John Glen: In developing proposals at fiscal events, including previous and forthcoming events, such as the Autumn Budget planned for 17 November, the Treasury takes care to ensure compliance with legal requirements under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) in the Equality Act 2010 to consider the impact of its decisions on those sharing protected characteristics. This is in line with both our...
John Glen: The Government recognises that the rising cost of living has presented additional financial challenges to many people, and especially to the most vulnerable members of society, such as people living with cancer. That is why the Government is taking decisive action to get households through this winter, while ensuring we act in a fiscally responsible way. People who are living with cancer and...
John Glen: In June 2022, the UK Government and Scottish Government finalised arrangements for the independent report on tax and welfare Block Grant Adjustments, which was launched on the same day. Following a successful call for stakeholder evidence, the report is now being finalised by the independent authors and is expected to be presented to both governments imminently. The two governments have...
John Glen: Foodbanks are independent, charitable organisations and HM Government does not have any role in their operation. However, the Government understands that people across the UK are worried about the cost of living, including the rising cost of food. That is why the Government has provided £1.5 billion since October 2021 to enable the creation and extension of the Household Support Fund in...
John Glen: Inflation has a range of impacts on the public finances and previous OBR forecasts have shown how inflation can increase spending on welfare and debt interest, as well as tax revenues. With respect to debt interest, the most recent OBR forecast in March projected that government spending on debt interest would reach £83.0 billion in 2022-23. The OBR also publish a ‘ready reckoner’ to...
John Glen: The Government understands that people across the UK and especially the most vulnerable members of society, such as those suffering from long-term health conditions and their carers, are worried about the rising cost of living. That is why the Government is taking decisive action to get households through this winter, while ensuring we act in a fiscally responsible way. If individuals have...
John Glen: The Treasury carefully considers the equality impacts of the individual measures announced at fiscal events on those with protected characteristics, including gender, race and disability – in line with both its legal obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) and with its strong commitment to equality issues. As part of these legal obligations, the Treasury considers...
John Glen: The Government remains committed to the International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Act 2015 and to spending 0.7% of gross national income (GNI) on Official Development Assistance (ODA) once the fiscal situation allows. In July 2021 the former Chancellor set out the fiscal circumstances under which the UK will make the return to spending 0.7% of its GNI on ODA. This...
John Glen: The Government understands that people across the UK and especially the most vulnerable members of society, such as those suffering from long-term health conditions and disabilities, are worried about the rising cost of living. That is why the Government is taking decisive action to get households through this winter and the next, while ensuring we act in a fiscally responsible way. If...
John Glen: I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. The UK Infrastructure Bank Bill will finalise the bank’s set-up and ensure that it is a long-lasting, enduring institution. The Bill will set out its objectives to tackle climate change and support regional and local economic growth in legislation, as well as giving the bank a full range of spending and lending powers, so that it can...
John Glen: I will not be able to comment on specific investments. As I said, a series of investments have been made in the last 12 months, and I would be happy to correspond with my right hon. Friend and put him in touch with the bank so that the logic behind that decision can be explored with him.
John Glen: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the work that he did in the Treasury in recent months as my successor as Economic Secretary. The board of the bank has been filled over the summer so that the right expertise has come in to oversee the investments and metrics for success. They will be accountable through normal processes and accountable to Parliament. Indeed, the chairman and chief...
John Glen: I would be very happy to look into that matter and respond to my hon. Friend at the end. It is probably deemed to be unnecessary, but I will give absolute clarity, or the Exchequer Secretary will when he closes. Thirdly, the Bill supports the operational independence of the bank by setting out clear governance and accountability in how it will be run. That is covered by the remaining clauses,...
John Glen: The government understands that people across the UK are worried about the cost of living. That is why the government has announced £37 billion of support for the cost of living this financial year, which includes £1,200 of support through the £400 EBSS for the most vulnerable households, £150 Council Tax rebate and one-off £650 Cost of Living Payment for those on means-tested benefits,...
John Glen: The Government is committed to managing the public finances in a disciplined and responsible way. The adjusted net income threshold of £50,000 for the High Income Child Benefit Charge, which impacts a relatively small minority of taxpayers, ensures the Government supports the majority of Child Benefit claimants, whilst helping to ensure the fiscal position remains sustainable.
John Glen: Since being appointed on 14 October, the Chancellor has regularly discussed with Cabinet colleagues the cost of living challenge. The UK Government continues to monitor prices closely using the Consumer Prices Index and to work with industry to promote transparency for consumers. Staple gluten free items remain available on NHS prescription to people with coeliac disease.
John Glen: People on all forms of parental leave (including maternity, paternity and shared parental leave) can continue to use Tax-Free Childcare for children other than the child that is the subject of the parental leave. They are not eligible for that child while on leave but can use Tax-Free Childcare from 31 days before returning to work, assuming they are expecting to return to work. People on...
John Glen: In developing proposals at fiscal events, including previous and forthcoming events, such as the Autumn Statement planned for 17 November, the Treasury takes care to ensure compliance with legal requirements under the Public Sector Equality Duty in the Equality Act 2010 to consider the impact of its decisions on those sharing protected characteristics. This is in line with both our legal...
John Glen: Tax-Free Childcare has been designed with the specific policy aim of supporting parents to return to paid work or work more, by providing support with their childcare costs. For this reason, to be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare, each parent must be in work and earning at least the equivalent of 16 hours’ work a week at the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. Students who are...
John Glen: The government will compensate local authorities for the reduction in retained business rates related to the implementation of business rates reliefs in Investment Zones.