Tuesday Volume 690 9 March 2021 No. 186

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday 9 March 2021 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2021 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 635 9 MARCH 2021 636

have access to occupational sick pay and cannot work House of Commons from home should be eligible for the Test and Trace support payments? Tuesday 9 March 2021 Steve Barclay: The hon. Lady is right that many people —indeed, the majority of workers—will have support The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock from employers above statutory sick pay, but it is for the reason she outlines that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor PRAYERS also announced that there will be a payment of £500 for those not qualifying for the means-tested benefit, paid through the discretionary scheme that was funded at [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] the Budget and to be administered by local authorities. Virtual participation in proceedings commenced (Orders, 4 June and 30 December 2020). Judith Cummins [V]: Bradford Council has the highest [NB: [V] denotes a Member participating virtually.] demand for self-isolation payments in the country,reflecting the fact that most people in our city are unable to work from home. The standard scheme for people in receipt of certain benefits is fully funded, but the discretionary Oral Answers to Questions scheme, which the council must use for everyone else, is not. In fact, the funding for Bradford falls far short of demand, so will the Minister urgently look into this so that councils with a high demand can support all workers TREASURY who need to self-isolate?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer was asked— SteveBarclay:Thehon.Ladymakesafairpoint,whichis thattherewasapressureontheschemeforlocalauthorities. Self-isolation: Financial Barriers It is for exactly that reason that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor announced in the Budget that there will be Vicky Foxcroft (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab): What an increase to £20 million per month for the discretionary assessment he has made of implications for his policies scheme. He also listened to representations from the of the financial barriers to people’s compliance with the hon. Lady and others about widening the scope of requirement to self-isolate during the covid-19 outbreak; eligibility under that scheme. and if he will make a statement. [913154] Kate Hollern [V]: The Government have now made Judith Cummins (Bradford South) (Lab): What available £20 million a month in discretionary self-isolation assessment he has made of implications for his policies funding for local authorities, despite only making of the financial barriers to people’s compliance with the £15 million available for four months when the scheme requirement to self-isolate during the covid-19 outbreak; first started, and because of this, hundreds of people in and if he will make a statement. [913167] Blackburn have been denied support to self-isolate. Does the Minister now accept that initial allocations fell well Kate Hollern (Blackburn) (Lab): What assessment he below what was needed and contributed to the rise in has made of implications for his policies of the financial cases, and does he think that that is fair on my constituents? barriers to people’s compliance with the requirement to self-isolate during the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will Steve Barclay: It is right that there was support in make a statement. [913169] place, but it is also right that my right hon Friend the Chancellor has listened to points made by Members Mrs Sharon Hodgson (Washington and Sunderland across the House, which is why the discretionary support West) (Lab): What recent discussions he has had with has been increased and also why it has been extended to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the cover parents who are unable to work because they are adequacy of financial support arrangements for people caring for a child who is self-isolating and a number of who are self-isolating during the covid-19 outbreak. other factors. I think that shows once again the willingness [913182] of this Government to respond to the path of the virus and to adapt our schemes to what is needed with, in The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Steve Barclay): particular, the extensive support that is now being offered People who are instructed to self-isolate by NHS Test and has throughout the pandemic been offered to local and Trace and are on a qualifying means-tested benefit, authorities. unable to work from home and losing income as a result may be entitled to a payment of £500 from their local Mrs Hodgson [V]: In November, a constituent of mine authority. was told to isolate via the NHS covid-19 app. She would have been eligible for the isolation payment, but as she Vicky Foxcroft [V]: We need people to self-isolate to was told to isolate via the app, she was never given an control transmission and ease restrictions, yet many are NHS Test and Trace account ID, and therefore her continuing to work as they cannot survive on £95.85 application could go no further. My constituent was statutory sick pay per week. The Chancellor has been affected financially as she could not work, and she has asked about this on numerous occasions, and it was been going round in circles, even with my help, trying to disappointing that nothing new was announced in his access the payment. Can the Minister advise if my Budget. Does the Minister agree that those who do not constituent can still access this payment retrospectively? 637 Oral Answers 9 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 638

Steve Barclay: It is always difficult to comment without The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Steve Barclay): seeing the full facts of an individual case, and I know the TheGovernmenthaveprovidedanunprecedentedmultibillion- hon. Lady is always an incredibly assiduous constituency pound package of support for Britain’scharities, including Member and will ensure that the case is looked at. On £750millionof dedicatedfundingthathashelpedmorethan the specifics, I would also point to the fact that there is 15,000 organisations across the country respond to the a wider package of support as well. For example, in impacts of covid-19 and relieve the pressure on our NHS. addition to the self-isolation payments, there is often eligibilityforself-employedworkersthroughtheself-employed Craig Whittaker [V]: As we all know, yesterday marked income support scheme. There is a wide range of measures, International Women’s Day, a day when we celebrate but obviously it will depend on the individual case. and recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. However, this pandemic has Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ also shone a light on domestic abuse and the struggles Co-op): Test and Trace has now been allocated £37 billion, of many women across the country, so will my right hon. but its head, Baroness Dido Harding, has told both the Friend set out what steps he is taking to support charities Public Accounts Committee and the Science and in this field so we can ensure that victims and their children Technology Committee that the big struggle is to get can access the support they need? people to isolate. So, although the Government have provided support for people to self-isolate, surely the Steve Barclay: I join my hon. Friend in marking Chief Secretary can go back and look again to ensure International Women’s Day yesterday, and he raises a that what the Treasury is providing enables test, trace very important issue. That is why my right hon. Friend and isolate to be truly effective, or we are really not going the Chancellor at the Budget last week committed a to beat this pandemic? further £90 million of funding; that, of course, builds on the £125 million announced at the spending review SteveBarclay:Thehon.Ladyisrightabouttheimportance and indeed the earlier £25 million that had also been of Test and Trace; it is key to our unlocking the economy provided, recognising the 65% increase in calls to the and to addressing the much more substantive costs in national domestic abuse hotline and the renewed focus terms of the non-pharmaceutical interventions. As she within Government on this important issue. will know as Chair of the PAC, while I as Chief Secretary and my right hon. Friend the Chancellor will always look Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Central) (SNP) [V]: Charities at the cost of Test and Trace, the bigger prize is getting across these islands have done amazing work through our economy opened. On the substantive point the hon. the pandemic, so with the Finance Bill coming up will Lady raises on the self-isolation payments, again I point the Treasury reward the efforts of these charities and to the fact that at the Budget my right hon. Friend the encourage the public to donate by temporarily increasing Chancellor increased the funding for discretionary support; the rate of gift aid from 20% to 25% and expanding the that sits alongside the £500 itself, and is in addition to small donations scheme to make gift aid much easier to the wider support that the majority of employers provide. claim?

James Murray (Ealing North) (Lab/Co-op) [V]: The Steve Barclay: I join the hon. Lady in recognising the Government’s road map out lockdown says that self- huge contribution that charities have made. In respect isolation is critically important to halting the spread of of specific tax measures, obviously they were dealt with disease, yet Baroness Harding has recently admitted by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor in the Budget that financial difficulties prevent people from self-isolating last week, but I remind the hon. Lady of the £750 million and a year ago the Health Secretary admitted he could of dedicated funding that has been provided to date in not live on statutory sick pay of £94.25 a week. It is now recognition of that important work. £95.85 a week, so can the Minister explain why the Regional Equity of Infrastructure Investment Chancellor refuses simply to guarantee that anyone who has to rely on statutory sick pay or is unable to access Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): What even that should be eligible for the £500 payment? assessment he has made of the regional equity of infrastructure investment (a) in Wales and (b) throughout Steve Barclay: I do not think the hon. Gentleman has the UK. [913156] actually read the Budget announcement made last week, because the discretionary element of the Test and Trace The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Jesse Norman): support payments applies even if people are not in Once in every Parliament, the National Infrastructure receipt of means-tested benefits. So it does recognise Commission publishes a national infrastructure assessment. the point raised by Members that it is important that The first assessment was launched in July 2018, and the there is an incentive for people to be tested; that is what commission operates UK-wide. the £500 payment through the Test and Trace system addresses. But in addition Members raised cases which Geraint Davies [V]: Wales has 5% of the population were just outside the means-tested element of Test and but it has had only 2% of the railway enhancement Trace; that is the issue that the discretionary fund addresses, investment over decades, and it has the lowest household and it was dealt with in the Budget last week. income. Given that HS2 will not pass through Wales, will the Minister and the Treasury look very carefully at Covid-19: Support for Charity Sector providing a high-speed rail link between Bristol, Cardiff, Swansea and beyond—over 3 million people live there—in Craig Whittaker (Calder Valley) (Con): What fiscal steps line with the Burns review, to help the agenda for he is taking to support the charity sector in response to levelling up and connecting the Union, and to give us the covid-19 outbreak. [913155] our fair share of rail investment based on need? 639 Oral Answers 9 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 640

Jesse Norman: I thank the hon. Member for his question. Rishi Sunak: My hon. Friend is absolutely right that Of course, he will be aware that the benefits of HS2 are we must get support to businesses as quickly as possible. not, by any means, just restricted to the cities that are I am pleased to confirm to her that guidance will be on its route; it is a national project of significance. More published, hopefully by the end of this week, for local widely, Wales has done very well in the last Budget, if I authorities, and that the restart grants, which are designed might remind him more generally,with accelerated funding to take the place of our grant scheme that runs out at for the Swansea bay,north Wales and mid-Wales city growth the end of April, will be distributed to local authorities deals, money for the hydrogen hub and, of course, in the first full week—the week commencing 5 April. I £30 million towards the global centre of rail excellence hope that is a reassurance to her and her businesses, and in Neath Port Talbot. What I would say, though, is that that local authorities can get the cash to them at this of course we do now have a UK infrastructure bank, vital time. which will be looking at issues of infrastructure across the country, including in the devolved Administrations. Greg Smith: The scale of support for businesses has been truly outstanding, but may I draw my right hon. Covid-19: Support for Business Friend’s attention to the coach industry? Pre-pandemic, it already found itself heavily indebted because of Tom Hunt (Ipswich) (Con): What fiscal steps his requirements that the state put on it, such as the Public Department is taking to support businesses affected by Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 and Euro the covid-19 outbreak. [913157] 6 requirements, so will he look again at how the coach industry can be supported, given the level of debt it is Laura Trott (Sevenoaks) (Con): What fiscal steps his already in? Department is taking to support businesses affected by the covid-19 outbreak. [913158] Rishi Sunak: I thank my hon. Friend for shining a spotlight on this important industry; he is right to do Greg Smith (Buckingham) (Con): What fiscal steps so. I know that he will be talking to the Department for his Department is taking to support businesses affected Transport about regulations for the industry, but I can by the covid-19 outbreak. [913164] tell him that we will be providing local authorities with discretionary funding of around £425 million to sit Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con): What fiscal steps his alongside the restart grants. That money, at the discretion Department is taking to support businesses affected by of local areas, can be used to support businesses such as the covid-19 outbreak. [913172] coach businesses in their areas.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rishi Sunak): The Mark Menzies [V]: I just want to take this opportunity Government are providing over £407 billion-worth of to thank the Chancellor for the way in which he has support for the UK economy over this year and next. engaged with me and other Members representing coastal Contained within that is considerable support for business, communities throughout the lifetime of the pandemic. I through discounted loans, cash grants, VAT reductions know the extensive measures he has put in place,particularly and tax deferrals, all designed to help business get through for the hospitality sector, will make a huge difference to this crisis and protect as many jobs as possible. those businesses surviving. Can my right hon. Friend assure me that he will continue to monitor and work with Tom Hunt: I very much welcome the £25 million that me to ensure that local businesses get all the support Ipswich will be getting through a town deal, and the they need for their continued recovery? creation of Freeport East. Some 6,000 of my constituents are employed, directly or indirectly, through the port of Rishi Sunak: My hon. Friend has been instrumental Felixstowe. The town deal will create a new tech campus in providing on-the-ground information to me and my and a maritime skills academy to feed jobs—high-skilled team about the particular situation facing hospitality jobs—in the area. Therefore, does the Chancellor agree businesses in coastal communities like his. He is an that both the town deal money and the new freeport, absolute champion for them and rightly so. They are an together, will be vital to the creation of new local skills important part of his local economy and I am glad that in Ipswich and therefore crucial to supporting local this Budget supported them. He has my assurance that business at this difficult time? we will continue to work with him and them to get them the support that they deserve. Rishi Sunak: My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and I congratulate him; he has long campaigned on the Mr Pat McFadden (Wolverhampton South East) (Lab): importance of a town deal for his local community and, The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates that indeed, a freeport. I am delighted that this Budget could £27 billion-worth of loans made under coronavirus deliver both of those for his constituents and I agree loan schemes will never be repaid. Why is the Chancellor with him that it will deliver growth, jobs and prosperity insisting that banks pursue that as conventional business to his local area. debt, when the circumstances that gave rise to those loans are anything but conventional? Would lifting the Laura Trott [V]: I thank the Chancellor for his earlier debt burden on businesses and turning it into a contingent response. The measures in the Budget provided a lifeline tax liability not help to fire up the economy, set business to high streets in my constituency, from Westerham to free and really get Britain moving again? Swanley. In particular, the restart grants are much anticipated. Can the Chancellor confirm when local Rishi Sunak: What we have done is provide a scheme authorities will be able to begin distributing these vital called Pay as You Grow to give businesses incredible grants? flexibility and generosity in how they repay bounce 641 Oral Answers 9 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 642 back loans. Those loans at an instant can be turned it has forecast a much lower peak of 6.5%. That means automatically into 10-year loans,which reduces the monthly 1.8 million fewer people who are expected to lose their cash payment by almost 50%. Beyond that, there are jobs. Whether it is through interventions such as the opportunities for interest-only periods and payment furlough scheme, we remain committed to protecting, holidays, all of which will support the cash flow of supporting and creating jobs. businesses. We also have to get a balance with the taxpayer in all of this, which is why we have taken the Gary Sambrook: The furlough scheme has helped to approach we have. I am sad that the right hon. Gentleman protect 11.2 million jobs across the UK, including nearly did not also welcome the £25 million of investment in 6,000 jobs in my Birmingham, Northfield constituency, his local community through a town deal in this Budget, so I take this opportunity to thank the Chancellor for which will help local businesses there as well. the extension until September. Does he agree that this will give businesses the vital breathing space needed to Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Central) (SNP) [V]: The be able to plan as we go along the Prime Minister’s road Save our Salons campaign presented to the gaps in map? support all-party group this morning. It remains hugely frustrated that the hair, beauty and holistic service Rishi Sunak: My hon. Friend is absolutely right about industry has had no sector-specific support from the the importance of protecting jobs. The extension of the Chancellor,despite contributing £9.2 billion to the economy. furlough scheme on generous terms beyond the end of Can the Chancellor explain why he has decided to ignore the road map is designed to give his local businesses and the calls from this largely female industry to chop VAT others the reassurance that they need to reopen safely to 5%? and confidently. I know he will be keen to protect as many of those jobs as possible in his local area and I am Rishi Sunak: With regard to VAT, I am sure the hon. delighted that this Government can support him in Lady knows that the majority of businesses in the doing so. personal care sector are below the VAT threshold, so they do not actually pay any VAT. What we did do is Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South) include that sector in the more generous restart grants, (Lab):ASAGE—ScientificAdvisoryGroupforEmergencies so, depending on their rateable value, businesses in that —adviser is reported to have said: sector, like those in hospitality, will be able to receive “I thought the chancellor was in charge. He was the main grants of up to £18,000. person who was responsible for the second wave.” Does the Chancellor accept that his refusal to follow the Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con) [V]: I very much science by pitting public health against the economy led welcome my right hon. Friend’s announcement in the to worse outcomes for both? Budget of the super deduction, which will definitely have a very positive impact on investment. Of course, it Rishi Sunak: I urge the hon. Lady to be a little bit will primarily do that by pulling forward what would careful about what she reads in the newspaper. At all have been future investment into a more recent time steps in this crisis, we have indeed taken the advice of period. What measures is my right hon. Friend looking our scientific advisers. Let us go back to September, to, to ensure that that increase in corporate investment which I think is what she is referring to. At that time—as in the shorter term is continued into the medium and she knows from the SAGE minutes herself, which are longer term? published,ratherthanunsourcedquotesinnewspapers—the evidence was finely balanced and there were many Rishi Sunak: I am glad my right hon. Friend recognises things for Ministers to consider. The consideration at the importance of the super deduction. He is right that that point was that the tiered system was working and it will bring forward investment, but I believe it will also deserved to be given a chance. increase the amount of investment as well, given the attractiveness of doing so. What I would point him to UK Fiscal Policy: Living Standards (Scotland) are a couple of other announcements in the Budget. One is a consultation to reform our research and Kenny MacAskill (East Lothian) (SNP): What recent development tax credits regime, which we hope to conduct discussions he has had with his Scottish Government over the course of this year to make sure of support for counterpart on the effect of UK fiscal policy on living investment in R&D in a way that reflects current R&D standards in Scotland. [913160] practices.Secondly,our freeports agenda contains enhanced capital allowances, and structures and building allowances, Marion Fellows (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP): which last well beyond the period of the super deduction What recent discussions he has had with his Scottish and will serve as an incentive for capital investment in Government counterpart on the effect of UK fiscal policy those areas for years to come. on living standards in Scotland. [913162]

Covid-19: Support for Job Retention Amy Callaghan (East Dunbartonshire) (SNP): What recent discussions he has had with his Scottish Government Gary Sambrook (Birmingham, Northfield) (Con): What counterpart on the effect of UK fiscal policy on living fiscal steps his Department is taking to support job standards in Scotland. [913163] retention during the covid-19 outbreak. [913159] The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Steve Barclay): I The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rishi Sunak): In July have frequent discussions with the Scottish Government last year, the OBR forecast unemployment to peak at Finance Secretary and spoke to her ahead of the Budget aroundjustunder12%.Now,becauseof policydevelopment, last week. 643 Oral Answers 9 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 644

Kenny MacAskill [V]: Despite furlough, high streets and the powers to which I referred in my previous answer. face devastation—first shops and now pubs, an even Therefore, many families have been helped, including harder space to fill. Was the Budget not an opportunity 480,000 existing claimants in Scotland as well as new to support what are community assets in urban as well claimants, and the families helped through the £500 one- as rural areas and where alcohol consumption is supervised off payment that was announced at the Budget. There was and not unchecked? With supermarkets having made a strong package of support for Scotland, none of which huge profits during lockdown, much of that through she chose to mention in her question. alcohol sales, is it not time to support the Social Market Foundation’s call to increase alcohol duty on off-trade Transport Connectivity to sustain the on-trade in our communities? Robert Largan (High Peak) (Con): What fiscal steps Steve Barclay: Many businesses across Scotland argued his Department is taking to improve transport connectivity for the alcohol freeze, not least the Scottish whisky across the UK. [913161] industry. They also argued for the fuel freeze, which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor delivered. I am also Sally-Ann Hart (Hastings and Rye) (Con): What surprised, when the hon. Gentleman talks of community, fiscal steps his Department is taking to improve transport that he does not even recognise the extra capacity connectivity across the UK. [913165] funding that his community received in the Budget. With all these things that impact the community, clearly, Simon Jupp (East Devon) (Con): What fiscal steps his the additional £1.2 billion of funding received by the Department is taking to improve transport connectivity Scottish Government through Barnett consequentials across the UK. [913168] at the Budget will again enable the Scottish Government to work with the UK Government to deliver better services Alexander Stafford (Rother Valley) (Con): What fiscal in his community. steps his Department is taking to improve transport connectivity across the UK. [913176] Marion Fellows [V]: The poverty Chancellor has refused to make permanent the £20 universal credit increase and The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Jesse Norman): apply it to legacy benefits, with 75% of those affected Improving transport connectivity across the UK is central being disabled. If he refuses to change course, 60,000 Scots, to the Government’s levelling up agenda, and local including 20,000 children, will be left in poverty and residents across the UK will benefit from upgrades to forced to decide between heating and eating. If the infrastructure that improve everyday life as a result of Minister was in their position, what would he choose: the launch of the £4.8 billion levelling up fund. The heating or eating? Government have also maintained their commitment to already announced transport investment through the Steve Barclay: First, as was set out in analysis published transforming cities fund and the roads investment strategy, with the Budget, the measures that the Government and Budget 2021 confirmed capacity funding allocations have taken have supported the poorest working households for the £4.2 billion of intra-city transport settlements, the most. Secondly, the hon. Lady also failed to mention so that the city regions receiving settlements can develop the additional capacity funding for her community that investment-ready transport plans to deliver on local was announced at the Budget. Thirdly, the Scottish priorities. Government requested specific powers in respect of benefits and tax, and, of course, they have the option to Robert Largan [V]: Politicians of all parties have been use those powers that they said that they wanted. promising to build the Mottram bypass for more than 50 years. I am really pleased that Highways England Amy Callaghan [V]: As the Minister will be aware, the and Balfour Beatty recently signed a contract to build £20 uplift to universal credit has been a lifeline during the bypass, and a formal consultation has now been the pandemic. Many families in my constituency are carried out on the detailed proposals, meaning that we devastated that the uplift is set to end in September. are closer than we have ever been before to finally With the Scottish Government committed to tackling getting it built. Can the Minister assure me that the child poverty,including through the game-changer Scottish Government remain committed to building the bypass child payment, the UK Government-imposed cliff edge as soon as possible? The people of Glossop and Hadfield could pose a significant setback. Does the Minister agree have waited long enough. that plunging children and families into poverty, whether it is now or in September, is a callous act, and will he Jesse Norman: I thank my hon. Friend for his question. commit to a permanent uplift to universal credit? He has been a vociferous supporter of this scheme and I canhappilyconfirmthattheGovernmentremaincommitted Steve Barclay: We have managed to get a hat trick, to upgrading the A57 so as to improve connectivity because the hon. Lady also received capacity funding between Manchester and Sheffield. The development for her own area at the Budget but chose not to mention consent order is on track to be submitted shortly and that funding, which will help the families she referred construction is expected to start in early 2023. to. It is also slightly odd for her to talk about plunging into something when the Chancellor has announced an Sally-Ann Hart [V]: Investing in improved transport extension. Coupled with that, and the UK-wide measures infrastructure is well recognised by this Government as that were set out at the Budget—including measures a necessity for turbocharging our economy and levelling such as freezing fuel duty, which will help many families up. Beautiful Hastings and Rye has some of the most in her own constituency—there was an additional antiquated road and rail infrastructure in the country, £1.2 billion of funding for the Scottish Government which discourages new businesses from locating there 645 Oral Answers 9 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 646 and inhibits economic growth. Network Rail is currently half a billion pounds since last March. The Budget also finalising a strategic business case for HS1. What steps made no mention of Northern Powerhouse Rail and slashed is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that funding theTransportfortheNorthbudgetby40%.CantheMinister will be available to finance such a vital project? explain why the reality of the Budget on infrastructure investment is so far from this Government’s rhetoric? Jesse Norman: My hon. Friend will be aware that the strategic outline business case for the Kent and East Jesse Norman: I do not recognise the figures the hon. Sussex coastal connectivity scheme includes proposals Lady has used at all. The facts are that this Government to extend HS1 services from Ashford International to published the “National Infrastructure Strategy” in Hastings and Rye. It is currently being taken forward by November, which set out plans for £300 billion-worth Network Rail and is due to be submitted to the Department of public investment over the next few years, as well as for Transport in April 2021. It will then be reviewed by supporting £300 billion of private investment. Since then, the Department and by stakeholders in Kent and East the Chancellor has announced the new UK infrastructure Sussex County Councils. bank, which will further support the development of infrastructure and levelling up, and the development Simon Jupp [V]: Improving road and rail connections of our green infrastructure across the UK. across all four nations of the UK will improve the quality of life for our communities and I am really Covid-19: Debt Owed by Developing Countries looking forward to seeing the Hendy review this summer. However, there is no doubt that it will take the aviation Mary Kelly Foy (City of Durham) (Lab): What recent sector longer than most to recover from the crisis. discussions he has had with his international counterparts Taxes, including air passenger duty, need urgent reform on requiring private creditors to cancel debt owed by to help the industry to get back on its feet. What plans developing countries during the covid-19 pandemic. does the Treasury have to remove the double charging [913166] of domestic air passenger duty, a call backed by regional airports including Exeter in my constituency and Newquay, The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (John Glen): which particularly rely on domestic flights to all corners The Chancellor regularly engages with his international of the United Kingdom? partners in the G7, G20 and the Paris Club on debt issues, including private sector participation in debt Jesse Norman: The Treasury is committed to consulting restructurings, and Treasury officials are also engaging on aviation tax reform. As part of that, we will consider with the private sector on this issue. the APD treatment of domestic flights. Unfortunately, the consultation has been delayed in recognition of the Mary Kelly Foy [V]: As the Government slash rather challenging circumstances that the aviation industry international aid, covid-19 could push up to 150 million is currently facing, but we will update the House on this people globally into extreme poverty, yet many banks in due course. and asset managers operating in the UK, including HSBC, Alexander Stafford [V]: Car ownership in Maltby in BlackRock and J.P. Morgan, continue to demand debt Rother Valley is lower than the national average and repayments from developing countries, leaving them buses provide a vital lifeline. However, our services are withlessmoneytorespondtocovid-19.WilltheGovernment severely lacking. You cannot get a direct bus between urgently introduce new legislation to prevent developing Maltby, my largest town, and Dinnington, my second countries from being sued in UK courts by banks, asset largest town and, if you do take public transport, that managers and vulture funds if they are unable to pay five-mile journey takes almost an hour. What fiscal steps their debts as a result of the pandemic? is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that communities in Rother Valley are linked up, so that those without John Glen: I note the hon. Lady’s long-standing cars have the same opportunities to be economically interest in this subject, but I want to state clearly that active, to get to and from jobs and even to go shopping the Government support the role of the low-income as those with cars? developing countries to be supported by the UK’s G7 presidency. We have made clear our expectation that the Jesse Norman: It is no secret that bus services are private sector and the firms she mentioned will offer close to the Prime Minister’s heart. The Government debt treatment on at least as favourable terms as the have committed to improving bus services and since the official sector, under the common framework, as agreed start of the pandemic have supported operators with by the G20 last November. more than £1 billion of funding, as well as with £120 million at the spending review for the delivery of new zero emission Covid-19: Ineligibility for Income Support Schemes buses. The national bus strategy is due to be published soon and will start to set out this wider ambition. I am Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/ alsopleasedtonotethatBudget2020allocated£166million Co-op): What fiscal steps he is taking to help support to the Sheffield city region from the transforming cities people ineligible for his Department’s covid-19 income fund to support local transport investment, including support schemes. [913170] bus infrastructure. The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rishi Sunak): In Abena Oppong-Asare (Erith and Thamesmead) (Lab) order to support people through the next stages of the [V]: To deliver transport connectivity in every part of pandemic, the Government have extended both the the United Kingdom, we need long-term investment in furlough scheme and the self-employment income support infrastructure but, staggeringly, the OBR analysis reveals scheme through to September, which will help millions that the Chancellor has cut capital investment plans by of people up and down the country. 647 Oral Answers 9 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 648

Stephen Doughty [V]: I thank the Chancellor for his they have put forward to bring in people who may not answer. The Welsh Labour Government this week be able to qualify at the moment. As the Chancellor announced a further £30 million to support hospitality mentioned, 600,000 people previously ineligible may and tourism, and freelancers working in our creative now be eligible, including those newly self-employed in sectors are going to get a further round of support 2019-20. worth £8.9 million—this is targeting support to fill gaps left by the Chancellor. I accept that many people have Yasmin Qureshi [V]: The Government may well throw had welcome support, but huge numbers of people are these figures about, but we know that 3.8 million self- coming up to a year of little or no support because they employed people have had no financial support throughout have been excluded from UK Government support over this whole pandemic. Freelancers, small companies and the past year. What will the Chancellor do for all those other people across Bolton and this country want the excluded, left out and left behind the curve over the past Chancellor to recognise the fact that his continued year? silence is just not good enough.

Rishi Sunak: I am glad the Welsh Government will Jesse Norman: In mentioning Bolton, the hon. Lady receive more than £740 million in Barnett consequentials somehow neglected to mention the £22.9 million-worth as a result of this Budget, which works for the whole of towns funding that Bolton has recently received. United Kingdom. With regard to the self-employment I thought that she might kick off with that. The answer scheme, what I can say is that we are now able to bring that I gave was perfectly clear about the matter: we are in those people who filed tax returns for the first time in bending over backwards to support people. We have leant the tax year 2019-20. That was something that many into this issue as hard as we can and we will continue to colleagues asked for. I am pleased that we were able to do so. deliver that now that the tax deadline has passed, and it means that more than 600,000 more people will be able National Living Wage to benefit from this world-leading support for the self- employed. Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues Covid-19: Support for the Self-Employed on plans to increase the national living wage. [913173]

Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): What TheExchequerSecretarytotheTreasury(KemiBadenoch): assessment he has made of the potential merits of AstheChancellorreaffirmedattheBudget,theGovernment continuing support for the self-employed as covid-19 are increasing the national living wage by 2.2% from public health restrictions are lifted; and if he will make £8.72to£8.91,anabove-inflationpayrise.TheGovernment a statement. [913171] remain committed to their ambitious target for the Yasmin Qureshi (Bolton South East) (Lab): What national living wage to reach two thirds of median earnings assessment he has made of the potential merits of by 2024 provided that economic conditions allow. The continuing support for the self-employed as covid-19 Treasury will continue to work closely with Cabinet public health restrictions are lifted; and if he will make colleagues to ensure that we reach this target. a statement. [913185] Mr Baron [V]: In welcoming the Government’sgenerous The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Jesse Norman): economic support packages and the increase in the The Government have announced that the self-employment national living wage, may I just ask the Minister to income support scheme will continue until September, consider further increasing it ahead of inflation in the with a fourth and a fifth grant. This provides certainty years ahead to help achieve our one nation agenda and to business as the economy reopens and it means that ensure that work pays? I suggest that, combined with an the self-employment income support scheme continues effective and controlled immigration policy, that will to be one of the most generous covid-19 support schemes also encourage businesses to invest in their workforce for self-employment income around the world. and in research and development generally, which will help to improve productivity. Andrew Gwynne [V]: That is welcome for those who qualify for it, but a year ago it was the Chancellor who Kemi Badenoch: I thank my hon. Friend for his question. said that he would do “whatever it takes”to protect people. He should know that the Government remain committed There are still millions of self-employed people without to ensuring that work pays and to helping to end low any support since this crisis started and they will not pay. As he knows, investment to raise productivity is forget that either. It is untenable. Why will Ministers not vital for long-term sustainable growth in wages. I am finally act and do whatever it takes to ensure that this sure that his request is one that we will consider, as important sector of the economy also has the chance to always, in future Budgets. Taxes and minimum wages succeed post the pandemic? arealwaysunderreview,butthisGovernmentareabsolutely focused on levelling up. We have set out our plan to Jesse Norman: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his build back better, which will drive economic growth that question. Of course, we have put in place £407 billion-worth levelsupthewholeof theUKthroughsignificantinvestment of support across the whole of the pandemic, which is in infrastructure as well as skills and innovation. an astonishing level of support for a very wide range of businesses and people across the country. In relation to Economic Recovery the self-employed, he may not be aware, but I have bent over backwards to engage with different groups of the David Simmonds (Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner) self-employed. Repeatedly, across different meetings, we (Con): What fiscal steps he is taking to support the have looked with the greatest care at the proposals that UK’s economic recovery. [913175] 649 Oral Answers 9 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 650

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rishi Sunak): Taking particular postcode lottery be replaced by a directive to into account all the measures announced since last ensure much greater consistency in awarding these vital March, this Government are providing more than grants? £400 billion of direct fiscal support to the economy over this year and next. That will rank as one of the most Rishi Sunak: My right hon. Friend has raised this comprehensive and generous responses of any country industry with me multiple times, and he is right to do so. anywhere in the world. Although some food and drink wholesalers have been significantly impacted, others—for example, those that David Simmonds [V]: [Inaudible]—and the further predominately serve the public sector—have not been, support announced for businesses. The extension of the so I do not think it would be fair to provide blanket VAT and the business rates holiday, alongside the restart support. He talked about a postcode lottery. The other grants, are particularly welcome for businesses in my side of that coin is empowering local government and constituency of Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner,especially local decision making, and I believe that is the right on our high streets. Does my right hon. Friend agree approach. We have announced £425 million of additional that these steps will support our short-term economic discretionary support to local authorities, but I am sure recovery, and ensure that businesses have the breathing that his raising the issue in the House in this way will space to protect jobs as they begin to bounce back? give his local council and others the steer they need to direct support to this important industry. Rishi Sunak: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Our priority economically is to protect, support and create Anneliese Dodds (Oxford East) (Lab/Co-op): In 2017 as many jobs as possible, and the support that we have the Chancellor asked a Member of this House whether provided to businesses will help to do that. My hon. Labour’s proposed increase in corporation tax Friend talks about breathing space; he is right to say “would make it more or less likely that international investors that measures to improve businesses’ cash flow in the would want to invest here in the UK?”—[Official Report, 12 September short term will help give them the breathing space they 2017; Vol. 628, c. 218WH.] need to drive our recovery as they begin to reopen in the What’s the answer, Chancellor? coming months. Rishi Sunak: I am delighted that the hon. Lady is Topical Questions raising the topic of corporation tax at this Budget. I feel that we have had various different versions of the Labour party policy on this topic over the past couple [913124] Stephen Timms (East Ham) (Lab): If he will of weeks. What I can say is that we are honest with the make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. British people about the challenges facing our public finances, and we have set out a fair and honest way to The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rishi Sunak): Last address those challenges. This will remain one of the most week I presented to the House a Budget to protect the internationally competitive places anywhere in the world jobs and livelihoods of the British people, confirming to invest, to grow a business and to create jobs, and this more than £400 billion of support over this year and Government will always deliver on that promise. next, ranking as one of the most comprehensive responses of any country anywhere in the world. We also set out a Anneliese Dodds: Last week, the Chancellor said he fair and honest plan to begin fixing our public finances wanted to “level with” the public. He mentioned a while also starting the work of building our future economy. moment ago that he wanted to take an honest approach. Well, the head of the NHS just confirmed that he Stephen Timms [V]: How are the crucial EU negotiations budgeted for the 2.1% pay rise that nurses expected, so on the memorandum of understanding on financial we need a straight answer now from the Chancellor: why services progressing? Given its importance to the UK do the Conservatives believe that our nurses are worth economy—by comparison, for example, with fishing—why less now than they were before the pandemic? was it not included in the overall deal? Rishi Sunak: I pay tribute to all those working on the Rishi Sunak: I cannot comment on ongoing negotiations; frontline of our NHS and other public services. They we remain committed to a constructive dialogue with are doing a fantastic job, and that is why this Government our European partners regarding the memorandum of have supported the NHS with tens of billions of pounds understanding, and I can confirm that those discussions of extra funding through this pandemic and will continue are under way. With regard to financial services, I hope to do so. With regard to public sector pay, we set out a that the right hon. Gentleman saw the announcement policy in November, but, given the situation, we were of our listings review. I thank Jonathan Hill for his taking a more targeted approach to public sector pay to excellent work. We will take forward those reforms balance fairness and to protect as many jobs as possible. together with the Financial Conduct Authority to ensure The hon. Lady will know that the NHS was exempted that the UK remains one of the most attractive places from that policy and NHS workers will receive a pay anywhere in the world for companies to raise the finance rise next year. they need to empower their future growth. [913127] Saqib Bhatti (Meriden) (Con) [V]: This morning [913126] Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): The I spoke to a roundtable of businesses from across the food and drink wholesalers on whom the hospitality country, and there was much positivity for the restart industry depends are still excluded from business rates grant and the business rates holiday, which will help to relief, and the additional restriction grants—which do open up our high streets. However,many of the businesses help some of them substantially—are awarded entirely I speak to still speak of the need for long-term reform at the discretion of individual local authorities. Can that of the business rates system, so will my right hon. 651 Oral Answers 9 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 652

FriendupdatetheHouseontheoutcomeof theconsultation The Welsh Government have provided hardship funding that was carried out last year and what the long-term equivalent to £300 per student. In Scotland, it is £80. aspiration for business rates reform is? For those studying in England, hardship funds equate to just £36, so does the Chancellor not accept the case Rishi Sunak: My hon. Friend is right to raise this for equal support across the UK? Students have lost important issue, as he has done with me several times vital income from part-time jobs, paid rent on unused on behalf of his local businesses. He is right that we are accommodation and faced other costs, so will he meet reviewing business rates. We are in the midst of that the all-party parliamentary group for students to discuss process.The next stage will be to publish all the consultation our recommendations for hardship support and funding responses that we have received, which will happen to make up for missed learning opportunities? shortly, and we will take forward the policy process over the course of this year. We outlined many options for The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Steve Barclay): I potential reforms in the paper. I look forward to receiving am always happy to meet the hon. Gentleman and from him some ideas on what the reforms might be. In discuss that matter in more detail. As he will recognise, the short term, we are providing a £6 billion tax cut in one of the features of the Budget was the number of business rates, delivering a 75% discount on business UK-wide measures, but at the same time he is quite rates for the vast majority of small and medium-sized right to point to the additional £2.4 billion of Barnett businesses as they emerge from this pandemic. consequential funding that was allocated to the devolved Administrations, which has enabled them to apply further [913125] Alex Norris (Nottingham North) (Lab/Co-op): support as a result of the fiscal strength that is offered Every year of delay in integrated rail improvements in by the UK Treasury. I am of course happy to discuss the midlands and the north means a missed £5 billion the specific point with him in more detail. boost for our economy as well as delaying an additional 150,000 jobs. The Chancellor’s Build Back Better plan [913129] Mrs Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con) promises the long-awaited integrated rail plan within [V]: My right hon. Friend the Chancellor said the day three months. Will he confirm that this is an absolute afterthecomprehensivespendingreviewthattheGovernment maximum, and will he or one of his Ministers meet me were looking at when they will bring forward legislation and regional businesses to hear more about our exciting on the 0.7% of gross national income target. Can he plans for our community? update us? What is the Government’s timescale for bringing forward the legislative proposals to reduce the Rishi Sunak: This Government are committed to annual target of spending 0.7% of GNI on aid to 0.5%? record amounts of investment in infrastructure, both road and rail, as we heard from my right hon. Friend The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (John Glen): the Financial Secretary earlier. The Budget announced The Foreign Secretary is continuing to look very carefully upgrades for several stations in and around the midlands at the legislative requirements and will set out further after representations that we heard from the fantastic detail in due course on how the Government intend to Mayor, Andy Street, about the needs of his area. We proceed. remain committed to publishing the integrated rail plan in due course. [913131] Kenny MacAskill (East Lothian) (SNP) [V]: If the Government are unwilling to support the licensed [913128] Greg Smith (Buckingham) (Con): My right hon. trade through varying duty rates, there is another fiscal Friend has rightly been open with the House and the public policy to sustain hard-pressed pubs in our communities. about the scale of the challenge to the public finances, Italy has reduced VAT and alcohol sales in pubs and but on a point of detail, further to the assumptions in restaurants. Should that not be replicated here, sustaining the Red Book, does his Department plan to undertake public revenue while supporting the consumption of dynamic scoring of the changes to corporation akin to the alcoholonsupervisedpremisesandmaintainingcommunity previous detailed CGE—computable general equilibrium assets in our towns and villages? —modelling since 2010, and will this be published in full? TheExchequerSecretarytotheTreasury(KemiBadenoch): The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Jesse Norman): The hon. Gentleman will know we are carrying out an What a fantastically niche question from my hon. Friend, alcohol duty review that will look at all these decisions and how delighted I am to be able to answer it. He will in the round, and I am very happy to speak to him in know that scoring is a matter for the OBR. As the more detail specifically about any particular schemes or Budget policy costings in the Budget 2021 document set requests that he has. out, the costing for corporation tax has been adjusted to reflect behavioural responses to an increase in the [913132] Stuart Anderson (Wolverhampton South West) rate of corporation tax. It is important to be clear that (Con) [V]: If every working adult in Wolverhampton dynamic scoring can include a number of potential spent £5 a week extra with local businesses such as Mode behavioural responses, such as adjustments to reflect Menswear and Tony’s Deli, it would boost the local the impact on the incentive to incorporate, on profit economybyaround£780,000aweek.WhatistheChancellor shifting, and on investment. If he is so minded, he can doing to ensure that local independent shops and city find further detail on page 196 of the OBR’s “Economic centre businesses can bounce back from covid-19 in and fiscal outlook”. Wolverhampton?

