Written questions by McMurdock.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed exemption of Indian (a) based employers and (b) multi-national corporations with offices in the UK from paying National Insurance contributions on (i) costs to the public purse and (ii) those businesses in each of the next three years.

The OBR will certify the impact of the trade deal including the Double Contributions Convention in the usual way at a fiscal event, once the deal is finalised and ratified. The agreement to negotiate a Double Contributions Convention was made in the context of the wider deal, which will bring billions into the economy.

What steps she is taking to ensure cash remains protected in (a) South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency and (b) other areas where it is used above the national average.

The Government 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. Its rules require the UK’s largest banks and building societies 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. Assessments are undertaken by LINK, the industry designated coordinating body responsible for conducting cash access assessments. LINK take into account a number of factors including those unique to each location, such as the size and vulnerability of the population and whether to is reasonable for people to travel to nearby facilities, factoring in geographic barriers such as hills, rivers and major roads. The Government is also committed to ensuring appropriate banking services are in place to support communities across the country. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament. These hubs will provide small businesses and individuals with critical cash and in-person banking services. Over 200 banking hubs have been recommended to date and over 150 are already open.

What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of regional differences in the use of cash purchases.

The Government 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. Its rules require the UK’s largest banks and building societies 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. Assessments are undertaken by LINK, the industry designated coordinating body responsible for conducting cash access assessments. LINK take into account a number of factors including those unique to each location, such as the size and vulnerability of the population and whether to is reasonable for people to travel to nearby facilities, factoring in geographic barriers such as hills, rivers and major roads. The Government is also committed to ensuring appropriate banking services are in place to support communities across the country. This is why the Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament. These hubs will provide small businesses and individuals with critical cash and in-person banking services. Over 200 banking hubs have been recommended to date and over 150 are already open.

What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the (a) accessibility and (b) convenience of (i) setting up and (ii) using the Government Gateway.

The Government Gateway is continuously monitored for availability and performance. It complies with Government Digital Service standards, including accessibility standards. An accessibility assessment in June 2023 found it fully compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA.The service is available 24/7, making it highly accessible. Setting up an account requires only an email address, but identity verification is needed for accessing certain services. Identity verification can be done using a passport, driving license, or other knowledge-based evidence.The process aims to balance ease of use with the need to protect personal information and prevent fraud.Gov.UK One Login (including face-to-face verification) will gradually replace Government Gateway starting Winter 2025.HMRC provides alternative channels for users who cannot access services digitally, such as telephone and written communication.

How many complaints her Department has received on the difficulty of (a) accessing and (b) using the Government Gateway.

HMRC has 56 million active users of Government Gateway, who successfully used Government Gateway 435m times for the period 1 April 2024 – 14 March 2025. In the same period HMRC received 472 complaints in respect of accessing and/or using the service.

What steps she is taking to improve support available for people to (a) access and (b) use Government Gateway accounts.

Government Gateway is easy to access and use. It is available 24 hours a day, all year round. For the period April 2024 to March 2025, it had over 56 million active accounts and was used 434.9 million times to access Government Digital Services.HMRC provides a user-tested online service for setting up accounts on Government Gateway. Users have three attempts to prove their identity, with dynamic guidance provided after each attempt.Dedicated customer technical support is available via online form, email, and telephone.GOV.UK One Login (including face-to-face verification) will gradually replace Government Gateway starting Winter 2025. Plans are in place to ensure effective support during the transition.

If he will take steps to support people to access Government Gateway accounts without physical documentation.

Where a customer does not have a driving license or passport, dependent on what records exist for that customer, they can use the following evidence items to prove their identity using Government Gateway:• Self-Assessment – (If record available) This is a knowledge-based question based on previous tax records.• Credit Reference – These are knowledge-based questions based on 3rd party credit reference records.• Tax Credits – (If record available) This is a knowledge-based question based on previous tax records. If a user is unable to provide sufficient evidence to prove their identity online, they can contact the relevant department (e.g. HMRC or DWP) directly by telephone, post, or face to face (DWP Only).There are no plans to improve or add additional options to Government Gateway to enable people to prove their identity – instead additional methods to prove identity will be provided by Gov.UK One Login (including face-to-face verification) which will gradually replace Government Gateway starting Winter 2025.

Whether she has plans to introduce new financial reporting requirements for (a) arms-length bodies and (b) Non-Governmental departments that handle significant public expenditure.

