Company insolvencies in 2023 were 14% higher than in 2022. However, the liquidation rate of 53.7 insolvencies per 10,000 active companies was lower than the recessionary peak of 94.7 per 10,000 in 2009. The average number of quarterly company insolvencies in the past 3 years (2021-2023) was 5,112. This is 28% higher than 2017 to 2019, when the quarterly average was 3,982.<\/p>
The Government continues to support businesses, through Help to Grow: Management, Business Support Helpline, and Growth Hubs. Businesses can also access government-backed financial support from the British Business Bank. Additionally, the Help to Grow campaign and website has been refreshed, creating a one-stop shop for SMEs to find the information they need to grow and scale up.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4931", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Offord of Garvel"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Offord of Garvel"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-04-05", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-04-05T10:25:55.077Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "214"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Business and Trade"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-03-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Companies: Insolvency"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that the number of company insolvencies last month were 17 per cent higher than one year earlier; and what steps they are taking to support struggling businesses.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1796", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Taylor of Warwick"} ], "uin" : "HL3339"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1696583", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1696583/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Inflation has more than halved, falling from its peak of 11.1% in October 2022 to 3.4% in February 2024 and nominal whole economy total pay has fallen from a peak of 8.9% in the three months to June to 5.6% in the three months to January 2024.<\/p>
In the three months to January 2024 the unemployment rate was 3.9%, up by 0.1ppt on the year but low by historical standards. The OBR forecast that there will be a moderate rise in unemployment to a peak of 4.5% in Q4 2024 before declining to 4.1% by 2028.<\/p>
Whilst inflation has fallen it still remains above the 2% target. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) continues to have the government\u2019s full support as it takes action to sustainably return it to target.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4580", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Vere of Norbiton"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Vere of Norbiton"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-03-28", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-03-28T12:45:55.397Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-03-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Inflation: Employment and Pay"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government, following reports that public expectations for inflation have fallen to the lowest level in over two years, what assessment they have made of the impact of falling expectations on (1) wage growth trends, and (2) employment dynamics; and what steps they are taking to address any potential challenges in sustaining wage growth while maintaining price stability.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1796", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Taylor of Warwick"} ], "uin" : "HL3340"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1696584", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1696584/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Housebuilding is a priority for this Government, and we are on track to meet our manifesto commitment to deliver one million homes over this Parliament. In December, the revised National Planning Policy Framework was published, making clear that a core purpose of the planning system is planning for the homes and other development that our communities need. With both the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act and the new Framework now in place, alongside the additional resources for planning departments the Government has recently announced, our planning reforms will accelerate the delivery of new homes.<\/p>
We are spending billions to support housebuilding, including through our £1 billion Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund and our £1.5 billion Levelling Up Homebuilding Fund (LUHBF). We have scaled up the delivery of affordable housing by investing £11.5 billion through the Affordable Homes Programme, which will provide thousands of new homes for rent and sale across the country.<\/p>
In February, we announced that we are consulting on a range of new measures to boost housebuilding while protecting the Green Belt, through strengthening planning support for brownfield housing development. Legislation was also laid to extend current permitted development rights to support the conversion of commercial buildings of any size into new homes, and we announced an expansion of the ENABLE Build scheme to increase availability of SME finance to the sector.<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4985", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Swinburne"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Swinburne"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-04-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-04-03T14:23:00.087Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "211"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Levelling Up, Housing and Communities"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Levelling Up, Housing and Communities"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-03-18", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Housing: Construction"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government, following reports of stabilisation and growth in the housing market, what steps they are taking to ensure that this translates into an increased housing supply, particularly in areas facing housing shortages.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1796", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Taylor of Warwick"} ], "uin" : "HL3341"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1696357", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1696357/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The government takes the issue of fraud very seriously and is dedicated to protecting the public from this devastating crime.<\/p>
The government has published draft legislation that allows the sending of payments to be delayed where there are reasonable grounds to suspect fraud or dishonesty, and more time is needed to contact the customer or relevant third parties.<\/p>
Subject to some exceptions to ensure Payment Service Providers (PSPs) meet other legal obligations, for example around tackling financial crime, PSPs will be obliged to inform the customer, set out the reasoning behind a delay, and what information or actions are needed to enable the PSP to decide whether to execute the payment.<\/p>