[913130] Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab) [V]: Kemi Badenoch: The Government are supporting these As some students return to campus this week, those businesses through new restart grants—a one-off cash studyinginNorthernIrelandwilleachreceive£500support. grant of up to £6,000 per business premises for non-essential 653 Oral Answers 9 MARCH 2021 Oral Answers 654 retailers in England—and up to £18,000 for hospitality Chancellor heed the calls of trade unions and NHS and leisure businesses. They will also benefit from a staff and give them the pay rise that they deserve, which five-month extension of the coronavirus job retention is 15% to make up for a decade of lost pay? scheme, a further 12 months’ relief from business rates and a new UK-wide recovery loan scheme. Tony’s Deli, Steve Barclay: With respect, the hon. Lady is simply which my hon. Friend mentioned, and other businesses wrong on the facts with her question. Under the Agenda serving hot food can also enjoy a 12-month VAT cut at for Change three-year award, the average increase this 5% until the end of September, and at 12.5% until the year was 2.5%, not the figure she alluded to. But of course, end of March. the Government have asked the pay review body to consider a number of factors and, as is normal practice, [913133] Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab) [V]: Earlier this the Department of Health and Social Care has set out week, there was an attempt by the Health Secretary to what is affordable within its budgets. justify the incredibly insulting 1% pay offer to our nurses by contrasting it with the Government-imposed [913136] Ian Levy (Blyth Valley) (Con): The Government pay freeze on our heroic essential key workers. That recently confirmed the first eight sites to be awarded is a pay freeze on 2.5 million public servants. Can the freeport status. That will provide great opportunities for Chancellor confirm when he will recognise their worth, prosperity in those areas. In my home constituency of do the right thing and announce the lifting of the pay Blyth Valley we have the only deep-water port in freeze? Northumberland, with investments in offshore wind, such as at the Catapult, as well as Britishvolt with the only Rishi Sunak: A majority of those working in the public gigaplant in the UK. What assessment has my hon. Friend sector will see an increase in their pay this forthcoming made of granting a second round of bidding for areas year as a result of our pay policy. Importantly, those such as Blyth that were not successful on this occasion? earning less than the median UK salary will receive a £250 increase in their pay, because we want to protect Kemi Badenoch: Freeports will be national hubs for those on the lowest incomes. Even at a difficult time, that international trade, innovation and commerce and they is what this Government are committed to doing. will regenerate communities across the UK. The Ministry [913135] Ben Everitt (Milton Keynes North) (Con): for Housing, Communities and Local Government led Treasury Ministers are no doubt aware of my support a fair,open and transparent selection process to determine for a brand-new university for Milton Keynes, focused successful freeport locations in England. Unfortunately, on science, technology, engineering and mathematics as with any competitive process, there will always be and digital skills, so vital for our future economy. I those that are unsuccessful, and I am afraid there are no wonder, though, whether they are aware that we are plans to designate other freeports in England. Freeports already home to the Open University, which is a pioneer are part of a wider package of UK Government support, of modular learning and is upskilling and reskilling— which invests in skills, infrastructure and innovation at important for our future economy. The Budget last local, regional and national levels. As part of that week announced support for further education and package, Blyth was awarded £11 million through the skills. Will that apply to institutions like the Open future high streets fund in December and is also one of University? 101 towns eligible for up to £25 million funding from the towns fund. Kemi Badenoch: We are committed to improving skills in the economy and levelling up productivity across [913140] Nick Fletcher (Don Valley) (Con) [V]: With England. That will be achieved through our lifetime Doncaster missing out on its freeport bid, what other skills guarantee and further reforms, which will create incentives does my hon. Friend believe there are for jobs and opportunity across the country, supporting us businesses to locate in the town? to build back better from the coronavirus pandemic. We will provide further detail and a full conclusion to the JohnGlen:TheGovernmentarecommittedtoencouraging review of post-18 education and funding at the next business investment in Doncaster and its surrounding comprehensive spending review. I thank my hon. Friend area, and at the Budget we confirmed £23 million funding and the Open University for their engagement on this forGoldthorpe’stowndeal—justduewestof thetown—and so far. that will boost economic growth and encourage business investment in the area. MHCLG is currently assessing [913134] Zarah Sultana (Coventry South) (Lab) [V]: The the remaining 49 towns fund bids, including those from disgraceful 1% pay rise for NHS workers is really a pay DoncasterandStainforth;wewillmakefurtherannouncements cut when inflation is factored in. The Prime Minister on those in due course. claims that it is all we can afford. The Government had no problem finding £37 billion for the private test and Mr Speaker: I am suspending the House for a few trace system, an extra £16 billion for the military budget, minutes to enable the necessary arrangements for the or hundreds of millions of pounds in dodgy covid next business to be made. contracts for the Health Secretary’s WhatsApp contacts. NHS workers have seen their pay fall by more than 12.33 pm 10% in real terms in the past decade, so instead of handing out fortunes to mates and donors, will the Sitting suspended. 655 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19: Government’s Publication 656 of Contracts Covid-19: Government’s Publication of —without any transparency. The Good Law Project Contracts took the Government to court, and on 19 February the High Court ruled that the Government had acted unlawfully, saying: 12.37 pm “The public were entitled to see who this money was going to, Rachel Reeves (Leeds West) (Lab) (Urgent Question): what it was being spent on and how the…contracts were awarded.” To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, if he Three days later, in this House, the Prime Minister will make a statement on the recent court order regarding said that the Government’s publication of contracts during the covid-19 pandemic. “the contracts are there on the record for everybody to see”—[Official Report, 22 February 2021; Vol. 689, c. 638.] The Minister for Health (Edward Argar): Although But they are not. A judge confirmed through a court I am not the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, I order last Friday that 100 contracts are still to be hope the hon. Lady will none the less allow me to respond published. Will the Minister now take this opportunity to her urgent question. to apologise for that statement and to put the record The first duty of any Government in a crisis is straight? Will the Government now finally agree to protecting their citizens, so our work to provide personal publish all 100 outstanding contracts by the end of this protective equipment was a critical part of our response. week? It was a herculean effort that involved setting up a new For contracts that have failed, will the Minister tell us logistics network from scratch and expanding our PPE how much money has been and will be clawed back for supply chain from 226 NHS trusts in England to more taxpayers? Can he tell us which businesses were in the than 58,000 different settings. Our team has been working VIP fast lane for getting Government contracts and how night and day on this vital national effort, and I can they got there? Finally, can he honestly tell our brilliant update the House that we have now delivered more than NHS nurses, now facing a pay cut, that the Government 8.8 billion items of PPE to those who need it. That work have not wasted a single penny of their money on this was taking place at a time when global demand was curious incident of the missing contracts? greater than ever before and rapid action was required, so we had to work at an unprecedented pace to get supplies to our frontline and the public. Edward Argar: It is a pleasure to be opposite the hon. Lady once again at the Dispatch Box—two weeks after Two weeks ago, in response to an urgent question we were last here. I will do my best to answer the questions from the hon. Lady, I updated the House on the initial she raised, not just for my own Department, but more High Court ruling. I will not set out that judgment at broadly across Government. length once again, save to say that the case looked not at the awarding of the contracts, but rather at the delays in The hon. Lady raised a number of points. She is publishing the details of them as we responded to one absolutely right to say that transparency matters, because of the greatest threats to public health that this country transparency of procurement and transparency in has ever seen. The hon. Lady’s question refers to a short Government is one of the foundations of the trust that declaratory judgment handed down subsequent to the is so vital to our democracy. That is why we are working original judgment in this matter, which makes a formal flat out to ensure that, as new contracts are awarded, order as to the Government’s compliance with the relevant the contract award notices and other relevant pieces of regulatory rules. information are published in line with the requirements of regulations. As before, I reiterate that we of course take the judgment of the Court very seriously and respect it. What is most important, though, is to recognise the We have always been clear that transparency is vital, situation that we faced last year, with rising infection and the Court itself has found that there was no deliberate rates, rising hospitalisation rates and the need to do policy to delay publication. The fight against covid-19 is everything we could—to “strain every sinew”, to quote ongoing. As would be expected, we are agreeing new one of the hon. Lady’s letters to the Chancellor of the contracts as part of that fight all the time, and we will Duchy of Lancaster at the time—to make sure we got keep publishing details of them as we move forward. those working flat out on the frontline what they needed I care passionately about transparency, and so does to keep them safe. I pay tribute to the officials in my everyone in my Department. We will of course continue Department, who did exactly that: they focused on to look at how we can improve our response while we getting what was needed in bulk in an incredibly challenging tackle one of the greatest threats to our public health global market, to make sure that PPE did not run out. that this nation has ever seen. The hon. Lady quite rightly quoted the judgment, and I will quote paragraph 149 of the judgment—the Rachel Reeves: This question and the answers to it original judgment, not the supplementary judgment. really matter because our frontline workers were not The judge, Mr Justice Chamberlain, stated that adequately protected with the high-quality PPE that “the overall picture shows the Secretary of State moving close to they needed during the pandemic. They matter because complete compliance. The evidence as a whole suggests that the it is essential that taxpayers’ money is spent effectively backlog arose largely in the first few months of the pandemic and and fairly, not handed out to those who happen to have that officials began to bear down on it during the autumn of close links with the party of government. 2020.” The Government ran down the PPE stockpile ahead I think that recognises the efforts that have been put in of the pandemic, and that came back to haunt us when place to ensure that we meet our transparency requirements. we needed it most. Contracts were handed out—many One hundred per cent. of the Department’s CANs— to friends of and donors linked to the Conservative party contract aware notices—have been published. 657 Covid-19: Government’s Publication 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19: Government’s Publication 658 of Contracts of Contracts [Edward Argar] under regulation 32, recognising the situation we faced at the time and the priority of this Government to make The hon. Member asked a particular question in sure that, at pace, we got the PPE that our frontline referring to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s needed to keep it safe. comments on 22 February—I hope I am correct in On his final two points, I do not see in the judgments surmising that. My right hon. Friend was responding to in this case or in any of the other scrutiny of this issue a question around the failure to publish the details of by Committees of this House or other organisations specific contracts that are subject to judicial reviews. I anything that asserts or finds that inappropriate conflicts am advised that, at the time of his statement, the details of interest influenced how these contracts were awarded. for all the contracts under scrutiny were published. I am proud to serve in a Government led by a Prime Minister who leads from the front and has done whatever Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con) [V]: As the co-chair is necessary to make sure this country gets through this of the all-party parliamentary group on anti-corruption pandemic. and responsible tax, I think that the Government’s following robust procurement measures is absolutely critical, Dr Ben Spencer (Runnymede and Weybridge) (Con): but clearly a year ago we were not in normal circumstances; This time last year, there was a desperate need to secure most reasonable people would accept that desperate times PPE urgently when, almost overnight, it became one of called for desperate measures. Will the Minister confirm the most hotly sought-after commodities globally. I that the Government are now following all normal, congratulate the Department on its Herculean efforts to standard procurement processes? Will he confirm what keep my residents safe and get them the PPE they needed percentage of the contracts from a year ago have been when the shortage hit. Of course, delays to publication fully published and when the remainder will be published? are not ideal, and I am glad that the Department is urgently trying to resolve that. Does my hon. Friend Edward Argar: My hon. Friend highlights the situation agree that, as part of the review into the pandemic, we we faced at the time. He also, quite rightly, highlights the need to look at how procurement procedures can be importanceof transparencyandcomplyingwithalltransparency improved when responding to a national crisis or, indeed, processes. The Government invoked regulation 32, which future pandemics? recognised the exceptional circumstances that allowed for procurement without the usual tendering process. I Edward Argar: I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for his believe that the usual tendering process could take, at a work on this issue; he is a strong and vocal champion minimum, 25 days. My hon. Friend recalls the situation for the NHS and those who work in it. The context he at the time. The Government did what we felt was right sets is absolutely right. I will quote from the summary to ensure that we got the PPE that our frontline needed. of the NAO report without making a value judgment The court case also found that there was no policy to on it. It highlighted in paragraph 2: deprioritise compliance with transparency regulations. I “Demand for PPE rocketed in England from March…There give him the assurance he seeks: the Government are was also a surge in demand in other countries. At the same time, doing everything possible to ensure that we fully comply the global supply of PPE declined as a result of a fall in exports with those regulations going forward. from China (the country that manufactures the most PPE) in February.” Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP) [V]: Some 94% of That is a statement of fact, and it highlights the context contracts awarded before 7 October were, unlawfully, in which we were operating. not published in time and, as of late last week, 100 are My hon. Friend is right: all Governments should rightly still not published. Some 58% were awarded without a look at what they have done and what lessons they can competitive tendering process. There are conflicts of learn, to ensure that they are well prepared for future interest, inadequate documentation, a high-priority crony events. lane and then the Prime Minister announcing that all of the contracts were, Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green) [V]: On “ontherecordforeverybodytosee”—[OfficialReport,22February2021; 22 February, the Prime Minister answered my question Vol. 689, c. 631.] about unpublished covid contracts by claiming: When he said that, it was simply not correct. Is the “As for the contracts…all the details are on the record”—[Official Minister not concerned that this failure in transparency, Report, 22 February 2021; Vol. 689, c. 634.] the potential conflicts of interest and a Prime Minister Two days later, when the Minister was dragged to the who does not even appear to know what is going on, Chamber, he did not tell us about the 100 contracts that simply feeds a perception of a Government doing profitable were still not on the record. We had to wait for the High deals with friends and cronies, rather than delivering Court to reveal that last Friday. Are we expected to meaningful transparency that will drive value for money believe that the Prime Minister had not sought any for the taxpayer? briefing after the High Court found that his Secretary of State had acted unlawfully? If he sought no facts, Edward Argar: The right hon. Gentleman highlights why did he give such a categorical yet wildly inaccurate quite accurately the 94%, which was cited in the subsequent reply, and why was that inaccurate reply not corrected judgment and the order that flowed from it, of the two days later by the Minister? contracts that were late in publication. We accept that that is a statement of fact. The Department has published Edward Argar: At the point in time to which the hon. 100% of the CANs that it is obliged to publish that are Lady is referring—22 February, when she asked the related to this matter. He talked about a percentage that Prime Minister her question—I understand that we had were procured without following a normal competitive published 100% of our contract award notices for contracts tendering process—I think he referred to 58% as the of the Department that were subject to the Court case, percentage that were procured. That is entirely appropriate and I believe the Prime Minister spoke accurately. 659 Covid-19: Government’s Publication 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19: Government’s Publication 660 of Contracts of Contracts MarcoLonghi(DudleyNorth)(Con)[V]:Notwithstanding were negotiated and vetted by independent professional the answer that the Minister gave to my hon. Friend the civil servants, and it was not a case of friends of Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Dr Spencer), Ministers? does he agree with my constituents and I that, during a national emergency,the British people want a Government Edward Argar: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend, who focus resources on saving lives over prioritising red and I am happy to say he is absolutely right. He has a tape? lot of experience in government and in this space. All those contracts and all assessments of contracts, whichever Edward Argar: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for route they came via, went through the eight-stage process the point he makes on behalf of his constituents. The of assessment by independent civil servants who know overwhelming priority was to ensure that we got the commerce and know procurement. I would not for a PPE in the quantities we needed to our frontline, and moment cast aspersions on their judgment, and Ministers we procured that in an incredibly challenging environment. did not determine which contracts were or were not I pay tribute to all the officials who worked flat out to awarded in that context. do that. The Court judgment found that there was no policy of deprioritisation of meeting transparency Munira Wilson (Twickenham) (LD) [V]: Given the requirements, but it also found as a matter of fact, which number of fast-track VIP covid contracts that have is clear in the judgment, that that bar was not met. That resulted in unusable protective equipment, will the Minister is something we have worked very hard on subsequently commit to recovering public money from the companies and continue to do so, to ensure that transparency that did not meet their contractual obligations? Does he requirements are met. agree that those hundreds of millions of pounds might have been better spent on a decent pay rise for the NHS Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ workforce? Co-op): It feels a bit like groundhog day. Once again, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, who has Edward Argar: The hon. Lady makes an important overall responsibility for procurement, is missing in action, point about contracts that either failed to deliver or and the Health Minister has come to the House to talk where PPE, for example, did not meet the required about how breathlessly urgent it all was at the beginning standards. I can reassure her that we are undertaking a of the pandemic—I do not disagree with that, but it is stocktake—an audit—of exactly that, and we are already not an excuse for not publishing these contracts in time. pursuing a number of cases where, if PPE was either With contracts worth more than £10 billion awarded not to the required standard or was not delivered, we without tendering action between the beginning of the will recoup the money from that. pandemic and July, seeing that paperwork urgently is more important, not less. If the paperwork is still not Mr Gagan Mohindra (South West Hertfordshire) (Con) being published in time—and this goes back to the [V]: The Court’sjudgment focused solely on the publication problems we discussed two weeks ago—can the Minister of contract notices. It did not make any judgment on the not just apologise and give a firm commitment that contracting process or on any of the individual processes from now on, every contract will be published in time? in any way.Does my hon. Friend agree that the Opposition It is either insouciance or incompetence that they were are wrong to play politics and to misrepresent the Court’s not published in the first place. opinion in this way? Edward Argar: My hon. Friend highlights something Edward Argar: I have known the hon. Lady since I important, which is what the Court actually did and did came to this House, so I will not take it personally if she not consider. It considered, quite rightly, whether the suggests that, as I am not the Chancellor of the Duchy Government met the simple binary of publishing the of Lancaster, the import of my answers is in some way notices within the required timeframe, and found that diminished. I will endeavour to answer her specific they did not. It did, however, find against the claimants questions. As I made clear, we have published 100% of and in favour of the Government that there was no the CANs that give the information on the contracts policy of deprioritising transparency and publication awarded—in the context of this case, the contracts requirements. As he says, the Court did not make any awarded by the Department of Health and Social Care. judgment on the appropriateness of the awards or the However, the hon. Lady asked a very fair question at process followed for those awards. the end about the future, and I can give her the reassurance that this Department is doing everything possible to Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I know the Minister ensure that it meets those transparency requirements. to be a person of integrity and openness; indeed, this is Officials are aware of them and officials are reminded an opportunity for the Government to show that.. of them. I recognise the vital importance of transparency, Would the Minister once again outline the intention for not least for building trust, which she mentioned last timely competition in line with the comprehensive judicial time in her question, but in allowing her, the NAO and review judgment? Does the Minister have any update on other Members of this House to do their job, quite any moneys that the Government have been able to rightly, in scrutinising and challenging those contracts recoup from contracts for things that were unusable or and Government decisions, where appropriate. incorrect?

John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): I am quite sure Edward Argar: I can give the hon. Gentleman the that Ministers want these contracts published, and I reassurance I have given to other hon. Members. We look forward to the remaining publications. Will the recognise entirely the importance of transparency. We Minister confirm that in the emergency phase, when it will comply fully with the Court judgment—the Court was just desperate to get hold of PPE, all those contracts order—and, going forward, we will comply with the 661 Covid-19: Government’s Publication 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19: Government’s Publication 662 of Contracts of Contracts [Edward Argar] they are delivering a successful roll-out of the vaccine. Does the Minister think it is fair for millions, in some requirements on transparency. To his specific point, I cases billions, of pounds to be spent on contracts that have alluded to the stocktake—the audit—that we are do not deliver but to deny those same NHS staff the doing to make sure that if anything was not delivered or decent pay rise they need and deserve? was faulty, we can recoup the money for it. I would say more broadly that the Department has cancelled or Edward Argar: I am grateful for the hon. Lady’s curtailed contracts up to the value of around £400 million question. She is right to highlight the amazing work so far—I believe that was in the evidence given by the being done in the roll-out of the vaccine by our frontline second permanent secretary at the Department to the health and social care workers, and indeed many others, Public Accounts Committee chaired by the hon. Member and I join her in paying tribute to them. What is important for Hackney South and Shoreditch (Meg Hillier)—and is that we worked flat out, as did senior officials, to make I hasten to add that cancellation of those contracts has sure that the NHS and the frontline got what they occurred for a multitude of reasons not necessarily needed last year: PPE to help keep them safe. I have to representative of faulty or inadequate PPE. I hope that say to the hon. Lady that I hear the point she makes, but gives the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) I make no apology for the efforts made by the Government an indication of the work the Government are doing to to get the PPE in the quantities needed to keep our front- ensure value for money. line safe. Suzanne Webb (Stourbridge) (Con) [V]: Is it not Selaine Saxby (North Devon) (Con) [V]: The British important to remember that over the course of this people want us to focus on fighting this virus so we can pandemic we have created the largest diagnostic network protect our NHS as we roll out the vaccine and save in British history, delivering around 90 million tests and lives. Does my hon. Friend agree that the political sniping contacting over 9 million people who would otherwise the Opposition are engaging in is the exact opposite of have spread the virus? Does my hon. Friend agree that what people expect and want to see politicians doing? our ability to set up this network is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our frontline health and Edward Argar: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, who care workers? alludes to the fact that our constituents and the wider public want to see all of us in this House and in Edward Argar: My hon. Friend is absolutely right to Government doing everything we can to ensure, as in highlight this amazing achievement. It reflects on the the context of last year’s procurement of PPE at the phenomenal effort of our frontline health and care workers, height of the pandemic, that the frontline gets what it but also more broadly on the partnership we have seen needs to keep it safe. Transparency is of course hugely at work in this country over the past year between the important, but this is not an either/or, and the focus had publicsector,theprivatesector,thevoluntaryandcharitable to be on getting that PPE to frontline. My hon. Friend’s sector and ordinary members of the public all working point is absolutely right. together in a joint effort to beat this disease. My hon. Friend is absolutely right to highlight that. Martin Docherty-Hughes (West Dunbartonshire) (SNP) [V]: I believe in restorative justice, which requires the Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) offender—that is the Government—to accept responsibility (Lab) [V]: As much as I have a high personal regard for for the harm it has caused to the principles of contractual the Minister, he is incorrect in his remarks. The High openness and transparency. Can the Minister therefore Court ruling last Friday made it absolutely clear that at advise the House whether the Government—the offender the time of the Prime Minister’s response to hon. and in this case—accept responsibility for the judgment right hon. Members in this House last month 100 contracts handed down by a court of law? had not been published; they were outstanding. Whether intentional or not, the Prime Minister—[Inaudible]—was Edward Argar: I have been clear,both today and, indeed, factually untrue; he needs to come to this place with a when I came to the House two weeks ago, that the full apology, as warranted by the ministerial code. Government fully accept and respect the judgment of the court. Edward Argar: I lost a few words of the hon. Lady’s question, but I think I know what she was asking about Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con) [V]: I recognise that in respect of the Prime Minister’s remarks on 22 February. the Government have had to take urgent decisions when May I start by saying that her kind words at the start of it comes to some of these contracts, especially when her contribution are reciprocated? I have known her securing PPE at the height of the pandemic, but will the since I came to this House and I have the highest regard Minister ensure that any new UK health contracts are for her as well; so I am grateful for her kind words. not agreed or signed unless the business concerned In terms of the specifics the hon. Lady asked about in employs a significant amount of apprentices—preferably respect of the Court judgment and the Prime Minister, higher than the public sector target of 2.3%—as part of as I understand it on the date the Prime Minister spoke its workforce? 100% of the contract awards notices—the details of the contracts are contained within them—were published, Edward Argar: I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend and that, I believe, is what my right hon. Friend was for that question. I started out in Government as his referring to. Parliamentary Private Secretary when he was the apprenticeships Minister, and that is something that he Liz Twist (Blaydon) (Lab) [V]: Our NHS staff have has taken a huge and passionate interest in throughout made huge sacrifices during this pandemic and done all his time in the House. I am sure that colleagues in the they can to support patients and their families, and now Cabinet Office responsible for Government procurement 663 Covid-19: Government’s Publication 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19: Government’s Publication 664 of Contracts of Contracts across the piece will be very happy to have a conversation gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough with him about the point that he has just made as to (Sir Edward Leigh). The hon. Lady talked about last how greater use of apprenticeships can be baked into December and the debate, I think, in Westminster Hall— procurement decisions. although I could be wrong on that—where this was discussed, and I point her to the lines used by the judge Hywel Williams (Arfon) (PC) [V]: Initially, the Welsh in his judgment: Government anticipated a UK-wide approach to buying “The evidence as a whole suggests that the backlog arose PPE;theythentookresponsibilityfortheirownprocurement, largely in the first few months of the pandemic and that officials but they have still worked with this Government when began to bear down on it during the autumn of 2020.” the opportunity has arisen. Therefore, did the Secretary At the time that she was speaking of—in December—the of Stateseektheagreementof theWelshLabourGovernment judgeacknowledgedthattheDepartmentandtheGovernment before awarding any relevant contracts without competitive wereworkingatpacetomeettheirtransparencyrequirements, tendering or transparency,and did the Welsh Government so that was already being done. themselvesraiseanyconcernsaboutthelackof competition on their own initiative? Craig Whittaker (Calder Valley) (Con) [V]: In the teeth of the global pandemic and facing unprecedented global Edward Argar: My understanding is that the procurement demand for vital supplies, does my hon. Friend agree process for PPE, as the hon. Gentleman rightly highlights, that the Government’s ability to secure over 32 billion was a UK procurement process. As he will have seen, we itemsof PPE—includingmanyitemssuppliedfrombusinesses invoked regulation 32, recognising the speed needed to in the Calder Valley and Leeds West, all stepping up to meet the demand for PPE in the frontline, and throughout the plate—is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity this process we worked at pace to ensure that the focus of British businesses and should be celebrated? was on the procurement of the PPE required. Throughout this process—throughout this pandemic—we have worked Edward Argar: My hon. Friend is absolutely spot on. closely with the Welsh Government. He is right to highlight the amazing effort by British business and by businesses that stepped up in this Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): In the middle country’s hour of need to repurpose their production of an emergency, value for money goes out of the lines and to source PPE. Indeed, I would include in that window, and I am sure that terrible mistakes were made the work of my officials and officials in the Cabinet in the tendering process, but on the central charge that Office to make sure that it was bought and procured contracts were awarded to cronies, I am mystified why and that it got to the frontline. To cite one statistic that that should have taken place if civil servants and not alludes to exactly what he is saying, we have moved Ministers took the decision. Does my hon. Friend accept from 1% of this country’s needed PPE being produced that the best way to resolve these issues is to take them in this country to 70%, and that is testament to the out of party politics and let the National Audit Office amazing ingenuity and hard work of British business. get on with its job? No doubt in time, the Public Accounts Committee will issue coruscating reports that Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): Yesterday, the are very wise with the benefit of hindsight. Minister’s Department answered a named day question that I tabled on 1 December 2020 about some of its Edward Argar: My right hon. Friend is absolutely multimillion-poundcontractswithmanagementconsultants. right to highlight that the decisions, as I touched on and The Government either have something to hide or they as the PAC was told, were made following an eight-stage are staggeringly incompetent, so will the Minister see process run by civil servants and not Ministers. He is that I get answers to the further questions on consultants also right that there has been no evidence found, either tabled on 19 January? And will the Government now by Committees of this House or the NAO, or indeed in support my Freedom of Information (Extension) Bill, any court cases, of any inappropriate involvement in which they blocked back in 2017 and which would make terms of conflict of interest by Ministers. On his final private companies winning public contracts subject to point, he is absolutely right, and I know that going the Freedom of Information Act? forward, as we always do, the Government will look to co-operate fully with the NAO in seeking to supply all Edward Argar: The hon. Gentleman made two points. and any information that it seeks, so that it can form its On the latter, the Government will always look very judgments and inform the PAC and the House of them. carefully at anything he suggests to them. On the former, very serious point, if he is able to let me know, after this Rachel Hopkins (Luton South) (Lab) [V]: Back in session in the House, the written parliamentary question December, in the public interest, not just playing politics numbers, I will endeavour to have them looked at and a or sniping, I and other MPs highlighted cronyism and response expedited for him. waste in the Government’s pandemic procurement. Three months on from that Westminster Hall debate, does the Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): Crisis situations Minister agree that responding then, by increasing such as the present pandemic often require action, not transparency reporting on those companies that won paper, and the ends can justify the means. Does the £1.7 billion-worth of contracts via the Government’s Minister agree that sending PPE out to users was the VIP fast lane and were 10 times more likely to receive a Government’stop priority and getting right the supporting contract, would have been better than waiting to be paperwork, which can be filed later, should not jeopardise taken to court? that speed of delivery?

Edward Argar: In respect of the appropriateness of Edward Argar: I am grateful to my right hon. and contract awards and whether there are any conflicts of gallant Friend for his question. He is absolutely right to interest, I refer the hon. Lady to the answer that I just highlight that our No. 1 priority, as I think the people of 665 Covid-19: Government’s Publication 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19: Government’s Publication 666 of Contracts of Contracts [Edward Argar] anywhere like on time. I think the Minister is maybe glossing over the fact that, although supplies to the this country and Members of this House would expect, health service seemed to have been okay, supplies to the was, in the face of an unprecedented demand for PPE, social care sector were desperately inadequate. A Public that this Government did everything that they could to Accounts Committee report, endorsed by its members, massively ramp up the supplies of PPE that were available a majority of whom are Government supporters, found and to get them to the frontline. Of course, transparency that the Department had wasted hundreds of millions is hugely important and the court did find that there of pounds on equipment that was of poor quality and was no policy to deprioritise compliance with transparency could not be used. We were also told by the Cabinet regulations and requirements. However, he is absolutely Office that it did not know how many contracts had right to highlight that the absolute priority must be to essentially been approved after the work had started get the kit to save lives. and how many contractors were only checked out for suitability after they had been given their contracts. Zarah Sultana (Coventry South) (Lab) [V]: It has Does the Minister not understand that all of that taken been revealed that almost £2 billion has been handed to together creates a bad smell? Does he agree that the best Conservative party friends and donors in dodgy covid way to get rid of that bad smell is to have everything contracts. That includes the likes of Steve Parkin, who published, including assessments of conflicts of interest has donated over £500,000 to the Conservatives. He is and information that in normal circumstances might be the chairman of Clipper Logistics, which was awarded a termed or deemed to be commercially confidential? £1.3 million PPE contract. Another Tory donor, David Does he not understand that confidence in public Meller, has given £65,000 to the Tories over the past procurement by the British Government— decade. His company, Meller Designs, was awarded PPE contracts worth over £150 million. Those people Mr Speaker: Order. did not get rich giving their money away for nothing, so does the Minister believe that it is appropriate for the Edward Argar: I will endeavour to give a short answer Conservative Government to hand out fortunes—public to a long question. Two key points there. The hon. money—to Conservative party donors? Gentleman mentions social care and he is right to do that. The focus of some of the questioning has been Edward Argar: I refer the hon. Lady, once again, to around the frontline in the NHS, but he is absolutely the answer I gave to my right hon. Friend the Member right to talk about social care. That is why we went from for Gainsborough. I also highlight that, to the best of a supply chain where we were supplying PPE to 226 NHS my recollection, no court and no Committee of this trusts in England to 58,000 organisations. Historically, House has found any evidence of inappropriate conflicts social care settings had procured their own PPE on the of interest or inappropriate involvement by Ministers open market. Werecognised the pressures on that market— in the award of contracts. What I would say to her in price pressures and demand pressures—which was why conclusion is that what matters here is whether companies we expanded the supply chain to ensure that 58,000 settings supply what is needed to standard. I pay tribute to all ended up being able to access it. companies who came on board, stepped up and did On the hon. Gentleman’s final point, very briefly, he what was necessary to help us get the kit we needed to talks about money spent on contracts where they were protect those on the frontline. either not fulfilled or did not meet the relevant quality criteria. I have already set out to the House the steps the Scott Benton (Blackpool South) (Con): The vast majority Government are taking to review and audit those, and of people in Blackpool can understand the exceptional we will recoup money where appropriate to do so. circumstances which led to this paperwork being submitted slightly late. How many people does my hon. Friend Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con) [V]: Mr Speaker, estimate came to direct harm because of a late submission do you recall photographs, back in the dark days of of that paperwork, as opposed to those people who March, April and May last year, of nurses wearing bin would have come to direct harm had PPE and medical liners, photographs taken in Spain, Italy and the United supplies been delivered late? States? In fact, if I had not been banned from having a backdrop of Lichfield cathedral on Zoom, I could Edward Argar: My hon. Friend makes an important actually pop up those photographs from The New York point in his usual very forthright and clear way. The Times. Does my hon. Friend the Minister not agree priority for this Government and for those working for with me that the priority must be for the delivery of the them was to get the PPE needed in the quantities PPE, and that these rather unpleasant Labour slurs actually needed to be able to get it to the frontline to save lives. do no good at all? Transparency is important, of course it is. I recognise that and that is why we have worked since that time to Edward Argar: It is a pleasure to see my hon. Friend, get everything up to date in terms of transparency. But and I hope it will not be too long before we see him in I make no apologies for the amazing effort that the person in the House again. He is absolutely right to Government and, most importantly, those working for highlight the overall priority as being to get the PPE to them—the civil servants who did this work—put in to the frontline. He highlights clearly the situation we were get the PPE in the quantities we needed. seeing on our televisions every day—for example, the real challenges at hospitals in Bergamo and elsewhere. Peter Grant (Glenrothes) (SNP) [V]: Despite the That was the context at that time in Europe, and we Minister’s protestations and despite the huge amount of moved heaven and earth to try to get the PPE needed in money that was spent, the fact is that for those working time. We did not run out of PPE in this country, but it in the social care part of health and social care, the would be fair to say that there were shortages in particular equipment did not get anywhere near the frontline situations. These were met by the Government through 667 Covid-19: Government’s Publication 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19: Government’s Publication 668 of Contracts of Contracts the national shortage response. It was in that context and the information specified as to what is published in that we had to do everything we possibly could, and I a CAN notice is of a standard format. We will continue pay tribute to the officials who did it to procure PPE in to meet that obligation. bulk in an incredibly overheated and challenging global market. Mike Wood (Dudley South) (Con) [V]: Does my hon. Friend accept the finding of the independent National Jeff Smith (Manchester,Withington) (Lab): The Minister Audit Office that no health trust in the UK went without rightly said that transparency mattered, so when will the PPE it needed, in contrast with many other countries? the Government publish the full details and criteria of My constituents rightly expect transparency in procurement, how businesses got into the fast lane? but most would never want pursuing paperwork to be prioritised over providing proper protective equipment. Edward Argar: As I alluded to on the previous occasion I came to this House to answer questions on this matter, Edward Argar: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. we set out that some contracts were put forward by The people of this country would expect the Government’s Members of this House and by Members of the other No. 1 priority in March, April and May of last year to place and were assessed through the fast-track priority have been, as it was, to move heaven and earth to get the lane, but there was no difference in the approach taken—the PPE that was needed in a very challenging environment eight stages that all those contracts had to pass through to the frontline. I think that what he was alluding to in to be awarded. They were all assessed independently by the NAO report was paragraph 18 of the summary, civil servants, so they all went through the same process, which said: and those contracts that were awarded and that met the “The NHS provider organisations we spoke to told us that, rules for the contract award notices publication will be while they were concerned about the low stocks of PPE, they were published, and have been published, under the CAN always able to get what they needed in time.” regulations and on the website. That is not necessarily an NAO conclusion, but it is a reflection of what it was told and cited in this report, so Alexander Stafford (Rother Valley) (Con) [V]: At the he is right to highlight it. start of the pandemic, just 1% of PPE in the UK was made here in this country. Now, 70% of it is made in the Marion Fellows (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) [V]: UK, which is a huge achievement. Does my hon. Friend The Ministerial Interests (Emergency Powers) Bill, agree that our rapid response to procuring and delivering introduced by my hon. Friend the Member for Midlothian PPE to frontline workers has been essential in keeping (Owen Thompson), which would require Ministers to them and others safe? Will he work even harder to answer questions in Parliament about any personal, increase the percentage so that even more PPE is made political or financial connections they have to companies in the UK, perhaps by focusing on areas with a textile given government contracts, will now go forward to a heritage such as Thurcroft and Dinnington here in Second Reading. I hope the Government will support Rother Valley? it, as this Bill should help with the Government’s present court and publication difficulties. Does the Minister Edward Argar: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. agree that it is crucial that we get greater scrutiny and For our businesses to go from a capacity to produce this have stringent regulations in order to increase transparency country’s PPE of 1% to 70% is an incredible achievement, on the issuing of Government contracts and to ensure but we must not rest on our laurels. We must continue that the right people or companies are getting those to work with British business to allow it to continue to contracts during these difficult times? innovate and develop its ability to meet UK need. I pay tribute to the businesses in his constituency of Rother Edward Argar: I am grateful to the hon. Lady. I have Valley for the work they did in helping out this country highlighted just how important I consider transparency when it needed it most. to be. This is the second time in two weeks, rightly, that I have been answering at the Dispatch Box, so I would Matt Western (Warwick and Leamington) (Lab): The argue that there is scrutiny there. On her final point about simple truth is that businesses up and down the country that private Member’s Bill, I know that the Government feel as though they were misled by the Government. will look at that Bill as they would look at any private They were encouraged to get behind the PPE challenge, Member’s Bill, in the usual way. and they made capital investments to expand their capacity to manufacture, yet we know that Government Kim Johnson (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab) [V]:Nurses middlemen mates were 10 times more likely than they have seen us through this crisis and they have been were to win contracts. So can the Minister set out when putting their lives on the line every day, yet the Prime he will publish the details of all the contracts, including Minister has offered them only a derogatory 1% pay rise when the principal businesses were established and what but handed out billions to private companies that did the duration of the contracts are? not provide what was needed and to standard—I remind Members of the 400,000 substandard gowns from Turkey. Edward Argar: The Government will meet their legal Does the Minister agree that it is a kick in the teeth that obligations to publish contracts under regulation 50 this Govt have chosen to waste £37 billion by giving it and the requirements that that places on us for the to Serco for a failed track and trace system while denying information that needs to be published. Those that our incredible nurses the pay rise they deserve? meet the criteria for a CAN—a contract award notice— under that, and that have been awarded by the Department Edward Argar: What this Government have done, of Health and Social Care directly, have been published. and did in the context of the issues under discussion in All contracts will be published—all details under CANs this specific question, is recognise the huge need for will be published—where that is required by the regulation, PPE during the pandemic last year and take every step 669 Covid-19: Government’s Publication 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19: Government’s Publication 670 of Contracts of Contracts [Edward Argar] Jacob Young (Redcar) (Con): Throughout the pandemic, the Government, the NHS and the armed forces have they could to meet that need. They secured a large focused on saving as many lives as possible, while the number of contracts, which delivered 8.8 billion pieces Labour party has focused on this sort of hindsight and of PPE to date. I think that is called delivering. political games. Saving lives meant securing as much PPE as possible as fast as possible, so can my hon. Peter Gibson (Darlington) (Con) [V]: More than 70% of Friend confirm that all those PPE contract notices that PPE is now made in the UK, whereas it was less than faced a short delay in publication are now in the public 1% before the pandemic. When that is coupled with the domain? expansion of more than 22,000 ventilators, we see that this Government have done an incredible job. Does my Edward Argar: I can confirm that the contract award hon. Friend agree that the petty point-scoring of the notices for the contracts here, the PPE contracts, awarded Labour party is not what we need at this time of national directly by the Department are now in the public domain. emergency? Deidre Brock (Edinburgh North and Leith) (SNP) [V]: Will the Minister tell us: how much was paid out Edward Argar: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. I have under the contracts in advance of delivery; how much set out in my answers that what I think is most important has actually been clawed back for services or products for this country is that we work together— the public, not delivered; and how much are the Government still private and voluntary sectors, and the Great British to pursue in repayments? public—as we did, in this context. Wehave pulled together and done everything we can, including, as he alludes to, Edward Argar: As part of the answer to her question, building that capacity for UK businesses to meet more I refer the hon. Lady to the answer that I gave to the of our need for PPE. That is a great success for those hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon). In response businesses and I pay tribute to them. to the rest of her question, the honest answer is that we are undertaking a stocktake and an audit. It is that Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): The Minister is adorable, which is required to assess whether any stockpiles are but I am not falling for that old trick. The truth of the not fit for purpose or do not meet requirements, or to matter is that the Government did not even get PPE out check what was and was not delivered and make sure fast enough to people who really needed it, especially in that every order was fully fulfilled. We have been very our care homes, which is why so many people died and clear that, as part of that audit, that stocktake, we will we have the highest excess death rate of any country in pursue with any who did not meet the requirements or the world. So I am not taking any of this nonsense did not supply the goods the recouping of that money about how, “We had to focus on that, which meant we for the public purse. could not deal with transparency.” The truth is that they set up a VIP track for some people to be able to get Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con) [V]: Last year, massive contracts, and some people enriched themselves the shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster wrote: phenomenally during this pandemic, many of whom, “We need Government to strain every sinew and utilise untapped surprise, surprise, happen to be Conservative party resources in UK manufacturing, to deliver essential equipment to donors. I have to say that it looks like corruption, and frontline workers. This must be a national effort which leaves no stone unturned.” the only way the Government can wipe that slate clean is if they come clean with all the contracts. Otherwise, it Can my hon. Friend say that the Government have just looks like a cover-up. done what she wanted and have delivered for the people of this country? Edward Argar: I will take the hon. Gentleman’s first Edward Argar: I would argue that that is exactly what comment as a compliment, I think, from a colleague the Government have done. The hon. Member for Leeds I know well. Having said that, I do not recognise his West (Rachel Reeves) and I do not always agree, but I characterisation of what happened. He is right that agreed with her then and I agree with what she wrote challenges were faced not just in frontline NHS situations, then now. but in social care. He is absolutely right to highlight that, and I alluded to it earlier, and that is why we Mr Speaker: I am now suspending the House for increased the number of organisations that we were able three minutes to enable the necessary arrangements to to supply centrally from 226 to 58,000. That is why we be made for the next business. massively ramped up the purchases of PPE and the 1.32 pm stocks of PPE that were available to get to the frontline to ensure that staff could access what they needed to Sitting suspended. keep them safe. He mentions the assessments of the contracts and how they were awarded. I merely take him BILLS PRESENTED back, very gently, to the point that I made to my right CONTINGENCIES FUND (NO. 2) BILL hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough (Sir Edward Leigh), which is that these contracts, as set out to the Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Public Accounts Committee, went through an eight-stage The Chancellor of the Exchequer, supported by the assessment process undertaken by civil servants. I know Prime Minister, Steve Barclay, Jesse Norman, John Glen the hon. Gentleman well, that he would not be impugning and Kemi Badenoch, presented a Bill to make provision the integrity of those civil servants and that he has great increasing the maximum capital of the Contingencies respect for them. But I say very gently that there has Fund for a temporary period. been no evidence cited and no findings in court of any Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time Minister in terms of conflicts of interest or having tomorrow, and to be printed (Bill 267) with explanatory behaved inappropriately. notes (Bill 267-EN). 671 Covid-19: Government’s Publication 9 MARCH 2021 672 of Contracts POLICE,CRIME,SENTENCING AND COURTS BILL Landfill Sites (Odorous Emissions) Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Motion for leave to bring in a Bill (Standing Order Secretary Robert Buckland, supported by the Prime No. 23) Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Secretary Priti Patel, Secretary Grant Shapps, Secretary Oliver Dowden, the Attorney General, Victoria Atkins and 1.36 pm Chris Philp, presented a Bill to make provision about Aaron Bell (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Con): I beg to the police and other emergency workers; to make provision move, about collaboration between authorities to prevent and That leave be given to bring in a Bill to introduce a presumption reduce serious violence; to make provision about offensive against planning applications for new landfill sites liable to cause weapons homicide reviews; to make provision for new odorous emissions in built-up areas; to set limits for odorous offences and for the modification of existing offences; emissions from landfill sites; to make provision for the payment to make provision about the powers of the police and of compensation by site operators to local residents when emissions other authorities for the purposes of preventing, detecting, exceed those limits; and for connected purposes. investigating or prosecuting crime or investigating other Perhaps it would have been simpler for me to say, matters; to make provision about the maintenance of public “That leave be given to bring in a Bill to stop the stink”, order; to make provision about the removal, storage because this Bill is being introduced against the backdrop and disposal of vehicles; to make provision in connection of a major ongoing environmental incident in my with driving offences; to make provision about cautions; constituency of Newcastle-under-Lyme that is affecting to make provision about bail and remand; to make thousands of residents. It has been really bad for months, provision about sentencing, detention, release,management but on 26 February it became intolerable. The problem, and rehabilitation of offenders; to make provision about in essence, is that the landfill in my constituency—Walley’s secure 16 to 19 Academies; to make provision for and in quarry—is once again, frankly, stinking. I am told that connection with procedures before courts and tribunals; the Environment Agency’s hotline for reporting was and for connected purposes. completely overwhelmed by complaints, with residents Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time unable to get through. Extra staff were brought in to tomorrow, and to be printed (Bill 268) with explanatory deal with the number of calls. The EA logged 1,300 odour notes (Bill 268-EN). complaints in that one weekend. For context, in a typical month, it would log 1,600 such complaints across the whole country. Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council received more than 2,000 individual reports of odour over the same weekend. There were reports from Keele University and, most upsettingly, from the Royal Stoke University Hospital, which has many coronavirus and cancer patients, and a substantial maternity unit. The hospital complained to the borough council that the odour from the landfill had got into its ventilation systems, affecting hundreds of staff and patients. Residents also stated on social media that they had broken covid rules to get away from the smell and stay with relatives. The weekend just past was nearly as bad. I went out and about conducting live odour reports in Newcastle on Saturday night, and I can tell everyone here that it was appalling. On that occasion, it was particularly to the south-east of the site on the Poolfields estate, but at other times it is communities such as Silverdale, Knutton, Cross Heath, Keele,Thistleberry,Clayton and the Westlands that bear the brunt of the odour. This landfill causes a great deal of anxiety and distress for those affected. It goes well beyond simple annoyance; it has a significant impact on people’s quality of life and, I fear, on their mental health. Yesterday morning, I visited St Giles’ and St George’s Church of England Academy Primary School on Orme Road. Children had written to me, and the headteacher, Mrs Pointon, had written to the local paper. She has often arrived at school to an overwhelming odour in the building, and has had to empty the building of it before she can let the children in. I have had similar reports from many other schools, pre-schools and nurseries in the area. One resident reported on social media that their house sale fell through on 27 February as a result of the odour scaring away their buyers; another, whom I spoke to on Saturday night, had to cut their asking price by £30,000. 673 Landfill Sites (Odorous Emissions)9 MARCH 2021 Landfill Sites (Odorous Emissions) 674