For arms-length bodies, inclusive of non-departmental public bodies, the legal authority to direct financial reporting requirements for their individual Annual Reports and Accounts is with its sponsoring department. HM Treasury’s Financial Reporting Manual (FReM) applies directly to all government departments. Sponsoring departments may also require their arms-length bodies, including non-departmental public bodies to apply the FReM. Financial reporting requirements outlined in the FReM are updated annually, the 2025-26 FReM has been published which will apply to relevant bodies for the 2025-26 financial year. The FReM is based on International Financial Reporting Standards-adapted or interpreted as appropriate to the public sector context. Under section 24 of the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000, the Treasury is required to consult an advisory group on financial reporting principles and standards for resource accounts and Whole of Government Accounts. This role is fulfilled by the Financial Reporting Advisory Board (FRAB) who are required to agree to any changes to the financial reporting requirements included in the FReM. Reporting requirements would then apply to government departments directly as well as those arms-length bodies and non-departmental public bodies directed to follow the FReM by their sponsoring department.

How many (a) arms-length bodies and (b) Non-Governmental departments have not published full financial accounts in the last five years.

For arms-length bodies, inclusive of non-departmental public bodies the legal requirement to produce financial accounts is normally set out in their founding legislation. The Treasury monitors all Departmental accounts to ensure they are laid in a timely manner. All 2023-24 Departmental accounts have been laid in Parliament. There are no Departments which have not published audited financial accounts in the last five years. The Treasury also lay the accounts of 21 non-ministerial departments and 8 pension schemes; all 2023-24 accounts have been laid in Parliament. There are no non-ministerial departments or pension schemes where laying is done by The Treasury which have not published audited financial accounts in the last five years. Departments have responsibility for monitoring the publishing of financial accounts for bodies in their departmental group, including for arms-length bodies.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the financial oversight delivered by (a) arms-length bodies and (b) non-Governmental bodies across Whitehall.

Managing Public Money guidance sets out the responsibilities of accounting officers in departments and in ALBs regarding the stewardship of public funds, including the requirement for public bodies and their sponsor departments to have an appropriate framework document (or equivalent) in place to provide certainty about their relationship and governance arrangements. The framework document agreed between an ALB and its sponsor department should provide for the sponsor department to exercise meaningful oversight of the ALB's strategy and performance, pay, and/or major financial transactions.Additionally, supported by the National Audit Office (NAO), the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) independently scrutinises public funds, including providing Parliament with financial audit of the accounts of both departments and ALBs.

Whether she is taking steps to ensure that people who rely on in-person banking services are provided with suitable alternatives.

The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. This is why Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 200 hubs have been announced so far, and over 100 are already open. Another option for in-person banking is the Post Office. Through the Post Office Banking Framework, 99% of personal banking and 95% of business banking customers can access vital cash withdrawal and deposit facilities in-person at 11,500 Post Office branches across the country. The Government protects the Post Office network by setting minimum access criteria. These include ensuring that 99% of the UK population lives within three miles of a Post Office and 90% of the population within one mile. Some banks also provide their own community banking services via pop-ups in community centres and libraries, or operate mobile banking vans, and the Government supports these initiatives. Further alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking and through digital means such as mobile or online banking. In 2022, over 65% of those aged over 75 used online banking or mobile apps. The Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) has recently published a Digital Inclusion Action Plan which sets out the Government’s first steps towards our long-term objective of ensuring everyone has the access, skills, support and confidence to participate in our modern digital economy.

What her Department's policy is on support for elderly people who lack access to (a) online banking and (b) a physical banking hub.

The Government understands the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and high streets and is committed to championing sufficient access for all as a priority. This is why Government is working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK. The UK banking sector has committed to deliver these hubs by the end of this Parliament. Over 200 hubs have been announced so far, and over 100 are already open. Another option for in-person banking is the Post Office. Through the Post Office Banking Framework, 99% of personal banking and 95% of business banking customers can access vital cash withdrawal and deposit facilities in-person at 11,500 Post Office branches across the country. The Government protects the Post Office network by setting minimum access criteria. These include ensuring that 99% of the UK population lives within three miles of a Post Office and 90% of the population within one mile. Some banks also provide their own community banking services via pop-ups in community centres and libraries, or operate mobile banking vans, and the Government supports these initiatives. Further alternative options to access everyday banking services can be via telephone banking and through digital means such as mobile or online banking. In 2022, over 65% of those aged over 75 used online banking or mobile apps. The Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) has recently published a Digital Inclusion Action Plan which sets out the Government’s first steps towards our long-term objective of ensuring everyone has the access, skills, support and confidence to participate in our modern digital economy.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the level of Vehicle Excise Duty retained by local authorities to be directly allocated to local road maintenance.

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is collected by the DVLA on behalf of HM Treasury. Estimates for the amount of VED raised in Essex is not available.The OBR forecast that VED will raise £8.3 billion in 2024-25. Revenue from motoring taxes helps to fund vital public services and infrastructure, including investment in roads and transport. Funding is distributed to local authorities as part of the Spending Review process.The Government is going well beyond its promise to fix an additional one million potholes per year, by providing a £500 million cash increase on 2024/25 local roads maintenance baseline funding. This will be enough to fix the equivalent of more than seven million extra potholes in 2025/26.As with all taxes, the Government welcomes representations on how the tax system can be improved. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the public finances.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the tax relief ceiling on private pensions.

The Government wishes to encourage pension saving, to help ensure that people have an income, or funds on which they can draw, throughout retirement. This is why, for the majority of savers, pension contributions are tax-free. The annual allowance is currently set at £60,000. The Government keeps all aspects of the tax system under review as part of the annual Budget process, and in the context of the wider public finances.

If she will launch a pilot scheme with local authorities on increasing the level of Vehicle Excise Duty retained by such authorities to be directly allocated to local road maintenance.

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is collected by the DVLA on behalf of HM Treasury. Estimates for the amount of VED raised in Essex is not available.The OBR forecast that VED will raise £8.3 billion in 2024-25. Revenue from motoring taxes helps to fund vital public services and infrastructure, including investment in roads and transport. Funding is distributed to local authorities as part of the Spending Review process.The Government is going well beyond its promise to fix an additional one million potholes per year, by providing a £500 million cash increase on 2024/25 local roads maintenance baseline funding. This will be enough to fix the equivalent of more than seven million extra potholes in 2025/26.As with all taxes, the Government welcomes representations on how the tax system can be improved. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the public finances.

What estimate she has made of the proportion of Vehicle Excise Duty revenue (a) raised in and (b) allocated to maintain roads in Essex; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing that proportion.

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is collected by the DVLA on behalf of HM Treasury. Estimates for the amount of VED raised in Essex is not available.The OBR forecast that VED will raise £8.3 billion in 2024-25. Revenue from motoring taxes helps to fund vital public services and infrastructure, including investment in roads and transport. Funding is distributed to local authorities as part of the Spending Review process.The Government is going well beyond its promise to fix an additional one million potholes per year, by providing a £500 million cash increase on 2024/25 local roads maintenance baseline funding. This will be enough to fix the equivalent of more than seven million extra potholes in 2025/26.As with all taxes, the Government welcomes representations on how the tax system can be improved. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the public finances.

Whether her Department has plans to increase funding to the IMF.

The UK’s core contribution to the IMF is determined by the UK’s share of the IMF’s quota resources as well as our contributions to the Fund under the New Arrangements to Borrow (NAB) and Bilateral Borrowing Agreements (BBA). The UK’s total IMF contribution is 46,103.26m SDR (approximately £48.55 billion.) There are no current proposals at the IMF that will require the UK to further increase our funding.

What steps she is taking to ensure that Arm's Length Bodies are value for money.

The Chancellor has launched Phase 2 of the Spending Review, covering 2026/27 to 2028/29. This will zero-base all spending, including Arm’s-Length Bodies, conducting a full line-by-line review of all public spending to assess whether it is a priority for this government and represents value for money for the taxpayer. The Spending Review will conclude on 11 June 2025.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the transparency of public spending on Arm’s Length Bodies.

The government recognises the importance of transparency across public spending, including Arm’s-length bodies (ALBs). Information on ALB expenditure is published within each body’s annual report.The process for budget setting and for preparing and approving annual reports for ALBs are dependent on their classification status and their source of income.Further information on the reporting requirements for ALBs can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6763fa1f3229e84d9bbde88d/MASTER_FINAL_DRAFT_2025-26_FReM_DECEMBER_2024_RELEASE.pdfFurther information on how each type of ALB should produce accounts can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a74d700e5274a59fa715592/Classification-of-Public_Bodies-Guidance-for-Departments.pdf

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the cost-effectiveness of her Department's Arm's Length Bodies.

The Chancellor recently launched Phase 2 of HM Treasury’s departmental Spending Review covering 2026/27 to 2028/29. The conditions of the Review require a zero-based, line-by-line review of all departmental spending to assess whether it is a priority for this government and represents value for money for the taxpayer. This approach extends to the department’s Arm’s Length Bodies (ALBs). The Spending Review will conclude on 11 June 2025.