Written questions by French.

What assessment she has made of the international competitiveness of the tax regime.

The UK has an internationally competitive tax system. The Government published its Corporate Tax Roadmap at Autumn Budget 2024, which included a commitment to ensuring a competitive and sustainable main rate of corporation tax by capping it at 25 per cent for the duration of this parliament. The current rate of corporation tax is the lowest in the G7, and this is supplemented by generous business investment tax reliefs which directly support investment, including Capital Allowances, R&D tax reliefs, and the Patent Box regime.

Whether she has had recent discussions with the Rt hon. Gordon Brown on gambling duties.

The Chancellor discusses a variety of issues with stakeholders throughout the year, including the run up to Budget.

Pursuant to the answer of 28 October to question 83432 on Betting: Excise Duties, if she will publish a list of the stakeholders who (a) have responded to the consultation, and (b) have met with Ministers as part of the consultation.

The Government launched a consultation on the tax treatment of remote gambling, which closed on 21 July 2025. Responses are now being analysed and a response to the consultation will be published at Autumn Budget 2025. As is standard practice the consultation response will include a list of stakeholders who responded to the consultation. As part of HM Treasury’s commitment to transparency details of ministerial meetings with external stakeholders are published and the latest version can be found at the following link: HM Treasury: ministerial overseas travel and meetings, April to June 2025 - GOV.UK

Whether she has had recent discussions with RyanAir on potential changes to air passenger duty.

The government is committed to engaging with interested groups when developing and legislating tax policy and regularly engages with airlines and the wider aviation industry. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events.

Pursuant to the answer of 17 November to Question 87901 on Individual Savings Accounts, what assessment she has made of (a) the impact of the property price cap on the number of first-time buyers purchasing homes, (b) the number of first-time buyers by London borough, and (c) if she will make it her policy to provide a separate cap for properties in (i) inner London boroughs and (ii) outer London boroughs.

Data from the latest UK House Price Index demonstrates that the average price paid by first-time buyers is below the LISA property price cap in all regions of the UK. This includes London, where the average price paid by first-time buyers in November 2023 was under £437,000. A single UK-wide cap keeps the Lifetime ISA simple for savers and providers. In 2024/25, 87,250 individuals withdrew Lifetime ISA funds for a house purchase, an increase of around 30,500 on the previous tax year. While HMRC does collect data on regional breakdown of Lifetime ISA account holders, the data quality is not sufficient to provide accurate regional breakdowns or produce statistics on individual London boroughs. In HMRC’s response to the recent Treasury Select Committee’s LISA enquiry (link), a regional breakdown was provided where homes were bought using LISAs: HMRC LISA enquiry response - Tables 1, 2 and 3. The Government keeps all aspects of tax and savings policy under review.

What estimate her Department has made of the number of grassroots music venues that will be affected by the new higher multiplier rate of retail, hospitality and leisure relief; and what assessment her Department has made of how they will be affected.

The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values (RVs) below £500,000 from 2026/27. This permanent tax cut will ensure that eligible grassroots music venues benefit from much-needed certainty and support. The Government is sustainably funding this by introducing a higher tax rate on properties with RVs of £500,000 and above.The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes and broader economic and fiscal context into decision-making. When the new multipliers are set, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.

What steps she is taking to support grassroots music venues which will have higher business rates under the new multiplier.

The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values (RVs) below £500,000 from 2026/27. This permanent tax cut will ensure that eligible grassroots music venues benefit from much-needed certainty and support. The Government is sustainably funding this by introducing a higher tax rate on properties with RVs of £500,000 and above.The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes and broader economic and fiscal context into decision-making. When the new multipliers are set, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.

Pursuant to the Answer of 3 November 2025 to Question 84975 on Dance and Music: Finance, what data her Department holds on the number of pupils that have left the independent school sector following the (a) application of VAT to private school fees and (b) removal of business rates charitable rate relief from private schools.

The Government conducted thorough and detailed analysis of the impacts of the VAT policy and at Autumn Budget 2024 published a Tax Impact and Information Note (TIIN) which sets out this analysis. This is a comprehensive assessment of the impacts on individuals and families, businesses and the wider economy, as well as equalities impacts. This can be found online here: VAT on Private School Fees & Removing the Charitable Rate Relief for Private Schools - GOV.UK Government analysis on the expected impact of the removal of charitable rate relief from private schools in England can be found online here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/removal-of-eligibility-of-private-schools-for-business-rates-charitable-relief/removal-of-eligibility-of-private-schools-for-business-rates-charitable-relief.

Pursuant to the Answer of 3 November 2025 to Question 84975 on Dance and Music: Finance, if she will undertake an updated impact assessment on the (a) application of VAT to private school fees and (b) removal of business rates charitable rate relief from private schools.

The Government conducted thorough and detailed analysis of the impacts of the VAT policy and at Autumn Budget 2024 published a Tax Impact and Information Note (TIIN) which sets out this analysis. This is a comprehensive assessment of the impacts on individuals and families, businesses and the wider economy, as well as equalities impacts. This can be found online here: VAT on Private School Fees & Removing the Charitable Rate Relief for Private Schools - GOV.UK Government analysis on the expected impact of the removal of charitable rate relief from private schools in England can be found online here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/removal-of-eligibility-of-private-schools-for-business-rates-charitable-relief/removal-of-eligibility-of-private-schools-for-business-rates-charitable-relief.

What comparative assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed higher business rates multiplier for properties with a rateable value above £500,000 on (a) physical retailers and (b) online businesses.

The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties with rateable values (RVs) below £500,000 from 2026/27. This permanent tax cut will ensure they benefit from much-needed certainty and support. The Government is sustainably funding this by introducing a higher tax rate on properties with RVs of £500,000 and above. The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes and broader economic and fiscal context into decision-making. When the new multipliers are set, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of levels of (a) taxation and (b) regulatory costs on growth in the retail sector.

The Government closely monitors the health of different sectors across the UK economy and regularly engages with the retail sector, which it recognises plays a vital role in communities and high streets across the country. From April 2026, the Government intends to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values below £500,000. This permanent tax cut will ensure that eligible RHL properties benefit from much-needed certainty and support. This tax cut must be sustainably funded, and so the Government is introducing a higher rate on the most valuable properties in 2026/27 - those with RVs of £500,000 and above. The Government recognises that, ahead of the new multipliers being introduced, RHL businesses need support in 2025-26. So, the Government has prevented RHL relief from ending by extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business and frozen the small business multiplier. The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the revaluation outcomes and broader economic and fiscal context can be factored into decision-making. When the new multipliers are set, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements. The Government has been engaging widely with the retail sector to understand regulatory barriers to growth. The Small Business Plan, published in summer, aims to tackle late payments, boost access to finance, and remove red tape to help small businesses, including retailers, grow and thrive.

If she will make it her policy to increase the property value threshold for using a Lifetime ISA in line with either inflation or the annual increase in house prices.

Data from the latest UK House Price Index shows that while the average price paid by first-time buyers has increased, it is still below the Lifetime ISA (Individual Savings Accounts) property price cap in all regions of the UK except for London, where the average price paid is affected by boroughs with very high property values. As of 2024/25 there were over 1.3 million LISA accounts open and, since its introduction in 2017, the LISA has helped 314,600 people purchase their first property. The Government keeps all aspects of savings tax policy under review.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the (a) removal of the VAT exemption and (b) increase in (i) business rates, (ii) the minimum wage and (iii) National Insurance contributions on specialist (A) music and (B) dance schools.

The Government recognises the value that music and dance schools bring to education in the UK. In advance of Autumn Budget 2024, the Government conducted thorough and detailed analysis of the impacts of applying VAT to private school fees and the removal of business rates charitable rate relief from private schools in England, including on Music and Dance schools. The Department for Education provides means-tested bursaries for eligible families as part of the Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) if their child has a place at any one of eight MDS performing arts private schools. The Department adjusted MDS bursary contribution for families with a relevant income below £45,000 to account for VAT on fees, ensuring that the total parental fee contributions for families with below average relevant incomes remain unchanged for the 2024/25 academic year. The Employment Allowance has been more than doubled to £10,500, ensuring that over half of businesses with National Insurance liabilities, including those providing specialist education in music and dance, will either gain or see no change this year. A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the 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 National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates are recommended by the independent and expert Low Pay Commission (LPC). By seeking advice from the LPC when setting the minimum wage rates, the Government is able to ensure that the right balance is struck between the needs of workers, affordability for employers, including those in the education sector, and the impact on the economy. DBT have published their full Impact Assessment alongside the legislation here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2025/9780348268492/impacts

What steps she is taking to encourage retail businesses to return to the high street through changes to business rates.

The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century. As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with ratable values (RVs) below £500,000 from 2026/27. This permanent tax cut will ensure they benefit from much-needed certainty and support. The Government is sustainably funding this by introducing a higher tax rate on properties with RVs of £500,000 and above.The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes and broader economic and fiscal context into decision-making.Ahead of the new multipliers being introduced, the Government prevented RHL business rates relief from ending in April 2025, extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business.The Government will also support those seeing the biggest increases at the revaluation. The Government will announce details at Budget 2025, in light of the revaluation outcomes.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of changes to employers' National Insurance contributions on seasonal hospitality-based businesses following the 2025 summer season.

The Government closely monitors the health of different sectors across the UK economy and regularly engages with the hospitality sector. The Government protected the smallest hospitality businesses from the recent changes to employer National Insurance through increasing the Employment Allowance to £10,500. We have also taken a number of other steps to support the hospitality industry. This includes:Introducing a permanently lower business rates multiplier for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values below £500,000 from 2026-27. Ahead of the new multipliers being introduced, the government extended the RHL relief for 2025-26 at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business and frozen the small business multiplier.Establishing the Licensing Taskforce and issuing a call for evidence on a National Licensing Policy Framework which will set out national direction for licensing authorities to consider economic growth and cultural value,Protecting hospitality businesses from upward only rent clauses through the English Devolution Bill, and;Introducing a strong new ‘Community Right to Buy’ to help communities safeguard valued community assets – such as pubs.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to employers' National Insurance contributions on the availability of jobs for (a) young people and (b) young people not in education, employment and training.

A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the 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 the Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO), which sets out a detailed forecast of the economy and public finances.  With all policies considered, the OBR's March 2025 EFO forecasts the employment level to increase from 33.6 million in 2024 to 34.8 million in 2029. The Government is committed to supporting young people to earn and learn. That is why we have recently announced that we will offer a guaranteed job to young people on Universal Credit, who are unemployed for over 18 months. This will provide an opportunity for young people to gain essential skills and experience and prevent the damaging effects of long-term unemployment. This initiative forms a key part of the Government’s Youth Guarantee and will build upon existing employment support and sector-based work academies (SWAPs) currently being delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Further details will be announced at the Budget 2025.

Pursuant to the Answer of 13 October 2025 to Question 77715 on Betting: Excise Duties, which stakeholders her Department has engaged with through the consultation process.

The Government launched a consultation on proposals to simplify the current gambling tax system, which closed on 21 July 2025. Responses are now being analysed and a response to the consultation will be published at Autumn Budget 2025. As part of the consultation process, the Government engaged with a wide range of stakeholders including, the British Horseracing Authority, the Jockey Club and Betting & Gaming Council as well as gambling businesses and charities.

What estimate she has made of the potential impact of the 2026 business rates revaluation for hospitality businesses on (a) the number of businesses subject to the surcharge on businesses over £500,000 and (b) the total level of taxes paid by the hospitality sector; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the 2026 business rates revaluation on the number of jobs in the hospitality business sector.

The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century. As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with ratable values (RVs) below £500,000 from 2026/27. This permanent tax cut will ensure they benefit from much-needed certainty and support. The Government is sustainably funding this by introducing a higher tax rate on properties with RVs of £500,000 and above. The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes and broader economic and fiscal context into decision-making. When the new multipliers are set, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements. The Government will support those seeing the biggest increases at the revaluation. The Government will announce details at Budget 2025, in light of the revaluation outcomes.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to the Soft Drinks Industry Levy thresholds on future investment in the development of healthier soft drinks.

An assessment of economic and other impacts is included as part of the ‘Strengthening the Soft Drinks Industry Levy’ consultation document. This is available athttps://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/strengthening-the-soft-drinks-industry-levy. The indicative Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) analysis estimates that the changes would reduce calories, across the UK population, by around 15 million kcal per day in children and 46 million kcal per day in adults. These calorie reductions could achieve health and economic benefits of around £4.2 billion over 25 years. The proposed changes were subject to a consultation, which was open until 21 July 2025. The Government will consider the consultation responses closely prior to making any decision at a future Budget. If the Government decides to make changes to the levy, it will publish an updated assessment of the confirmed policy’s impacts.

What steps she is taking to reduce the tax burden on the hospitality, tourism and leisure sector.

The Government is committed to supporting the hospitality, tourism and leisure sector, which is largely made up of small businesses. At the Autumn Budget, a range of measures were announced to reduce the tax burden on these sectors. The Employment Allowance has been more than doubled to £10,500, ensuring that over half of businesses with National Insurance liabilities will either gain or see no change this year. The Small Profits Rate of Corporation Tax and marginal relief have been maintained at current rates and thresholds. The £1 million Annual Investment Allowance has been retained to support investment. Duty on qualifying draught products has been reduced, supporting pubs and smaller brewers. The Government intends to introduce permanently lower business rates multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values below £500,000 from 2026-27. Until these new multipliers come into force, business rates RHL relief has been extended for one year at 40% up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business. The Government keeps all areas of the tax system under review and changes to the tax system are made at fiscal events, in line with usual practice.