[Aaron Bell] and, on the other side of the House, the hon. Members for South Antrim (Paul Girvan), for Bristol North West Problems arising from this site have been reported on (Darren Jones)—I see he is in his place—and for Blaydon and off for many years, since it began operating in 2007, (Liz Twist). The right hon. Member for Chorley (Sir Lindsay but it has been striking how much worse the odour has Hoyle) has also had a major issue with his landfill. He been—in terms of intensity and the distance from the seems to have got it capped off a bit earlier, so perhaps I site from which it can be smelled—in the last 12 months, need to take some tips about tips from Mr Speaker. withaparticularchangesinceChristmas.Localcampaigners Although the Department for Environment, Food have been raising this issue over a number of years, and Rural Affairs acknowledged that landfill should including Derrick Huckfield, who asked me about it at not routinely be causing annoyance, that is essentially my selection meeting, and who has convened manymeetings impossible to avoid when a landfill is 100 metres from with affected parties, residents and the Environment your home. That is a problem that my Bill attempts to Agency. More recently, local residents Graham Eagles tackle. My Bill would introduce a presumption against and Steve Meakin established a local “Stop the Stink” planning permission for a landfill within 500 metres of group and Facebook page. We have seen protests outside a built-up area to prevent the problems that we have the site instigated by local residents. Recently, another seen in Newcastle-under-Lyme from happening elsewhere. very active Facebook group calling for the landfill to be Of course, I am aware that odour reaches far further capped off has reached more than 6,000 local members than 500 metres. At the weekend, there were reports from in the three months since it was set up. There have also Red Street, Bradwell and Halmer End in my constituency, been more than 11,000 signatures on an online petition which are more like 5,000 metres away, but a 500-metre calling for the landfill site to be closed. presumption would rule out a lot of unsuitable sites, All that is representative of the strength of feeling such as Walley’s. that I have encountered as the MP.It is also comfortably Difficult decisions need to be made because clearly the biggest issue that I receive correspondence about in placing landfill sites in beauty spots or national parks my mailbox. Since Christmas, the number of emails I will not be acceptable either. A major part of the have been receiving has nearly overwhelmed my team of national solution is for us to continue to use more staff, such is the strength of feeling and the number of sustainable materials and recycle more. The Government’s incidents. landmark Environment Bill has an ambitious resources The local council, under the leadership of Simon and waste strategy, which can be summed up by an Tagg and Stephen Sweeney, is doing everything it can eco-friendly version of the three Rs: reduce, reuse and within the constraints of the law, but the responsible body recycle. The planning laws permitting new housing to for the landfill is the Environment Agency. I believe it be built in the vicinity of landfills also need to be looked needs to step up, win back the trust of my residents and at. We need houses for the future, but it seems counter- start forcing a solution to this issue. productive to be building them in areas with known This crisis is tragic in the context of what should be a air-quality issues. time of great optimism in Newcastle-under-Lyme. We The second major aspect of my Bill would be to will be doing a huge amount of good in Newcastle introduce new tougher limits for odorous emissions through more than £30 million of Government funds from landfill sites, going beyond the current guidance. from the future high streets fund and the towns fund, The Environment Agency, as the regulator for the site, but our odour catastrophe is threatening to overshadow is aware of the problem in my constituency and how it all that—it is literally casting a cloud. Who would want affects my constituents because it receives their complaints, to eat out on the high street when we get our hospitality but to date it has been unable to act much beyond air reopened if there is an almighty stink in the air? We are quality monitoring exercises in the area, despite the getting levelling up in Newcastle, but we need capping misery of thousands of surrounding residents, at times off too. across my borough and into Stoke-on-Trent. That is Walley’s quarry landfill quite simply should never because the Environment Agency uses the World Health have been permitted to exist. It is a former quarry that Organisation’s limits for hydrogen sulphide as its criteria was obviously converted to landfill use. At all local for enforcement action. That utterly fails to take account levels, the application for the landfill site was opposed of the severe annoyance of odour at levels not considered due to the inappropriate nature of its location. It is in a harmful to physical health. built-up area surrounded by housing in several directions, The WHO’s guidelines for human health are averaged but the councils were overruled by the Secretary of State over 24 hours and refer to 150 micrograms per cubic at the time, John Prescott. metre. Happily, nothing that high has been recorded in The Environment Agency agrees that the site is in a Newcastle-under-Lyme—in the last exercise, we reached particularly unusual location, close to a number of a peak of 44.5—but the annoyance measure, which is long-established properties that surround the landfill, averaged over 30 minutes, is only 7 micrograms per belonging to people who have lived in their villages and cubic metre. My Bill would reduce the annoyance test communities all their lives. Nevertheless, it seems apparent for hydrogen sulphide emissions to half that level, equipping from consulting with other right hon. and hon. Members the Environment Agency to take earlier action against that there are plenty of other landfills in inappropriate sites causing that level of disturbance in their communities. locations around the country causing similar distress— In a nation such as the UK, we should be aspiring to indeed, outrage—to their communities. I have spoken higher, better limits on odour than the bare minimum to my hon. Friends the Members for Banbury (Victoria prescribed by the WHO. That change would go hand in Prentis), for High Peak (Robert Largan), for North hand with a new framework for compensation where Wiltshire (James Gray), for Aldridge-Brownhills (Wendy the limit is exceeded. The point of this aspect of my Bill Morton) and for Crewe and Nantwich (Dr Mullan), is not that residents want to be paid off. In my experience, 675 Landfill Sites (Odorous Emissions) 9 MARCH 2021 676 most residents do not want compensation—they just want the stink to stop. This aspect of my Bill is intended Ways and Means to provide a clear incentive to operators to take all practical measures to reduce odour and to be good and Budget Resolutions and Economic responsible neighbours. Situation We also need to get into the 21st century and stop relying on a human sniff test, conducted on a nought to six scale, which always has an attendant delay while an INCOME TAX (CHARGE) EA operative gets to the site in question. Because the Debate resumed (Order, 8 March). odour can be quite transient, they often miss the true scale Question again proposed, of the problem. Odorous landfill sites should be ringed That income tax is charged for the tax year 2021-22. by a network of permanent hydrogen sulphide monitors And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that that should be capable of providing real-time data to a this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions web feed, a bit like a weather report, so that residents of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. can feel confident that their experience is being recorded in real time against a standardised measure. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): I inform the It seems clear to me that our communities need to House that I have not selected the amendments in the have their voices heard much more loudly where landfills names of the Leader of the Opposition or John McDonnell. are causing persistent problems. My Bill would strengthen Before I call the Minister to open the debate, I have their rights and give the EA a much stronger hand in had notice of a point of order. I call Mr David Davis. dealing with problems when they arise. Although the Bill, if passed, would not necessarily solve my constituents’ 1.47 pm problem with Walley’s Quarry once and for all, it would prevent similar problems from occurring for other Mr David Davis (Haltemprice and Howden) (Con): communities, a goal that I hope we can all agree is well On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Budgets and worth pursuing. Finance Bills were the first reason for having a Parliament —to approve the expenditures of the Executive. For Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): I have had no more than a century, the first resolution for a Finance indication that anyone intends to oppose this ten-minute Bill has been what is known as the general amendment rule Bill motion, and I see no one, so I intend to put the of the law resolution. The resolution allows Members question. to table amendments that deal with tax administration and relief provisions not otherwise provided for by the Question put and agreed to. specific Ways and Means resolution. Ordered, However, since Philip Hammond’s Finance Bill 2017, That Aaron Bell, Simon Baynes, Jack Brereton, the Government have not included such a resolution. Sir William Cash, Jo Gideon, James Gray,Jonathan Gullis, The effect is that any amendments tabled by Members Robert Halfon, Darren Jones, Marco Longhi, Alexander to the Finance Bill must be tied to one of the specific Stafford and Liz Twist present the Bill. resolutions already agreed by the House. In effect, by Aaron Bell accordingly presented the Bill. not including the amendment of the law resolution, the Government have shut down the rights that the House Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time has enjoyed for more than 100 years. The result is that tomorrow, and to be printed (Bill 269). Members’ hands are tied when it comes to effectively amending the Finance Bill. Mr Deputy Speaker, can you give guidance as to how the House can recover those fundamental rights, which have been arrogated by the Government?