The government intends to introduce this legislation in summer 2024 and, subject to Parliamentary approval, for it to come into force on 7 October 2024.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4580", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Vere of Norbiton"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Vere of Norbiton"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-03-27", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-03-27T11:34:25.157Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-03-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Payments: Regulation"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government, following the publication of the draft Payment Services (Amendment) Regulations 2024, what steps they are taking to introduce legal safeguards to protect consumer rights and ensure transparency in the process of delaying payments for further investigation.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1796", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Taylor of Warwick"} ], "uin" : "HL3303"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1696358", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1696358/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government is closely monitoring levels of arrears and repossessions, which remain low by historic standards. Affordability assessment and stress testing of mortgage applications is helping ensure households do not move into arrears.<\/p>
Lenders representing over 90% of the market have agreed to our Mortgage Charter, which includes new flexibilities to help customers manage their repayments over a short period. This is helping to support vulnerable households.<\/p>
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules require lenders to engage individually with their customers who are struggling or who are worried about their payments in order to provide tailored support.<\/p>
The Government has also put in place measures aimed at helping people to avoid repossession, including Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) loans, protection in the courts through the Pre-Action Protocol, and the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS).<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4553", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Scott of Bybrook"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Scott of Bybrook"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-03-28", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-03-28T12:50:54.75Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "211"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Levelling Up, Housing and Communities"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Levelling Up, Housing and Communities"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-03-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Mortgages: Arrears"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government, following reports that mortgages in arrears hit a seven-year high in the final quarter of 2023, what assessment they have made of the impact on (1) housing stability, and (2) homelessness rates.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1796", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Taylor of Warwick"} ], "uin" : "HL3304"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1696359", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1696359/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The public have made it clear clean and plentiful water supply and environmental protection is a priority. New infrastructure will need to be paid for, and while water companies can attract private investment, this will also need to come from customer bills. There is a balance to be struck in terms of priorities \u2013 ensuring there is prioritised spending on infrastructure to reduce environmental harm and secure supplies for the future without unduly hitting billpayers with a big rise.<\/p>
<\/p>
All water companies submitted their proposed business plans for Price Review 2024 to Ofwat in October 2023, which set out planned investment and proposed bill increases for 2025-2030. These are now undergoing scrutiny by the independent regulator Ofwat to ensure they meet the targets for environmental improvements and other obligations, whilst also offering value for money for consumers. As such, current reports of increases to bills over the next five years are not yet confirmed. Increases will be confirmed after Ofwat\u2019s final determinations are published later this year, and new price controls will then come into force from 1st April 2025.<\/p>
<\/p>
We are committed to a water sector that delivers for customers, the environment and wider society, and recognise that some households may struggle to pay their water bill in full. All water companies offer reduced bills for eligible customers via the WaterSure scheme and social tariffs as well as a range of other financial support measures. We are continuing to work with industry to explore options to improve existing social tariff arrangements.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/5006", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Douglas-Miller"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Douglas-Miller"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-04-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-04-02T14:49:47.603Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "13"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Environment, Food and Rural Affairs"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-03-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Water Companies: Billing"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government, following reports that water companies plan to raise customer bills by up to 70 per cent over the next five years, what assessment they have made of the impact of those rises on (1) household budgets, (2) consumer spending, and (3) overall economic stability; and what steps they are taking to mitigate any such challenges.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1796", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Taylor of Warwick"} ], "uin" : "HL3305"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1695979", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1695979/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Real wages have increased for seven consecutive months and are 1.1% above their pre-pandemic level.<\/p>
ONS retail sales volumes increased by 3.4% on the month in January, representing a full recovery of the decline seen in December 2023.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4580", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Vere of Norbiton"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Vere of Norbiton"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-03-27", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-03-27T11:35:26.12Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-03-13", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Pay"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of slowing wage growth on household finances and consumer spending; and what steps they are taking to mitigate any negative impact.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1796", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Taylor of Warwick"} ], "uin" : "HL3264"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1695980", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1695980/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "