Written questions by Snowden.

What fiscal steps her Department is taking to support seasonal businesses in Fylde constituency.

The Government recognises the important role that seasonal businesses play in Fylde, particularly those in the tourism and hospitality sectors. At the Budget the Government implemented a range of fiscal measures that benefit businesses in Fylde. These included:More than doubling the Employment Allowance to £10,500. This means more than half of businesses with NICs liabilities will either gain or see no change this year.For businesses in the hospitality sector serving alcohol, cutting alcohol duty on qualifying draught products – approximately 60% of the alcoholic drinks sold in pubs.Maintaining the Small Profits Rate and marginal relief at their current rates and thresholds, as well as maintaining the £1 million Annual Investment Allowance; andFreezing the small business multiplier for 2025/26 meaning that, taken together with Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR), over a million properties are protected from inflationary bill increases. Looking forward on business rates, we intend to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality & leisure properties with rateable values under £500,000, from April 2026.

Whether she has made an assessment of the impact of the proposed changes to agricultural property relief and business property relief on family-run holiday parks in (a) rural and (b) coastal communities.

The Government has received a number of representations about inheritance tax changes from business organisations since the Autumn Budget. The Government has been listening to the different views on this subject and continues to believe its reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief from 6 April 2026 get the balance right between supporting businesses and fixing the public finances in a fair way. The Government is not abolishing either agricultural property relief or business property relief. The reforms reduce the inheritance tax advantages available to owners of agricultural and business assets, but still mean those assets will be taxed at a much lower effective rate than most other assets. The Government has set out that around 1,500 estates only claiming business property relief are expected to be affected in 2026-27, with around 1,000 of these expected to only hold shares designated as “not listed” on the markets of recognised stock exchanges, such as the Alternative Investment Market. The remaining 500 estates will include business assets from sectors across the economy, that are eligible for business property relief. These reforms mean that around three-quarters of estates claiming business property relief in 2026-27 (excluding those only relating to holding shares designated as “not listed”) will not pay any more inheritance tax in 2026-27. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) certified the costing of these changes at Autumn Budget 2024 and it does not expect the reforms to have a significant macroeconomic impact.

Whether she has had discussions with the British Holiday & Home Parks Association on proposed changes to agricultural property relief and business property relief.

The Government has received a number of representations about inheritance tax changes from business organisations since the Autumn Budget. The Government has been listening to the different views on this subject and continues to believe its reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief from 6 April 2026 get the balance right between supporting businesses and fixing the public finances in a fair way. The Government is not abolishing either agricultural property relief or business property relief. The reforms reduce the inheritance tax advantages available to owners of agricultural and business assets, but still mean those assets will be taxed at a much lower effective rate than most other assets. The Government has set out that around 1,500 estates only claiming business property relief are expected to be affected in 2026-27, with around 1,000 of these expected to only hold shares designated as “not listed” on the markets of recognised stock exchanges, such as the Alternative Investment Market. The remaining 500 estates will include business assets from sectors across the economy, that are eligible for business property relief. These reforms mean that around three-quarters of estates claiming business property relief in 2026-27 (excluding those only relating to holding shares designated as “not listed”) will not pay any more inheritance tax in 2026-27. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) certified the costing of these changes at Autumn Budget 2024 and it does not expect the reforms to have a significant macroeconomic impact.

What estimate she has made of the number of jobs at risk in the holiday parks sector as a result of the proposed changes to inheritance tax reliefs.

The Government has received a number of representations about inheritance tax changes from business organisations since the Autumn Budget. The Government has been listening to the different views on this subject and continues to believe its reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief from 6 April 2026 get the balance right between supporting businesses and fixing the public finances in a fair way. The Government is not abolishing either agricultural property relief or business property relief. The reforms reduce the inheritance tax advantages available to owners of agricultural and business assets, but still mean those assets will be taxed at a much lower effective rate than most other assets. The Government has set out that around 1,500 estates only claiming business property relief are expected to be affected in 2026-27, with around 1,000 of these expected to only hold shares designated as “not listed” on the markets of recognised stock exchanges, such as the Alternative Investment Market. The remaining 500 estates will include business assets from sectors across the economy, that are eligible for business property relief. These reforms mean that around three-quarters of estates claiming business property relief in 2026-27 (excluding those only relating to holding shares designated as “not listed”) will not pay any more inheritance tax in 2026-27. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) certified the costing of these changes at Autumn Budget 2024 and it does not expect the reforms to have a significant macroeconomic impact.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential economic impact of proposed changes to Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief on the holiday parks sector.

The Government has received a number of representations about inheritance tax changes from business organisations since the Autumn Budget. The Government has been listening to the different views on this subject and continues to believe its reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief from 6 April 2026 get the balance right between supporting businesses and fixing the public finances in a fair way. The Government is not abolishing either agricultural property relief or business property relief. The reforms reduce the inheritance tax advantages available to owners of agricultural and business assets, but still mean those assets will be taxed at a much lower effective rate than most other assets. The Government has set out that around 1,500 estates only claiming business property relief are expected to be affected in 2026-27, with around 1,000 of these expected to only hold shares designated as “not listed” on the markets of recognised stock exchanges, such as the Alternative Investment Market. The remaining 500 estates will include business assets from sectors across the economy, that are eligible for business property relief. These reforms mean that around three-quarters of estates claiming business property relief in 2026-27 (excluding those only relating to holding shares designated as “not listed”) will not pay any more inheritance tax in 2026-27. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) certified the costing of these changes at Autumn Budget 2024 and it does not expect the reforms to have a significant macroeconomic impact.

Whether HMRC plans to take steps to change the (a) taxation of interest on savings and (b) tax system; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the tax system on people who pay both (i) PAYE and (ii) tax on savings interest.

HMRC receives information from banks and building societies about the savings and investment income they have paid to their customers. Where possible, HMRC will match this information to a taxpayer’s record, and calculate any Income Tax due. If necessary, they will adjust the taxpayer’s tax code and send them an adjusted tax code notice. Guidance on Gov.uk sets out HMRC’s process to collect tax where an individual exceeds their allowance, settled either through Self-Assessment or adjustments to their tax code for Pay As You Earn customers. A combination of several allowances means that around 85% of people with savings income pay no tax on their savings income. Requiring banks and building societies to return to the system of deducting basic rate tax from interest would result in millions of savers being overcharged tax and needing to reclaim it from HMRC to benefit from their savings allowances. The Government keeps all aspects of savings and tax policy under review

If HMRC will make an assessment of the potential merits of enabling secure written communication through the Government Gateway system.

HMRC are currently working on delivering a secure digital communications route for customers and their intermediaries to exchange documents and written communications with HMRC.

If HMRC will make an assessment of the potential merits of reinstating the practice of paying interest on savings net of tax.

HMRC receives information from banks and building societies about the savings and investment income they have paid to their customers. Where possible, HMRC will match this information to a taxpayer’s record, and calculate any Income Tax due. If necessary, they will adjust the taxpayer’s tax code and send them an adjusted tax code notice. Guidance on Gov.uk sets out HMRC’s process to collect tax where an individual exceeds their allowance, settled either through Self-Assessment or adjustments to their tax code for Pay As You Earn customers. A combination of several allowances means that around 85% of people with savings income pay no tax on their savings income. Requiring banks and building societies to return to the system of deducting basic rate tax from interest would result in millions of savers being overcharged tax and needing to reclaim it from HMRC to benefit from their savings allowances. The Government keeps all aspects of savings and tax policy under review

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 36179 on Bank Services: Visual Impairment, whether she plans to increase the number of banking hubs beyond 350 if demand or need increases.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefitting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. The Government also recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Under its rules, the UK’s largest banks and building societies are required to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility and put in place a new service if necessary. The FCA is required by law to keep its access to cash rules under review and is monitoring the impact of these rules on an ongoing basis to ensure they deliver the right outcomes for businesses and consumers. The FCA also requires firms to provide a prompt, efficient, and fair service to all of their customers. This includes special considerations for vulnerable customers, such as the elderly and disabled. Additionally, under the Equality Act 2010, banks must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking, and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Furthermore, the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 220 hubs have been announced so far, and over 160 are already open.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 36179 on Bank Services: Visual Impairment, what support is available to communities in instances when LINK has not recommend a new service following a cash access assessment request.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefitting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. The Government also recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Under its rules, the UK’s largest banks and building societies are required to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility and put in place a new service if necessary. The FCA is required by law to keep its access to cash rules under review and is monitoring the impact of these rules on an ongoing basis to ensure they deliver the right outcomes for businesses and consumers. The FCA also requires firms to provide a prompt, efficient, and fair service to all of their customers. This includes special considerations for vulnerable customers, such as the elderly and disabled. Additionally, under the Equality Act 2010, banks must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking, and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Furthermore, the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 220 hubs have been announced so far, and over 160 are already open.

What recent discussions she has had with banking sector representatives on the future of face-to-face banking services for (a) older people, (b) people with limited digital access and (c) other people.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefitting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. The Government also recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Under its rules, the UK’s largest banks and building societies are required to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility and put in place a new service if necessary. The FCA is required by law to keep its access to cash rules under review and is monitoring the impact of these rules on an ongoing basis to ensure they deliver the right outcomes for businesses and consumers. The FCA also requires firms to provide a prompt, efficient, and fair service to all of their customers. This includes special considerations for vulnerable customers, such as the elderly and disabled. Additionally, under the Equality Act 2010, banks must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking, and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Furthermore, the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 220 hubs have been announced so far, and over 160 are already open.

Whether she has had discussions with her US counterpart on (a) tax exemptions and (b) relief measures for UK-based SMEs that rely on Chinese manufacturing.

The Chancellor regularly speaks with her counterpart, the US Treasury Secretary.This government will continue to act in Britain’s national interest – for workers, for businesses and for families.The Chancellor welcomes areas of collaboration such as the recently announced UK-US economic deal of 8 May.The agreement of 8 May is the first step towards a legally binding Economic Prosperity Deal with the US which will look at increasing digital trade, enhancing access for our world-leading services industries, and improving supply chains.

What steps her Department is taking to protect people living in Fylde constituency from cryptocurrency scams.

The Government takes the issue of fraud very seriously and is developing a new and expanded fraud strategy to further protect the public and businesses from this appalling crime. Relevant cryptoasset firms are already subject to UK financial promotions requirements, and required to register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for money laundering supervision. Building on this, the Government is introducing a comprehensive financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets this year. The new regime will provide further protections for UK consumers, by requiring firms offering them services to be authorised and regulated by the FCA.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 36179 on Bank Services: Visual Impairment, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the FCA’s regulatory rules for access to cash introduced in September 2024 at maintaining equitable cash access in (a) urban and (b) rural areas.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefitting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. The Government also recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Under its rules, the UK’s largest banks and building societies are required to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility and put in place a new service if necessary. The FCA is required by law to keep its access to cash rules under review and is monitoring the impact of these rules on an ongoing basis to ensure they deliver the right outcomes for businesses and consumers. The FCA also requires firms to provide a prompt, efficient, and fair service to all of their customers. This includes special considerations for vulnerable customers, such as the elderly and disabled. Additionally, under the Equality Act 2010, banks must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking, and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Furthermore, the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 220 hubs have been announced so far, and over 160 are already open.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 36179 on Bank Services: Visual Impairment, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the FCA monitors the potential impact of branch closures on vulnerable customers; and what enforcement action is available when firms fail to comply with guidance.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefitting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. The Government also recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Under its rules, the UK’s largest banks and building societies are required to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility and put in place a new service if necessary. The FCA is required by law to keep its access to cash rules under review and is monitoring the impact of these rules on an ongoing basis to ensure they deliver the right outcomes for businesses and consumers. The FCA also requires firms to provide a prompt, efficient, and fair service to all of their customers. This includes special considerations for vulnerable customers, such as the elderly and disabled. Additionally, under the Equality Act 2010, banks must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking, and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Furthermore, the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 220 hubs have been announced so far, and over 160 are already open.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 March 2025 to Question 36179 on Bank Services: Visual Impairment, what proportion of announced banking hubs are operational as of June 2025; and what steps she is taking to expedite the rollout.

Banking has changed significantly in recent years with many customers benefitting from the ease and convenience of remote banking. The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets across the UK, and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. The Government also recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Under its rules, the UK’s largest banks and building societies are required to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility and put in place a new service if necessary. The FCA is required by law to keep its access to cash rules under review and is monitoring the impact of these rules on an ongoing basis to ensure they deliver the right outcomes for businesses and consumers. The FCA also requires firms to provide a prompt, efficient, and fair service to all of their customers. This includes special considerations for vulnerable customers, such as the elderly and disabled. Additionally, under the Equality Act 2010, banks must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all. Alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking, through digital means such as mobile or online banking, and via the Post Office. The Post Office Banking Framework allows personal and business customers to withdraw and deposit cash, check their balance, pay bills and cash cheques at 11,500 Post Office branches across the UK. Furthermore, the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. Banking hubs offer everyday counter services provided by Post Office staff, allowing people and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques, pay bills and make balance enquiries. They also contain dedicated rooms where customers can see community bankers from their own bank to carry out wider banking services. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 220 hubs have been announced so far, and over 160 are already open.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of tax relief to mitigate the impact of tariffs introduced within the same tax year in Fylde constituency.

The Government recently announced the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, which is a major milestone for our special relationship The agreement of 8 May is the first step towards a legally binding Economic Prosperity Deal with the US which will look at increasing digital trade, enhancing access for our world-leading services industries, and improving supply chains.

What recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of inflation on average household disposable income in (a) Fylde constituency and (b) Lancashire.

Inflation has fallen from the peak of 11.1%, returning to the 2% target in September 2024, before increasing again to 3.5% in April. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility forecast that CPI inflation will peak at 3.8% in July this year before falling rapidly to around the 2.0% target from mid-2026 onwards. Real household disposable income (RHDI) per person is a common measure of living standards. It includes the total income of households, in a given period, after direct taxes have been accounted for and adjusting for the effect of inflation. RHDI per person is only available at the UK wide level and cannot be disaggregated by county or constituency. In the latest data, for Q4 2024, RHDI per person grew at its fastest quarterly rate in two years, rising by 1.5% compared to Q3 2024.According to the Office for Budget Responsibility’s March 2025 forecast, RHDI per person was forecast to grow at an annual average of 0.5% over this parliament (Q3 2024 – Q2 2029).

What steps she is taking to help support residents in Fylde constituency with the cost of living.

The Government know increased costs in essential areas such as energy, food, and housing are causing genuine worries and hardship for many people. That is why the Government is prioritising growth so we can boost wages and put more money in people’s pockets. To support those most in need, we have introduced a Fair Repayment Rate on debt deductions in Universal Credit and extended the Household Support Fund in England, as well as Discretionary Housing Payments in England and Wales. At recent fiscal events and in the Chancellor’s January growth speech, the Government set out the next steps in delivering our approach for regional growth, spreading growth across the country through investment and reform, including via devolution of funding and powers. This will benefit people across the country, including in the Fylde constituency.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of trends in levels of taxation on working people in (a) Fylde and (b) Lancashire.

A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the National Insurance Contributions Bill containing the changes to employer NICs. The TIIN sets out the impact of the policy on the exchequer, the economic impacts of the policy, and the impacts on individuals, businesses, and civil society organisations, as well as an overview of the equality impacts.The Office for Budget Responsibility also published an Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO) in October 2024, which set out the impacts of changes to Employer NICs, including the expected economic and labour market impacts. The Government is providing support for departments and other public sector employers for additional employer NICs costs only. This funding is being allocated to departments, with the Barnett formula applying in the usual way.