uin" : "195597"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47154", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47154/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
HM TREASURY<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> HMT Ref : 3522N 13/14 ANSWERED ON 10 APRIL 2014<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> Chuka Umunna MP<\/p> <\/p> STREATHAM<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> To ask Mr Chancellor of the exchequer, to how many businesses the letter from the Prime Minister to them about the employment allowance was sent to; what criteria was used to select those businesses; and where the addresses and other details of the businesses to which the letter was sent were obtained. 195622<\/p> <\/p> HMT Ref : 3524N 13/14 <\/strong><\/p> <\/p> Chuka Umunna MP<\/p> <\/p> LAB - STREATHAM<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the total cost to the public purse was of the letter sent to businesses by the Prime Minister on the employment allowance. 195623<\/p> <\/p> HMT Ref : 3525N 13/14 <\/strong><\/p> <\/p> The Rt Hon Jack Straw MP<\/p> <\/p> LAB - BLACKBURN<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many copies of the Prime Minister's recent letter concerning new tax cuts for businesses and charities were printed and at what cost; what the total cost was of printing distribution and postage in respect of these letters; and from which vote this expenditure will be taken. (195468)<\/p> <\/p> HMT Ref : 3526N 13/14 <\/strong><\/p> <\/p> The Rt Hon Jack Straw MP<\/p> <\/p> CON - TONBRIDGE & MALLING<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether, on previous occasion the Prime Minister of the day has written to taxpayer about new tax cuts; at what cost; and if he will place copies of such correspondence in the Library. (195469)<\/p> <\/p> HMT Ref : 3527N 13/14 <\/strong><\/p> <\/p> Emily Thornberry MP<\/p> <\/p> LAB - ISLINGTON SOUTH & FINSBURY<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, where the Prime Minister's Office obtained contact details of the businesses and charities to whom he sent a letter about changes to national insurance contributions which took effect from 6 April 2014. (195627)<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> HMT Ref : 3528N 13/14 <\/strong><\/p> <\/p> Emily Thornberry MP<\/p> <\/p> LAB - ISLINGTON SOUTH & FINSBURY<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Prime Minister's Office used any private companies to distribute to businesses and charities the letter he signed about changes to national insurance contributions which took effect from 6 April 2014. (195628)<\/p> <\/p> HMT Ref : 3529N 13/14 <\/strong><\/p> <\/p> Emily Thornberry MP<\/p> <\/p> LAB - ISLINGTON SOUTH & FINSBURY<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the cost was of sending businesses and charities the letter the Prime Minister signed about changes to National Insurance contributions which took effect from 6 April 2014. (195629)<\/p> <\/p> DAVID GAUKE<\/p> The Employment Allowance was introduced to promote both growth and employment, particularly among small businesses, and its success is heavily dependent on ensuring that businesses know whether they are eligible, which they can check by visiting https://www.gov.uk/employment-allowance<\/a>. It is estimated to benefit UK employers by approximately £1.25bn for employers in 14/15.<\/p> <\/p> The Prime Minister's letter was distributed by HMRC and its contractors and targeted c1.7m current and potential employers most likely to benefit from the allowance.<\/p> <\/p> It cost approximately £430,000 including the cost of postage, which equates to 25 pence per letter and its distribution is consistent with the Government's wider awareness raising campaign ensuring that employers are aware of the allowance and check their eligibility.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1529", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr David Gauke"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Hertfordshire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr David Gauke"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-04-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "195468"}
, {"_value" : "195469"}
, {"_value" : "195623"}
, {"_value" : "195627"}
, {"_value" : "195628"}
, {"_value" : "195629"}
], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-04-10T12:00:00.00Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "CaTreasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-04-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, to how many businesses the letter from the Prime Minister about the employment allowance was sent; what criteria were used to select those businesses; and how the addresses and other details of the businesses to which the letter was sent were obtained.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4128", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Chuka Umunna"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Streatham"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Chuka Umunna"}
], "uin" : "195622"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47155", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47155/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " HM TREASURY<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> HMT Ref : 3522N 13/14 ANSWERED ON 10 APRIL 2014<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> Chuka Umunna MP<\/p> <\/p> STREATHAM<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> To ask Mr Chancellor of the exchequer, to how many businesses the letter from the Prime Minister to them about the employment allowance was sent to; what criteria was used to select those businesses; and where the addresses and other details of the businesses to which the letter was sent were obtained. 195622<\/p> <\/p> HMT Ref : 3524N 13/14 <\/strong><\/p> <\/p> Chuka Umunna MP<\/p> <\/p> LAB - STREATHAM<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the total cost to the public purse was of the letter sent to businesses by the Prime Minister on the employment allowance. 195623<\/p> <\/p> HMT Ref : 3525N 13/14 <\/strong><\/p> <\/p> The Rt Hon Jack Straw MP<\/p> <\/p> LAB - BLACKBURN<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many copies of the Prime Minister's recent letter concerning new tax cuts for businesses and charities were printed and at what cost; what the total cost was of printing distribution and postage in respect of these letters; and from which vote this expenditure will be taken. (195468)<\/p> <\/p> HMT Ref : 3526N 13/14 <\/strong><\/p> <\/p> The Rt Hon Jack Straw MP<\/p> <\/p> CON - TONBRIDGE & MALLING<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether, on previous occasion the Prime Minister of the day has written to taxpayer about new tax cuts; at what cost; and if he will place copies of such correspondence in the Library. (195469)<\/p> <\/p> HMT Ref : 3527N 13/14 <\/strong><\/p> <\/p> Emily Thornberry MP<\/p> <\/p> LAB - ISLINGTON SOUTH & FINSBURY<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, where the Prime Minister's Office obtained contact details of the businesses and charities to whom he sent a letter about changes to national insurance contributions which took effect from 6 April 2014. (195627)<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> HMT Ref : 3528N 13/14 <\/strong><\/p> <\/p> Emily Thornberry MP<\/p> <\/p> LAB - ISLINGTON SOUTH & FINSBURY<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Prime Minister's Office used any private companies to distribute to businesses and charities the letter he signed about changes to national insurance contributions which took effect from 6 April 2014. (195628)<\/p> <\/p> HMT Ref : 3529N 13/14 <\/strong><\/p> <\/p> Emily Thornberry MP<\/p> <\/p> LAB - ISLINGTON SOUTH & FINSBURY<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the cost was of sending businesses and charities the letter the Prime Minister signed about changes to National Insurance contributions which took effect from 6 April 2014. (195629)<\/p> <\/p> DAVID GAUKE<\/p> The Employment Allowance was introduced to promote both growth and employment, particularly among small businesses, and its success is heavily dependent on ensuring that businesses know whether they are eligible, which they can check by visiting https://www.gov.uk/employment-allowance<\/a>. It is estimated to benefit UK employers by approximately £1.25bn for employers in 14/15.<\/p> <\/p> The Prime Minister's letter was distributed by HMRC and its contractors and targeted c1.7m current and potential employers most likely to benefit from the allowance.<\/p> <\/p> It cost approximately £430,000 including the cost of postage, which equates to 25 pence per letter and its distribution is consistent with the Government's wider awareness raising campaign ensuring that employers are aware of the allowance and check their eligibility.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1529", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr David Gauke"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Hertfordshire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr David Gauke"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-04-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "195468"}
, {"_value" : "195469"}
, {"_value" : "195622"}
, {"_value" : "195627"}
, {"_value" : "195628"}
, {"_value" : "195629"}
], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-04-10T12:00:00.00Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "CaTreasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-04-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the total cost to the public purse was of the letter sent to businesses by the Prime Minister on the employment allowance.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4128", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Chuka Umunna"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Streatham"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Chuka Umunna"}
], "uin" : "195623"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47157", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47157/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " HM Treasury have not transferred any jobs to the private sector as a result of privatisations or outsourcing since May 2010.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4117", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrea Leadsom"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Northamptonshire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Andrea Leadsom"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-04-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-04-29T12:00:00.00Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "CaTreasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-04-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many jobs have been transferred from the public to the private sector as a result of privatisations or outsourcing by his Department since May 2010.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4263", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lucy Powell"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Manchester Central"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lucy Powell"}
], "uin" : "195516"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47158", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47158/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " HM TREASURY<\/p> <\/p> <\/p> <\/p> Charlotte Leslie MP<\/p> <\/p> BRISTOL NORTH WEST<\/strong><\/p> <\/p> To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will consider awarding a loan guarantee under the UK Guarantee Scheme to investors in Helius Energy's proposed biomass energy project in Avonmouth due to concerns surrounding the sustainability of biofuels. 195658<\/p> <\/p> DANNY ALEXANDER<\/p> The Helius Energy \u2013 Avonmouth biomass power generation project has prequalified under the UK Guarantees Scheme and is still subject to the necessary due diligence, commercial negotiation and financial restructuring before any offer of a guarantee is made.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1535", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Danny Alexander"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Danny Alexander"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-04-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-04-10T12:00:00.00Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "CaTreasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-04-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "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 consider awarding a loan guarantee under the UK Guarantee Scheme to investors in Helius Energy's proposed biomass energy project in Avonmouth due to concerns surrounding the sustainability of biofuels.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3933", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Charlotte Leslie"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Bristol North West"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Charlotte Leslie"}
], "uin" : "195658"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47159", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47159/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " This Government has no current plans to increase the inheritance tax threshold.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1529", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr David Gauke"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Hertfordshire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr David Gauke"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-04-30", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-04-30T12:00:00.00Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "CaTreasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-04-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "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 estimate the cost to the Exchequer of raising the £325,000 inheritance tax threshold to (a) £1 million and (b) £500,000 in each of the next five financial years.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3914", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Shabana Mahmood"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Birmingham, Ladywood"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Shabana Mahmood"}
], "uin" : "195626"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47160", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47160/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The guidelines for the sales of assets and land belonging to HM Revenue and Customs are contained in \u201cManaging Public Money\u201d published by HM Treasury.<\/p> <\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1529", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr David Gauke"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Hertfordshire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr David Gauke"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-04-28", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-04-28T12:00:00.00Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "CaTreasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-04-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what guidelines exist for the sale of assets and land belonging to HM Revenue and Customs.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3971", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Charlie Elphicke"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Dover"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Charlie Elphicke"}
], "uin" : "195490"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47161", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47161/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " 99.81% of HMRC's staff are paid above the living wage.<\/p> <\/p> HM Treasury fully complies with EU<\/a> procurement directives and awards contracts on the basis of the best value for money for the taxpayer. Nevertheless, we have encouraged contractors to commit to paying a living wage and expect all employers to pay at least the national minimum wage.<\/p> The Government supports businesses that choose to pay the Living Wage however the Government's main policy on wages is the National Minimum Wage, which has continued to protect the relative wages of the low paid. This is independently set by the Low Pay Commission<\/a> at a level that maximises their wages without reducing employment prospect. It is for workers and employers to decide the level of wages above the minimum wage based on current circumstances. This includes the Government as a procurer and an employer. Over 95%, around 20 million employees earn above the minimum wage and the majority<\/a> of public sector workers currently earn above the Living Wage.<\/p> <\/p> Under the Data Protection Act we are unable to provide a full table breaking down the proportion of staff in each constituency being paid below the Living Wage.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1529", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Mr David Gauke"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Hertfordshire"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Mr David Gauke"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2014-05-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "198151"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2014-05-14T12:00:00.00Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "CaTreasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2014-04-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many and what proportion of staff employed by (a) HM Revenue and Customs and (b) via his Department's sub-contractors are paid an hourly rate that is lower than the living wage in each site of employment in each parliamentary constituency.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/478", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Field of Birkenhead"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Birkenhead"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Mr Frank Field"}
], "uin" : "195542"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47162", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "HM Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/47162/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Under this Government's transparency programme, contracts are published on Contracts Finder which is available at: https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder<\/a>.<\/p> <\/p> In addition all Departments publish details of transactions above £25,000. Data for HM Treasury can be found at:<\/p>