Mr Deputy Speaker: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for giving me notice of the point of order. There is no matter of order for the Chair arising from the absence of an amendment of the law motion. There was no such motion after the last three Budgets and I think I remember, during the last Budget, a very similar if not identical point of order from the right hon. Gentleman. There is a lot of tradition around Budgets, and it may well be that the David Davis point of order becomes part of that tradition. Anyway, it has no effect on the scope of debate—the reasons for and implications of the absence of an amendment of the law resolution are themselves a proper matter for debate. The right hon. Gentleman has put his point on the record. Before I call the Minister, I point out that up until and including No. 6, Darren Jones, on the call list, Back-Bench contributions will have a five-minute time limit. Thereafter—No.7 onwards—the limit will be reduced to three minutes. For those who are contributing remotely, please look at the timer on the bottom right-hand 677 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 678 Situation Situation [Mr Deputy Speaker] Of course, there can be no denial that the jobs market has changed profoundly over the past year. corner of the device that you are using. If, for whatever reason, you do not have sight of that, please use an Greg Clark (Tunbridge Wells) (Con): Will my right alternative way of ensuring that you keep within the hon. Friend give way? time limit that has been set. Please do not be tempted to try to extend it, because we have 101 contributions to Kwasi Kwarteng: I am very conscious, as I am sure my this debate. For those who are taking part in the Chamber, right hon. Friend I, that many, many Back Benchers the timer will be displayed as usual on the monitors in want to take part in the debate. I understand that he is the Chamber. on the call list, so I am afraid I am going to have to make more progress. 1.49 pm It is no secret that over the years, and even in years of The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial strong growth, prosperity has not been spread fairly Strategy (Kwasi Kwarteng): It is a real pleasure for me to between the regions and nations that make up our open today’s debate on the Budget that my right hon. United Kingdom. That is an imbalance that this Budget Friend the Chancellor the Exchequer brought before seeks to correct, with the Department for Business, the House last week. It is a Budget that meets the needs Energy and Industrial Strategy leading the charge. Where of the moment. It delivers support to all corners of our regions have been left behind by the decline of old United Kingdom. It shores up our defences against the industries, we will create new industries and support ravaging impact of the pandemic while laying a clear sectors as they transition to a low-carbon, sustainable path for our journey out of the crisis and into a brighter and competitive future. future. As the Chancellor himself acknowledged last week, it is a path that we are only able to take because of Greg Clark: Will my right hon. Friend give way on the incredible efforts of our frontline health workers that point? who have vaccinated more than 20 million people across Kwasi Kwarteng: I must press on. Lots of Back Benchers theUnitedKingdom,andtheresearchersandmanufacturers want to speak. However eminent and distinguished my who have managed to produce effective vaccines in such right hon. Friend is, there are lots of other people who a short space of time. I am sure I speak on behalf of the want to speak. entire House when I express the deepest gratitude to everyone involved in this heroic national effort. We are backing the development of hydrogen hubs in the Tees Valley and Holyhead, to breathe new life into Mrs Theresa May (Maidenhead) (Con): My right coastal and post-industrial communities while we drive hon. Friend makes some very important points about a new clean energy transition. We are establishing four our health staff and the vaccination programme, which carbon capture and storage clusters across the next two has been absolutely superb in this country. Does he decades, and we hope that they will play their part in recognise that the creation of a new vaccine centre and decarbonising our industrial processes. We are investing medicines manufacturing centre were part of the life tens of millions of pounds in the Aberdeen energy transition sciences deals that were enabled by the modern industrial zone and the global underwater hub. strategy? Will he welcome the modern industrial strategy? We are providing a support package of more than £2 billion to Britain’s incredible auto industry, with Kwasi Kwarteng: I have not come here to defend or £500 million going towards the growth of our electric rebut any of the wonderful measures that we took under vehicle supply chain. That package will help to support my right hon. Friend’s leadership. I am very conscious and safeguard nearly 170,000 jobs in the UK auto sector, of the fact that many people want to take part in this including in the north of England, the west midlands debate, and I am afraid that I have to press on. and Wales.Weintend fully to deliver a boost to the ambition The researchers and manufacturers have done an to build at least one UK gigafactory before the end of extremely good job, as my right hon. Friend says, in this Parliament, and we hope to secure investment for shoring up our response to the crisis. The Budget provides others in the longer term. an additional £65 billion of measures in response to covid, designed to support the economy this year. It Greg Clark: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend covers an extension of the furlough scheme, which has and successor for giving way. Will he acknowledge that already supported 1.3 million employers and more than the battery manufacturing innovation centre and the 11 million jobs, providing vital funds to households and Faraday challenge, which galvanised the move to providing communities throughout our country. It has added to batteries for electric vehicles, were part of the industrial the near £20 billion of support that the Treasury has strategy, as was vaccine manufacturing? Can he explain paid out to support 2.7 million self-employed people. why it is thought appropriate to abolish that strategy? Is The Budget presents a dynamic and generous plan to it not better to have a plan, rather than no plan? help businesses to get up to speed. We are providing restart grants of up to £18,000 to more than 680,000 Kwasi Kwarteng: I hear my right hon. Friend’spassionate business premises. We are also providing further support defence of his own work, and I commend a lot of his for hospitality and retail businesses who may be more work. I have read the industrial strategy comprehensively, affected by restrictions when they reopen. While our and it was a pudding without a theme, in my view. I feel plan for jobs has been given a £126 million boost very strongly that the conditions of 2017 do not apply supporting 40,000 more traineeships and doubling the to 2021, and I am very pleased to announce to the cash incentive for firms taking on new apprentices, the House that we are morphing and changing the industrial Budget ensures that more people are able to access secure, strategy into the plan for growth. I am happy to take skilled work. further interventions on that, should they arise. 679 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 680 Situation Situation What we have announced in these packages is levelling private sectors throughout the country. It will provide a up in action. There will be new investment in new global centre of excellence and advisory support for net industries, creating new jobs and driving real change in zero projects across the country. communities across the UK. With these examples, we We have committed an initial £12 billion of capital are talking about a vision for the future of the kind of and £10 billion of guarantees. By crowding in— country we want to be: a country that hosts good-quality, attracting—private investment, we fully expect the bank high-skilled, long-term jobs in every community and to support at least £40 billion of investment in our that takes its commitment to net zero extremely seriously. precious infrastructure. This investment will help us to I would like to commend the work of my right hon. amplify success in decreasing emissions, which we have Friends the Members for Maidenhead (Mrs May) and already reduced by 44% against 1990 levels. That is by for Tunbridge Wells (Greg Clark) in passing the net zero far the best performance in the G7. legislation in 2019. That was a signal piece of legislation for which I commend them heartily. As Secretary of With our strengths in many sectors, from offshore State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy—which wind to hydrogen, carbon capture technologies and is still the name of the Department—I am very pleased zero-emission vehicles, we are well placed to seize the that we are committed to net zero in the way that we are. opportunity of the green transition and lead a global green industrial revolution. The 10-point plan, which Because of all the profound changes that we have seen the Budget expands on, puts us in a very good position over the last three or four years, as well as our departure to achieve that goal. from the EU, our legislation to end our contribution to climate change by 2050 and the unprecedented impact Backed by £12 billion of public investment, the 10-point of the coronavirus, I believe that we must take a fresh plan will reinvigorate our industrial heartlands in the look at our plans for industrial policy and long-term north-east, the north-west, Yorkshire, the Humber, the economic growth. As a consequence of all this, alongside midlands, Scotland, Wales and elsewhere. It will support the Budget, we have published “Build Back Better: our the creation of hundreds of thousands of green jobs plan for growth”. Our cross-government plan for growth across the UK by 2030. It represents a really exciting signals a departure from the industrial strategy brand and dynamic vision for the development of economic and details a renewed focus on infrastructure, skills and opportunity throughout this country. innovation. It reflects new opportunities available to us This is a Budget that is timely in its interventions, following our exit from the European Union, which was entirely realistic in its ambitions and, above all, remorselessly successfully achieved as a consequence of the deal that and unapologetically optimistic about the future of the we struck at the end of last year. This opens up new United Kingdom. It outlines an investment-led recovery, ways to drive growth, build on our competitive advantage with a targeted, laser-like approach to levelling up every and support a vision for a truly global Britain. We will nation and region. draw on the valuable lessons we have learnt from the Thanks to the actions of the Government, we will 2017 industrial strategy as we transition to this new, emerge from this virus sooner and stronger than many more focused and more ambitious plan for growth. would have anticipated. Thanks to the Budget, we have I want to reassure the House that the energy of my the means and the tools necessary to continue our Department is entirely focused on building back better trajectory towards recovery in the next year. We will be after the coronavirus pandemic. It is leading the embracing innovation, we will be creating green jobs Government’s work on supporting British industry and and we will be rejuvenating our industrial heartlands priority sectors, and I am happy to acknowledge that and spreading opportunities. Welook forward to building we are building on the incredibly dynamic and good work back better throughout the entirety of the United Kingdom. that was pursued by my right hon. Friend the Member for Tunbridge Wells.Wewill publish our innovation strategy in the summer. We will set out details of our approach 2.3 pm to supporting sectors, places and technologies in the innovation strategy. Those will give a clear indication Edward Miliband (Doncaster North) (Lab): I want to and sense of purpose as we seek to shape the UK’s start by quoting a speech given in this Chamber 77 years future. My Department is already leading on strategies ago, in June 1944, by Ernest Bevin, who was then the with respect to net zero, hydrogen and, of course, Minister of Labour. He said: innovation itself, as well as the space strategy. We are “With my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, I had an engaging on a comprehensive programme of work to opportunity of visiting one of our ports and seeing the men, of protect and create jobs as we transition to net zero. the 50th Division among others, going aboard ship…The one question they put to me when I went through their ranks was, The principle underlying all this effort is, of course, ‘Ernie, when we have done this job for you, are we going back to the green recovery. We fully intend to end, and we will the dole?’…Both the Prime Minister and I answered, ‘No, you are end, our contribution to climate change by 2050, and not.’”—[Official Report, 21 June 1944; Vol. 401, c. 212-13.] we will do so through investments and innovations such The circumstances of this Budget are, of course, very as the ones I have just mentioned. Last week’s Budget different, but the sentiment is just as relevant. As we builds on the framework set out by the Prime Minister’s come through a very different national crisis, how do we 10-point plan, as well as on the support announced at in our generation do right by the British people? Some the spending review and in the national infrastructure 120,000 people have died from covid. Our way of life strategy. has been dramatically restricted. Our key workers have I am delighted that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor stepped up and put themselves in harm’s way for all of spoke fulsomely about the UK infrastructure bank. The us. Businesses have shuttered to protect our health and bank will target investment in green projects, which will have faced incredible strain. The British people have help us meet our net zero targets in the public and been nothing short of heroic. 681 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 682 Situation Situation [Edward Miliband] something else. In the past decade, we have not addressed our long-standing weaknesses, but fallen further behind. While the crisis has revealed the best of our country, The productivity gap has doubled with Germany and is it has also laid bare the deep flaws in the way our up by three quarters with France and one quarter with institutions and economy are run. In the words of the the US. Government getting out of the way did not OBR, work. Markets left to their own devices did not work “the UK has experienced higher rates of infection, hospitalisations, and austerity did not work, so the question for the and deaths from the virus than other countries.” Government is: what are they going to do differently in the coming years from the last 10? We know that is partly because of higher deprivation, inequality and poverty. We know we are deeply unequal, We needed first of all—the right hon. Members for both within and between our regions. Even before this Maidenhead (Mrs May) and for Tunbridge Wells (Greg crisis, 2 million of our fellow citizens faced destitution. Clark) have made reference to it—an industrial policy That means they lacked at least two of the following that intervenes at scale to help growth sectors and basic essentials: shelter, food, heating, lighting, clothing industries to succeed. There is one pre-eminent test on or basic toiletries. That should shame us all in one of that, which is the green stimulus. To give some context, the richest countries in the world. We know our public President Biden has pledged a $1.7 trillion green plan services are deeply underfunded, from health to social over 10 years. Germany has committed ¤40 billion over care. Weknow,too, that the world of work is characterised two years and France ¤30 billion over two years. Even by deep divisions of power, which meant some workers what the Business Secretary claims—I will come to that were safe and some were not. shortly—is a fraction of that amount over the decade. This chasm between the spirit of the British people Let us take the infrastructure bank, as the Secretary and the reality of how our country works demands of State talked about that. The OBR is highly revealing from us that we face the Bevin question once again, of on the infrastructure bank: the annual spending of the how we transform our country not just on jobs, but on bank is going to be just a third of the amount of its public services and on inequality, too. This challenges predecessor,the European Investment Bank—£1.5 billion us all, whatever party, to think bigger and more boldly. a year versus £5 billion a year. So, not more investment, Of course that is hard, in the dire circumstances we face but less. What is the OBR’s verdict on the infrastructure coming out of this pandemic—the public finances are bank? It says that under strain and the economy will take time to recover—but “given the scale of its operations (at around 0.1 per cent of GDP they are far less dire than those Bevin and his colleagues a year) and the fact that it replaces only some European Investment faced after 1945, and they thought big about the kind of Bank activity, we have not adjusted our economy forecast.” country we could be. They raised their sights in the face In other words, the bank has absolutely zero effect on of adversity. growth, from all of those green measures that the While I would praise some of the measures taken Business Secretary talked about. by the Chancellor, I do not believe that a fair-minded One of the most interesting things about the Budget—but observer would say that the Budget passes the Bevin test. which has perhaps been less remarked on—is that the Onjobs,accordingtotheOBR,evenby2025unemployment growth returns to trend is up just an anaemic 1.7%. never even gets back to pre-crisis levels. On welfare, the That is incredibly low by historical standards. This is Budget tells people on universal credit that they need to low growth and low ambition. go back to living on £74 a week from September, just as A green stimulus could have helped our crucial unemployment starts to peak. On the next crisis—the manufacturing sectors, but instead they were left out climate emergency—the Budget rejects a green stimulus in the cold. On steel, where is the £250 million clean and cuts green spending, as I will explain. steel fund, which was promised two years ago? There is On public services—I do not think the Business Secretary no mention of steel in this 110-page document. On talked about public services—the Budget appears to offshore wind, we are way off the Government’s target draw the extraordinary lesson from the crisis that public of 60% domestic content, and the negligible resources services need less resources, not more. In total, £17 billion in the Budget simply do not measure up.On the automotive has been taken out of departmental spending since sector, I want to say something positive: it is good that Budget 2020, which was before the crisis, despite the the Government have brought forward the date of the greater needs and despite all that has been revealed in petrol and diesel phase-out to 2030, which is what we the pandemic. called for. But I say to the Business Secretary that the rhetoric of ambition is not matched by financial support What does building back better mean when for this crucial sector.The Society of Motor Manufacturers unemployment is higher as far as the eye can see, the and Traders said in reaction to the Budget: welfare state goes back to the way it was, the green revolution is ducked and public service spending is cut? “This is an opportunity lost”. This Budget fails the Bevin test and the build back Germanyis investing a total of ¤7 billion for transformation; better test. Why? I think it is because the Government we are way off that. The Government seem almost have not truly learned the lessons of the past decade. allergic to support for these sectors. To be fair, the Government have been remarkably Let us take another area that everybody agreed could open about the failure of the last decade. The Business create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and I do not Secretary referred to the “Build Back Better” document think the Business Secretary mentioned this either. It that they published. It is a very interesting document, could help people in every community in our country: perhaps not for the reasons intended. There is a striking home insulation and retrofitting. Weneed a transformation chart that shows the long-standing productivity gap of our housing stock. People may forget that the flagship between ourselves and our competitors, but it shows policy of the Prime Minister’s 10-point plan was the 683 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 684 Situation Situation green homes grant. The Business Secretary was given People might think that is just an accident. It is not personal responsibility, as the Minister of State, for the an accident. I know that the Business Secretary dismisses green homes grant. He told us the Government would his past pamphlets as the work of a maverick Back learn the lessons of the green deal, which had been a Bencher, but it is not a coincidence, because this—it is complete disaster: very interesting—is what he wrote: “We’re completely focused on trying to make this a much “The draining of effort from our psyche has been replaced by a better roll-out, and we’ve learned our lessons…We need to make sense of entitlement.” sure that the right projects are identified, and that we can get the I do not know quite what that means. He continued: money out”. “It has also led to a false belief in the value of industrial It would “pave the way”, he said, policy.” “for the UK’s green homes revolution.” I thought he had put all that behind him, but clearly What has happened? The project has been a complete not. He is so ideological—so dogmatic—about the free fiasco on his watch: contractors not paid; installers market that he had to get rid of the industrial strategy, forced to make lay-offs; homeowners unable to get the and therefore he cannot deliver the partnership between grants—not a long-term comprehensive plan, but a Government and business that the country needs. piecemeal, privatised approach characterised by shambolic Let us turn more generally to business support. Businesses delivery on his watch, and he said not a word about it. have made huge sacrifices in this crisis, as I said, and He would be welcome to come in and say something they face huge challenges in recovering from the pandemic, about it now; he obviously does not want to. And no added to which are the billions of pounds of red tape as wonder: now the Government are cutting more than a result of the implementation of the Brexit deal. Even £1 billion from the green homes grant scheme as it has when the health crisis is over, businesses will take a long been such a disaster. time to recover. We welcome some of the measures talked Is this just an accident? No, it is not. The failure on about by the Business Secretary, but there are still the green homes grant and on green manufacturing is important groups that I believe are left out: two thirds all part of the same problem. The Government are of the excluded self-employed are not helped by this good at talking about a green revolution; they will the Budget, including limited companies, many freelancers ends, but not the means—a proper, thought-through and others; supply chain businesses are still left out; and industrial strategy. Indeed, tragically, we now have a whole sectors, such as the wedding industry, are ignored. Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Their plight will hold back the recovery. Strategy who does not believe in industrial strategy. If I Weknow that business debt is one of the biggest threats can put it this way, he is half the Secretary of State he not just to individual businesses but to the recovery as a once was. Any self-respecting organisation would have whole. Some £70 billion of business debt has built up asked him in the interview when he was applying for the during the crisis. In December, the Federation of Small post of Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Businesses reported that the proportion of those businesses Industrial Strategy—although Secretaries of State do describing their debt as “unmanageable” was 40%. The not exactly apply, they are offered the job—“Do you OBR says that, on current plans, the Chancellor will believe in industrial strategy?” have to write off £27 billion of those loans. We got suspicious when in one of his first acts he tore In these circumstances, a sensible Chancellor would up plans for the industrial strategy White Paper, and we have been creative, yet he still refuses to budge. We have thought, “How curious.” Then on Thursday we found a scheme from the Chancellor with no links to profits, out he had abolished the Industrial Strategy Council set no ability to restructure and no ability for management up by the right hon. Member for Maidenhead. I hope or workers to develop creative solutions. He is just the right hon. Lady will not take it amiss if I say that I leaving it to the banks. Well, even the banks are telling admired some of her work, and this is one of the things him that that is very risky.If we face a wave of insolvencies, I admired. I pay tribute to her and the right hon. it will be at the Chancellor’s door. The danger is that Member for Tunbridge Wells; they learned the lessons this holds back the recovery, and it certainly fails the of our history and said, “We need Government, business Bevin test. and unions working together on this joint enterprise, Many of the businesses facing those debts are on our coming together to address the challenges our country high streets, in retail. What is the single biggest long-term faces.” And, goodness me, do we need this now as we change that those businesses require? It is to address the seek to recover from coronavirus. deep unfairness that high street shops face against I have to say to the Business Secretary, who is new to online retailers. I am sure that the Business Secretary is his job, that this decision has caused consternation—I familiar with that problem. The Government launched do not think that is too strong a word for it—in businesses a review of business rates not in the last Budget, not in up and down the country. Make UK said that it causes the Budget before, not in the one before that, but six “significant concern and frustration within manufacturers of all years ago. In fact, they launched the review so long ago sizes across the UK.” that I was Leader of the Opposition when they did The director general of the British Chambers of Commerce so—it is that long ago! A long-term Budget would have said that the strategy’s demise was a finally taken action in this area, but instead we got more “short-sighted step that ministers will come to regret”. delay. All around the country, thanks to the work that was I turn to the measures that were taken. On the so-called done, local chambers of commerce and local enterprise super deduction, we will welcome any measure to help partnerships have spent years working on local industrial business, but I point out, as we think about our capital strategies. Now they are wondering what they are supposed stock and investment, that the OBR says that that to do with them, because the strategy seems to have measure fallen out of favour. “does not affect the long-run level of the…capital stock”. 685 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 686 Situation Situation [Edward Miliband] forit.TheBusinessSecretarywasputupon“QuestionTime” on Thursday, as this decision was breaking, to try to In other words, it will make a difference to the timing of justify this broken promise, and this is what he said: business investment, but in fact, according to the OBR, “When I look at people in the hospitality sector, in aviation, in business investment is expected to fall significantly in retail, many of them are very…worried they won’t…be in a job in 2023 and 2024, and there are real questions about why two or three months.” this measure is targeted just at plant and machinery, which is only one fifth of business investment. Then we Kwasi Kwarteng indicated assent. have freeports, which have been tried for 30 years. I am Edward Miliband: He nods. As if that is somehow a afraid that all the evidence is that, at best, they may justification for cutting the pay of nurses. What is the displace economic activity from one area left out of world in which their plight justifies cutting the pay of prosperity to another a few miles away. our nurses? I have never heard anyone, in a year of The problem is that the Government simply do not discussions, in any of those sectors say to me, “I’m get that we cannot build private sector success on the finding it hard, so Government should cut nurses’ pay.” back of public sector austerity. The cuts of the last People would only say that if they believe in a race to decade have made local services worse, squeezed demand the bottom or they believe in levelling down. and undermined the crucial infrastructure of business Before the Minister says everybody needs to tighten success. People might wonder, “Well maybe they’ve their belts, he should be careful, because it turns out learned their lesson.” I fear they have not. Again, this there is plenty of cash to spend millions on a Downing was not very clear from the Budget on the day, six days Street makeover for a media briefing room that has not ago, but in a year’s time, for many of our public services, been used; to spend hundreds of thousands of pounds it will be austerity all over again. Next year, for current to pay off the man the Home Secretary was accused of services in transport, housing and local government, bullying; and to give Dominic Cummings a 40% pay and other so-called unprotected areas, public spending rise. The truth is it is one rule for them and another rule will be cut in real terms by £2.6 billion. Let us be clear: for everyone else. Let them not ever try again to tell people growth is anaemic, because their measures are so weak, in this country that we are in this together. so they turn to a strategy they tried from 2010 of Beneath the rhetoric, the Government cannot be the cutting current spending and raising taxes on ordinary answer to the problems of the country. They may have families. I fear they have not learned the lessons. They produced a document charting 10 years of failure on cannot grow the economy if they are giving tax cuts productivity, but they have not changed their view. The with one hand, but cutting the services that communities answer to 10 years of failure cannot be more of the same. and businesses rely on with the other. This should have been a Budget with a plan to respond The issue is not just about resources, but about who to the climate emergency by creating the jobs of the future; spends them and where they are spent. We are the most and a Budget with a plan to help business through the regionally unequal country of any major developed crisis and beyond with debt restructuring, providing a economy and the most centralised. The levelling-up decent pay rise for our key workers and dignity in the fund is a centralised pot of money to be determined by social security system, rather than plunging the most Ministers, and we are starting to discover where the vulnerable into deeper poverty. This is a Budget of low money is actually going. ambition for Britain. The post-war generation would Salford is the 18th most deprived area in the country, never have accepted such a meagre vision as that presented but it is placed not in the category of most need—category 1 by the Chancellor and the Government. They never —but in category 2. Barnsley is the 38th most deprived would have, and neither should we, and that is why we area and is also in category 2. Richmond is 256th out of will vote against the Budget tonight. 317 for deprivation, but it happens to cover the Chancellor’s constituency, so it has found its way into category 1. 2.23 pm The Government have said this is based on objective Mrs Theresa May (Maidenhead) (Con): I refer the criteria, so what are they? Again, I am very happy to House to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial give way to the Business Secretary if he wants to explain Interests. what these objective criteria are. If it is all above board, In unprecedented times, I commend my right hon. why have they not published the criteria? Of course, Friend the Chancellor for recognising the need to combine they have form on this—the towns fund, the crony continued support for people in jobs, even as we see outsourcing of contracts to donors. The British people the light at the end of the tunnel of this pandemic, with have a right to expect that the money meant for the most the need to restore our public finances and to set us deprived areas is spent in the most deprived areas. on the path of growth for recovery in the future. I will Ministers do not get the role for Government, they not dwell on the first of those, but I welcome specifically leave it to the market; they cannot tackle the inequalities the funding for tackling domestic abuse, focused as it we face; and, far from leaving austerity behind, for will be on the perpetrator programmes often overlooked many it will look like austerity, feel like austerity and it in the past. However, I continue to fail to understand will be austerity. why the Treasury,and, I fear,the Department for Business, Of course, we have the most egregious example of all Energy and Industrial Strategy, seem institutionally in the decision to cut the pay of nurses and NHS staff. incapable of understanding the significance of the aviation They more than anyone have been the heroes of this sector for jobs and for our economy. crisis: they have put themselves in harm’s way for all of On other specific issues, I wish to refer to one group us. The Government promised a pay rise in the NHS who are badly affected by the impact of dealing with plan. They did not just promise it; they legislated for it the pandemic: women. There is evidence to show that and they walked through the Lobby a year ago to vote lockdown measures have been particularly difficult for 687 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 688 Situation Situation women, and that there are women who have abandoned Secondly, a huge amount of effort went in, with their careers because they have found it impossible to Government working with the private sector, to develop juggle the requirements of lockdown, with home schooling that modern industrial strategy.The private sector welcomed and so forth, with their careers. We need those women it, because it was not about picking winners. This is in the workplace. We need those female entrepreneurs where I depart from the former Leader of the Opposition, for our future. I urge the Government to look actively at the right hon. Member for Doncaster North (Edward what they can do to deal with that issue and to encourage Miliband), because Labour’s answer was always to pick women entrepreneurs. winners; we agreed with business the sectors that needed Another group badly affected by the pandemic is to be strengthened and in which we were strong, and let young people, with the hospitality sector being a case in the market decide the companies that were going to be point. The intergenerational divide between young and the winners. We need to continue with that effort. The old has been exacerbated by the measures taken to deal industrial strategy was welcomed by the private sector with the pandemic, so it is absolutely right that we take and it was recognised internationally. Do not abandon measures to restore our public finances and do not it. Build on it, for the sake of all our futures. simply land the bill on young people and future generations. I know there are those, including some of my colleagues, Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): It was like a who will say, “You don’t need to do anything to taxes. blast from the past there, momentarily. You just need to have growth”, but one worry from this Budget must be the OBR forecast for growth. It is 2.29 pm forecast in the medium term not to return to the pre- Peter Grant (Glenrothes) (SNP) [V]: It is always a financial crisis level of an average annual rate of 2.5%, privilege to speak on behalf of the Scottish National but to be around the pre-covid rate of 1.5%. There is no party in a debate such as this. I say to the former Prime doubt that the pandemic has had an impact, but pre-covid Minister, the right hon. Member for Maidenhead the uncertainty around Brexit was also having an impact (Mrs May), that I do not think I have ever agreed so on our economy. Of course there is every prospect that much with anything that she has said in her life, but I Brexit will have a continued impact in reducing the size assure her that it is not a habit that I intend to continue of our economy into the future. So we need to focus on for too long. growth, and I will say a little more specifically about I commend the Minister on at least having the courage that in a moment. to mention Brexit in his opening remarks, because the I am concerned that the Government have simply Chancellor did not mention it once in his entire speech, adopted the Treasury orthodoxy that if we wish to despite the fact that the economic damage of Brexit is encourage investment by business, all we do are capital likely to be worse than that of the covid pandemic. I am allowances. I can tell my right hon. Friend the Business puzzled as to how the Minister was able to describe that Secretary that year after year that is the answer the as a successful Brexit. If 4% off GDP was a successful Treasury comes up with. If we want an innovation result, I shudder to think what a bad Brexit would have economy, we need to invest and support investment in been like in the Government’s eyes. areas that encourage growth and innovation, and that The Chancellor’s Budget speech contained all the means research and development. We are to see another usual words, all the usual platitudes and all the usual consultation on R&D tax credits—I believe it is the elements. There was a lot of bluster about how wonderful third in three years. I have to say to him: stop consulting, the Government are and obligatory name drops for just get on and do something. We could extend the some hand-picked Tory MPs, interspersed here and definition of R&D expenditure or increase the rate, but there with bits of substance, most of which we had we must act. We need investment in innovation, not in already read in the previous weekend’s newspapers. chief executives’ Jacuzzis. Perhaps unusually, I would not take immediate issue Another area I want to emphasise for my right hon. with a great deal of what the Chancellor announced. I Friend is that there is a lot of talk from Government—we want to see the details, obviously, because I know from all do it and we have done it in the past—about capital experience that the reality can be very different from spending, and infrastructure is always what we reach what is announced at the Dispatch Box, but in principle for. We must never forget, however, that human capital I would support a lot of what was announced. The is increasingly what we must be investing in. We should problem is what was not announced and what the be ensuring that there is effort and funding available for Chancellor did not say. He did not say nearly enough the skills White Paper and for the response to the Augar about permanent support for the millions of families review. What we need to build back better is a plan that who are living in poverty. He did not say enough about transforms the economy: ideas and an innovation economy; supporting millions of small businesses and self-employed people investing in skills; upgrading infrastructure; and people who continue to be excluded. He did not say making this the best place to grow and start a business. enough about several key sectors of the economy that That was the modern industrial strategy. still face an existential threat as a result of the covid The Government say they need a new framework. pandemic, in some cases combined with other factors. My right hon. Friend has said that that framework He certainly did not say enough about investing in our builds on the industrial strategy, but it does not. There public services and in the people who have served them are two reasons this is the wrong approach. First, we with such dedication and professionalism during the need a long-term strategy. We cannot just magic a plan last dreadful 12 months. out of thin air and expect it to work in a year or so—we The former Prime Minister, who just finished speaking, need something that will work longer term. We should mentioned the importance of our aviation industry. make changes where necessary, not just for the sake of Even without the pandemic, we knew that that industry making a change. needed to change radically because of climate change. 689 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 690 Situation Situation [Peter Grant] the recovery as we come out of the covid emergency. They are not asking for charity; they are asking for a Even a year ago, none of us would have predicted the fair deal. They deserve that. It is all they want. almost total closure of an entire industry, so what is the As well as those 3 million people, perhaps falling to Chancellor’s vision for how the aviation industry will 2.4 million this year, there are now millions who have look five to 10 years from now? How big will it be? Will had to fall back on a benefit system that was never air traffic be back to pre-pandemic numbers? Will aviation designed to support so many people for so long and was still directly provide 470,000 jobs and still support around never fit for the purpose for which it was supposed to 650,000 other jobs in the UK, as it did before the have been designed in the first place. The continuation pandemic? If it does not, what will happen to all the of the £20 uplift is welcome, but it should be continued people whose jobs disappear? If the Chancellor’s speech permanently. The cliff edge the Government are talking is anything to go by, the answer to all those questions is about threatens to plunge 60,000 people, including 20,000 that he does not know and probably has not even children, into poverty in Scotland alone. The Government thought about it, because he never mentioned aviation claimed that the response to covid would be driven by during his speech. In almost 6,500 words, the industry data not dates, so why is the universal credit cliff edge that has perhaps been the worst affected of all industries being set by a date regardless of what the data might during covid was literally never mentioned. say? I submit that an economic recovery in which the When we look at the crisis facing our retail industry, poorest get left behind is no economic recovery at all. we see, again, that changes were happening anyway We can judge how much this Chancellor and this because of the growth in online shopping. There were Government care about the eradication of poverty from around 143,000 job losses in retail the year before the the fact that the Chancellor did not mention the word pandemic and there are likely to be a further 380,000 “poverty” even once in his entire speech. between 2020 and 2021. Where is the recovery plan? Do The Budget fails to address the economic challenges the Government even have a vision of what the recovered that will impact on all our living standards for decades retail industry will look like? Yes, there is a partial to come. It fails adequately to support the businesses on continuation of short-term survival rations and, of which our economic recovery depends. It fails to provide course, there is always the towns fund if someone a decent income for millions of our citizens. The people happens to live in a marginal constituency, but otherwise, of Scotland can have no confidence in this Budget. For there is no indication that the Government have any the last 60 years, the people of Scotland have declared clue how they intend to help our local shops and they have no confidence in the Government behind the shopping centres to recover, or even if they care whether present Budget. It is now clear that most people in or not they recover. Scotland no longer have any confidence in a constitutional Union that allows such a Government to continue to Retail, aviation and, I could mention, oil and gas are ride roughshod over the ancient rights of the people of all industries where the effects of wholesale change have Scotland. been greatly accelerated and magnified by the covid pandemic. While those changes may have been inevitable, the Government’s continued failure to support the people 2.36 pm who will be affected is anything but inevitable. We Sir Iain Duncan Smith (Chingford and Woodford cannot allow this Tory Government to turn their back Green) (Con): I draw the attention of the House to my on hundreds of thousands of retail workers and aviation entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. workers in the same way that they abandoned hundreds No Chancellor has faced this kind of crisis in living of thousands of miners in my constituency and others memory and, by and large, I think the Chancellor has across these islands. navigated through it with some skill over the last year, In addition to the lack of any clear vision for key supporting those who need support as much as he can. sectors in the economy, there is a continued refusal to The Bill, as a result, underpins all of this particular Budget: acknowledge the desperate plight of millions of self- some £407 billion will be spent by the end of next year, employed people and small business owners. Of course, with an eye-watering deficit of over £250 billion, as set I welcome the fact that the Chancellor was eventually out in the Budget he has just produced. That clouds dragged kicking and screaming to announce an overdue every single judgment. and humiliating U-turn on support for about 600,000 The key point I want to make, and I agree with my self-employed people, but we in the SNP are not going right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), to forget the 2.4 million others—the creators, freelancers is that we must not lose sight of the reality of the need and small business owner-director—who are still being for growth. If we forget that, then we fall back on the deliberately abandoned. Last year, I warned that many idea that we will somehow get through this. The OBR’s of these people stand to lose their houses and everything forecasts for growth should make us sit up and look they own if their businesses go under. Last week, the very carefully at that. I worry that the level of growth Chancellor had a choice: give them the support they beyond the year after next is really very low in relation need and deserve, or ignore them. He chose to ignore to where we start from now. If we cannot grow faster them yet again. Before the Budget, the Prospect trade than that, it says a huge amount about some of our policies. union found that 46% of all self-employed people are I therefore remind my right hon. Friends on the Treasury less likely to stay in self-employment as a result of their Bench that growth is the No. 1 reality for us now. experiences during the pandemic and 18% are unsure. That is why I was somewhat concerned about some That means barely a third of people in self-employment issues, and I want to come back to them, but one thing I were sure they intended to stay there, and that was did like, which feeds towards the idea of growth, is the before the non-support that most of them got in last super deduction tax relief to kickstart business investment. week’s Budget. These are the people we rely on to drive That is the right kind of thing to do: encourage businesses 691 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 692 Situation Situation to bring their money back in to invest in the UK. The 2.42 pm news about freeports is also very good indeed. I hope Darren Jones (Bristol North West) (Lab): The reality the Government will have time to review the corporation of this Budget is that the Government have no credible tax rate and be very careful about the effect of that plan for long-term economic growth that will meet the further down the road. I note that the Chancellor has required scale of ambition for the net zero transition, given himself some time to look at that very carefully. that will mean real change for workers in every community The issue here is that sometimes we compare productivity across the country or that will really help businesses to across countries. I give a warning about that. I do not grow and make a profit. There is no denying that the know why the Treasury has not done more work on this. extension of covid support was welcome, and I am No two countries compile productivity rates at the same pleased that the Chancellor agreed with my Committee’s level. For example, France does not have the public assessment that premature end dates had caused sector in its productivity rates; it has only the private unnecessary redundancies and harm to business, but sector. That means that comparisons are often between that was the least that we could have expected. On a apples and pears.Our problem in the UK is not productivity, longer-term vision for our country, I cannot find very because the London and the south-east have the highest much at all. The OBR has concluded that Brexit will productivity in the whole of Europe. Our problem is shrink our economy by 4% and covid by an additional regional productivity. No other region of the UK meets 3%. After the initial year of reopening post-lockdown, the average for the UK in productivity. That single fact our expectations for growth still hover around only should tell us more than anything else why it is critical 1.5% a year, and in the face of a decade of failed austerity, to put stuff and build things in the north, the midlands the Chancellor has still cut billions from day-to-day and places such as Wales. Our productivity around the spending. country does not match that average level of productivity, There is a reason that Labour in government was able as we are far too concentrated in London and the to invest in our nurses and teachers—something this south-east. Government are not willing to do. There is a reason that I agree with those who have said that R&D tax credits Labour in government was able to take millions of are really important. I would stress that that is a good pensioners and children out of poverty.This Government idea and a policy that the Government have to push did not mention child poverty once in the Budget. That forward on, because it encourages greater growth. We reason was sustainable, long-term economic growth. must remember that many of our technology advancements The one major piece of Government policy that attempted are made in universities these days, and we have to to take a longer-term view of the economy was the maximise that. On deregulation, I am going to come industrial strategy—a strategy that after only four years forward with plans shortly; there is huge scope for us to was cancelled via a footnote in the Budget and a leaked release some businesses through deregulation. letter sacking the national Industrial Strategy Council. That is not how you announce major changes to Britain’s I want to draw to a close by making a couple of industrial policy. The Secretary of State said today that points. First, I want to make the case for the Government the industrial strategy was a “pudding without a theme”. to review the universal credit money. The reason for With respect, he has not just withdrawn the pudding; he that is that universal credit is not a flat payment; it is a has failed to serve the starters and the main course dynamic process, and it is aimed at helping people back as well. to work. So in truth, even if we invest the £6 billion in universal credit, as we get more people back to work, The so-called plan for growth generates more questions the cost of that falls because they are back at work and than answers; it is essentially of no use to business. The paying taxes. This is the critical bit: I do not want it to national infrastructure bank was also supposed to be be compared with the furlough scheme, which is a very about long-term growth, but it has been given public different item. Universal credit is about getting people funding of only £12 billion, which is £8 billion less than back to work, and therefore they pay more. I recommend the amount recommended by the National Infrastructure that the Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy Commission and a whopping £23 billion less than the and Industrial Strategy, my hon. Friend the Member European Investment Bank used to invest in the UK for Sutton and Cheam (Paul Scully), and his colleagues alone, when the UK was a member of the European think carefully about that, because money was taken Union. out of it some years before, and it needs that investment The Budget also fell short of the required ambition back in it. That was how it was intended. to deliver on our net zero commitments, with no real increase in infrastructure spending and the Chancellor My last point relates to the 0.7% on overseas aid. I sticking to his previous position of only 3% of GDP. understand the Government’s issue on this and I recognise That is,I am afraid, a continuation of Ministers announcing their problem, but I hope they will keep this under targets with no plan or finance to allow them to happen. review. As we move away from certain countries, places The Government cannot just announce a green industrial such as China will move in, and their money will come revolution and hope for the best. A failure to stimulate with serious problems. They will demand more dictatorial the growth of the green economy is just part of their government. We need only to look at Burma to see what failure in the Budget to meet the scale of the unemployment is going on when China supports countries. I just raise challenge. According to HMRC data, 782,000 fewer that as a policy point that the Government may want to people are on company payrolls since October 2020, yet think about. does the Government’s job and skills programme meet Overall, I say to the Government that this has been a the scale of the challenge? No, it does not. good Budget, but it is a Budget that needs to buy a bit For all the failures by the Government in the Budget, of time, and we must think carefully: growth, growth, I want to end on a positive note. Throughout the growth is the most important thing in front of us now. pandemic, both as a constituency MP and Chair of the 693 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 694 Situation Situation [Darren Jones] process of being created in what was an area of incredibly high unemployment and some of the most deprived Business Committee, I have seen the remarkable abilities communities anywhere in the United Kingdom; so those of the British people to adapt to the challenges that we jobs are incredibly welcome. However, I would just face: the researchers and innovators that led the world encourage the Minister on the Front Bench, the Under- in genomic sequencing in vaccine development; the Secretary of State for Education, my hon. Friend the engineers who pivoted from aircraft wings to ventilators; Member for Chichester (Gillian Keegan), who I believe and the small businesses that transformed themselves also has responsibility for Lancashire, to make sure by moving online. Our key workers—carers, nurses, that enterprise zones do not, as a consequence of the shopworkers, truck drivers, teachers, police officers and development of freeports and some of the other strategies many more—kept our country moving when we all had unveiled in the Budget, become the poor relation. to stop, reminding us of our sense of national duty, and I would like to make sure, as the UK Government the volunteers, churches, food banks and resident groups host COP 26, that nuclear fuel is front and centre, renewed our sense of community. Behind every business because in order for the United Kingdom to develop a and public service is a worker, a business owner, a radical decarbonisation strategy, it is very important leader, an innovator, a public servant, a citizen of our not only that we are investing in small modular reactors United Kingdom. Brexit, technology, climate change and advanced modular reactors—documents for which and the legacy of covid are all like tectonic plates, are currently sat with the Treasury—but that we have slowly reshaping the British economy. the means to manufacture all the aspects within that, We need every person who can to roll up their sleeves and in my constituency nuclear fuel is responsible for and contribute to the national effort of recovery and 900 jobs. change, where each country in our Union depends on Finally, when it comes to aerospace, I have the head- each of the others for our collective national success. quarters of BAE Systems in my constituency, employing However, we also need a Prime Minister who has a just over 6,000 people. Team Tempest and the integrated bolder vision for modernising Britain in the post-covid review are incredibly important to us. They are the jobs world—a vision of a modern Britain that not only meets of the future. It is the technology that has been referred our ambitions as a country, but recognises and rewards to today. I encourage the Treasury to look to the future, the enormous potential of the British people. invest in technology and continue to support the Fylde Last week’s Budget could have been something special. and the north-west. It could have been the start of a new chapter for a more sustainable, inclusive and successful Britain, meeting 2.49 pm the challenges of reshaping the British economy and providing work for people in every community; a Budget Ed Davey (Kingston and Surbiton) (LD): This Budget that showed the British people that we could be excited fails millions of people across the UK. It fails tens of by the future and proud of our country once again. thousands of small businesses and millions of self-employed Instead, it had no credible long-term plan for growth people. It fails millions of NHS staff and carers, and it and no credible long-term plan for the future. It was, fails future generations with its lack of ambition for unfortunately, a return to the failures of the past. action on climate change. The Liberal Democrats argued for a Budget for small businesses, which would protect shops, restaurants, pubs, cafés, beauticians and barbers, 2.46 pm all of which make up our local high streets, and create Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con) [V]: Greetings from jobs in our communities. The Liberal Democrats wanted Lancashire, Mr Deputy Speaker. a Budget to make our country fairer, greener and more May I begin by welcoming the Budget delivered by caring. We got the reverse. my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer There is no doubt that our economy and our national last week? I also particularly thank him for the support finances are both in a terrible state, so I welcome the that he has given to the tourism and leisure sector sharp U-turn that the Chancellor has made on corporation throughout the pandemic. tax. Large and profitable businesses must pay their fair In the three minutes that I have I shall first acknowledge share, but other choices that the Chancellor has made the importance of infrastructure and the considerable are clearly wrong. By freezing the personal income tax investment that this Government and, indeed, the allowance for years, the Conservatives are targeting tax Government led by my right hon. Friend the Member rises on the lowest paid. In Government, the Liberal for Maidenhead (Mrs May), have made in the north-west Democrats championed and won the case for higher of England, and my constituency in particular. The income tax allowance because it meant lower taxes for M55 link road, the A585 Singleton bypass, the Preston the lowest paid. By contrast, what the Chancellor has western distributor road, the South Fylde line passing announced will hit the lowest paid with higher taxes. We loop, £10 million for Kirkham town centre, a new will oppose this deeply unfair move. school at Lytham St Annes High School—and the list Tax hikes are not the only way that this Government goes on. So, to pretend that the Government and their will punish hard-working families. Given that the NHS predecessor did not invest in the north-west, were not has performed so brilliantly during the pandemic, why committed to levelling up and did not have a plan for are Ministers offering nurses, doctors and health workers the future is, I am afraid, the result of reading Labour an insulting 1% pay rise? What world does the Prime party press releases. Minister live in if he thinks that a 1% pay rise is I shall focus attention on three things, briefly—first, acceptable for Britain’sNHS heroes? When this Government the importance of enterprise zones in generating jobs doled out billions of pounds in contracts to private and investment locally. Blackpool enterprise zone has companies, many of which had close links with the been a huge success and we have about 1,200 jobs in the Conservative party, how can Ministers say that they 695 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 696 Situation Situation cannot afford a better pay deal for our nurses and doctors? social care to stop costs being shifted to other more Conservative MPs who back this shameful decision on expensive parts of the public sector. Just look at delayed NHS pay will have to answer for it. discharges from hospital; it makes no sense to have Finally, I want to come to the other disastrous move elderly people stuck in more expensive, acute care, when that this Government have made: the EU trade deal, the they could be cared for at home. albatross around the neck of British businesses. Whether We have to do more to boost jobs and growth. it is the Office for Budget Responsibility report of this Reform of social care is vital to achieving those goals. It Budget or other analysis, the evidence so far shows that is a matter of social justice and an economic necessity. the UK’s recovery will be weaker than that of other The Government must bring forward their plans for countries, because this Government chose to erect new reform; there is not a moment to waste. barriers to trade and hit our exporters with the biggest rise in red tape ever, just as British businesses are 2.56 pm struggling with the deepest recession for 300 years. Damien Moore (Southport) (Con): The Chancellor’s This Budget does nothing to make our country fairer, Budget last week comes against the backdrop of the greener, or more caring. It fails those who most need country facing the biggest peacetime crisis in modern our support right now—those who have been working times—not just a health crisis, but a financial one as tirelessly to keep us safe during the coronavirus crisis well. Throughout the pandemic, the Chancellor, under and the businesses fighting desperately to stay afloat. this Conservative Government, has ensured that most The country deserves so much better. The Liberal people have been provided for in a variety of different Democrats will oppose this Budget. ways, balancing support for individuals and the businesses to which they hope to return with the overall health of 2.52 pm our public finances. We would not be able to supercharge Liz Kendall (Leicester West) (Lab): Today, I want to our economy after this Budget without the support we talk about the Budget and social care, or rather the lack have received through the pandemic. of anything in the Budget on social care. The case that I My constituency of Southport has already seen much want to make is not that the Government should have support from this Government; 13,000 local jobs have brought forward their long-promised reforms because been protected through furlough and other support the pandemic has exposed fundamental flaws that we schemes, and around 1,600 businesses have been supported must address if we want dignity and security for elderly with grants and business loans totalling £7.8 million. and disabled people; it is not that these reforms are There has been a huge impact on our retailers. In desperately needed because families have been pushed addition, a third of businesses in my constituency are in to their limits helping to care for loved ones; it is not the hospitality and tourism sector, so the support has even that our frontline care workers deserve a decent been vital, and the Budget for after lockdown will pay rise after everything that they have been through— provide for more. although all these points are clearly true. The argument In the Budget, the Chancellor extended the business that I want to make today is not the moral case for rates holiday, which has been widely welcomed. Tapering social care reform, but the economic case.The Government’s the support will mean that businesses face no cliff edge, failure to grasp the role that social care plays in our and, as we unlock, footfall and revenue will rise, allowing wider economy is undermining growth, productivity for a more gradual move back to normality. The 100% and the need to get value for taxpayers’ money, all of rates relief until June, which moves to two thirds for the which are essential with both family finances and the rest of the year, provides not only support, but certainty. public finances under such strain. I hope that this will continue into the future, until we Much of the debate about how we build back better reform business rates in line with the challenges faced or level up has focused on investing in our physical by online competition. infrastructure, but investing in our social infrastructure I also welcome the extension of the VAT cut, which is equally important. Put simply,in today’sworld childcare will help to protect almost 7,000 jobs in hospitality and and social care are as much a part of our economic tourism in my constituency—an industry that has been infrastructure as the roads and railways. First, that is the hardest hit. Extending the 5% reduced rate of VAT because of the basics of demographic change; our for a further six months until the end of September and population is ageing, and we need more than half a then tapering from October, will not only mean that million more care workers just to keep pace with the there is also no cliff edge here; it will allow the sector growing demand. The Resolution Foundation has rightly rapidly to recover. Of course, the most important point argued that if the Government prioritised investment in about the reduced rate of VAT is that if people pay for social care, that would quickly boost jobs in every part their hotel room in Southport before October, they will of the country. The Women’s Budget Group has shown get the 5% rate, not the rate when it goes back up; that is that investing in care would ultimately generate even something to remember. more employment, because of the multiplier effects. The most important announcement by far for my The second argument for investing in social care is to constituency was the town deal worth £37.5 million. It help improve our low productivity rates. Too many is the biggest direct investment in a generation, and will workers—predominantly women—have to take jobs below be transformational. We have already had £1 million of their true skill level, reduce their hours or leave the accelerated funding, which has seen the main street labour market because they cannot get the help they in my town, Lord Street—as you know, Mr Deputy need to balance work and family life. With our ageing Speaker—become a boulevard of light. We have also population, that is as much about the lack of social care seen some revitalisation of our market. Our existing as it is about the availability of affordable childcare. We tourism and hospitality sectors will be enhanced with a have to change this. Finally,we need to invest in prioritising range of projects, including a theatre and convention 697 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 698 Situation Situation [Damien Moore] I am regularly told in Stroud that furlough has saved businesses. In the first lockdown, Stroud District Council centre; this will be truly spectacular, bringing an extra gave out £26 million of Government money in grants. £25 million to the local economy. We believe that further There are more than 4,000 businesses in Stroud. Additional business and innovation projects will bring another funds have been paid out since. £400 million of private sector investment. Skills, reskilling, further education and colleges are In short, after hearing his Budget, I think that my going to be integral to the future of our country—I am constituents are protected, our town is supported and pleased to see the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in the our future is more secure. Chamber today. I would like to see green apprenticeships and green-collared work and all of that worked through. 2.59 pm We have a White Paper and I am so pleased that the Budget recognised the importance of this area. Mr Virendra Sharma (Ealing, Southall) (Lab) [V]: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me the I have already been speaking to community groups opportunity to speak in this vital Budget debate. This about the £150 million community ownership fund. I Government are endangering our NHS through their hope we can use funds such as that to support Rush skate lacklustre approach to the coronavirus pandemic, hospital park and other sports clubs, and really think about how services and the social care crisis. Last Wednesday, it to use those Government funds and the Government was clear that there is no plan for a recovery in NHS desire for communities to thrive. I know that Stroud finances. In fact, the NHS was only mentioned once during communities will be there with their hands up. the Chancellor’s entire speech. The investment in our future through the environment During the pandemic, nurses and NHS workers have cannot be understated. Stroud will be putting a bid into gone above and beyond to contain this hideous disease. the fusion STEP programme—the Spherical Tokamak Their sacrifice has been immense, which makes the for Energy Production programme. There is a chance to 1% pay increase offered by the Chancellor all the more be the world’s first fusion power plant; Berkeley and insulting. Oldbury and the south-west want to be first in line. Like the PM, I suffered and was saved by brave We also need to look to the wetlands—Slimbridge frontline staff. Having received world-class care himself, wetlands. We have put together a blue recovery plan for the PM and his Government cannot be so miserly and carbon storage and for wellbeing and for everything must reward our NHS heroes with a substantial pay that we already have on our shores. I say again: please, rise. green investment and private investment for the green stimulus. In my own constituency, after years of dedicated campaigning by local Members of Parliament such as It is important to learn from the devastating impact myself, we saw off the “Shaping a Healthier Future” of covid. Businesses have come to me and said that they programme. However, its toxic legacy lives on. Ealing did not feel heard and understood. They feel that they Hospital has lost full A&E services, which we badly were shouting into the vacuum. We have to learn from need. We have lost our maternity ward and we have lost that. I will give a few headlines. The leisure, gyms and in-patient paediatric care. The closure of the maternity heath sector has skilled experts who are going to look unit in particular—where my own grandchildren were after our health, mental health and wellbeing, yet there born—has been very harmful to my community. The was no VAT reduction for them and grants were refused. Government must put their money where their mouth is Classes were banned. Some of the road map does not and properly fund our NHS, and level up areas such as allow them to thrive. These people can help our minds mine,with a densely populated and fast-growing population. and our health. Finally, I want to speak about social care services, I have met many businesses in the wedding sector that which at present are in the midst of a severe crisis. Some have struggled. They are predominantly female-led. Again, 40,000 older people have tragically died in care homes the road map does not allow them to step up and work, since the beginning of the pandemic, yet, in the Chancellor’s and there are arbitrary figures for guests—five, six, speech last week, there was no mention of social care. 15 and 30 people. They can actually go back to work. The Government have nothing to say to the hundreds of Let them work. Let them pay back into the economy. thousands of older people, neglected by a broken system that denies them the care that they so desperately need. 3.5 pm Instead of papering over the cracks, as this Budget Marion Fellows (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) [V]: does, I urge the Government to tackle these inequalities I am in no doubt that the Chancellor’s Budget will head on, properly fund social care and give NHS staff result in the continuation of Tory austerity for those on thepayrisetheytrulydeserve.OnlythenwilltheGovernment the lowest incomes, especially disabled people and children. be able to say that they are truly committed to levelling During the global pandemic and health crisis, people up our society, ensuring that no one, regardless of their have been denied vital support to ensure a dignified wealth and background, is left behind. standard of living. Like successive Tory Governments, this Tory Government are entrenching class inequalities, 3.2 pm which weigh heavily on people’s lives. Siobhan Baillie (Stroud) (Con): Balancing people’s I welcome the extension of the universal credit £20 uplift. health, saving lives and supporting the economy is an However, those receiving it face a sudden £1,000 cut to unenviable and complex task. While there are certainly their incomes in six months’ time. The Chancellor must a few areas that still need attention, I believe the Chancellor provide people with certainty and agree to make the produced a Budget that supports people, begins to fix uplift permanent. People claiming legacy benefits will the public finances and looks to the future. not even see the £20 uplift; 60,000 Scots, including 699 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 700 Situation Situation 20,000 children, will be left in poverty and forced to Levelling up—the central purpose of this Government choose between heating and eating in a cynical attempt —is not just a political slogan; it is an economic necessity. to force people on to universal credit, which could leave We need to do what we already achieve in some places many worse off and facing a gruelling wait of weeks for in all places in the UK. Some of that will involve their first payment. That means that 2.5 million people traditional infrastructure spending, and at this point I across the UK, 1.9 million of whom are disabled, are welcome the continuing support for the lower Thames being denied that support. crossing, which is essential for not only spreading growth Being disabled incurs ongoing costs. The disability but spreading traffic heading towards the channel into price tag means that disabled people already pay a both Kent’s motorways, not just one. premium for normal living, but the UK Government Apart from physical infrastructure such as roads, have opted to deny them support to protect their standard bridges and broadband, equally important is human of living and health at the time they need it most. capital. For 70 years, the biggest weakness in our education Yesterday, I asked the Work and Pensions Secretary system has been the relative neglect of vocational and whether she had asked the Chancellor to consider extending practical skills. I am delighted that the ministerial team the £20 uplift. Her answer was no. Refusing even to at the Department for Education are trying to rectify consider the £20 lifeline for those on legacy benefits is a that, but that much used phrase about “parity of esteem” complete dereliction of duty by this UK Government between academic and vocational qualifications will to the very people they are supposed to protect, particularly just be lip service if we carry on making more careers after anti-poverty organisations have been asking for graduate-only for entrants. Why on earth have we done the extension for 11 months. Instead, people claiming that for the police? legacy benefits are being given a pathetic 37p a week We also need to level up on health because the disparity extra. When the UK Government have stuffed billions between healthy life expectancy is not just bad for those into the pockets of their cronies for bungled contracts, involved; it is a drag on our economic growth. Also, we it is clear whose side they are on. need innovation, particularly in green products and The UK Budget was an all-round kick in the teeth for sectors, which we will need to lead the world on. Overall, disabled people. There was no commitment to increasing I congratulate the Chancellor on a balanced Budget statutory sick pay, no commitment to the real living that meets one nation ideals and purposes by aiming to wage and making it available for 52 weeks, no commitment bring the whole UK on to a higher growth path. to increasing funding for the Access to Work scheme to keep disabled people in work, and no commitment to a 3.12 pm fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work with a real living Holly Mumby-Croft (Scunthorpe) (Con) [V]: In 2019, wage. Whether people are working or seeking work, the this Government were elected to deliver on their promises UK Government have yet again failed to support them. to level up towns like Scunthorpe. We could not have Coronavirus has exposed the deep inequalities that imagined then the challenges that would befall the country. exist under this Westminster Government. People in As we move towards what we all hope will be better Scotland— days ahead, alongside that recovery and support, it is still the job of this Government to keep the promises Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. Marion, they made to towns like Scunthorpe, where local people you are going to have to leave it there. I am terribly sorry, put their faith in MPs like me, knowing that we have a but we are out of time. shared stake in our town’s future. That is why last week’s Budget was so important to 3.9 pm Scunthorpe. It is one thing to tell local people that we Damian Green (Ashford) (Con) [V]: I congratulate will keep our promises and that we will invest, improve the Chancellor on passing the first test of a successful and truly level up places like Scunthorpe; it is another to Budget: it is now the last day of the Budget debate and show them. In addition to over £10 million of Government the Budget is still intact. I have seen Budgets hailed on investment in our high street, I particularly welcome the Wednesday, doubted on Thursday, excoriated on Sunday Chancellor’s Budget announcement committing a further and reversed by Tuesday, so the Chancellor has passed £21 million of proper new money to Scunthorpe via the his first important test. towns fund. I worked on our bid with our excellent Longer term, what will make this Budget a success is board and my hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and a rise in productivity, so the most important of the Goole (Andrew Percy). We were ambitious to bring Budget documents published alongside the statement is forward projects that would benefit local people in both the plan for growth. That is starkly revealed by the Scunthorpe and surrounding towns and villages—projects GDP forecasts from the OBR. The forecast is 7.3% next that would raise our whole area, not just the town centre. year, which sounds extremely encouraging, but after that In addition, the Budget announced the exciting approval we go back to a procession of 1.6% or 1.7%. Straight- of our bid for a new Humber freeport, which will make forwardly, if we do not improve productivity, we will a huge difference to North Lincolnshire and the whole not improve those figures to 2-point-something or even Humber region. Along with Members on both sides of higher, which is what we need to achieve, because if we the House, I have seen the potential benefits of freeports do not, we will permanently suffer from pressure on and supported the project, which will create jobs and public finances and public services. We know that it is investment. The freeport will include a customs site at not impossible to achieve that because, in some parts of British Steel—further evidence of the Government’s the UK, we do. Some areas in the UK are 9% more support for the industry. productive than Germany at the moment. Other parts, This Budget also recognises the many businesses in sadly,are less productive than some other former communist Scunthorpe and the incredibly tough time that they economies of eastern and central Europe. have had over the last year. I want to thank those 701 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 702 Situation Situation [Holly Mumby-Croft] on delivering 100 GW of battery storage around the world, with China to deliver 200 GW of offshore wind, businesses in my constituency that have worked with me and with Brazil, say, to deliver 0.5 billion hectares of and taken the time to talk to me about their views and new woodland around the world. give me their insights, which we have been able to feed The third idea is to announce at COP26 a global back to Government. In these tough times, the Budget green investment bank. Our former rock star central will give those businesses more certainty and not only banker, Mark Carney, is now the Prime Minister’s green protect jobs but create new jobs in our area. The excellent adviser, and he should be pulling together the global kickstart scheme has already attracted interest from pensions industry, project financing and green investment over 100 local employers. expertise to work together on financing the decarbonisation With the towns fund, the investments we have seen of our planet. over the last year and a freeport agreed, the Government As one of the great heroes, Sir David Attenborough, have finally aligned the stars and recognised Scunthorpe has said, for what it actually is: the ideal place for businesses to “real success can only come if there is a change in our societies invest and grow, a great place to live and an area of our and in our economics and in our politics.” country with fantastic potential. I look forward to seeing The UK has the chance post Brexit to lead that change. those promises for Scunthorpe delivered. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Very professionally 3.15 pm done, as we expected, Andrea. Thank you for helping us Giles Watling (Clacton) (Con) [V]: [Inaudible.] out. I think our comms are now back. Let us see if we have Barry Sheerman. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): You are on mute, Giles. If you don’t mind, we will take Andrea Leadsom 3.19 pm straightaway. We hope we will get back sequentially. We Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op) [V]: will be back with you, Giles, I promise. Thank you so much, Mr Deputy Speaker—I am, I think, unmuted. 3.15 pm First, I thank my constituents, not only for sending Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): I me back to Parliament yet again, but for being so am full of praise for the Chancellor’s work to protect forthright in what they want me to do when there is a jobs and businesses as we emerge from lockdown, and Budget speech. I have been present at many Budgets I support the measures he announced in the Budget, but and spoken in most of the Budget debates; I am a bit of I also urge him to give even greater focus than he has permanent feature. I have seen a lot of aspirant merchant done to the prospects for our green economy. banker types—the George Osbornes who come and do In my stint as Business Secretary, I rewrote the their bit on the Front Bench and then go on their way to Department’s objectives, so that its top priority was for the next stage in their career. I just hope that this time, the UK to lead the world in tackling global climate this merchant banker, who is the wealthiest Member of change. On the one hand, there is no doubt that that is Parliament we have ever had, will stay the course. I do the right thing to do—the future of our planet keeps far not usually trust merchant bankers because I trade as too many people awake at night. However, on the other an economist and I would prefer an economist’s view of hand, building a green economy also makes superb business our country’s future. sense for the UK. My folk in Huddersfield tell me that what they want First, the UK is at the forefront of developing green is pretty simple: good jobs on good pay, a good health technologies: from offshore wind to nuclear fusion and service, a good education service, a clean environment, green hydrogen, we are leading the way. Secondly, the and a modernised welfare state that is up to date. One of UK has more than 450,000 people in the green collar the things this country can be proudest of is a welfare workforce already. In my time at BEIS, I was confident state that really looks after people when they are sick or that a target of 2 million green jobs by 2030 was possible. out of work. The covid crisis has pointed out to us that The particular beauty of the green economy is the breadth there are some severe deficiencies in our welfare state. If of employment opportunities—from apprenticeships in someone is thrown out of a job and has no employment, solar power to decarbonisation of heavy industry to cutting- the support and the income they get are dramatically edge scientific discoveries, there is something for all lower than in most of our competing nations. This talents. The UK’s green economy could become a bigger Budget should have addressed that, bringing the NHS jewel in our crown than UK financial services is today, up to date—I will not even go into the shameful 1% pay and I urge the Chancellor to share that vision. rise that is in fact not a pay rise—and looking thoroughly COP26 is a great platform, and we need radical at equipping it for the future after it has been systematically action with world-changing initiatives, so I want to put cut and cut again since 2010, but also looking at the forward three specific ideas. The first is to announce at welfare state in its entirety. COP26 a yearbook in which the Paris agreement signatories Many people have talked about the green economy. can record their Government, state and business-level Our good science, good technology and good achievements—transparency so that all can see and manufacturing have meant that we have sorted covid challenge, while the discussion continues over the more and we are winning against this global pandemic. Now formal measurements. we have the science, the technology, the partnerships The second idea is to announce at COP26 three and the manufacturing capacity to set about saving our ambitious bilateral commitments to decarbonisation by planet from climate change and global warming, so let 2030. The UK can be a key role model, and those us do that. This Budget should have taken a lead. It pledges could include, for example, working with India should have shown passion, partnership and a real 703 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 704 Situation Situation ability to build relationships that work. I only hope that Ahead of the Budget, local businesses in the hospitality this Chancellor will stay on and do a proper job for a sector contacted me to express the need for further change. financial support. While there are many existing schemes in place for them, I know that they were concerned Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): We will now about the potential rise in beer duty. Working alongside see if the technology and science are going to bring us the Long Live The Local campaign and local pubs in Kate Osamor. my constituency, I heard at first hand just how important it is for pubs and the wider hospitality sector to be able 3.22 pm to offer a cheaper pint and get customers back through Kate Osamor (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op) [V]: Thank the door. That is why I know the Chancellor’s decision you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for calling me in this really to extend the beer duty freeze will be strongly welcomed. important debate. While I welcome the extension of the business rates The consequences of covid-19 have been disastrous holiday until June and the fact that the vast majority of for us, causing the worst recession of any major developed local businesses will see a temporary 75% cut in their economy. The Budget was a missed opportunity to help business rates, my constituents are concerned that those to repair the damage caused by covid-19. This Government measures will provide only a temporary fix to a more have used covid-19 and the Budget to hand out contracts deeply rooted problem. In some of the more deprived to large corporations, funnel funds via the so-called communities in the north, business rates are so high as a towns fund towards the constituencies of Conservative proportion of earnings that businesses pay an effective Members, and cut public sector pay, universal credit tax rate of up to 70%, compared with 20% for those in and NHS funding. Meanwhile, in Edmonton, 5,000 of the south. Businesses in Leigh are some of the worst affected my constituents have lost their jobs in the past year alone, in the whole of England, paying twice the national and the unemployment rate is now double the national average. If we are going to keep our promise to level up average. Almost half the children in Edmonton live in those areas most affected by the pandemic and in need poverty. Yet the Chancellor will cut the £20 universal of financial support to thrive, we must reform business credit uplift in September and continues to ignore the rates and create a system fit for the future. millions of disabled and sick people on legacy benefits As we move out of this crisis, we have an opportunity who never received the so-called uplift. The UK welfare to ensure that, through our national recovery programme, benefits system is one of the least generous in the we build back better. Again, I welcome this Budget. developed world. This Government have torn holes in Although there is more to do, it will benefit businesses, our welfare safety net. Sadly, too often, losing your job families and the high street in communities such as Leigh or falling ill means going hungry and losing your home. as we exit this crisis. Many leaseholders like those in Prowse Court in Edmonton listened to the Chancellor hoping that the 3.27 pm Government would finally offer them the help they need Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op) [V]: A decade to make their homes safe. There was not a single mention ago, we were told that austerity was a necessary response of cladding or building safety from the Chancellor last to borrowing £158 billion, and we have spent 10 years week. Instead, they are being left to foot bills they arguing about the damage done as a result: cost-cutting cannot afford while the property developers who profited measures that cost us more than they saved—the bedroom from the Government’s unsafe cuts to building safety tax springs to mind—the sluggish productivity that we regulations walk away without paying a penny. have not dealt with, and the inequality that has grown After more than a decade of austerity, my constituents worse as a result of focusing not on investing in people in Edmonton needed a transformative Budget that would and their potential but on trying to pick winners and tackle inequality, rebuild the local economy, recover losers. jobs, retrain unemployed workers and rebuild businesses Now we are in a position where we are borrowing a to reflect a fairer society. We cannot go back to business figure double that and then some. The Chancellor tells as usual. This country and my constituents deserve better. us that he is being honest, but he is not being honest, and he is about to repeat the mistakes that were made in 3.24 pm 2010. Austerity did not move our economy forward and James Grundy (Leigh) (Con) [V]: I welcome this it did not improve the lives of our local communities. Budget, not least because of the Chancellor’s extension We have the fourth highest death rate from covid-19 out of the support packages to assist businesses as we begin of 132 countries. As Sir Michael Marmot has said, that the transition out of lockdown. The extended furlough is at least in part down to the pre-existing poor health in scheme and self-employment income support scheme poorer sections of our local communities. What a damning will continue to be a vital crutch for businesses in my indictment of austerity indeed. constituency, and the restart grant and recovery loans Coming out of the pandemic, we cannot afford to make will ensure that businesses are supported well beyond the same mistakes again, but that is exactly what is the current road map timetable, helping to smooth the about to happen. The universal credit cut will see 500,000 shift back to normal trading. children dragged into poverty. It is a 7% cut in incomes. Another measure that my constituents and I were Some people might say that 7% is not very much, but if pleased to hear will continue was the extension of the that is the difference between waving and drowning, freeze in fuel duty. Many of my Back-Bench colleagues that is the impact this Chancellor is going to have. and I stressed the importance of that to the Chancellor The Government promised that nobody would lose earlier this year. It will prevent increased costs for their home as a result of covid, yet we know that half a struggling commuters and businesses in Leigh during million people are already in rent arrears, and the Prime this crucial time. Minister and the Chancellor have said nothing about 705 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 706 Situation Situation [Stella Creasy] are being established in continental Europe, but there is just one in our country, and we hope the second one will that issue. We know that they plan to clobber nurses be at Coventry airport. with a pay cut—because it is a pay cut when inflation is Much more needs to be done, because manufacturing predicted to be 1.5%. It is going to cost us more, just as is key to the recovery of our economy. It is key to the the bedroom tax did, because nurses are not daft. In recovery of Britain. The Government have gone nowhere London alone, we are paying £6 billion a year for near far enough. What they need to do at the next stages agency staff, because we have NHS staff shortages. is to back British manufacturing. Nurses are going to work for agencies when they are not being paid properly. There is money there to be had. 3.33 pm It is right that we look at corporation tax rates. It is right that we do more on capital gains tax—after all, Dr James Davies (Vale of Clwyd) (Con) [V]: It is a there are people trading shares in UK companies through pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Birmingham, tax havens who are not paying it. However, there is no Erdington (Jack Dromey). In what are extremely challenging point raising money if we are not going to invest in circumstances, I commend this Budget for meeting so people, and the mums of this country know that most many of the immediate and longer-term needs of north of all. Those who became a mum in the past year are Wales. The extension of furlough for the employed and one and a half times more likely to have lost their job self-employed, the continued VATreduction for hospitality, than a dad. Our childcare sector is crumbling, with holiday accommodation and attractions, and the freezing 58% of nurseries saying they cannot make it to the end of alcohol duty are all welcome measures that provide of the term, but the Chancellor said nothing. We have security, particularly for the hospitality and tourism spent the last 10 years dealing with the outcome of sectors during what we hope are the final stages of the not investing in the people of this country. I urge the pandemic. Chancellor to rethink and not do that again. Those sectors are extremely important in a constituency such as the Vale of Clwyd. In addition to the Chancellor’s 3.30 pm Budget measures, there is a desperate need for the Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab) [V]: Welsh Government to publish a road map out of lockdown Erdington is rich in talent, but is one of the poorest to align with the clear measures set out by the Prime constituencies in England. Levelling up matters, but it is Minister. The medium to long-term commitments that not happening in Erdington. Our high streets fund bid the Chancellor has made will provide the boost that is was rejected. Services that have already been badly hit, needed to address local pockets of deprivation and to from social care to street cleaning, are facing fresh ensure levelling up in more general regional economic austerity cuts. Twenty-seven nursery schools in the most performance. deprived areas of the city now face closure. The Budget included funding that will provide tangible We now have the proposed closure of the GKN benefits to my constituents. Denbighshire County Council factory in my constituency. GKN is one of the oldest is a direct beneficiary of the Budget, receiving £125,000 engineering companies in Britain. It is 262 years old. It of capacity funding from the levelling up fund and an manufactured the cannonballs for the battle of Waterloo additional £20,000 for similar purposes from the community and helped build the Spitfires during the war. It was renewal fund. These programmes open up the possibility taken over three years ago by Melrose and now faces of many millions of pounds of support for the county closure. There are 519 highly skilled workers who work within the next year or so to promote local regeneration. in that plant. I look forward to working with the council to secure a What happened was utterly outrageous. Crucial now turnaround in the fortunes of Rhyl high street, and with is what happens. If the company goes to the wall, my right hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd West 519 jobs go, but what also goes are many more jobs in (Mr Jones) and my hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd the supply chain. That would be bad news for British South (Simon Baynes), to see investment in other town workers and bad news for British manufacturing, because centres in the area. I also welcome the community we would lose the capacity to make high-value components. ownership fund, which has the potential to be a major Those jobs will be exported to continental Europe. That boost for all those who desperately want the Belle Vue is why I welcome the constructive discussions that have ground to remain the home of football in Rhyl. taken place with the Secretary of State, and I say to him It was announced at the Budget that the north Wales that the test of the Government in the next stages will growth deal will be reprofiled, with funding being brought be what they say and what they do, because the solution forward from 15 years to 10 years. This will mean an could be positive: avoiding the closure of that great extra £4.4 million per year from this April for nine historic marque with 50 years of manufacturing for the years. It is hoped that this investment will create 3,800 automotive industry. new jobs and deliver a £2.2 billion boost to the local In conclusion, on manufacturing more generally, we economy. This deal alone is set to help redevelop the have 300,000 manufacturing jobs in the west midlands, former North Wales Hospital in Denbigh, support high- which is the heart of England. There were some welcome value manufacturing in St Asaph, and boost digital moves in the Budget—of that there was no doubt—but connectivity and green energy projects. they went nowhere near far enough, because if one As we bounce back from the coronavirus, this looks at our continental competitors, their Governments transformation of our local communities and economy are investing on a grand scale, far in excess of what is will be very welcome. I sincerely hope that, in the happening in our country. For example, the French months ahead, these measures will be matched with Government are putting £15 billion of investment in further commitments to boost regional rail infrastructure, aviation and automotive. That is four times more than and I very much look forward to the findings of Sir Peter what is happening in this country. Sixteen gigafactories Hendy’s Union connectivity review. I am confident that 707 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 708 Situation Situation this Budget puts north Wales and the whole of Britain this Budget is all about holding the line and keeping in a strong position to recover and grow following a things alive so that when we do emerge, blinking, into particularly challenging year for us all. the sunshine of a bright new future, this nation is prepared to take its rightful place at the centre of the 3.36 pm world’s stage. It is about keeping working people going Kenny MacAskill (East Lothian) (SNP) [V]: Freezing so that we do not bleed talent away.It is about maintaining alcohol duty rates is fine for alcohol producers, but not our structural heritage so that everything from the so good for Scottish publicans. Before covid, there was mightiest theatre to the smallest village hall is ready to a drift from on-sale to off-sale consumption both north throw open its doors to re-engage with our communities. and south of the border. Something like 75% of sales It is about supporting businesses, large and small. It is were for the latter, predominantly in supermarkets, and also about delivering all this in a cost-effective way so now it will be even more. that our children, and our children’s children’s children, Even once lockdown eases, will people return to their are not lumbered with a totally unmanageable debt. old local or to their pub, or will attitudes change further? It is also worth remembering that it was only in 2015 Some might say it does not matter, but I actually think that George Osborne announced that we were to make it does, and not just for publicans but for communities. the final payment on the loans for the first world war. It is a difficult time for the licensed trade, but it is also a With the coronavirus outbreak, we have now entered difficult time for others in our communities. Pubs are similar unpleasant territory. With well over a third of a community assets in towns as well as in rural parts. We trillion pounds already thrown at the management of have seen the demise of the country pub, but we now this terrible pandemic, we must tread cautiously. We face that on the high street. Dealing with closed shops must keep things going until our economy can stand on and what to do with them is difficult enough in towns its own two feet once more. Then we must build that and villages, but dealing with a pub that is even larger economy so that through the efforts of the people of will be much harder, yet that is what we face unless these islands, this massive debt is reduced rapidly and is action is taken. manageable for future generations. Pubs are also places of supervised consumption. It is With all that in mind, I am happy to support the much better to have people drinking alcohol where Budget, as it delivers significant value to my constituents there are ways of ensuring that their behaviour is monitored. and helps our businesses through the end of lockdown. Likewise, people’s measures are much more liberal when Importantly, to my mind, this Budget extends and they are pouring for themselves, rather than having a ends the furlough scheme in a very sensible way. Many publican pour them. Indeed, alcohol consumption health- residents in Clacton will be dependent on furlough. The wise, as well as justice-wise, is probably better done in scheme currently supports 880,000 jobs in the east of supervised premises. That is why the failure to take any England. The scheme is also protecting jobs: only 10% of action in the Budget is rather shameful and will harm local businesses have been forced to lay off someone communities as well as the trade. because of the pandemic, according to the results of a We have seen a proposal from the Social Market covid recovery survey that I ran recently. That is why I Foundation that would have allowed for a variation in have always believed that furlough needs to be in place alcohol duty rates, loading a modest increase on to the until restrictions are fully lifted, and the tapered ending off-sale trade to ensure that there could be a reduction is the right approach, which will help businesses to manage for the on-sale trade. That would help keep pubs alive, costs after reopening. Alongside furlough, I am pleased but it would not reduce the burden required for the that 600,000 new claimants are now eligible for self- Exchequer. Indeed, as I say, given the profits made by employment income support schemes. It is right that we many supermarkets, it would probably be seen by most deliver these two new grants in this financial year. as legitimate and entirely acceptable. One of my major concerns is the fate of the freelancers Similarly, there are other attitudes that can be taken who have so far fallen through the cracks of the support on VAT. Italy has reduced VAT on alcohol in pubs and schemes, unable to access them, so I hope that these restaurants. Again, that could be revenue-neutral by changes will be of benefit to them. Many of those encouraging increased consumption, but consumption freelancers are of course involved in the arts, and I am that is better done in a supervised manner, keeps a local sure that they will appreciate the additional £408 million asset and maintains a viable business, rather than having to help that sector recover, but as I warned in my speech people buy tranches of alcohol from supermarkets at last week, we must ensure that that support remains in discounted prices. That is why, as I say, this has been a place even after restrictions are lifted. One note of missed opportunity. warning: if we do not support the creative sector—the Pubs are vital for our communities. They are assets, fastest-growing sector—we will have a hard job indeed and we have to take steps to support them with either a getting out of this economic nightmare. reduction in VAT, as in Italy, or indeed the more radical steps of the Social Market Foundation, which I would 3.42 pm support, to try to secure alcohol being taken in supervised Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op) [V]: During the premises, as opposed to simply sold en masse by super- run-up to any Budget, there is much chatter about the markets at discounted prices. Actions have to change, rate at which Government set taxes—too high and we and this has been a missed opportunity for the pub trade. run the risk of choking off growth; too low and the national debt will rise to unmanageable levels. What is 3.39 pm very rarely asked, however, is how taxpayers’ money is Giles Watling [V:] I thank my right hon. Friend the spent. A taxpayer has a right, when they hand over a Member for South Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom) proportion of their hard-earned wages, for that money for stepping in as my understudy earlier. Unsurprisingly, to be spent in a wise and prudent manner by the 709 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 710 Situation Situation [Chris Evans] There are many measures, but I especially want to mention something that will benefit my home city. This Government. However,the facts and evidence, as presented is where we see real change and a real plan. Without by the independent National Audit Office, show that resorting to the school assembly stalwart of giving a this is simply not the case. man a fish or a fishing rod, the Government’s investment From April 2017 until the end of 2020, central in Wolverhampton has given our city a clear plan to a Government Departments have recorded at least £5 billion better economic future. The Budget announced not in accounting losses. This is an incredibly high figure of only a successful £25 million towns fund bid, but we will wastage. For example, HMRCracked up over £470 million benefit from £10 million of investment for a taskforce in departmental losses from 2017 to 2020. It gets worse: into modern methods of construction. This will be according to HMRC’s own planning assumption, total based at a new Ministry of Housing, Communities and fraud and error arising from the coronavirus job retention Local Government headquarters in Wolverhampton. scheme cost anything in the region of £2 billion to This all links to the £15 million the Government invested £3.9 billion. So far, only £10 million has been recovered in our National Brownfield Institute, which sits next to and any more is unlikely to be claimed back. our School of Architecture at Springfield brewery. The Government’s investment means Wolverhampton will To put that into perspective, Saffron Cordery, the be the home of the green home building industry and NHS Providers deputy chief executive, said that building all the jobs and opportunities that that will bring in over a new,average,mid-sized hospital costs around £500 million. the coming decades. This means that the £5 billion in accounting losses over three years could have built 10 new hospitals. Given the This vision for Wolverhampton is worth so much strain that we have seen on NHS resources this year, I more than just the funds the Government have provided. am sure that an extra 10 hospitals would have been Moving a Ministry away from London proves the appreciated by many communities across the country. commitment to levelling up. I would like to say this to the Leader of the Opposition: I know today’s Labour The new Grange University Hospital has just been party is more Wandsworth than Wolverhampton, more built near my constituency by a Welsh Labour Government. Balham than Bilston and more Willesden than Wednesfield, The hospital has a specialist critical care centre, a but moving Government Departments away from London top-range cardiac suite and 30 individual intensive therapy is not giving up, it is giving hope: hope to our local unit rooms. It was even able to open four months early economy and hope to the thousands of people looking to relieve pressure on the NHS during the pandemic. for work in my constituency. All of that cost £350 million. Let me tell the House what else was over £300 million: I commend the Budget, and I commend the Chancellor the total losses for the Department for Work and Pensions and the Government, who are committed to changing departmental group. That was in one year alone. I cannot life chances and giving better opportunities to people speak for other Members in this House, but I certainly around the United Kingdom and in my wonderful home know what I would rather have taxpayers’ money spent city of Wolverhampton. on and it is certainly not fraud and error. All that money should be spent helping the people of the UK to 3.48 pm recover from the effects of the pandemic and not wasted Rosie Duffield (Canterbury) (Lab) [V]: For that last on departmental error. We owe that to the British people. 10 years, we have been told that austerity was the only It is their money. Let us spend it wisely. way: local governments operating on a shoestring budget, services cut to the bone, councils managing on the bare 3.45 pm minimum, charities closing, no money available for Jane Stevenson (Wolverhampton North East) (Con) specialist women’s refuges, and mental health provision [V]: It is a great pleasure to speak in this debate and to at crisis point, with children waiting up to two years for respond to last week’s Budget. I certainly do not envy even the most basic initial assessments. During that decade, the Chancellor having to set the Budget during a global child poverty soared, homelessness stopped being noticed, pandemic which has had such a devastating effect on widening gaps just kept on widening, and public sector our economy. This is a pragmatic, responsible Budget workers suffered from a pay freeze that never seemed to that maintains the commitment to levelling up and aims start to thaw. to speed up our economic recovery.There were undoubtedly We know that the majority of people using food some difficult choices to make, but they must be measured banks are actually in work—the working poor. Many of against the whole economic picture rather than as single those are the nurses who, by this Budget, have once issues. Small pay rises for some must be viewed against again been insulted. When our frontline NHS workers more than 1 million new jobseekers, those who have lost urgently needed protective equipment, did the Government their businesses, and those surviving on reduced furlough respond by quickly securing it from tried and tested wages. suppliers, or did they award contracts to those with Helping people back into work must be our first absolutely no previous experience, wasting huge amounts priority. That is why I applaud several measures in the of taxpayers’ money and leaving those frontline workers Budget that highlight the Chancellor’songoing commitment without adequate protection? When hundreds of nurses to protecting and creating jobs: schemes like Help to and doctors lost their lives, and many thousands of lives Grow, which will offer MBA-style management training had been saved by their colleagues, the Government and also help businesses to develop digital skills; the made sure they were clapping. They said some nice creation of freeports, including two that will help to fire words and thanked them, but as our nursing force start up our midlands engine; the extension of furlough; the to emerge from the real trauma they have faced this VAT cut to the hospitality industry; and more money year, where is the Government’s respect? The insulting for apprenticeships. offer of a 1% pay rise, said to be the equivalent of £3.50 711 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 712 Situation Situation per week, does not even honour the basic starting point, 3.54 pm which is legislated for, of 2.1%. So those nurses, who are Liz Saville Roberts (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC) [V]: literally making the difference between life and death Page 41 of the Conservative party’s 2019 manifesto in for so many people, will be going back to food banks in Wales guaranteed that Wales would between their gruelling shifts. “receive at least the same level of financial support”— Those of us with many local hospitality businesses from the UK— welcome any help available, and those of us able to bid for the levelling-up funds urgently to support our high “as it currently receives from the EU.” streets, creative sector and tourism industry will gladly That was a cast-iron, copper-bottomed manifesto promise. do so. However, we also note the opportunities lost to We also had endless levelling-up rhetoric and the UK level up for the self-employed, the millions excluded and Government singing the praises of the Union. What could the public sector workers, and, yet again, the social care possibly go wrong? sector and our unpaid carers are left out. Women are Fifteen months later, this Budget announced an array also, yet again, at the bottom of the pile. The Women’s of competing, competitive and opaque Westminster- Budget Group can advise the Chancellor on how to controlled funds, which undermine rather than enhance change that with its expert knowledge. Those glossy Wales’s economic strategy, and fail to honour this photos of swish new Downing Street makeovers are a Government’s promises to Wales. The shared prosperity kick in the teeth to those excluded—the wedding industry, fund’spilot, disingenuously named the community renewal unpaid carers, and the very people who put their lives fund, was allocated a mere £220 million to boost the at risk to save ours. I urge the Chancellor to listen to entire UK, yet Wales alone received around £370 million the public outrage and think again about the insulting a year in needs-based funding—I emphasis that it was 1% pay rise for nurses. needs-based funding—from Europe. This is not only a broken manifesto promise, but a broken promise to Wales. 3.51 pm Equally flawed is the levelling-up fund, which is being Paul Holmes (Eastleigh) (Con) [V]: This Budget delivers applied in the devolved nations in a way that is deliberately for all parts of the UK and it is the most important set out to undermine devolution. Both schemes entail Budget for my constituency in years. The Secretary of UK-wide competition, rather than a needs-based system, State outlined the importance of levelling up and creating which effectively and disinterestedly tackles the UK’s new industries, and that will certainly happen here in vast regional inequalities without fear or favour. the Solent region, because levelling up is just not a Welsh local authorities will now bid for funding from tagline for one part of the country; as this Budget a smaller pot in direct competition with the entire UK. shows, it is for all parts of the UK. Levelling up and The consequences for economic planning are enormous. infrastructure improvements are about not just physical Instead of a Wales-wide economic development agenda, manifestations of infrastructure,but preparing the economy, theUKGovernmenthavedividedand,theyhope,conquered and communities and industries that will prepare and Wales, by breaking our economy into 22 competing propel Britain’s future. units. What makes that worse, of course, is that the UK The Solent region has pockets of deprivation left Government have linked the success of these funds to over by the old industries of the railways in Eastleigh representationbyMPs.TheChancelloristhereforeobviously town centre and the post-industrial past of Southampton’s not discomfited by whether Wales receives our fair share, docks. The announcement of the Solent freeport, which since the Government are also cutting the number of Welsh was opposed by the Lib Dem leader and pooh-poohed MPs by a fifth. by the Labour party, will prepare our workforce for the It seems that this Conservative Government, not future. We are talking about 52,000 jobs, the creation of content with breaking promises and scorning need, are decarbonisation industries, such as green maritime, green rigging the system to favour their own political interests, transport jobs and a world-leading sector in green energy. as both funds disproportionately benefit Conservative This will mean that £2 billion-worth of investment will seats, including, appallingly, the Chancellor’s. be attracted to the Solent region and it will add £3.7 billion of gross value added uplift to the UK. This Budget is a The Chancellor failed to present a coherent long-term shot in the arm for my region, which is often seen as strategy that complements Wales’s existing development economically developed, to ensure that the Solent region, agenda to improve the lives of Welsh people. Instead, my constituency and Southampton as a whole will have he withdrew support, undermined our autonomy and the world-leading recovery that we need. prioritised his party’s interest. Wales does have a choice, though, and Plaid Cymru has a better plan—a strategic The Government have recognised that need for my £6 billion recovery stimulus to make our economy fairer constituents, my region and the country, because not and greener. I urge the Chancellor to give us the tools to only does this Budget deliver the infrastructure needed help ourselves and deliver a recovery that works for Wales. to propel that future, but it puts in place some of the solutions to the problems that my region has had for 3.57 pm decades. Such problems include three-generation unemployment, whereby people have not been able to Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): I wish the Chancellor get back into the workplace because the industrial had sat down and asked himself when he was writing heritage of areas such as Southampton and Eastleigh his Budget what he needed to do to reduce the social has not been worked on. This Budget does that, all and economic divide in the UK and how he would stop delivered by a Conservative Government. The people of those who have done well during the epidemic doing the Solent region have been given ambition and opportunity, even better in the recovery, while millions more are on a and the Business Secretary, the Treasury and the Prime downward slope—the K-shaped recovery that we all want Minister should know that my constituents and I will to avoid. The K-shaped recovery will not be avoided by grab that opportunity with relish. a Budget that increases poverty. 713 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 714 Situation Situation [Clive Efford] unionised jobs and they will be missed. To build a new economy and support business, we need investment, yet The Joseph Rowntree Foundation predicts that the we are still waiting for a well-funded shared prosperity cut in universal credit and tax credit will plunge a further fund. We need jobs, but we also need to help people get 500,000 people into poverty, including 200,000 children. to jobs. I have written to the Chancellor previously What we needed was a revision of the welfare state that about funding improvements to the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff will fit the needs of the gig economy and lift people out trainline. Accessing the employment market, higher of poverty, not trap them in it. education and leisure is crucial to our valleys communities. During the recovery from the global banking crash, Improvements such as this would be hugely beneficial the Tories imposed 10 years of austerity on this country, to our economy. New train infrastructure and more cutting public services to the point where we struggled frequent services need to be delivered in better time. to respond to the covid crisis. The 120,000 deaths have On protecting family finances, I will end on an issue not happened just by bad luck. The Tories changed, but that I have raised before in the House. In recent years, their actions prove that their words are not what they thousands of British Steel pensioners were ripped off intend to do. They claim to have found a Keynesian by pension sharks and denied justice. I urge the Chancellor mojo, but if there is anything that exposes their façade to look at the Financial Conduct Authority’s role in this and the same old Tory thinking, we need look no crisis and to review its effectiveness in protecting consumers. further than a derisory 1% pay increase offered to NHS After constant prodding, I think that it is time to reform staff. this regulator so that it faces towards the whole of the A Government who were committed to renewing our UK, not just the City of London. NHS after the covid crisis would have made sure that we permanently filled the 100,000 vacancies that existed 4.3 pm at its start. They would have made sure that we were recruiting the highest quality recruits into jobs in the Ruth Edwards (Rushcliffe) (Con): This virus has dealt NHS and retaining its highly qualified, dedicated staff. our economy its worst blow in 300 years, but I am A 1% pay offer does none of those things. Instead, what confident that we will rise phoenix-like from the ashes. I we got from the Government were choreographed pledges am confident because our support has already protected for money to go to Tory seats and some rehashed more than 11 million jobs. I am confident because our policies on housing that will repeat the errors of austerity, economy is now expected to recover to pre-crisis levels fuelling another housing bubble, forcing first-time buyers six months sooner than predicted. I am confident because out of the market. of the speed of our vaccine roll-out and, above all, I am confident because I believe in the ingenuity and hard The level of home ownership has gone down under work of the British people. That is not to say that there the Tories at a time when borrowing is at an all-time has not been a great cost. On a tour of a local business consistent low. There are now 800,000 fewer people last year, the scale of the harm was brought home to under the age of 45 who own their homes than in 2010. me. The silence of its almost empty offices spoke louder What we needed was a plan to decarbonise the existing than any words. That is why I am so relieved that the housing stock. That would create jobs in every region. Chancellor has put jobs, both protecting and creating What we needed was a plan to build council housing them, at the heart of this Budget: extending furlough and to upskill local workforces.Sadly,that requires thinking and support for the self-employed and providing restart of which the Tories are simply not capable. grants and recovery loans, but also setting the stage for our future economy through investment in towns and 4.1 pm communities across our country, helping businesses to Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab) [V]: May I welcome invest through the new super-deduction, and turbo-charging the Chancellor’s long-overdue announcement of an whole regions through a new network of freeports. extension to the furlough scheme? This will help to avoid I want to highlight what the East Midlands freeport an economic cliff edge this spring. However, much more based at East Midlands airport, the intermodal rail is needed, and our alternative Labour Budget would park in Derbyshire and the Ratcliffe on Soar power address the deep inequalities and injustices in the UK station site in my constituency will do for people in the and take us forward to a stronger, more prosperous east midlands and for my constituents in Rushcliffe, future. After covid, we need to rebuild the foundations because I believe that in debates such as this about big of our economy for the long term by supporting new infrastructure projects, the very real benefits they will jobs across the whole UK; backing businesses as they have for local communities are often lost in the noise. recover, and protecting family finances. At its heart, a freeport attracts more businesses, and We need new jobs in emerging industries, and we more businesses mean more jobs—60,000 more jobs, in need them quickly. Yet the Government’s flagship policy, the case of the East Midlands freeport. The site at the kickstart scheme, is proving to be a failure. A Ratcliffe on Soar in Rushcliffe will be the heart of our business in my constituency applied to the scheme last shift to a green economy, encouraging employers in September. It was keen to start giving opportunities to green energy generation to locate on the site. Proposals young people, but, months later, the application is stalled. for a new zero carbon research centre there, backed by That is not good enough. The process needs to work six universities across the region, will be accelerated. much more efficiently. Kickstart also needs to be paired Creating attractive career paths in growing industries with extra investment for places such as Blaenau Gwent. will encourage more university graduates to stay in the The hospitality sector in particular has suffered and region; currently only 17% do so. It is also good news many have lost their livelihoods. Our Tradeteam logistics for local businesses, which will form part of the supply depot took a hammering last summer and 50 jobs were chain for the building and infrastructure associated lost, with 50 families left in the lurch. They were well-paid, with it. 715 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 716 Situation Situation Successive Governments of all political colours have in Dover and Deal. The recent pandemic has seen thousands underinvested in the east midlands. Today marks a of jobs at risk in the ferry, port, retail, hospitality and change. The Budget represents the biggest Government tourism businesses on which my area depends, so I investment in the east midlands for a generation, so strongly welcome the range of continued support, including I will be proud to vote for it tonight. the extension of the self-employed income support scheme and the £5 billion in restart grants, which will help 4.6 pm hard-hit businesses to get back on their feet. Kate Hollern (Blackburn) (Lab) [V]: After 10 years of The levelling-up fund provides an opportunity to Government cuts, Blackburn is one of the most deprived strengthen and diversify. We are an area rich in advanced towns in the country. We have been under additional manufacturing and biotechnology, and we are ambitious restrictions for longer than almost anywhere else. Our to be strong in digital skills and the green economy. high street has been decimated, and going into the Priority 1 status and a £150,000 award in the levelling-up pandemic, Blackburn’s health outcomes were some of fund will ensure that we can put together the best bid the worst in the country. So it is right that Blackburn possible for a further £20 million investment in our has been identified as a high priority for the Government’s area. That is on top of the millions of pounds already levelling up fund, and I look forward to working with earmarked for our future high streets fund bid and our the council on the further development of the exciting proposed White Cliffs border control facility. These plans for the borough to recover and grow. important investments will attract further opportunities Having read the fine print of the Government’sself-styled for new jobs, businesses and prosperity. levelling-up agenda, though, I must say I am disappointed. As we look forward to making the most of these I am concerned that the money is not going to all the opportunities, there are also emerging economic risks right places.Some is going to the Chancellor’sconstituency, that will fall hardest on less affluent areas, so we also where multimillion-pound houses are on sale, yet deprived need to look at a better deal for households and consumers. areas like Halton and Salford—both identified as being For example, Dover has the advantage of a high-speed in the top 20 local authorities—are not so fortunate. rail train that connects to central London in an hour, There is clearly something wrong with that, so I ask the but a season ticket costs over £7,000; that is around Minister what level of involvement Ministers have in 25%of averageearnings.Tounleashtherailwayopportunity— choosing winners and losers, and whether the Department whether that is high-speed Dover or the new HS2—rail will share with the House the formula that the Government tickets must be affordable within the context of the area use to allocate funding. and linked to average income. We should also introduce My next issue is with the Government forcing regions flexible tickets that are affordable for people who travel to compete with one another. If the Government really once, twice or three times a week. As we meet today, oil want the regions to recover, all regions should get their prices have surged recently and inflationary risks loom fair share of investment. It must mean that the Government on the horizon. This risks consequent rises in energy, accept that places like Blackburn are starting from a rents and other household and consumer bills. The lower base and will recover more slowly, and therefore Government’s commitment on fuel freezes is welcome, the Government must put more into the most deprived yet the transition to new fuel such as the electric car also regions to unleash their potential. The Government needs to take place in rural and coastal areas. also need to recognise that the funding announced in In conclusion, this is a Budget that supports the areas the Budget does not come anywhere near the £15 billion hardest hit by the pandemic, and ensures a fairer share that has been cut from council budgets over the past of investment and opportunity in the years to come. decade. The hon. Member for Fylde (Mark Menzies) boasted 4.12 pm about what successive Tory Governments had done for Stephanie Peacock (Barnsley East) (Lab): Ten harsh Lancashire. He failed to mention that Lancashire councils years of austerity have had a huge impact on areas like have faced, on average, 45% cuts in the last decade. That mine. Barnsley Council has faced some of the worst is not levelling up Lancashire—it is levelling down, Government cuts in the country, losing 40% of its particularly in public services. income since 2010, so the concept of levelling up could Briefly, for the sake of time, my final issue is with the be a very welcome one. The Government have described Government’sdouble counting and the smoke and mirrors levelling up as their intention to address inequality and strategy they deploy. Half of the £6 million being “level up” underperforming and left-behind parts of the handed out to councils this coming financial year as UK, but this is simply not what we have seen; it is six part of the levelling-up fund has been reshuffled from days after the Budget, and the Government are yet to towns fund funding. The £150 million budget of the publish the criteria for the £4.8 billion levelling-up pinch point fund announced in 2018 has now been fund. The Chancellor has previously stated that the assumed into the levelling-up fund, and £175 million for fund would be allocated freeports has also been redistributed. So when the “based on an index of economic need.” Government talk about a £4.8 billion levelling-up fund That is curious when we consider that the Chancellor’s and a £3.6 billion towns fund, they need to be honest own constituency of Richmond in North Yorkshire is about the fact that they are playing musical chairs with among the top fifth of the most prosperous places in old money in many cases. the country, and currently the 251st most deprived place in Britain, and yet it is placed in the uppermost 4.9 pm level for funding. Compare that to Barnsley, which is Mrs Natalie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): This Budget the 38th most deprived area in the country, but has been puts in place the framework for a steady economic placed in level 2—behind Richmond—in the queue for revival, and provides a strong package for my constituents funding. 717 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 718 Situation Situation [Stephanie Peacock] project that will form the heart of Anglesey as the energy island, turning our local natural assets into green energy Given that the Government are yet to publish the and once again crowning Anglesey as Môn Mam Cymru. criteria, I would like to consider for a moment what those criteria could be. Let us begin with child poverty. 4.17 pm In Barnsley East, 25% of nought to 15-year-olds live in Ian Byrne (Liverpool, West Derby) (Lab) [V]: I listened poverty; that is double the figure of 12% in the Chancellor’s to the Chancellor’s polished rhetoric last week and constituency of Richmond. Let us move on to free school heard a man who knows nothing of and has never faced meals. There are over 3,000 eligible children in Barnsley the dire circumstances that millions of people face in East—double the figure of 1,500 in the Chancellor’s our nation today. This Budget offers nothing by way of constituency of Richmond. Let us look at unemployment, a solution to the increasing levels of poverty and inequality which in Barnsley is 6.6%; again, that is double the in our communities. figure of 3.3% in the Chancellor’s constituency of The Independent Food Bank Network reported an Richmond. Child poverty,free school meals,unemployment increase of 88% in emergency food parcels between claimants—the list goes on. The statistics will continue February and October 2020. Action for Children reported to prove that Barnsley is clearly in greater need than the that 40% of families were struggling to feed their children. Chancellor’s constituency, yet Richmond is in line to A Kellogg’s survey last week said that one in five receive funding ahead of Barnsley. schools now run food banks. In Liverpool, West Derby, The fact is that, despite the slogan “levelling up” and we have seen a 100% increase in youth unemployment. whatever the criteria the Government eventually publish, Those are desperate, desperate statistics. they have chosen to allocate funding in a way that To combat that, we have a Government with a perverse favours affluent areas over those of greater need. That interpretation of levelling up, and a Budget that shamefully is the simple reality, and it is not the first time. The denies a pay rise to public sector workers, cuts the pay in towns fund was the same: 60 out of 61 areas picked by real terms of NHS staff, who are putting their lives on Ministers for the new funds were Conservative-held or the line to protect ours, takes away the £20 uplift to Tory election target seats. The Government are pretending universal credit from 6.5 million families in September, to give money to the communities that need it most continues to deny an uplift in legacy benefits, and continues when they are actually doing the opposite. to deny justice to 4,889 of my constituents who have Areas such as mine have suffered greatly through this missed out on that vital extra support for the past year. pandemic. An increase in unemployment and in-work It brings 1.3 million people into paying income tax for poverty has led to a sharp rise in food bank use. The the first time, hits families with council tax rises of about Government should admit that levelling up is no more 5%, and continues to exclude many from any Government than an empty slogan, or change the criteria and put the support at all, including constituents of mine who have money where the need is greatest. now gone without pay for 13 months. It also provides no support for the 700,000 households in rent arrears and 4.15 pm those who face the threat of eviction. Liverpool, West Derby and the nation need solutions Virginia Crosbie (Ynys Môn) (Con) [V]: The 2021 to these grave issues. The images of hundreds of people Budget is a Budget befitting a Government leading the queuing for food banks are now commonplace and they way in building back better post-Brexit and post-covid. shame this Government. Weneed root-and-branch systemic On behalf of my constituents on Ynys Môn, I particularly change, but instead we have a Government tinkering thank the Chancellor for the funding he announced for round the edges of inequality with a garden strimmer. the Holyhead hydrogen hub.The investment of £4.8 million will have a significant impact on Ynys Môn and will 4.19 pm provide a major stepping stone in the Government’s Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): It is a pleasure commitment to achieving net zero. to participate in this debate. My main reason for wanting The hydrogen hub is a pioneering project based on a to take part is to celebrate and praise the Government hub-and-spoke model. It will kickstart a local sustainable for this Budget. It has done a great deal to contribute to hydrogen supply chain, and will form part of a connected the levelling-up agenda and to overcome the north-south network all across the UK. It will help to decrease divide, which was a major plank of our 2019 election carbon emissions, air pollution and noise pollution, manifesto. In the past, cities and city regions have had and will set the scene for growth and green regeneration much of the Government’s resources, and that policy on Anglesey. It will initially create between 20 and was not necessarily wrong, but provincial towns such as 30 jobs, help to support more than 500 jobs in local Cleethorpes, neighbouring Grimsby and others in northern businesses, and offer valuable local training and skills Lincolnshire could not benefit in the slightest from it development opportunities. It makes use of existing because they have no immediate cities from which there electricity and gas infrastructure, with a capacity to could be a trickle-down effect. So it was right that we scale up to diversify into a range of hydrogen markets, moved to focus on provincial towns. including heat, power and agriculture. It brings with it I am delighted that the town deal, which has so far opportunities for cutting-edge innovation, which will in generated more than £100 million of investment into turn elevate the research and development work already the area, has received another £21 million in the Budget. being undertaken by Bangor University. The town deal for greater Grimsby was actually the The project is the culmination of work by a number first; it was established in 2014 and involved a relationship of important local and national employers, including between North East Lincolnshire Council and the private Menter Môn, Stena, M-SParc, the Isle of Anglesey sector, led by local entrepreneur David Ross. That has County Council and Coleg Menai. They should be moved forward, and it was acknowledged in the saluted for their initiative and drive. It is that type of Government’s industrial strategy when it was published 719 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 720 Situation Situation in, I think, 2017, when the then Secretary of State, my pleasedtoseetheextra£740millionforWalesintheBudget, right hon. Friend the Member for Tunbridge Wells and I only hope that the Welsh Government will spend (Greg Clark), used the greater Grimsby deal as a platform that money in a timely fashion, rather than continuing for others that have followed. their habit over the last year of holding back hundreds I am delighted that the Humber ports have been given of millions of pounds of the UK Government’s support freeport status. When my right hon. Friend the Chancellor from those who need it most in Wales. This means that published his report some years ago advocating freeports, overall, the Welsh Government are receiving an additional I spoke to local businesses and to the port operator, £2.1 billion in the next financial year through the Barnett Associated British Ports. I foresaw the advantages of formula, on top of the baseline of £15 billion. There is freeports, so this is splendid. It is also important to also £300 million of funding outside the Barnett formula, acknowledge that the area is a major centre for the in particular for farm support and fisheries. renewables sector,and I am delighted that the Government Businesses in Clwyd South are very appreciative of have invested more than £70 million in the Able marine the continued financial support outlined in the Budget, energy park—something that the chairman of Able said such as the extension of furlough and support for the would not have gone ahead without Government support. self-employed, the recovery loan scheme and the extension There has been criticism from the Opposition that the of the reduced VAT rate of 5%. I am delighted that the money is going to the wrong places. Take the Humber: I Government are accelerating the three city and growth do not think there were any complaints from this side of deals in Wales—in Swansea bay, mid-Wales and north theHousewhenHullgottheSiemensinvestment.Nowthere Wales—by bringing £58.7 million forward in the investment has been an evening up. These are major moves forward, programme. This means that the north Wales growth all of which I welcome. My thanks to the Chancellor. deal will get an extra £4.4 million per year from April for the remaining nine years of the deal, which will 4.23 pm create up to 3,800 new jobs and support an uplift of Yasmin Qureshi (Bolton South East) (Lab) [V]: Last £2.2 billion for the economy, as well as local regeneration week, the headlines were screaming about levelling up, projects—in the Wrexham area, for instance—amounting but nothing in this Budget helps my constituents. In the to £9.1 million. last 10 years, we have seen severe cuts that have caused That boost to the economy will be further strengthened child poverty of 40%, total unemployment of 10.5% and by the newly announced levelling-up fund, which will youth unemployment in parts of my constituency that be UK-wide and will bring at least £800 million for stands at 30%. The recent cut of £20 in universal credit infrastructure projects in Wales, Scotland and Northern has caused more people to go into poverty. I think we Ireland, and by the newly announced community renewal all remember when the bus said £350 million for the fund, which will provide £220 million of extra funding NHS, but in reality its staff will get £3.50, which is an over and above the old EU structural funds to pilot absolute insult. But it seems that the money tree has programmes and new approaches in Wales and across now been found, because £29 billion has just been given the rest of the UK. to test and trace, the discredited private scheme with This Budget helps to cement the UK as a world links to Tory donors, and PPE contracts have been leader in offshore wind, which is of great importance to given by the Tory party to its friends. This Budget has north Wales. Following the measures included in the done nothing to address what my constituency needs. 10-point plan and the energy White Paper,the Government I want to talk specifically about housing. There was have shown that they are determined to deliver a green no real mention of housing in the Budget, apart from and cleaner economy.Many constituents in Clwyd South stamp duty and Help to Buy. My constituents need a contacted me before the Budget about universal credit, house to live in. We need proper social housing. There so I was particularly pleased by the extension of the are 9,000 people registered on the housing list to be £20 per week uplift for a further six months. In conclusion, accommodated, and everybody knows that decent homes I strongly support this Budget, which shows that the help towards eliminating poverty and deprivation. Bolton UK Government have north Wales at the heart of their at Home in my constituency does a tremendous job, but agenda and are leading the way in Wales on delivering it needs support and assistance to be able to build more for local communities. homes. The Leader of the Opposition said last week that this is a Beveridgean moment—a “fork in the road”. 4.29 pm We face similar challenges to the ones we faced in the Dame Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) second world war, and we need a stimulus package (Lab) [V]: Last week, the Chancellor spoke a lot about similar to President Biden’s in the USA. fairness and levelling with the British public, but does I welcome the extension of the furlough scheme to the Budget actually pass the fairness test? Even before September. That is great, but there are 3.8 million the challenges of covid and Brexit, Hull had been hit self-employed people who have received no help at all hard by a decade of austerity after the global banking through the pandemic. This Budget has failed to address crisis, and that is why it was disappointing to see no real the deep-rooted problems in our society such as deprivation green industrial strategy, where the Humber could be and bad health indicators.My constituency is the 38th most central, and that the universal credit uplift was not deprived in the country.My constituency has been neglected made permanent to help hard-pressed families as council over the last 10 years. I want proper funding to help the tax and other bills soar. There was also another real-terms people of Bolton South East. pay cut for NHS staff, a £30 billion cut in day-to-day NHS spending from April, and still no sign of the 4.26 pm Prime Minister’s talked-about clear plan for social care. Simon Baynes (Clwyd South) (Con) [V]: This is a very Hull is the fourth-most deprived local authority area strong Budget for the Union. We are stronger as one in the UK, always high in social and economic indices United Kingdom. As a Welsh MP, I am particularly measuring disadvantage, so how is it fair, consistent or 721 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 722 Situation Situation [Dame Diana Johnson] super deduction plan allows businesses to invest with confidence now, helping us build back better sooner logical that Hull is excluded from the list of 100 priority and ensuring that we pay back the cost of the support places for the community renewal fund while it achieves schemes at a point when we have higher employment priority 1 status for the levelling-up fund? The Government and a more stable economy. say that they look at measuring unemployment, household A number of Opposition contributors have talked income, productivity, skills and population density, but about the Chancellor’s brand, and I say to them that if the criteria have not been published, and perhaps are they spent more time emulating the Chancellor’s brand, still being cobbled together in Whitehall. they might make for a more credible Opposition, because This unfairness runs riot again with the towns fund. the only brand the Chancellor is cultivating is one of Of 45 towns and some cities chosen for funding, a fiscal responsibility, backing business and supporting disproportionate number—40—have a Tory MP. Hull those most in need in our society. was told that we are not eligible as we are a city.However, Looking a little further along the shadow Front the city of Wolverhampton was awarded £25 million Bench, the shadow Chancellor claimed that only a after electing two Conservative MPs, and last Thursday Labour Budget would hand power to local communities. the Leader of the House confirmed that Hull, with three Again, I wonder whether she has read the Budget at all, Labour MPs, will not be considered by Whitehall decision- as this is a programme that is clear on its commitment makers even if we make a bid. That is not fairness. to levelling up every community, every town and every However, the winners from this gerrymandering should region, whether through the community ownership fund, not celebrate too much as the towns fund is worth less which gives power to communities to buy much-loved than half the £2.4 billion that the Government had cut local assets, or through the levelling-up fund, which will since 2010 from the funding of the 45 local authorities invest in vital local infrastructure projects. Every corner receiving it. of the United Kingdom benefits, leaving no one behind. Even for the north’s favoured areas these pots of This is a Budget that delivers for the whole Union, levelling-up funding will not be transformational. The with Wales receiving an additional £740 million, and infrastructure bank in Leeds will only provide loans the north Wales growth deal being brought forward and finance on a scale two-thirds smaller than the from 15 to 10 years, supporting that deal to create over £5 billion per year from the European Investment Bank 3,500 new jobs, with an uplift of 2.2 billion for the local that it replaces, and there is growing doubt about whether economy in north Wales. It is a Budget that rightly has Transport for the North will have the finance and clout one eye on the present and one eye firmly on the future to deliver on its promises. as we build back better. There is just not enough pork in the barrel, and nothing like the sustained public and private investment 4.35 pm that is needed for the real regeneration that we have seen over the last 40 years in places such as London Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Streatham) (Lab): There are three docklands—all achieved without Whitehall insisting on aspects of this Budget that I want to address. The first is permanent local government reorganisation. This was the short-term emergency measures to mitigate some of not a fair Budget for my constituents. Real investment the economic effects of the pandemic, bearing in mind in the Humber docklands seems no nearer. that the persistence of the virus is itself the fault of Government policy.Today Australia celebrates 10 straight 4.32 pm days without a single domestic case of covid-19. All Rob Roberts (Delyn) (Con): It is a pleasure to follow across the world, billions of people are living, effectively, the right hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull North without the virus. Cases and deaths have been reduced (Dame Diana Johnson) and to talk about a Budget that to a handful, or even zero, because they took effective works for everyone and that will bring real investment measures to suppress it. This Government did not. So in every part of the United Kingdom and begin to build we have a public health disaster and an economic disaster. our future economy. However, from the poor picture Countries that suppressed the virus have seen a relative the Opposition have painted we would not believe that hiccup in their economy and are now on their way to that was the case. The Leader of the Opposition claimed recovery. We, on the other hand, will suffer surging that the Chancellor was raising taxes based on the unemployment of up to 5.9%, according to the Office electoral cycle rather than an economic cycle and that for Budget Responsibility. This Government deserve no raising taxes now means he will just cut them before the plaudits for being obliged to spend hundreds of billions next election. Speaking of electoral cycles, the cynic in of pounds of taxpayers’ money on measures to address me might point towards the Welsh Labour Government a crisis they caused. We do not praise an arsonist sitting on about £1.3 billion in unallocated funds and because they called the fire brigade. This Government wonder when they might actually get around to using were even worse. For example, the second wave is widely them to provide the support that businesses in Delyn seen as being the impact of the misconceived and and across north Wales are so desperately asking for. reckless Eat Out to Help Out policy. Far from being politically churlish, the Chancellor has The second aspect is the long-term or structural based his decisions on sound economics and has left elements beyond the emergency payments.These structural playing games with the electorate to the Leader of the elements can be summed up in two words: vicious Opposition and his party. austerity,from every angle, that reduces the living standards Personal tax allowance has been frozen over the of ordinary people, deepens existing inequalities, and remainder of this Parliament and until 2026, hardly a provides unnecessary subsidies to big business. It is populist move. Corporation tax only rises in 2023, a Robin Hood in reverse. Consider these elements of the whole year before the next general election. Delaying Budget: a £4 billion cut to public spending on services, the corporation tax rise and implementing the excellent following a 5.7% cut in last year’s Budget; a £2 billion 723 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 724 Situation Situation hike in council tax payments; a freeze on income tax I thank the Chancellor for listening to many of the thresholds, which makes poor people pay more tax; and concerns that I have raised with him, and I welcome this a public sector pay freeze, not to mention the exception Budget. I will continue to engage with families and of nurses’ pay—the insult of just 1%. Ministers tell businesses across Carshalton and Wallington to do whatever nurses that there is no money left, but that is false. In I can to help them through these last few months. the Budget there is a £27 billion tax giveaway to businesses, which the OBR says will have no lasting effect, and 4.40 pm £37 billion spent on a useless private test and trace system. Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab) [V]: It The third and final insult is a Treasury Red Book that is always good to be constructive, and there are certainly barely mentions inequality—in fact, just once. Yet again, things to welcome in this Budget. The ongoing support no equality impact assessment was published alongside for business and furlough is absolutely essential until the resolutions, because even though equality is our law, the crisis is completely over. We heard this morning to this Government it is expendable—an add-on—and from the chief medical officer that we may face another policy after policy adversely impacts the most disadvantaged surge, despite the amazing progress on vaccination. It is in our society. This Government are responsible for the clear that we cannot take anything for granted, so it is scope of both the public health and the economic right that that support is not ended prematurely. disasters, and this Budget widens both even further. I also welcome the fact that more people are now 4.38 pm eligible for the self-employment income support scheme, Elliot Colburn (Carshalton and Wallington) (Con) but as I raised earlier today at Treasury questions, that [V]: I warmly welcome the measures taken in this Budget. still leaves millions without anything. That is an inconvenient I particularly welcome the super deduction, especially truth that the Treasury has repeatedly failed to address, as last month I wrote for The Times Red Box calling on including through this Budget. the Government to break down barriers to a green As with previous Budgets, a lot of the most significant industrial revolution through the tax system, including bits are the parts that the Chancellor did not announce by cutting investment taxes to help businesses to buy last week. He is forcing through a council tax hike— new cleaner technologies.The super deduction, by reducing devolving blame seems to be the only devolution that a tax bill by 130% for businesses that are investing, will the Government are interested in—and the decision on indeed boost investment and help businesses to make income tax allowances will hit the poorest hardest. That the transition to cleaner technology.I thank the Chancellor is a huge mistake, particularly as we emerge from the for listening to those calls. crisis. I want briefly to touch on the support for families There was also a missed opportunity to address the and businesses in Carshalton and Wallington. Throughout tax imbalance between online and high street retail. this pandemic, I have had many discussions and roundtables This is an accelerating trend that is destroying our town with individuals and businesses in my constituency, centres, and the pandemic has supercharged it. We may including dealing with well over 12,000 pieces of casework. not have more opportunities to save the high street, so it The immediate and short-term financial support measures is disappointing to see another one missed. have been welcome, but what I especially welcome in The Government talk a lot about building back better this Budget is the recognition that reopening and bouncing and meeting the productivity challenge, but I am not back will not happen overnight for many. Measures such convinced at all that this Budget meets that challenge. as extending furlough to September,extending the 5% VAT Key to doing that will be rebalancing our economy, as cut for six months, extending universal credit and working imbalances between and inside regions are directly linked tax credit for six months, two further grants for the to productivity gaps. That is why tackling regional self-employed, ongoing support for food and holiday inequalities is so important. In theory, that is what activity programmes, providing food, essential goods levelling up is intended to do, but if this Budget is and laptops to those in need, and new recovery loans, anything to go by, it is not clear that the Government will help families and businesses through the final months have any real idea what they are doing with levelling up. of the pandemic and on the road to recovery. Pork barrel politics, tokenistic moves and asking local I want to briefly mention three support measures. areas to go to central Government cap in hand, rather After leading a debate on behalf of the Petitions Committee, than devolving power and decision making to regions I warmly welcome the extension of the stamp duty and communities, is not levelling up. relief, and I thank the Chancellor for listing to my calls to taper off the relief rather than stopping it overnight. Finally, our NHS staff deserve more than warm words and applause. The Government should put their I also welcome the £700 million for arts, culture and money where their mouth is and give our fantastic NHS sport. I hope that organisations in Carshalton and workers the kind of pay rise they deserve. The 1% on Wallington, such as CryerArts, Mitcham & Carshalton offer, a real-terms cut after the work that they have done rugby club and Carshalton Athletic, will benefit. throughout the pandemic, is an absolute insult. What the Finally, I welcome the restart grants for hospitality, country needed was a bold Budget based on a credible retail, leisure and personal care. Having held many strategy for economic recovery from the covid crisis, but meetingsinCarshaltonandWallingtonwithourindependent unfortunately there does not seem to be a plan. stores, cafés, pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, salons and others, I knew the concerns they had about surviving to 4.43 pm the point that they could reopen properly. I hope that this goes some way to alleviating those concerns. I Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con) [V]: I start would just add that I hope we can find a way of extending by thanking the Chancellor and the Treasury team for that support to the wedding sector—and I do not just the support they have provided throughout the pandemic, say that as I am due to get married in July myself. which is rightly continuing this year as we look to 725 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 726 Situation Situation [Neil Parish] seen £37 billion wasted on failing test and trace, if they had not heard the Conservative head of that failed recover from the pandemic. In particular, I am grateful programme defending wasting tens of thousands of for the new self-employment grant scheme, which will pounds per day on consultants to help run this shambles, allow more than 600,000 people who became newly if they had not seen nearly £2 billion given to Tory self-employed last year to access support, because they friends and donors for covid-related contracts, or the have really struggled. I have heard from hairdressers, half a billion spent on the Nightingales that did little driving instructors and tutors in my constituency who more than provide some good PR for a poorly performing will benefit directly from that grant money.I also strongly Health Secretary. welcome the restart grants of up to £18,000, which will The fact is that the Government do not value our help businesses to get going again, along with the 100% NHS. Their Benches are filled with those who vote time business rates holiday and the extension of the VAT cut and again to cut the NHS and its workforce to the bone, to 5%. Cutting these taxes and providing cash boosts forcing local hospitals to downgrade and promoting a will help the many tourism and hospitality businesses, privatised system of health and social care. It is not just including hotels, pubs, caravan parks and wedding venues the NHS they show disdain for, however. It is also across my constituency, to recover. whole communities who do not vote for them or share In addition, I want to thank the Chancellor and the their ethos. It was noticed by people in South Shields Work and Pensions Secretary for extending the universal and our surrounding areas that last week’s Budget credit uplift by six months. Although we have done so offered zero investment in our infrastructure, jobs, schools much to protect jobs throughout the crisis, there are still or high streets. Levelling up is already proving itself to millions who will be relying on universal credit this year. be as vacuous as the northern powerhouse was. We need to make sure we continue to properly support We are smart enough to see through the soundbites, the vulnerable in our society. This pandemic has caused the slogans and the rhetoric. When it comes to the a lot of financial hardship too, and it is right that we levelling up fund, typically there is a lack of clarity reduce and spread the financial burden as much as possible. regarding the formula and criteria for making the awards. As we build back better from the coronavirus, I, like What is clear, however, is that these funds will pit the Prime Minister,want to see a green industrial revolution communities and regions against each other. At a time so that we use this opportunity to make positive changes when we should be coming together, the Tories are again to our economy. The new super deduction will allow sowing division and fostering competition for small pots companies to cut their tax bills by up to 25p for every of money that will see a piecemeal and unequal recovery £1 they invest in new machinery over the next two years, across our country. bringing forward capital investment and replacing older, For our local economies to survive they need local dirtier machines with newer, more efficient ones. This is people with money to spend, yet just as unemployment worth around £25 billion to UK companies and will is due to peak later this year, the universal credit uplift kickstart an investment-led recovery. will be scrapped. Legacy benefits remain static, the I would be grateful, however, if the Minister on the benefit cap and the two-child limit remain, council tax Front Bench today could put forward my suggestion is rising and key worker pay is frozen. that new fishing boats qualify for that tax cut. Many of Our communities will never forget that, in the middle our fishing boats in the south-west are built in the north of a pandemic, this Government presided over one of of England, so reducing taxation on new boats would the highest death tolls in the world, led us to the worst help to create more jobs across the country, improving economic crisis of any major economy and used it as an our fleets, saving on emissions and improving the safety opportunity to make money for them, their friends and of our fishermen at sea. This policy would be a win-win donors. We will all have to live with the scars of this for our economy, much like the green homes grant that I Government’s recklessness for decades to come and I believe will be extended and fully funded on a multiannual will never give them a minute’s peace over it. basis. If done properly, the green homes grant will deliver insulated homes, create skilled jobs, reduce heating emissions and save on household bills. So I urge the 4.49 pm Minister to take that policy forward and create a green Mrs Flick Drummond (Meon Valley) (Con) [V]: I am revolution not just for this year because we are hosting very pleased to be taking part in this debate today. This COP26, but for the next decade as we recover from is a Budget that I believe will deliver security for my covid-19 and work towards net zero. constituents in the short term, with the gradual lifting of restrictions, and in the long term, as our economy 4.47 pm continues the steady growth and development it was Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields) (Lab) [V]: experiencing before the outbreak began. I welcome the Last week, the Chancellor spoke of being fair and announcement of the Solent freeport, which will benefit honest with the public, yet 24 hours later it became very constituents in the south of Meon Valley, many of whom clear that he was doing neither. The worst example of work and live around Portsmouth and Southampton. that was the cowardly omission of the real-terms pay The Solent region, including parts of my constituency, cut for our NHS heroes, people who have put their lives contains some pockets of deprivation. While I accept on the line day in and day out, who diligently turned up the need to level up areas in the north and the midlands, to save lives knowing that the Government had not there are definitely parts in the south that we must not provided them with PPE, and who have been the only leave behind. One of those areas is Waterlooville in my comfort for strangers as they took their final breaths. constituency, which is a good example of the hollowing They have been told that the public finances are under out of town centres through changes in the way we live strain. This pitiful excuse might wash if they had not and shop creating a need for investment and redevelopment. 727 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 728 Situation Situation Waterlooville is a town that has vibrant growth around The Prime Minister has set a target of 5 GW of hydrogen it, with new housing and more jobs coming. However, it by 2030. I want to pose this question to the Front has a struggling high street and the town centre is in Bench: does the Secretary of State agree that the hydrogen need of redevelopment. That is not the fault of the strategy must marry supply with demand? The Government businesses, which are trying their best, but the empty can kickstart this supply and demand approach by units now outnumber those that are occupied. The turbocharging their investment in 4,000 zero-emission levelling up fund is exactly the sort of support many buses and making at least half of these hydrogen buses. towns need, so I hope that Havant Borough Council Combined with this, we must reform two things—the will look at accessing national funds like the levelling up renewable transport fuel obligation and the bus service fund with me, so that we can drive real change. I also operators grant. These reforms will support bus operators welcome the input by the Solent local enterprise partnership to buy hydrogen buses made across the United Kingdom, and Hampshire County Council, whose strategic view and therefore unlock major investment and job creation and input on transport will be important, since travel schemes in green hydrogen production across all four into and from the town centre is something that needs a parts of the United Kingdom. rethink. In Northern Ireland, we would also of course welcome Reshaping the town centre can achieve a number of a cut in corporation tax, which would help us to outpace aims at the same time—economic development, of course, the tax haven that is the Republic of Ireland. and a strong return on investment, alongside strengthening social cohesion and promoting green development in all 4.55 pm aspects of urban design from transport to affordable housing. We can make Waterlooville in its totality a Sara Britcliffe (Hyndburn) (Con): I draw the House’s showcase for how a modern town centre can be redeveloped attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ to meet the needs of people, where they can live, work Financial Interests. and play without having to travel. In the most difficult economic circumstances we have I will be asking all local stakeholders to contribute to faced for generations, the Chancellor has struck a careful this work and, as the MP, will do everything I can to balance between the difficult and necessary measures to support them. I will be asking the community what they recover our public finances from covid-19 and the need want to see in their town centre and for ideas for to protect the most vulnerable and the lowest-paid in regeneration. That includes our local schools, because society. From the support for businesses, the freezing of projects like this take time and regeneration will shape alcohol duty, the super deduction—my brilliant business the place where children grow up and live. They should of Emerson and Renwick told me this week that it was have their say as well. welcome news—to the continuation of the universal credit uplift, this Budget truly is a road map to recovery. This is an excellent Budget, which offers potential for This comes just after Hyndburn received £2.3 million growth and regeneration. I hope it will bring greater from the Government from the public sector de- prosperity to Waterlooville and all the communities carbonisation scheme, which I called for very early on that make up my Meon Valley constituency. in my term, when we looked at our economic recovery and a green one to give Hyndburn and Haslingden the 4.52 pm incentive to be at the heart of it—secured. Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP) [V]: Can I say at There is one aspect of the Budget I would particularly the outset that I was very disappointed that the Secretary like to place a focus on today, and that is the levelling up of State could not bring himself to mention Northern fund. As many hon. and right hon. Members may Ireland in any detail at all during his opening comments? know, my area has historically struggled to attract Yet the economy and recovery of Northern Ireland as a investment and has not been given the opportunities it Province have kept pace with the rest of the United has deserved. I was elected to change that. That is why Kingdom during the entirety of the last 10 years. the levelling up fund is so transformative for my area. I Covid has had an impact and we welcome the measures have spent a long time campaigning for the regeneration that have been introduced by the Chancellor. Some of my local high streets and for significant investment 250,000 jobs have been protected through the jobs to be made in our town centres. The Prime Minister has retention scheme here in Northern Ireland, 210,000 people supported my campaign and on a recent visit he reaffirmed have been assisted through the self-employment income that. The Budget begins to truly deliver on this not in grant and 39,000 businesses have been helped by the the form of some temporary handout, as we have seen loan guarantee scheme. That is a practical outworking from previous Labour Governments, who have failed to of being part of the Union and part of the fifth largest invest in my area, but as an important part of building economy of the world. Northern Ireland wants to play prosperity in our region. its part and it is right that we should therefore be With the whole of Hyndburn and Haslingden in the mentioned. highest category for accessing the levelling up fund, we Northern Ireland has had the added nightmare, of are now near the front of the queue for accessing this course, of coping with the Northern Ireland protocol, money. That means our chance to transform our area which poses more of a long-term, systemic threat to the has now come. We need to work together to develop the Northern Ireland economy than the short shock caused bid and to ensure that the £125,000 is used most effectively. by the covid crisis. The protocol must go and we welcome On top of this, Rossendale has been given extra funding the steps in that direction that are being taken. from the community renewal fund. When I speak to However, the Budget will be measured on how it residents in Haslingden, the same message is repeated, delivers on the economic promises that it makes, especially which is that they have been forgotten about and left the green revolution promises. For me, the measurement behind. I want to change that and I urge Rossendale will be investment in the green economy of hydrogen. council to make sure that this is not the case any more. 729 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 730 Situation Situation [Sara Britcliffe] Our healthcare heroes deserved better than this Budget. The people of Luton North deserved better than this I was sent to Westminster in December 2019 to make Budget. sure that our local voices were heard in Government. By lobbying the Chancellor and the Prime Minister, I have 5.1 pm done all that I can to get our area into the priority Jack Brereton (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Con): I want group for investment and to get money to support it in to focus on the importance of our delivering on the putting forward a bid to the Government, which is what Prime Minister’s ambition to build back better. If levelling has been secured. Now it is time for our local councils up relates to anywhere, it is Stoke-on-Trent. For decades to make sure that they truly take up this opportunity we were ignored, but no longer.Wenow have a Government and develop a successful bid, so that we can make sure who, through this Budget, are focused on investing in that our once forgotten towns truly are forgotten no areas that have seen little. more. I can certainly assure my residents that, while I Whitehall is starting to wake up to the huge potential am here, that certainly will not be done by me. in places like Stoke-on-Trent, just waiting to be unleashed. With my Stoke-on-Trent colleagues and our fantastic 4.58 pm council leader, Councillor Abi Brown, I was pleased to Sarah Owen (Luton North) (Lab) [V]: Healthcare for launch our “Powering Up Stoke-on-Trent” prospectus everyone, rich or poor, paid by us all through our taxes, just over a week ago. It outlines our ambition for Stoke- not charity: 73 years on from Nye Bevan’s vision, our on-Trent, an area that before covid had had been one of NHS workers are still breaking the mould and smashing the fastest growing economically. As the 12th most records with the vaccine roll-out. The joy as people receive deprived local authority area in the country, we must their vaccine—a step closer to hugging loved ones—should focus on addressing our challenges, but they will not be a reminder of just how special our NHS is, but it was hold us back. We are determined to overcome them for forgotten by the Chancellor. The NHS was missing the benefit of everybody. from this Budget. It was a missed opportunity to rebuild Our prospectus identifies four key high-growth sectors: our country into one that is not just wealthier, but digital, advanced manufacturing, especially in ceramics, healthier as we recover from this crisis. green energy and creatives—decent jobs, proper skills If the last year has taught us anything, it is that and rewarding pay. Our prospectus outlines a range of levelling up our country cannot stop at Tory MPs in projects we hope to deliver based around four priority marginal seats pointing at a new train station platform areas: transport, economic development, education and or a motorway bypass. We need to wake up and realise skills, and health and productivity. that no country where life expectancy is eight years The Prime Minister and the Government are refocusing longer in parts of the Chancellor’s constituency than in attention on areas like Stoke-on-Trent. Changes to the parts of mine is one that is being levelled up. Treasury Green Book are especially welcome and will The crisis has exposed yawning inequalities and the be vital to ensure a good slice of the levelling-up fund virus has exploited them, while 11 years of cuts to the announced alongside the Budget. I am delighted that NHS and the public sector have left us defending ourselves Stoke-on-Trent is identified as a top priority and will in a health war with shields made of bin bags. We all receive capacity funding. know that having a secure job makes someone less likely In my constituency, the top priority must be securing to get seriously ill, but while Luton has seen some of the additional investment for our main town of Longton. highest job losses, we have thousands of businesses, The town centre was struggling before covid, with double self-employed people and entire industries, such as aviation the national average of empty retail space, but the town and events, that have been completely forgotten by this still has huge potential. The focus for further investment Government. should be supporting the conversion of empty space, Tory Chancellors tell us at every Budget, dewy-eyed, improving public spaces, better stitching together the that these are tough and difficult decisions, but for over town and redeveloping key sites such as the former a decade their decisions have ended up costing our Tams works. country so much more in the long run, not just financially Clearly, levelling up is more than just one fund—it is but in terms of people’s health and wellbeing. These for the entirety of Government—but the fund can stimulate decisions have led to people in Luton enduring increased wider change. With three wards in my constituency levels of in-work poverty and child poverty, to the alone identified as left behind by the local trust and extent that in this country one in five schools now needs the all-party parliamentary group for left behind its own food bank. neighbourhoods, there is much to do to improve skills This Budget was missing so much, and it had all the and opportunities. The kickstart scheme and the lifetime depth of the Chancellor’s Instagram and all the sincerity skills guarantee are vital parts of that, empowering of clapping nurses all the way to the food bank. This people to access skilled and better-paid work. was the moment to finally invest in communities that We must also improve local public transport. In some had been forgotten—in our schools, in our NHS and in wards in my constituency, more than 40% of households ending the inequalities that are holding our country do not own a car, which severely limits life chances. I am back. It is time to prove that levelling up goes beyond delighted that my campaigns on transport are bearing posing in a high-vis jacket. After a year of sacrifice by fruit. We secured £36.4 million to improve local bus and people in Luton North, let us invest in areas based on rail through the transforming cities fund. Meir station need. Let us support businesses and high streets to is progressing well as part of the Government’s fantastic recover. Let us bring more skilled jobs to Luton. Let us Restoring your Railway programme. Alongside my north invest in making people healthier, and let us start by Staffordshire colleagues, I was delighted to resubmit giving health and social care staff the pay they deserve. our bid last week for the reopening of the Stoke to Leek 731 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 732 Situation Situation line,including a station at Fenton Manor in my constituency. to create well-paid jobs, the renewal and expansion of I thank the Chief Secretary for all the support he has infrastructure projects to fit out our country for the been giving so far, and I hope he will back our exciting century ahead, and a world-leading acceleration of a opportunities to power up Stoke-on-Trent. green industrial revolution to lift our nation up through an active industrial strategy, not buzzwords, tax-evading 5.44 pm freeports and pork barrel projects to shore up Tory ambitions. Sam Tarry (Ilford South) (Lab): Wehave many important sectors in our country that will hopefully be the engine 5.47 pm of growth in the future, but which need support in the Nick Fletcher (Don Valley) (Con) [V]: It is a pleasure short and medium term—not least public transport. to make my first contribution to a Budget debate. Sadly,there was very little in this Budget on transport. What Almost a year ago today, I made my maiden speech just we did see were mostly drastic cuts, with transport as the pandemic was beginning to grip the globe. The funding slashed from £13 billion to just £2.1 billion for year that has followed has been tragic in every sense the current financial year at a time when ridership levels of the word, yet it could have been much worse. In July, are at record lows and operators are struggling to the Office for Budget Responsibility predicted that balance the books. Furthermore, funding for transport unemployment would peak at 11.9%. That figure now capital projects was cut from a meagre £600 million to stands at 6.5%, yet this is not a meaningless statistic. It zero, while intra-city funding has been delayed until at has made a real difference. Close to 2 million jobs have least 2022. been saved through the furlough scheme, business loans The lack of pandemic support has already had a and the plethora of Government initiatives that I have profound impact on those who work in the transport been proud to support, but, as I have said repeatedly in sector, with over 1,000 jobs lost in both the bus and this Chamber, we must now focus our energies on making coach manufacturing industries—mostly, unfortunately, sure that we have a sufficient economic recovery that again in the north of England. And all this is at a time ensures that people get back into work and start reaping when the fuel duty freeze is costing the Government the the rewards provided by our dynamic economy. best part of £1 billion, sending a clear message about Although it comes as no surprise that I was disappointed where their priorities lie in terms of their decarbonisation that Doncaster Sheffield airport was not awarded freeport agenda. status, this innovative policy will help to unlock the What hope is there for the ordinary worker who enterprising spirit of British businesses. I am pleased wants to return to work but is faced with a rise in rail that a freeport will soon open in the Humber, benefiting fares and cuts to bus routes, which, in recent years, have the entire region and furthering this Government’s seen 134 million miles lost? Where is the Government’s levelling-up agenda—an agenda that we should turn much heralded bus strategy, which was supposed to our attention to right now. The promise of levelling up have been published last year? There was not a word is, after all, the reason why many in Don Valley voted of this in the Chancellor’s statement or, indeed, any for me and for Conservative party candidates across the update on the commitment to unveil 4,000 zero-emission north of England, yet to truly level up a region, business buses, which can only lead us to conclude that their needs to thrive. The extension of the business rates decarbonisation agenda has missed the bus. As the MP holiday, the introduction of the restart grants and the for Ilford South, I watch in dismay as the Government continued reduction in VAT for the hospitality sector continue to level down London’stransport network rather provide the foundation for economic recovery.Furthermore, than truly levelling up the midlands and the north. the renewal of the airport and ground operations support The Budget was a pivotal moment for the climate scheme for a further six months will ensure that our emergency and jobs crisis, but next to nothing was regional airports, such as Doncaster Sheffield airport, announced for a new economic green recovery. There is can continue to facilitate economic growth in all four no new investment for green recoveries in key industries, corners of the UK. The £4.8 billion levelling-up fund including automotive, aerospace and steel. Just £20 million and the super deductions for businesses will supercharge was announced for floating offshore wind technology. our recovery. For families, the freezing of fuel duty and Labour has called for a £30 billion green economic the extension of the universal credit uplift will provide recovery, which would create 400,000 secure jobs in security for those who need it most. The Budget will clean industries. make a long-lasting difference in the next couple of Earlier this week, the Chancellor boasted about kick- years. starting a green industrial revolution, but in reality the For many people, politics can seem remote and irrelevant Government have slashed climate spending in this Budget, to their everyday lives, yet I know that people and including a devastating £1.1 billion reduction in the businesses across Don Valley have been reassured and green homes grant. As my right hon. Friend the Member energised by the measures announced by the Chancellor for Doncaster North (Edward Miliband) pointed out, last week. They know it will make a difference to their we are lagging far behind our European and global lives. partners, with the US’s recent $1.7 trillion green plan over the next decade, while Germany and France have 5.10 pm pledged a combined total of ¤70 billion over the next Tonia Antoniazzi (Gower) (Lab) [V]: Having heard two years. Mass unemployment should not be inevitable the Chancellor’s speech last week and having listened to in this pandemic, but the way that the Government are the Prime Minister since the start of the pandemic, I carrying on, it unfortunately could be. can understand how some people in this country have At a time of acute and prolonged national crisis, been fooled into believing that the Government have there is an opportunity for the Budget to be more than their best interests at heart. Today I heard colleagues on one that drives a new political economy—one of investment the Government Benches acknowledge the need to address 733 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 734 Situation Situation [Tonia Antoniazzi] a head start—that has always been the way—but should it not be the job of Government to help the rest of us the vast economic inequality in the UK—but that was catch up? Why then does it feel as though communities causedbyadecadeof Conservativefinancialmismanagement, such as mine are not only starting behind, but deliberately so I welcome their comments. being hampered? I am concerned that the rhetoric of levelling up is just In the next two years, the Government are forcing that. We know that the devil is always in the detail. For cuts to our local health and social care services of more all the fanfare around the Budget, the money pledged is than £6 million and to our children and young people’s a drop in the ocean next to the billions cut from local services of almost £8 million. This is happening in a authorities and local services over the past decade. For borough where people die younger, leave school with all the talk of moving Government jobs out of London, fewer qualifications, are poorer and have worse health. 750 jobs on an economic campus do not make up for That is not levelling up—it is doubling down. But we the loss of over 30,000 civil service jobs across the are used to it, and, despite it, the past year has shown United Kingdom—civil servants with experience and again what a resilient, caring, innovative and determined institutional knowledge, leaving in droves as they are community we are. We are ambitious too, for our families increasingly undervalued. How can we hope to fix and our future. regional inequality when the opaque, centralised approach Sometimes we are even optimistic. Our Labour-run employed by the Government to distribute those funds council, under the leadership of David Baines, and pits region against region? If levelling up means the alongside partners in business and in the community, Chancellor picking out his favourite blue pen and colouring has already started to deliver on ambitious plans to in just Conservative-held areas, it smacks of the timocracy quite simply make St Helens borough the best place to that has come to define this Government’s attitude. We live, work and visit in the north-west of England. We do are told that the Government are driven by a desire to not want the Government to do it for us; we know they level up, but their actions are led not by evidence, but by cannot, but they can help us to do it for ourselves. We ideology. want to do it for ourselves, which is why we needed this We see that too with the freeports. English freeports Budget to give us a fighting chance to succeed and why are receiving £26 million each, whereas Wales has been it is so frustrating and disappointing that all it has done offered only £8 million. That glaring disparity exposes is give us an even harder race to run. the fact that levelling up is more of a slogan than a true ambition. On top of that, if Liverpool and Bristol 5.16 pm become freeports, that will have a major impact on Julie Marson (Hertford and Stortford) (Con) [V]: I Holyhead and ports across south Wales. This myopic welcome this Budget, which is pragmatic and fair, and approach to spending, which seems to target positive clearly responds to the extraordinary circumstances we headlines, not economic prosperity,puts jobs and industry find ourselves in. But it is much, much more than just at risk. short-term crisis management. In its ambitions for growth, Will the Minister ensure that funding is distributed in it is an extraordinary Budget. It is a Budget that says to a way that grows the economy, creating and preserving the world that this Government mean business when it jobs throughout the United Kingdom, not just England, comes to business. It announces that this Government and ensure that freeports are not introduced at the want the UK to lead the world in innovative, high-potential, expense of existing and successful places? It is a failing high-growth sectors of the future. I have been advocating of this Tory Government not to understand and respect something similar to the new “future fund: breakthrough” devolution. To move our countries forward, the Prime scheme for some time. It is a smart policy that helps to Minister and the Chancellor need to understand that root innovation companies to the UK by getting more and work collaboratively with our devolved Governments, money into the venture capital ecosystem at early stages. not against them. We need the levelling up of the entire With better access to capital at an early stage we will United Kingdom. encourage cutting-edge businesses to grow and eventually list here. I also commend Ron Kalifa and Lord Hill’s To conclude, will the Government rise above their work in this space. petty, power-grab, bully-boy tactics and provide parity in their levelling-up agenda for the whole United Kingdom? I also welcome the review of the charge cap announced by the Chancellor and look forward to seeing more ideas in the coming months from the Treasury, Bank of 5.13 pm England and Financial Conduct Authority’s industry Conor McGinn (St Helens North) (Lab): What a working group. We have nearly £10 trillion-worth of pleasure it is to follow my hon. Friend the Member for assets under management in the UK, but only a tiny Gower (Tonia Antoniazzi). amount of that is ever directed at UK venture. Just There is much to say about the Budget—unfortunately, 0.5% of UK defined-contribution pension investments very little of it good. It fails on every count to address were invested in unlisted equities in 2020. Too much the fundamental weaknesses and unfairness in our economy capital is locked away in pension funds and hidden by a and offers no coherent plan to rebuild our country, culture of avoiding any risk. In 2019, a mere 2% of the invest in our communities and allow our citizens to £48 billion raised by UK-based venture capital and prosper. That is felt acutely in my community by my private equity funds came from UK pension funds. I am friends, neighbours and constituents, who faced huge delighted that this Government are beginning to grasp challenges before the pandemic. When I talk about this nettle, and are prepared both to review the regulatory health, educational, social and economic inequalities in landscape and provide incentives. St Helens North, I am not talking about a place on a Now is the time for a truly radical approach to this map or about statistics; I am talking about our people undertaking, and to lift the venture sector as an asset and their lives. We know privilege grants to its inheritors class, to be part of mainstream investing in its own right. 735 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 736 Situation Situation That will be transformational. Venture capital has the universal credit? How will that help to create demand in power to propel us into the green and technology-led the economies of Mountain Ash or Aberdare in my future to which we aspire. It has the power to lift our constituency? economy up, pay our debt down and provide skills, It does not have to be this way. We are the fifth richest wealth and opportunities to our people and communities. nation in the world. There is a different way: introduce a We need to unleash the power of venture capital. This wealth tax and a windfall tax, adopt a jobs guarantee Budget sets us on that path, and I look forward to scheme, properly invest in a green industrial revolution, supporting the Government and being a part of this increase statutory sick pay in line with the living wage exciting journey. and introduce a universal basic income. The new normal must incorporate a tax system that ensures that the 5.19 pm wealthy pay their fair share and a welfare system that ensures that no one is left behind, but to level up in Beth Winter (Cynon Valley) (Lab) [V]: The Chancellor communities such as mine, Westminster must respect has boasted that this Budget will create jobs, revive high the democratic structures in Wales and ensure we get streets, reinvigorate the economy and level up the regions our fair share of funding. Diolch yn fawr. and nations of the UK, but as the Counsel General for Wales, Jeremy Miles, has said, “this UK Government has an appalling record on providing 5.22 pm Wales with even a fair share of UK spending, let alone the kind of funding needed to ‘level up’.” Angela Richardson (Guildford) (Con) [V]: I welcome this pragmatic Budget, which recognises that flexibility, Rhondda Cynon Taf, the local authority within which not ideology, is what is needed in responding to a global my constituency of Cynon Valley is located, has the pandemic. It addresses the current needs that we have third-highest covid death rate in the UK. Poverty and as a country by extending the furlough scheme to ever-widening inequality are the root cause of the high September and giving further grants to the self-employed, death toll, and they have been made worse by the past bringing an additional 600,000 taxpayers into one of 11 years of Tory Government austerity. the most generous schemes in the world. The measures I am angry that the levelling-up fund will be centrally not just in this Budget but over the past year are rightly managed. That goes against the express position of the lauded. They ensure that businesses can bring back as Welsh Government and is contrary to previous many employees as possible, and provide security for announcements by the UK Government. It is not new millions. money, it is not ring-fenced to Wales, and it represents a Guildford, Cranleigh and our villages are home to fraction of the funding that we need. It bypasses the wonderful high streets. We are proud of them, and they democratically elected structures in Wales, which are draw visitors from near and far. I know that local best placed to understand the issues facing our country. businesses will join me in welcoming the restart grants I am pleased that the furlough scheme has been package of £5 billion, which equates to up to £6,000 or extended, even though it was a last-minute announcement. £18,000, depending on when the business reopens. That The Prime Minister said last week that 3,400 people in measure, along with continuing the business rates holiday my constituency are reliant on the scheme, but due to and extending the cut in VAT so that it remains at 5% the Government’s short-sightedness, they are now facing for a further six months, is a genuine springboard. a cliff edge in six months’ time. It has been fantastic to see new businesses open in I have just returned from a meeting with the aerospace Guildford and Cranleigh, and existing businesses take industry in my constituency. Those jobs should be up locations with a larger square footage, over the past supported by the Government, but instead the industry year. That fantastic sign of confidence can be attributed is on the brink of collapse. Since the pandemic started, to the Government’s commitment to business. GE Aviation has cut almost 500 jobs, and there is fear for the future. As Ross Williams, a constituent of mine I want to take this opportunity to recognise the and a senior shop steward, states, value of our local arts and culture to the economy in Guildford, which is often underestimated. The University “if the sector isn’t protected and a sector specific deal of Surrey, in conjunction with the Yvonne Arnaud provided the impact will be devastating. These are one theatre and the Watts gallery in my constituency, and of the last highly skilled and well paid jobs in the south The Lightbox gallery and museum in nearby Woking, Wales valleys. There’ll be nothing left for my son and conducted a study last year on the economic and social future generations if these jobs go”. impacts of the arts. It found that for every £10 spent at a The Chancellor’sdecisions surrounding benefit payments venue, there was an additional spend of up to £13.28, are damaging all round. The much-needed uplift to the majority of which stays in the local economy. Over universal credit will only be a temporary measure. For the course of a normal year, the Yvonne Arnaud theatre thousands of my constituents, that uplift is the difference is calculated to bring an additional £1.5 million into the between feeding their families and going hungry. One of area simply with theatre attendances. Some 70% of my constituents, Emma, told me: visitors to the area would not have come had the venues “I didn’t ever expect to get sick but you know, I have. And I’m been located elsewhere. It therefore strikes me as suffering. I’m living on the breadline, and my mental health is incredibly short-sighted of Guildford Borough Council suffering. I feel like I’m being punished.” to propose cutting funding to the Yvonne Arnaud, and, If the Chancellor understood the hardship that so many thankfully, sensible of the Chancellor of the Exchequer endure, he would have made the uplift permanent and to extend the culture recovery fund by an additional extended it to those on legacy benefits. How does he see £300 million, recognising not only the fiscal value of my constituents managing in six months’ time when these institutions, but their value to the social fabric of furlough ends and he proposes to end the £20 uplift to our communities. 737 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 738 Situation Situation [Angela Richardson] Weybridge, but it does so much more. In particular, I want to talk today about some of the core provisions that There is a clear plan of investment by this Government will benefit my constituents over the short, medium and in business, high streets and our communities, supporting long term. This is a Budget that meets our short-term jobs and providing training and apprenticeships to help and emergency needs while we still face the pandemic enable those who have sadly lost their jobs to get back and restrictions remain in place, providing vital support into work. I will be voting for this Budget tonight. for businesses and families to enable them to weather the covid storm. 5.25 pm Over the course of the past year, I have had many Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Slough) (Lab): It is now discussions with residents and I know what a lifeline the one year since the first tragic deaths in the UK from self-employment income support scheme and furlough covid-19 were reported, and the true scale of this crisis have been, along with direct business support. My local became clear. Thousands have lost their lives to this businesses often tell me that they need certainty, and terrible virus, and, sadly, we now have the worst death this Budget, and the extension of provisions alongside toll in Europe. Our economy has been convulsed by a the road map for the lifting of restrictions, will give collapse in GDP, a spike in unemployment, and a crisis them the certainty they need to plan for the months for businesses, especially in arts, aviation and hospitality, ahead. which have been made worse by Government inaction For the medium term, I welcome the support for and blunders and billions being wasted on Tory crony investment and innovation, the incredible super deduction, covid contracts. Help to Grow and further support for enterprise Shamefully, we are now facing the worst economic management incentives. Those will all help companies crisis of any major economy. Therefore we might have in my constituency, particularly the many small and hoped for a bold Budget that recognised the scale of the medium-sized enterprises that, I am sure all Members challenge, equipping our economy for the future, but all will agree, set up in Runnymede and Weybridge because the Chancellor has shown is that he is completely out of of the excellent logistics benefits it offers. Those businesses touch with what this country needs. What did this are champing at the bit to get moving as restrictions lift Budget promise? The centrepiece for long-term investment and to grow and flourish, providing jobs and investment is a national infrastructure bank. It is almost 10 years locally. since David Cameron launched the green investment Finally, but most importantly, this is a Budget that bank, with all the same promises and rhetoric, and it is tackles the long-term challenges we face. First, on four years since the Conservatives privatised it. What sustainability and climate change, I particularly want to we need is an investment bank capitalised at £20 billion draw attention to energy innovation and support for the over five years at least, with regional investment banks UK biomass feedstocks programme. That will be essential in every region to invest in green businesses throughout for the development of domestic biofuel supplies to our country. We need an institutional champion for support the sustainability of our aviation sector and jet green businesses and jobs. Instead, we got a get-rich-quick zero, benefiting my constituents by securing the future scheme for investors. This Budget could have provided of the aviation sector and those employed in it and the platform for a green recovery, just as Slough is reducing aircraft pollution and the harms that it causes. attempting to do in Berkshire. Secondly, on national finances, we are in a hugely We could have had a major national rail electrification challenging economic situation as a result of the pandemic. programme to help decarbonise our transport, but, no. While it is right to spend now, invest in infrastructure I welcome the £20 million for floating offshore wind and projects that will drive growth and tackle the perennial technology, but that is paltry compared with the scale of regional inequalities that have plagued our country, we the challenge. In reality, we need a £30 billion green need to tackle the deficit. The tax policies set out in the economic recovery package to create 400,000 green Budget begin to address that without undermining the secure jobs. That is how we would get a proper investment- plan for economic growth. The Budget protects jobs led recovery to help us meet our carbon targets and help and livelihoods now and lays the foundation for both tackle the climate crisis. the economic recovery ahead and a return to strong This could have been a Budget for the next generation, public finances. It is not us here who will be paying off creating jobs and housing, investing in education and our debt but our children, and we owe it to them to safeguarding the climate for younger people, but they balance the books today, so that they inherit a flourishing have all been overlooked yet again. A Budget is a economy unburdened by the debts of their parents. statement of values and priorities, and the Chancellor’s priorities are transparent: no extra funding to fix fire-hazard 5.31 pm cladding, but a tax break for second home owners; a mere 1% rise for the NHS workers who have given their Mike Hill (Hartlepool) (Lab) [V]: When it comes to all for us during the past year; no mention at all of the the Government’s levelling-up agenda, this Budget leaves Government’strade deal with the EU and the 4% reduction a great deal to be desired. I welcome the move to send in GDP over 15 years caused by the thin, terrible, Treasury North to the Tees Valley and the exploration burned oven-ready Brexit deal. This is a Budget that of Teesside and locations in my constituency for the stores up trouble for places such as Slough and hits the siting of a freeport, but I believe the Government could poorest hardest. offer more for our communities. While the exploration of potential new large-scale 5.29 pm infrastructure projects is very welcome, there is already Dr Ben Spencer (Runnymede and Weybridge) (Con): one large employer in my constituency in the form of I welcome this Budget, as it will protect the jobs and Hartlepool nuclear power station, which is integral to livelihoods of the people living in Runnymede and our nation’s energy supply and needs guarantees about 739 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 740 Situation Situation its future. The Budget was the perfect opportunity to to fill it, that is a missed opportunity for one of our cement the future of nuclear energy in Hartlepool, constituents—an opportunity to get a better paid job, which contributes to the Government’s green energy to earn enough to support their own families and to get commitments and our zero carbon future. The omission on the housing ladder. of the nuclear sector from the Budget is deeply concerning During National Apprenticeship Week, I had the to the workers in that power station, as the clock ticks opportunity to talk to apprentices working at Bentley down to the decommissioning of the site without a and at Alstom in Crewe. Those young people were renewal firmly on the table. Sites such as Hartlepool incredibly ambitious and determined, and were very already have the infrastructure, the professional and clear about the course they wanted to chart in their skilled workforce and the desire to keep those generators lives. They knew that their future was going to be more spinning. We just need the Treasury to show that it is secure in skilled work, using their hands and minds to willing to support us, and I hope the Minister will apply themselves. respond to that. The Government must be serious about What we are doing with apprenticeships can be built the future of the sector, as thousands of jobs nationwide on with the lifetime skills guarantee. Now more than and our national energy security depend on it. ever, our workforce need to be able to gain new skills On the same note, towns such as Hartlepool do not and be flexible. The challenge is not just about whether feel they got the recognition they deserve from this a course is available and free; it is about changing how Budget. After a decade of cuts to funding for some of we think and feel about our careers throughout our the poorest and smallest local authorities, including adult lives. Too many people will feel that they have Hartlepool, we need funding available to kickstart our failed or done something wrong if they need to change local economies and get money back into the community, skills and careers. We have to change that mindset. I where it can stimulate local business and revitalise our encourage the Government to ensure that we shout communities. As the towns fund makes its way to mostly loudly about the lifetime skills offer, and keep shouting Conservative seats, my constituents are right to wonder about it until everybody has heard the message loud in whose interests this Budget is being made. and clear. The Government will be aware that nothing comes Our approach to tax will encourage businesses to from nothing, and after a decade of cuts and the biggest keep creating jobs for our constituents to take up. peacetime crisis in our history, they will also be aware Recovery is not going to be pain-free. I am a member of that we cannot expect to bounce back without sufficient the Conservative party because we know that the support. This Budget certainly has potential benefits to Government cannot wipe out the pain and difficulty Hartlepool—no doubt—but until the gaps in the safety with a click of our fingers, or fix it all on the back of net are closed, our public services are properly funded wealthy people. We are starting to get to grips with what and existing key industries such as Liberty Steel are this recovery needs to look like.I welcome the Government’s supported with the means to survive long term, our aims and ambitions as laid out in this Budget, and will recovery and the Government’s flagship levelling-up be supporting it this evening. agenda will only ever fall short of what we need in a community that needs it more than most. 5.36 pm Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab) [V]: The shadow 5.34 pm Business Secretary, my right hon. Friend the Member Dr Kieran Mullan (Crewe and Nantwich) (Con) [V]: for Doncaster North (Edward Miliband), spoke earlier Over the past 12 months, this country has faced its about the post-war years, Ernie Bevin and the need to biggest challenge for a generation. Our constituents, our build back better, then and now. In Bristol—where economy and our health service have all been tested. We Bevin started work on the docks at the age of 11 and have been asked to make enormous sacrifices of all different fought for workers’ rights as a trade unionist, before kinds: friends and family cut off from each other; some becoming one of the giants of the post-war Labour people not seeing loved ones at the end of their lives; Government—we are hugely disappointed at the lack of hard-grown businesses ground to a halt; and young any funding in the Budget for our biggest project, people missing out on their education at a key time in Temple quarter. The regeneration of the area around their lives and their growth. We have all, as taxpayers, Brunel’s historic Temple Meads station would mean paid an enormous financial price, and this comes on the 22,000 new jobs, 10,000 new homes and an economic back of a decade of everybody making sacrifices to boost of £1.6 billion per annum for the city.That is exactly help get the deficit under control. We can all be very glad the sort of “shovel-ready” project that the Government that we achieved that, as it allowed us to spend quickly were asking for. We have to ask why places such as and to spend big at this crucial time. Bristol are being overlooked for levelling-up funds in We are now faced again with a difficult journey to get favour of far more affluent areas. our economy back on track. I want to talk about three The Chancellor’s offer to extend support to the 600,000 of the Government’s approaches that are vital, not just newly self-employed is welcome, but that still leaves for driving our recovery now, but for ensuring that we more than 2 million freelancers and limited company continue to be a country that gives its citizens opportunities: directors excluded—and that is a conscious decision by first, the lifetime skills guarantee; secondly,the commitment the Chancellor. People on legacy benefits are being to apprenticeships; and thirdly, the targeted approach treated as second-class citizens, and the freezing of to corporation tax and incentives for capital investment. income tax bands will hit those on modest incomes the We know that there are employers out there who are hardest. Events supply chain companies in my constituency growing their workforces and expanding their operations. are desperate for targeted support. When I raised this We also know that, for years now, hundreds of thousands issue recently with the Prime Minister, he assured me of jobs have gone unfilled. Whenever a skilled job goes that we would be hearing more on this from the Chancellor unfilled or whenever an employer needs to look abroad in the Budget; we listened, but we heard very little. 741 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 742 Situation Situation [Kerry McCarthy] researchers to turn incredible ideas into new technologies, discoveries, products and services, and it is welcome to We also heard nothing new on support for our failing put its roots in my constituency. I also welcome the social care system and nothing on child poverty. What £500 million being pumped into the electric car revolution, was meant to be a 2.1% pay rise for nurses has been which will benefit the west midlands enormously. whittled down to 1%—a real-terms pay cut—in the This Budget is the largest economic peacetime support interests of austerity; and we know how well austerity package on record, and it fits with my agenda of jobs worked last time. and investment in my constituency. As a result of the Finally, we were promised a green Budget, yet we got Government’sinterventions,unemploymentisnowestimated nothing of the sort. We needed to see measures that to peak at far lower levels than previously expected. This would kick-start a transformative green recovery, but BudgetisprovidingalifelineformybusinessesinStourbridge. what we got was a pitiful lack of ambition from the I welcome this Budget, which stands by the workers Chancellor. Although I welcome the £4.1 million allocated and businesses in my constituency and which stands by to reducing car usage in the west of England, this kind to protect people’slivelihoods.It is a Budget that encourages of piecemeal funding is no substitute for a national investment and innovation and that recognises the need strategy for decarbonising transport and encouraging for transformation. We have seen human tragedy in take-up of active travel. Ahead of hosting COP26, we 2020. We must not let that be the prelude to an economic should be leading the way on tackling climate change tragedy. This is a bold Budget, providing the architecture and biodiversity loss, yet the Chancellor is more concerned for a better future—a Budget that is taking unprecedented with boosting his own leadership prospects and “brand action to drive our economic recovery. Rishi” than with showing the international leadership that we need from our senior politicians on this issue. The UK is being eclipsed in green recovery spending 5.42 pm at an international level. For instance, France and Germany Claire Hanna (Belfast South) (SDLP): The Budget have both delivered substantial green spending packages represents interim measures, which may be understandable, to decarbonise their economies. Labour has already set given the economic climate, but it also represents missed out its plan for a £30 billion green stimulus to support opportunities, which are much less excusable—missed 400,000 new green jobs. I urge the Chancellor to read opportunities to have a genuine and meaningful green those plans, which might just help him to think bigger recovery, to invest in a resilient health service and the when it comes to protecting our planet. NHS workforce, or to support those who have lost jobs and income over the last year. It appears that the 5.39 pm Government have not learned much from the last decade. Suzanne Webb (Stourbridge) (Con): Covid-19 has Rather than injecting stimulus through people to tackle had a catastrophic impact on our economy, but I truly inequality, such as through a meaningful living wage or believe that, despite that, it will provide the architecture investing in child care, infrastructure or skills, they are for change and fertile ground for innovation. We have choosing to leave it to the market to encourage growth already seen the homeworking revolution, the pace of and recovery. digitalisation ramping up, the incredible speed of Not only have businesses been dealing with pandemic, vaccination—from creation to roll-out—and the seeds but many are seeking to survive and recover from the of transformation in our NHS, with new ways of working shock of Brexit, on which the Chancellor was suspiciously and the largest diagnostic network in British history. quiet. Northern Ireland finds itself in a unique position While we have had big collapses in sectors such as retail due to the Northern Ireland protocol, because we have and hospitality, we have evolution and growth in others, access to both the UK and EU markets. This is not the including construction and social care. This is the fastest best of both worlds—that was the EU or, at a push, the changing jobs market for a generation. backstop. That is because both worlds—the EU and the Toensure that this pandemic does not define a generation, UK—have been diminished by Brexit. Northern Ireland we should look forward and look for new economic and its people opposed Brexit, but it has been imposed opportunities with confidence and optimism. This Budget on us, so responsible political parties such as the Social helps us do just that. It sends a strong message of Democratic and Labour party are working to make the recovery, unveiling major tax incentives for businesses best of the hand we have been dealt. I wish that those to invest. This is the Budget with the biggest business Northern Ireland MPs who campaigned relentlessly for tax cut in modern British history, with the introduction Brexit would find it in themselves to be constructive of a super reduction in tax bills, which is particularly now. welcome in the manufacturing heartlands of the urban Making lemonade with the lemons we have been west midlands. This is a Budget that is investing in handed requires the Government to work with Northern public and private projects to finance the green industrial Ireland Executive partners to develop an investment plan revolution. I also loudly applaud the eight freeports, for Northern Ireland, based on promoting the business which will encourage free trade and bring investment to advantages of investing at this crossroads, including big all regions of the country through lower taxes and opportunities in agrifoods, advanced manufacturing and cheaper customs. green and low-carbon technology. There is now a chance We should not treat this Budget in isolation from for Northern Ireland to have its first ever unique selling other important investments. The Government had the point and to move towards climate-friendly production foresight to invest in innovation, with the £800 million and a gear change in our historically poor productivity. investment in the advanced research and innovation Overall, despite the Government’schat on green recovery, agency. The agency will be tasked with empowering this Budget does not do much to convince us of genuine some of the world’s most exceptional scientists and ambition in this regard. The SDLP has spoken in the 743 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 744 Situation Situation past 12 months about the opportunity for a generational required, as well as investment, to rebuild a sustainable rethink and a turning point, including on the climate. fishing industry on the East Anglian coast. The fishing The year that we have had to reflect on what is really aspect of the free trade agreement with the EU is not important in life, work and society has been a perfect helpful and has set us back a few years, but with the opportunity to transition from obsessing exclusively right investment and responsible management, progress about economic growth to a Budget that mainstreams can be made. Finally, the arrangements and support the enhancement of the health and wellbeing of individuals, provided for the Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth enterprise communities and the environment. zone should be reviewed and properly aligned with There has been insufficient focus on the environment these emerging and exciting opportunities. and on those who are already living economically precarious and marginal lives. Yes, the Chancellor was dragged 5.49 pm kicking and screaming to extend furlough and universal Margaret Greenwood (Wirral West) (Lab) [V]: The credit, but the poorest households will still see their Chancellor’s Budget was a disappointment, because it income drop by 7% while unemployment benefits are at failed to grasp the enormity of the challenges facing our their lowest real level since the early 1990s. This is not country: the challenges of poverty, inequality, low pay levelling up; rather, it favours those who have been able and unemployment; the erosion of our vital public to build up savings. This Budget does not allow the services over the past 11 years; and the urgency of whole of society to recover. Finally, the lack of ambition addressing the climate crisis. It also failed to take the and investment for the NHS workforce is bitterly opportunity to reward the public sector workers who disappointing, given what they have just gone through have kept the country going throughout the pandemic. on our behalf, and the U-turn away from the derisory Instead, the Chancellor has shamefully decided to cut 1% pay increase needs to come fast. the pay of NHS staff and other public sector workers 5.46 pm when he should be giving them a pay rise. Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con) [V]: From a Waveney There were already 14 million people living in poverty and East Anglian perspective, the two main features of in the UK before the pandemic and over 4 million of the Budget were the towns fund deal announcement for them were children. Despite all the evidence of the extreme Lowestoft and the successful freeport bid for Felixstowe hardship of those on low pay and those out of work, and Harwich. These two announcements are welcome last week the Chancellor merely deferred his £20 a week and can play a key role in the covid recovery. Locally, cut to universal credit for another six months. We on the cornerstone of the Waveney recovery will be the these Benches have been calling on the Government to £220 million public investment in the centre of Lowestoft extend statutory sick pay to all workers and to increase in the next five years—not just for the towns fund deal it; instead, the Chancellor is cutting statutory sick pay but for the Gull Wing bridge and the Lowestoft flood in real terms, despite the fact that it was already at one defence scheme. We must ensure that these projects are of the lowest levels in Europe. He waited too long to built on time and on budget and that they act as catalysts extend furlough, causing uncertainty for businesses and for private sector investment and provide local people workers, and newly announced support for the self- with the opportunity to work on them. employed has been described by ExcludedUK as “too little too late” for the 3 million workers so far excluded East Anglia has enormous potential to play a lead from financial help during the pandemic. role in the emerging green economy. We can be a global leader and exemplar, and we must ensure that local There has been a large increase in the numbers of people benefit from this. There are great opportunities people who are unemployed during the pandemic, and in a wide variety of sectors: low carbon energy production, young people have been particularly badly hit, with including offshore wind, nuclear and hydrogen; the storage youth unemployment increasing by 13%. The Government of carbon in the gas fields of the southern North sea; response has been inadequate. Last July the Chancellor sustainable, responsible custodianship of our marine and announced his kickstart scheme to get young people fishing resources, building on the work of the Centre for into work, saying that it was aimed at preventing an Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, which entire generation from being “left behind”, yet only has been in Lowestoft for over a century; low-carbon about 4,000 young people have started new jobs shipping and maritime activities, not just in Felixstowe through it. and Harwich but in Ipswich, Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth The Chancellor has also failed to show ambition to and King’s Lynn; and, finally, the emergence of net zero tackle the climate emergency. Labour has repeatedly agriculture. called for a £30 billion green economic recovery to The policy framework that will enable us to make the secure 400,000 secure jobs in clean industries, but the mostof theseopportunitiesisemerging.Theannouncements Chancellor has failed to deliver. He announced just in the Budget follow on from the publication in December £20 million for floating offshore wind and has actually of the energy White Paper and last month of the further cut the green homes grant by more than £1 billion. The education White Paper. Moving forward, we now need new national infrastructure bank offers a fraction of to put into practice the proposals in the further education the funding recommended by the National Infrastructure White Paper so as to provide young and local people Commission. with the skills and expertise to take advantage of these To conclude, the Government should cancel their exciting opportunities. We must move away from the plans to cut the pay of public sector workers and cancel low-wage economy that has been prevalent in East Anglia once and for all the cut to UC; reinvest in our public for too long. services, which have been damaged by years of austerity; The North sea transition deal that will be published and heed Labour’s call for a £30 billion green economic in the next few weeks must properly recognise the full recovery to create 400,000 secure jobs in clean industries potential in the southern North sea. A lot of work is to tackle the climate emergency. 745 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 746 Situation Situation 5.51 pm Mayors about the need to extend the furlough and Ben Everitt (Milton Keynes North) (Con): Who would business support schemes; they were roundly ignored want to be the Chancellor putting forward a Budget until London had covid spikes again. The Budget measures during a global pandemic? But this is where we are and demonstrate the Tories’ view of levelling up too— this is what has to be done. £1.6 billion allocated for maintaining the stamp duty freeze, and the introduction of a mortgage guarantee This Budget walks a tightrope: it stimulates businesses; scheme to the value of £600,000. That shows they are it provides certainty to markets and investors; it provides out of touch with reality. thefoundationsforrebootingoureconomywhilesupporting people, jobs, livelihoods and businesses as we look to When we have 3,000 people per year dying from fuel climb down the mountain of covid; and it puts in place poverty,levelling up should involve cutting VAT on energy- the opportunity to build back better. It is the Budget efficiency measures and direct Government investment where we levelled with the people, but we level up next. in them. As we transition to net zero, we must not create This will turbocharge our levelling up. further fuel poverty. The contracts for difference process has been successful in bringing down the cost of renewables, The first job, however, is to get through the pandemic. but the overall project costs go on our electricity bills. It A total of £407 billion has been put aside in support for is unsustainable for the costs of decarbonising our this year and next; that is equivalent to 19% of GDP. heating systems to go directly on to energy bills. When will Furlough has been extended again through until September, the Government address that? and it is to be hoped that that is it and that is all we need to save those jobs—11.2 million jobs secured. A further The 10-point plan itself is useless without policies to two self-employment grants have been brought in, bringing back it up. For example, a target of 600,000 heat pump total support of £33 billion, and there are 100% business installations per year is useless without a credible, funded rate holidays in retail, hospitality and leisure, worth programme. That needs to go hand in hand with energy £10 billion. This is a Budget that looks after jobs, but installation measures, starting with off-grid homes—a that also looks to the future. proper levelling-up opportunity that has been missed. I am particularly pleased with the £22.7 million of We need a pricing mechanism to be put in place to investment in Milton Keynes through the towns fund. allow pumped-storage hydro in Scotland, in order to That will kickstart the development of a new tech campus progress in rural areas that need economic stimulus. We at Milton Keynes College. It is a vote of confidence by must move quickly on carbon capture and storage this Government in the ambition and the skills of the schemes or we can forget the 2025 target. We need real next generation of pioneers who will take the ideas born investment in marine and tidal, reform of the CfD process in Milton Keynes and make them global. to create further green jobs and a hydrogen strategy that matches the lead of the Scottish Government—and we Councillors in Milton Keynes have put forward a really need to repurpose investment from the nuclear global MK idea, and I am right behind that; global MK folly. should be at the heart of global Britain with all these trade deals we are doing around the world. MK is home I welcome the Government’s plans to raise corporation to Bletchley—the codebreakers—and is home to robots tax, but they show that we have been fed lies that that deliver our groceries, and high-tech businesses with previous cuts in corporation tax increased revenue. About data and space technology. We can be the centre of the £50 billion has been lost in recent years that the Government recovery, and the inward investment we will get as a could now be using for reinvestment. Weneeded additional result of measures taken in this Budget will turbocharge investment, but worse, the Scottish Government’s capital that. budget was cut. That shows more than ever that Scotland needs the full powers of independence to implement its Only the United States ranks higher than the UK for own green recovery and level up. foreign direct investment. The UK is open for business and this Budget will make sure that we are the most competitive, nimble and attractive destination for business 5.57 pm in the world. This is a Budget that works for Britain and Christian Wakeford (Bury South) (Con): This year’s for Milton Keynes. Budget is like no other, not only coming at the height of a global economic crash brought on by covid but setting 5.54 pm the terms of our recovery as we embark on the road Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (SNP) [V]: map to freedom. This is all made possible by the amazing The idea that the Tories can level up broken Britain just vaccine roll-out programme, which so far has delivered defies logic. They have been the party of government over 22 million vaccines across the UK. for two thirds of the past century, they have been in The Budget delivered many of the changes that I have power since 2010, and it was them who brought in been lobbying for on behalf of the residents of Radcliffe, austerity aligned with tax cuts for the richest. The PPE Whitefield and Prestwich. The cancellation of the planned contracts awarded to friends and cronies say it all: the increases in both alcohol and fuel duty means that an Tories create inequality. average driver in Bury will save £1,600 against Labour’s The Tories’ concept of levelling up is that Westminster fuel duty escalator. For the brewing and distilling sectors, knows best, as demonstrated by the UK shared prosperity the freeze on alcohol duty is also very welcome news, fund, which bypasses Scottish devolution. We know as it is for those who, like me, are looking forward to that the stronger towns fund was manipulated for political visiting pubs such as the Sparking Clog when they reopen gain, so why will this agenda be any different? Even the shortly. handling of the furlough scheme and support measures For homebuyers in Bury, there was the heartening showed the opposite of levelling up, with the refusal to announcement that the stamp duty holiday will be listen to the devolved Administrations and regional extended by a further three months to ensure that those 747 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 748 Situation Situation who are in the process of buying will get the benefit of Let me quickly talk about the damage that is being the reduction. Young people trying to get on the property done to families. Unemployment in Newham has increased ladderwillbefreedfromGenerationRent,withGovernment- 240% since the start of the pandemic. There are an backed 95% mortgages to ensure that everyone can have estimated 19,500 people furloughed in West Ham alone. the security of owning their own home. I am afraid that huge numbers of those excluded from For businesses in Whitefield, Prestwich and Radcliffe, support over the past year are still going to be left help continues; the business rates holiday has been without the income they deserve. The Government seem extended to the end of June, with a reduced payment for determined to cut vital social security support in October the remainder of the financial year, while the VAT in one of the most expensive cities in the world just reduction holiday for hospitality and tourism businesses when many more constituents may be forced into has also been extended, until October. We are helping unemployment and as furlough and other support schemes businesses build back as they reopen following lockdown end. It is unreasonable, it is unfair. by offering business restart grants to allow them to hit This pandemic has not gone away, yet the Budget has the ground running. not fixed statutory sick pay. We cannot ensure that no It would be remiss of me to talk about investing in one will lose out from doing the right thing and self-isolating businesses without talking about the super deduction. when sick. Instead of fixing it, sick pay is going to be For many people, super deduction sounds like something cut in real terms from next month. We need to ensure out of a sci-fi movie, but it is really not just a huge tax our economic recovery can take place as safely, as fairly cut, but a tax stimulus to invest in our own economy, and as quickly as possible, but I just do not think this our own research and development, our own learning Budget is going to do that for the people Newham—and and our own people. It is truly to be recommended. I don’t think it was intended to. The Chancellor announced that the levelling up fund 6.3 pm is now open for applications for all areas of the UK. Over the next few weeks and months that will be my Nickie Aiken (Cities of London and Westminster) focus, working with Bury Council to put in the best bid (Con) [V]: There is so much to welcome in this Budget possible to regenerate our town centres and high streets, that will benefit the businesses and individuals across such as Radcliffe and Prestwich. Securing that funding the Cities of London and Westminster: the extension of will be central to my ambition to improve our towns, so the furlough until the end of September; a host of restart that we can have an even better place to live, work and grants worth an extra £5 billion and the new recovery go to school, even more so on the back of delivering the loans to replace our existing loan scheme; £700 million new high school for Radcliffe, which we secured just a for arts, culture and sports to reopen safely; a further few weeks’ ago. 600,000 self-employed people eligible for covid-related financial support; the extension of the 5% VAT cut for I conclude by saying that this Budget will ensure that the hospitality industry for a further six months; and we can recover from coronavirus by delivering for jobs, the extension of the 100% business rates holiday for a apprentices, business and homebuyers, and will help further three months until June. I would like to take this boost world-leading investment programmes. In driving opportunity also to congratulate the Corporation of forward these spending plans, we can really build back London on announcing its own £50 million covid business better for a stronger Bury. recovery fund, which will be made available to City-based small and independent businesses in certain sectors to 6 pm support a return to work. Ms Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab) [V]: I have only got Central London is likely to see a very slow recovery three minutes, so I have ditched most of my speech. I that takes several years to reach pre-pandemic levels. Its am going to talk about how this Budget frankly ain’t economy depends on workers and international visitors, going to work for the children or people of West Ham. both of whom will be slow to be return to the capital. I Newham Council surveyed schools a month ago and hope the Government will consider launching a marketing found that 5,000 Newham children still do not have a campaign to encourage workers to return to their offices laptop and around 2,000 are still without broadband. in the spring. From the conversations I have had with The Government have got through a whole year without local employers, it seems that most do not expect to see delivering the basic resources needed by the children in their staff back until the autumn. This could be difficult Newham in this pandemic. Lack of access is a consequence for the hospitality and retail sectors as they begin to pay of poverty and inequality, and it has increased terribly rates and rent from July. We also need a robust transport over the past 10 years. In Newham, more than half our system that commuters are confident to use again, and I children are living in poverty. hope the Mayor of London will work constructively Most children lost 5% of their normal lifetime in with the Government to ensure that this is the case. school during the pandemic and they could not learn IwholeheartedlywelcometheChancellor’sannouncement properly without digital resources. We need to recognise to amend UK listing rules, making the UK a more that inequality is not going away simply because schools attractivelocationforinitialpublicofferingsandintroducing have reopened. These children still need IT and access improvements to tech visas to attract global talent and to broadband just to ensure a more level playing field boost the fintech workforce. Both of those were for the rest of their education. In Newham, our schools recommendations from the Kalifa review on the FinTech do an amazing job seeking to ensure that all our children sector, which is worth £110 billion to the UK economy achieve their potential, but these children and teachers and is set to grow to £380 billion by 2030. We currently must have the resources they need to repair the damage have 10% global market share, and with Government of inequality and this pandemic. There must surely be a support we can build our technology talent. Covid has true guarantee, finally, that every young person who needs been a game changer for FinTech. Six million people— digital access to their education will actually get it. 10% of the population—downloaded a banking app for 749 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 750 Situation Situation [Nickie Aiken] First, local government went into the covid crisis having had the biggest cuts of any part of the public the first time last April, the first month of lockdown. We sector since 2010. Some of the costs of covid and some have seen digital transactions and interactions for both of the loss of income have been covered by the Government, business and individuals grow hugely. I hope we will see but local government went in with a £5 billion shortfall, more of Kalifa’s recommendations introduced, including and £2.6 billion of those extra costs and lost income acentreforfinance,innovationandtechnologytostrengthen have not been covered, so the crisis in funding for local our national FinTech co-ordination. government is all the greater. Croydon has put in a I thank the Chancellor for a long list of progressive section 114 notice post covid, four other councils have and sensible policies announced in this investment recovery had to have capitalisation plans accepted and we know Budget, making the UK the best place in the world for that many others are on a financial lifeline. In the high-growth, innovative companies bringing strong job Budget, there was no mention of extra funding for local growth across the country. government, no mention of financial reform and no mention of reform to the business rates system, which 6.6 pm has been promised over and over again. Grahame Morris (Easington) (Lab) [V]: I am grateful The Chancellor could not even get the words “social to be called in this debate. care” out of his mouth when he spoke to the House I fear that the investment-led recovery and the levelling-up about the Budget. There was no mention of social care agenda referred to by the hon. Member for Cities of at all, but we know that reform to social care funding is London and Westminster (Nickie Aiken) is set to fall at key to the whole reform of local authority funding. the first hurdle. The Minister will no doubt be aware of Indeed, two Select Committees—the Health and Social the plans by the notorious venture capitalists Melrose Care Committee and the Housing, Communities and Industries to close the GKN Automotive factory in Local Government Committee—did a joint report three Birmingham. Indeed, hon. Members may remember years ago and gave the Chancellor an oven-ready scheme, the controversy that surrounded the hostile takeover of to coin a phrase, which would have reformed social care GKN by Melrose in 2018. Serious concerns were raised funding with a social care premium. We are still waiting at the time by Unite the union and hon. and right hon. for a response to that report three years later. Members in this House about the implications of that There was no mention of the public health grant, takeover for national security and for the future of the despite the incredible work that public health inspectors GKN brand. In an attempt to allay these fears, Melrose and directors have done during the covid crisis. If only promised to rebuild GKN into a British manufacturing they had had a fraction of the money that has gone to powerhouse. It was a horrible promise. Five hundred the private contractors doing track and trace, I think we highly skilled workers at the Chester Road site are now would all be in a much better position today. And, of facing the sack. course, what is the reward for all those people who have The news of the planned closure has come as a shock worked so hard in local government services—the social to the workforce and to their union, which until recently care workers, the public health workers, the environmental had been in discussions with management about boosting health workers and people like the refuse collectors who investment into the site. Melrose maintains that the have kept our important regular services going during plant is unviable owing to the transition to vehicle this crisis? What is their reward? A pay freeze. That is electrification. Unite the union disputes this and is what their reward is. It is completely unacceptable that developing a rescue plan that will secure a bright future these hard-working people should be asked to bear a for the site. I want to place on record my concern that disproportionate share of trying to get the budget deficit Melrose’s chief executive officer, Simon Peckham, misled back under control. MPs on the BEIS Committee last month about the kind If we are going to build back better, then of course of work that takes place on-site. With the Government we need more social housing. The Select Committee did bringing forward their ban on the sale of new petrol a report saying that to get to 300,000 homes in this and diesel cars from 2040 to 2030, the shift to battery country, 90,000 need to be in the social housing sector, electric vehicle production is more urgent than ever, but built by councils and housing associations. There was it is vital that that transition to electric vehicles is not a penny in the Budget to enable that programme to investment-led and sustainable. be got under way, and we estimated that it would cost GKN can trace its origins back to the birth of the about £10 billion a year. industrial revolution. It has more than 250 years of What we are seeing, unfortunately, is that for all these history.The Government owe it to British manufacturing important public services and important public servants, and to this prestigious company, one of the largest UK the pre-covid austerity has now been translated into—guess industrial companies, to defend its future as we make a what?—post-covid austerity,which is something we should shift from the internal combustion engine to electric all oppose. vehicles. I urge the Government to join Unite the union in urging Melrose to examine alternatives to the closure 6.12 pm of the GKN automotive plant, and to prevent Melrose from asset-stripping and then disposing of this important Charlotte Nichols (Warrington North) (Lab): The British company. past decade has seen successive Conservative Governments fail every economic task they have set themselves. The 6.9 pm Cameron Government came in, in 2010, claiming that Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab) [V]: There our economy was under threat. They promptly lost our are a lot of things missing from this Budget that I could triple A rating, and have never got it back. They said we comment on, but I will try to highlight some of the really should have fixed the roof while the sun shone, and then important ones. underfunded our public services to already dangerous 751 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 752 Situation Situation levels when the pandemic struck. They said they would fuel duty. The latter is particularly important as we lack address the deficit and the debt, and we are now forecast public transport in Newcastle-under-Lyme; that is a very to borrow £355 billion this year, with a debt of over welcome thing for a town. 100% of GDP. This simply cannot be due to covid I want to talk about towns because there has been a because they rejected the circumstances of the last lot of talk about them recently and I feel that the Labour Government spending to rescue us from a global Labour party has missed the boat on towns. I wish to recession. They said they wanted to make a bonfire of quote at some length: red tape, but they have made trade ever-more difficult “For far too long the ambitions, needs and values of nine for our businesses not just across the channel, but even million people in towns across Britain have not been heard. over the Irish sea, and this low-tax Conservative Chancellor Our economic model treats cities as engines of growth, which has raised taxes back to 1960s levels. at best drag surrounding towns along in their wake, causing life to What have all these failures meant for this Budget? become harder, less secure and less hopeful for too many people There are several sector-specific elements that I want to in towns in recent decades. mention and a longer-term systemic issue. We have not Our political system is blind to the values and experiences of yet seen the consequences of the neglect of the pub people who live in our towns, wrongly treating cities as a proxy for the national opinion. industry, but when we are free to a socialise again, we After the EU Referendum starkly exposed the growing gulf will mourn the carcases of what were once thriving between towns and cities, it is clear that this is no longer sustainable.” businesses that were given expensive obligations and unscientific restrictions and had their custom eliminated. Those are brilliant words. They are the words of the The industry welcomes the grants that are available, but shadow Foreign Secretary, the hon. Member for Wigan they will not be enough to save many pubs, especially (Lisa Nandy), when she launched the Centre For Towns because they will not be able to open to full trade indoors in December 2017. I have read all that it had to say. It is for some time. I welcome financial support for rugby a centre-left think tank, but I agree with an awful lot of league and urge Ministers to continue to talk to the what it said. I am really proud that the previous Government sport’s authorities to ensure the success of the world took that agenda into the general election and started cup, women’s world cup and physical disability rugby thinking about how we can deliver for left-behind towns— league world cup in Warrington this year. communities such as Newcastle-under-Lyme and others in north Staffordshire. Offering our NHS and social care staff a below-inflation Locally we have seen so much investment. We have pay deal is an insult, but it is revealing of a hostility this had £11 million already through the future high streets Government have to the frontline heroes who have sacrificed fund, and we have a £25 million towns fund bid in with and led us through this ghastly year. The Conservatives’ the Ministry at the moment. I congratulate my hon. talk of thanks is now the definition of empty claptrap. Friend and neighbour the Member for Stoke-on-Trent The continued neglect of a comprehensive social care North (Jonathan Gullis) on the £16.9 million success of system guarantees our inequalities and vulnerabilities Kidsgrove’s town deal bid, which will have knock-on for years to come, with the proposed cuts to Transport effects for those living in the north of my constituency. I for the North guaranteeing that regional inequality will am pleased that even after all his largesse the Chancellor be entrenched. found that Newcastle-under-Lyme could also be a priority At a systemic level, and as a member of the Select area for the UK community renewal fund, which will Committee on Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy enable us to bid for a further £3 million, supporting Committee, I am alarmed that the Chancellor has scrapped skills, local businesses, communities and place—that is the Industrial Strategy Council without even consulting so important—and supporting people into employment. us. We require an industrial strategy now more than So I make no apology for what the Chancellor has done ever to rebuild our economy and take advantage of the for the towns agenda. It is an agenda that has been green industrial revolution that we need, including new neglected for far too long. The Labour party recognised nuclear. That is a truly retrograde step and disturbing that, through the hon. Member for Wigan, a few years short-sightedness when we desperately need an ambitious ago. It is a shame it did not act on it, and that is why and broader plan. what happened in the 2019 election happened.

6.18 pm 6.15 pm Emma Hardy (Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle) Aaron Bell (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Con): It is a (Lab) [V]: We have had the worst economic hit of any pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Warrington major economy and it is easy to see why. On 2 March North (Charlotte Nichols). It seems like only yesterday 2020, the first death from covid—the death of a woman that she and I went on a tour with the Doorkeepers when living in a care home—was recorded in the UK. On the we first arrived here. same day, the Prime Minister finally attended a Cobra It is a brilliant Budget by the Chancellor, but I know meeting, having skipped the first five. On 3 March 2020, that my constituents will want to know exactly what’s in the Prime Minister boasted about visiting a hospital it for them, so let’s get quickly to the point there: and shaking hands with every covid patient. By contrast, furlough has been extended—it has supported more on that day, the New Zealand Prime Minister brought than 10,000 people in Newcastle-under-Lyme; the self- in tough restrictions on inbound flights and told people employed will have more grants and the net has been not to go around shaking hands. On 10 March, the cast wider; there is a universal credit extension for a Cheltenham festival went ahead, with 250,000 people further six months and equivalent support of £500 for attending. One month later, 1,122 people had died working tax credits; there are business restart grants from covid. These are not the actions of a Government and recovery loans; and, importantly for a red wall doing everything they can; they are the actions of a town such as mine, there are freezes to alcohol duty and Government slow to act, who allowed a crisis to become 753 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 754 Situation Situation [Emma Hardy] more than ever before, what we needed from the Budget was a long-term plan. The Secretary of State for Education a catastrophe, not just for health but for our economy. keeps looking at Germany and saying that we will have The price paid by people in Hull West and Hessle has a skills environment that could match Germany, but in been high, partly caused by the repeated lockdowns and Germany not only do they have an engrained industrial an inability to keep the virus under control: businesses strategy that all of the Government work collectively struggling,peopleexcludedfromsupportandunemployment on— they also have individual Government Departments rising. that work collectively together. Here, we have a skills We needed a Budget to match the difficulties we are approach that pays no attention to the economy or the facing and we have been badly let down. Freezing of the industrial approach that the Treasury is taking and a personal allowance against inflation is a stealth tax confused picture for employers as to what is expected increase that will hit workers on the lowest incomes the from them. We have a kickstart scheme that only 2,000 hardest. The increase in statutory sick pay by 50p is people have got jobs from, when we were promised pathetic and shows that the Government have learned 100,000. We have had a refusal to adopt the apprentice nothing from last year. If we want people to self-isolate wage subsidy that the Labour party called for, which to bring down the number of cases, we must make it would have made a massive difference. We have an affordable for them to do so. apprenticeship levy that is sending £330 million back This Budget just forces poorer councils such as Hull every year. It is no wonder that the Government are to increase local tax. That is a trick that Conservative painting such a gloomy economic picture. Governments have repeated time and again. Hull has the third lowest average council tax income in the country: 6.24 pm 67% of housing stock is in band A and only 4% in band Chris Stephens (Glasgow South West) (SNP) [V]: The D. Compare that with neighbouring East Riding, which key challenge the Government have is to use public has 26% in band A and 15% in band D. That means that money to help rebuild the economy. I want to use my a 1% rise in council tax would provide double the time to discuss public sector pay, and in particular pay amount to East Riding as to Hull. So people with lower for civil servants. incomes are facing higher taxes to fund the services they need. That is not levelling up; that is failing families. The civil service has risen to the challenge, whether that is employees in Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs You can see why I become angry when I read of those who have processed furlough payments to ensure that with links to the Conservatives having won £2 billion of money goes into workers’ pockets, or those in the Government contracts. But I should not be surprised Department for Work and Pensions who have processed because, even when the NHS saves the Prime Minister’s millions of universal credit claims to ensure that the life, its staff are only rewarded with a 1% pay increase. vulnerable and those who need help the most get it. It is We need a fairer system, not a Budget that hits struggling frankly baffling, therefore, that the Chancellor intends families the hardest. As it stands right now this is not a a pay freeze in this Budget. This means that the Cabinet Budget that I can support. Office advice is for a 0% pay remit that will contain for the first time ever no additional funding to support the 6.21 pm lowest paid. The House should be aware that 19 MPs Mr Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab) [V]: It would be from six political parties, representing constituencies impossible not to recognise that the Chancellor, as he across the whole United Kingdom, wrote to the Chancellor sat down to consider what was in his Budget, would twice asking him to reconsider. It beggars belief that he have had the start of some very grey hairs in that has not responded to either of those letters. carefully coiffured mop of his. It would be understood Yesterday was International Women’s Day—a chance that the reason he was nervous doing that Budget was to highlight the lack of pay coherence across the civil that he knew not only that he had presided over the service, which creates huge inequality. The average pay worst recession of any major country, but that it had for women in the civil service in 2020 was £28,650, coincided with the period when we had entered the whereas for men it was £30,880. That gap increases worst death rate of any major nation. He also knew that with part-time work, with women working part time at he was the Chancellor of a party that, after a previous higher rates in all age bands. Delegated bargaining global incident—the global banking crisis of 2008—blamed has been a disaster. It is wholly unacceptable that the Government for not cutting at a time of economic workers doing the same job at broadly the same grade crisis,which everyone recognised to be entirely economically suffer huge disparities in pay. The delegated system is illiterate. So he was going to have to ignore the advice costly, time-consuming and inefficient. It is simply that his own party had been providing. unacceptable that there are 200 separate pay negotiations The hon. Member for Cities of London and Westminster across UK Government Departments; that is a ludicrous (Nickie Aiken), a few moments ago—maybe accidentally situation. —hit upon the point. She said that our economy would There is a clear economic illiteracy to a public sector take many years possibly to recover to its previous pay freeze. Public sector workers and civil servants position. Then she highlighted and welcomed a series of spend their wages in the private sector economy. They measures that were just a few months long. What we do not hide their wages in a shoebox under the bed. needed from the Budget was a long-term plan—a sense They spend that money in the retail sector, the hospitality that the country had a plan for how we were going to sector and the like. Civil servants should be given a make our economy work in future. proper reward, and we should end the pay disparities The right hon. Members for Tunbridge Wells (Greg and reduce the number of pay negotiations. Public Clark) and for Maidenhead (Mrs May) spoke powerfully sector workers deserve better than this Budget from this about the apparent end of the industrial strategy, because Chancellor. 755 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 756 Situation Situation 6.27 pm the pandemic. None of the measures that the Chancellor Apsana Begum (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab) [V]: announced last week seeks to remedy the inherent injustice Before the pandemic, a decade of austerity left far too in our economy. many trapped in low-paid, insecure work, consistently There are many in this House who believe that charity failed by the social security system. The brutality of this begins at home—none more so than the Prime Minister, failing economic regime has been further exposed who wants to establish a charitable fund for his own throughout the coronavirus pandemic, with at least home decoration. A freedom of information request 3 million people being left without economic support. shows that £2.6 million has been spent in the past year The post-covid economic recovery needs to be built refurbishing Downing Street to include a new media upon equitable distribution of income and wealth and centre. That has drawn anger from a famous Jeremy—not new jobs. But beyond the rhetoric of levelling up, a the right hon. Member for Islington North (Jeremy redistributive economic vision that can deliver the future Corbyn), but that well-known socialist Jeremy Clarkson. that people across the UK deserve was wholly missing We have all been working from home this year, but it from the Budget. is reasonable to ask why, if the Prime Minister can draw Despite finally listening to trade unions and campaigners from the public funds to improve his place of work, has with regard to the furlough scheme, there was not there been no public grant system to ease the pressures nearly enough to secure a recovery that puts people in a of working from home for my constituents in Newport better position than when they entered the pandemic, West and millions of others around the UK? I am sure never mind laying the foundations for the economy to many others around the country share my frustration meet the challenges of the future, including tackling that that is where the Prime Minister’s focus has been in climate change and mass unemployment. Yes, the main the past 12 months, instead of on saving lives and rate of corporation tax will increase from the present spending public funds wisely. There has been no public 19% to 25%, but not until 2023. At the same time, the fund to allow people to make reasonable adjustments to rich and big business are being treated to mouth-watering their homes to make them safe, and no help to provide tax giveaways and reliefs, despite unclear evidence about equipment that could have kept workers safe at home, whether that will actually create the investment needed. rather than commuting to the office, but a scheme has Beyond the limited extensions of job and business been announced that will see businesses paid by the support schemes, there is very little about providing Government to buy swimming pools and jacuzzis. support for public services and public investment and a The Government intend to increase the tax liabilities lasting boost to welfare for those hit hardest by the of ordinary working people before they ask the same of crisis. Not only was this Budget a missed opportunity businesses. With the Government’s super deduction, for a care-led green recovery that creates decent, well-paid, they are in fact cutting taxes for businesses with no unionised jobs and addresses our care crisis. It will create safeguards to ensure that corporation tax is still paid, widespread inequality and precarity. It actually laid out but the state-sponsored saunas will be developed. Rather significant cuts to public spending. than austerity for Amazon, it is welfare for Walmart. The lockdowns and an inadequate social security The real budget cuts are in the homes of our constituents. system have caused widespread financial hardship, The Government can always guarantee contracts for unemployment and debt, and yet the Budget fell far Conservative party donors, but they refuse to guarantee short in tackling poverty, low pay and the deepening support to thousands of self-employed contractors around divisions in our society. It risks plunging more people the country. For a Government who purport to be run into poverty and forcing them to queue outside food by the party of businesses, they have left many small banks. The £20-per-week top-up of universal credit, and independent businesses to fight for themselves. For which was introduced at the start of the pandemic, will millions around this country, the Budget guarantees be temporarily retained and will help some 6.5 million that it is not a fair fight at all. It is most definitely not families, but only until September. At the same time, about levelling up; rather, it is a divide-and-rule Budget. there is no increase in the statutory sick pay of £95.85 per week. Despite the ongoing performed gratitude 6.33 pm towards those working on the frontline, the Government Liz Twist (Blaydon) (Lab) [V]: I want to use my three did not end the wage freeze for public sector workers. minutes to touch briefly on the aspects of the Budget That is an absolute insult. that most directly affect many of my constituents. First, In the long run, we need an inclusive, intersectional I want to speak about all those constituents who have recovery to rebuild our economy and recover from the been excluded from help throughout the coronavirus pandemic and entrenched inequality.I am sick of looking pandemic—people who, through no fault of their own, around me and seeing the hard work and creativity of have found themselves without income, work and the my local people often go unrewarded. means to keep their homes and businesses together. I want to speak particularly about those people who do 6.30 pm not qualify for the various business support schemes or Ruth Jones (Newport West) (Lab): I have listened the self-employed schemes—the hairdressers, the beauty with great interest to the many contributions to the salons, the home-based businesses such as driving debate so far, but it is clear to me that the economy is instructors,and those working in the arts and entertainment still fundamentally unfair, and that is made worse by a industries whose work has completely fallen away. I Government intent on giving favours to their friends, know how desperate those people are. They are making not providing fairness to those we have all relied on their voices heard, and so they should. It was heartbreaking during the past 12 months. The Government are working for them to hear nothing in this Budget to help them. hard for crony billionaires, but hardly working at all for They are an essential part of our local and national those who have healed our sick and kept us safe during economy and need help. Too many of them have found 757 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 758 Situation Situation [Liz Twist] uncertainty and long-term covid restrictions have had a significant impact in Bradford. While I state the hard out how hard it is to obtain universal credit and just facts about the challenges that Bradford is facing, I am how low the level of support is. I ask the Chancellor not here to complain but to make the argument to the again to help these people, even now. Government that, together, we can change this. To take I want to talk about poverty among children and a line from the recent Bradford Council economic recovery their families in my constituency.This issue is of particular plan, we do not want to go back to normal, because concern in the north-east, where, according to the North normal was not ever good enough. That is why I ask the East Child Poverty Commission, we were seeing the Minister to meet me and hear the case that Bradford sharpest increase in child poverty even before the pandemic. has to make. The pandemic has only worsened what was an already Bradford was at the heart of the industrial revolution unacceptable situation. I have spoken about this many and is now at the heart of the northern powerhouse. We times. Although I am happy to see the £20 uplift to have one of the youngest populations not just in the universal credit being extended for the coming six months, UK, but in Europe. We have been ranked as the second this is not enough by any means, when more than half most entrepreneurial city in Britain, and the University of the children living in poverty in the north-east are of Bradford was recently ranked, in a new study, No. 1 living in a home with at least one working adult. This is for impact on social mobility. Bradford is aiming to not a pandemic-only problem, and, despite what the become the UK’s leading growth city. I am really grateful Chancellor might want people to think, it is not a problem for the £50 million that we have already got from central of worklessness either. Rather, it is an issue of insecure Government for air quality. That contributes to the work and regional inequality of opportunity. wider ambition, but this is about more than net zero. It These problems will not go away in September, no is about incorporating sustainable development goals, matter how much the Chancellor may wish it so. For one of which is our ambition to be the city of culture in any talk about levelling up to be more than just talk, the 2025. Government must commit to tackling the underlying Bradford can be the catalyst, not just for unlocking causes of child poverty in this country. We know that the potential of the northern powerhouse, but for defining growing up in poverty can have lifelong consequences what levelling up can be. Bradford has an ambitious for children. Much more needs to be done to protect plan to provide people with the skills and jobs to children and their future. transform Bradford into the fastest growing economy. Finally, and briefly, I want to talk about the things We are aiming to become the UK’s leading growth city. that were left out. We face a huge climate change issue. Now is not the time for the red wall politics; now is the We know this—we have declared a climate emergency. time to boost Britain and cities such as Bradford. Let us It is really disappointing to see no real significant measures work together to level up Britain, and not just our friends. to address that. Then there is social care. We all know there is a problem and that we need to improve the 6.39 pm quality and availability of social care. The people doing Mike Amesbury (Weaver Vale) (Lab): Not a day goes it do a great job and we should pay them for it. by without the utterance of the phrase “levelling up”, whether it be here in the Chamber, in Committee Rooms 6.36 pm or in virtual conference after conference. In the Prime Naz Shah (Bradford West) (Lab) [V]: The covid-19 Minister’s first speech some two years ago, he referred pandemic was unprecedented and it is true that none of to “forgotten people” in “left-behind towns”. The very us could have predicted what was going to happen, but same Prime Minister has been part of a Tory Government the reality is that some areas of the country were merely who have inflicted the most horrendous ideologically surviving even before the pandemic. For those areas, the driven cuts for our public services and our most vulnerable consequences have been more severe. citizens over the past decade. Work by the Office for National Statistics shows that It now becomes apparent that when the Prime Minister those living in the most deprived neighbourhoods have talked about left-behind towns and forgotten people been more than twice as likely to die from covid as those struggling to make ends meet, he was not talking about in the least deprived. We know that data on infections those who live in Halton Lea or the Windmill Hill area shows the same picture. Therefore, if we come out of of Runcorn in my constituency. Is he talking about the this pandemic without truly levelling up and supporting affluent citizens of Richmond, which the Chancellor the most deprived neighbourhoods, what we are really just so happens to represent? Or is he talking about doing is putting those communities at further risk of Newark, where the constituency of the Secretary of deaths with future waves. State for Housing, Communities and Local Government I am a Labour Member of Parliament, but I am here is located? Both are placed in the highest priority category to represent my entire constituency of Bradford West, for levelling-up funding. Both are among the 40 out of and, although party politics matter, nothing is more 45 areas that just so happen to have Conservative MPs. important than protecting our communities and our Let us do a quick comparison between Richmondshire nation. When the risk is so severe, I say to the Government and Halton. Halton is the 39th most deprived area in that this is not the time to be handing out contracts to the UK, out of a total of 384. Richmondshire is 251st. their friends and funding towns based on party lines. The percentage of children living in low income families Let us stop playing party politics and start supporting in Richmondshire was 11% in 2018-19. In Halton, it the poorest in society, who have already suffered enough. was more than double that. Unemployment is another The current unemployment rate in my constituency is comparison we could make. We could look at the 12.2%, which is ranked eighth highest in the entire proportion of the local population claiming universal country.Alongside years of austerity,job losses, economic credit. In Richmondshire, it is 2.9%. In Halton, it is 759 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 760 Situation Situation nearly 7% and rising. A baby girl born in Richmondshire our region, but how will it help with the much-needed can expect to live three years longer than one born in task of delivering an investment-led recovery? How will Halton. A baby boy can expect to live four and a half it drive wider private sector growth? How will it rebalance years longer, simply because of their postcode. our economy as we emerge from this crisis? Of course, there is one final difference between our Madam Deputy Speaker, like me, you will have now two areas. Richmond has a Conservative MP. Halton listened to many Budget speeches from many different has two Labour MPs and a Labour council. Chancellors, and we all know the structure of these things. We sit here expectantly, wondering what the 6.43 pm centrepiece will be, wondering what the final flourish will be, waiting for the moment when the Chancellor Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South) makes it clear what he thinks is the biggest announcement (Lab): Last week’s Budget should have been the moment of the day. Some of us were hoping that perhaps, at when our country was put back on the path to growth. long last, the Chancellor would grasp the enormous It was an opportunity to put in place the building challenge of social care, which touches on so many lives blocks of a recovery that benefits every part of our up and down the country, but, no, once again it was country. It was the chance to give people hope that, passed over in silence. The Chancellor could not even despite the challenges we faced over this last year, a bring himself to say the words, and in so doing he better future lies ahead—a future in which all parts of ignored the economic as well as the moral case for the country share in our prosperity, where our economy social care reform, as was so eloquently set out this is resilient so that everyone, no matter where they are afternoon by my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester and no matter where they live, can expect a good job, a West (Liz Kendall). reliable wage and a roof over their head. That sense of disappointment was compounded when We have heard from a great number of Members this the Chancellor revealed that he has not had a new big afternoon and this evening—sadly too many for me to idea in five years, and that he still believes that freeports mention them all individually, and I hope they will will solve all our problems.I know that this is a hobby-horse forgive me— but the contributions from those on these of his; it has been for a while. In 2016, he claimed that Benches made it clear that we needed a Budget that not they would deliver 80,000 new jobs in the UK. Those of only addressed the devastating impact of the pandemic, us who have followed closely his approach to the pandemic but tackled the burning injustices that have built up have been unsurprised to learn of the rather simplistic over the past decade under successive Conservative economic modelling underpinning these claims, simply Governments. taking the total number of existing jobs in free zones in The sad reality is that the Budget does not even come the US and scaling it down for our smaller population close to resolving the problems our country faced going and for our smaller labour force. into the pandemic. There is no plan for jobs, no plan to rebuild our economy and no industrial strategy. Indeed, The truth is that there is little evidence that freeports as my right hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster create new jobs. Instead, they simply risk moving them North (Edward Miliband) observed, we have a Secretary around, with the additional risk that deprivation is of State for industrial strategy who does not even intensified in the areas just beyond the immediate vicinity believe in industrial strategy. That does not bode well of the freeport. They do not make companies more for our recovery as we come out of the pandemic. productive. They do not increase demand for the goods in the wider economy or increase the tax take for the The Chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Treasury. On the contrary, we know that there are real Strategy Committee, my hon. Friend the Member for concerns about tax evasion and the risk of smuggling Bristol North West (Darren Jones), was right to emphasise associated with freeports. With Her Majesty’s Revenue that we need to see a focus on growth as part of a and Customs left increasingly overstretched over the transition to net zero. We should have seen that joined-up past 10 years, I fear that our country is not well-placed approach to support growth in every part of our country, to manage these new risks. with decisions based on genuine need, not narrow, partisan advantage. We can only build a strong economy if we secure the It is not even the simple cynicism of saying, “Vote recovery, and that means action now to secure jobs and Tory, see local investment.” It is starting to feel a lot to support job creation in the future, and it means clear like, “Vote Tory, see your money go to richer areas.” Let steps to help businesses through the worst of this crisis. us take the levelling-up fund, which pits regions and It means ambitious measures that would help build a nations against each other for vital funding. We want to greener, fairer and more dynamic economy, and on see proper funding for every region, but it is crucial that every one of these measures, the Budget falls short. it is done transparently, fairly and with a say for local For the half a million unemployed young people who communities, and this fund fails on all those counts. desperately need hope for a better tomorrow, there is In the powerful contributions of my hon. Friend the still nothing on offer but the Chancellor’s kickstart Member for Barnsley East (Stephanie Peacock) and my scheme, which has only created enough opportunities right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull for just one in 49 eligible young people. Likewise, his North (Dame Diana Johnson), they exposed the reality much vaunted restart scheme has not even begun and of this. Although a new economic campus for the will not begin to meet demand until March 2022, months Treasury in Darlington will bring 750 jobs, we should after unemployment is estimated to peak at 2.2 million. be clear that almost 7,000 civil service jobs have been It beggars belief that, in the grips of the worst economic lost in the north-east alone since 2010. Madam Deputy crisis for a generation where our economy has taken the Speaker, you will not be surprised to hear that, as a biggest hit of any major economy, this is the best that north-east MP, I will always welcome jobs coming to the Government can muster. 761 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 762 Situation Situation [Bridget Phillipson] The Budget announced an additional £65 billion of measures over this year and next to support the economy But it is worse than that. At the point at which the in response to coronavirus. Taking into account the furlough scheme is due to end and joblessness peaks, support in last November’s spending review, that figure what do the Government plan to do? They plan to cut for this year and next is £352 billion. Add in measures social security at a time when families will need it the from the spring Budget last year and the figure rises to most, sucking demand out of our economy in the £407 billion. In other words, a comprehensive and sustained process. We can only support job creation if we ensure economic shock has been met with a comprehensive that businesses remain viable now and into the future. and sustained response. That means helping as many as possible survive through In fact, thanks to the actions of my right hon. Friend these incredibly challenging circumstances in which they the Chancellor, the Office for Budget Responsibility find themselves, not looking on while many good businesses now expects the UK economy to recover to its pre-crisis teeter on the edge, unable to deal with the mountain of level six months earlier than originally expected. That debt that they have built up over the past year. means the second rather than the fourth quarter of 2022. The incredible work of our NHS staff and volunteers Unemployment, meanwhile, is expected to peak at around gives us all hope that soon we will see a semblance of 6.5% instead of the nearly 12% that was feared last normality return, which is why businesses are so frustrated. summer. As the Resolution Foundation has observed, They feel that the Government are simply not listening this would be by far the lowest unemployment peak in to the immediate pressures they face. While of course any recent recession, despite this being the deepest Labour wants to see business investing and driving job downturn for 300 years. creation, we also want to see Government playing their The Budget maintains a number of essential further full and proper role. That means providing much-needed support measures, including the furlough scheme, which investment to support our recovery and bringing forward has been extended until the end of September, and £30 billion of capital spending, not cutting capital support for the self-employed, which will also continue spending by £500 million in the next financial year and until September. Indeed, anyone who had filled in a tax cutting the green homes grant by £1 billion. return before last Wednesday will now be able to claim The pattern is clear: on every measure, the Government the fourth and fifth grants that have been made available have fallen short, with no coherent strategy to rebuild for the self-employed, supporting more than 600,000 and rebalance our economy. Indeed, the only obvious people on top of those already helped. factor linking these policies is a complete lack of ambition, The Budget also maintains the universal credit uplift other than to take us back to the failed policies of the of £20 a week for a further six months, provides working lastdecade—thesameapproachthatweakenedthefoundations tax credit claimants with equivalent support over the of our economy and left us so exposed when the virus same timeframe and reaffirms our commitment to increase hit. We simply cannot afford another lost decade. the national living wage to £8.91 from April. Weannounced Our country should take a different path: a future in a restart grant from April to help businesses to reopen which Government forge a new partnership with businesses and get going again and a new recovery loan scheme to and trade unions to get Britain back to work and replace our earlier bounce back loans and coronavirus support the creation of good, secure, clean jobs; a interruption loans. We will continue to deliver a package future in which Government take a strategic and fair that is unprecedented in its scope and scale and which approach to ensuring opportunity and prosperity in reflects the wider strategy for cautiously reopening the every region and nation of the UK; a future in which economy, as set out in the Government’s road map. our economy is strong and resilient, making our country Above all, the distribution analysis shows that this is a the best place to grow up in and the best place to grow package of measures that has supported those on the old in. This is the future that our country deserves, and lowest incomes the most. it is the future for which Labour will fight. Over the course of the debate today, we have heard 6.51 pm powerful contributions from a wide range of Members, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Steve Barclay): and I want to draw attention to a number in particular. It is a privilege to close this debate on behalf of the My right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead Government. In recent days, the House has debated the (Mrs May) spoke of the importance of skills, innovation Budget through the lens of the Government’s response and investing in human capital, which a number of to the pandemic, including the comprehensive efforts Budget measures set out. My hon. Friend the Member we have made to protect jobs and businesses. Today, the for Fylde (Mark Menzies) recognised the importance of focus of the debate has been on looking forward and additional economic support, particularly in the hospitality, discussing the ways in which last week’s Budget prepares leisure and tourism industry. the country for an investment-led recovery. I thank My hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Siobhan right hon. and hon. Members from across the House for Baillie) reinforced the Government’s commitment to a the very constructive contributions that we have had green recovery and reskilling to take advantage of the throughout the debate. investment set out in the Prime Minister’s 10-point This is a Budget in three parts: first, it protects jobs plan. My right hon. Friend the Member for Ashford and livelihoods and provides additional support to get (Damian Green) also highlighted the importance of the British people and businesses through the crisis; green innovation, which is reflected in the commitment secondly, it is clear and honest about the need to fix the to double the spending on energy innovation, with a public finances once we are on the way to recovery; and new £1 billion net zero innovation portfolio. thirdly, it begins the essential work of building our My right hon. Friend the Member for South future economy, including by providing the opportunity Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom) highlighted the to level up across the country. key opportunity provided by our leadership of COP26. 763 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 764 Situation Situation My hon. Friend the Member for Tiverton and Honiton future economy. This is a Budget that, as the Chancellor (Neil Parish) highlighted the value of the super deduction rightly said, “meets the moment”; I commend it to the policy. In answer to his question on fishing, I can House. confirm that fishing boats are within scope either for Question put and agreed to. the super deduction or the related 50% first-year allowance. Resolved, My hon. Friend the Member for Southport (Damien That income tax is charged for the tax year 2021-22. Moore) praised my right hon. Friend the Chancellor for And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that the vital support that businesses in his constituency, this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions particularly in the hospitality sector, have received of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. throughout the pandemic. My hon. Friend the Member The Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Questions necessary for Milton Keynes North (Ben Everitt) praised the to dispose of the motions made in the name of the Budget as one that looks after jobs and looks after the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Standing Order No. 51(3)). future, including the new tech campus that will help the next generation in his area. Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton): I My hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd South (Simon am now required under Standing Order No. 51(3) to Baynes) praised the additional funding for the Welsh put successively, without further debate, the Question Government and the investment through the accelerated on each of the Ways and Means motions numbered 2 to city deals. My hon. Friend the Member for Waveney 80, on which the Bill is to be brought in. These motions (Peter Aldous) praised the successful freeport bid for are set out in a separate paper distributed with today’s Felixstowe and the value of the towns fund, which will Order Paper. make such a difference to the regeneration of his local community. 2. INCOME TAX (MAIN RATES) My hon. Friend the Member for Guildford (Angela Resolved, Richardson) praised the expansion of the self-employment That for the tax year 2021-22 the main rates of income tax are income support scheme, which will support a further as follows— 600,000 people.My hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton (a) the basic rate is 20%, and Wallington (Elliot Colburn) and many other Members praised the super deduction and the great benefits it will (b) the higher rate is 40%, and have for investment, as UK business leads that investment (c) the additional rate is 45%. in our recovery. And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions My hon. Friend the Member for Crewe and Nantwich of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. (Dr Mullan) welcomed the skills package, which will help to support our economic recovery from the pandemic. My hon. Friend the Member for Cities of London and 3. INCOME TAX (DEFAULT AND SAVINGS Westminster (Nickie Aiken) welcomed the 5% VAT cut RATES) extension and rightly drew the House’s attention to the Resolved, importance of Lord Hill’s listing review and the wider That— opportunities of the FinTech industry. (1) For the tax year 2021-22 the default rates of income My hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme tax are as follows— (Aaron Bell) praised the Budget’s focus on levelling up (a) the default basic rate is 20%, and the towns agenda, and we make no apology for the (b) the default higher rate is 40%, and frequency with which we will talk about our commitment (c) the default additional rate is 45%. to levelling up. My hon. Friend the Member for Bury (2) For the tax year 2021-22 the savings rates of income South (Christian Wakeford) recognised the package of tax are as follows— business support and the stimulus for jobs in his (a) the savings basic rate is 20%, constituency that is offered by the super deduction. (b) the savings higher rate is 40%, and Given the time, I will not run through the wide range (c) the savings additional rate is 45%. of measures that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that set out or how, in addressing some of the issues raised this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions by those on the Opposition Front Bench, he will boost of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. productivity through schemes such as Help to Grow and Help to Grow: Digital, the plans to ensure that the 4. INCOME TAX (STARTING RATE LIMIT FOR UK is a scientific superpower, the £400 million annual SAVINGS) uplift in science spending, the “future fund: breakthrough” Resolved, scheme, the lifetime skills guarantee, the kickstart scheme, the restart scheme, the £3,000 for apprenticeships, the That— tripling of traineeships and the Government’scommitment (1) For the tax year 2021-22, the amount specified in to skills and investment. section 12(3) of the Income Tax Act 2007 (the starting rate limit for savings) is “£5,000”. Over the last year, this country has experienced a 10% (2) Accordingly, section 21 of that Act (indexation) does fall in GDP—the largest fall in 300 years. In response, not apply in relation to the starting rate limit for the Chancellor has presented a plan that will continue savings for that tax year. to protect jobs and livelihoods, that supports the British And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that people and businesses through this moment of crisis, this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions and that begins to fix the public finances and build our of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. 765 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 766 Situation Situation 5. BASIC RATE LIMIT AND PERSONAL Evans, Dr Luke Jayawardena, Mr Ranil ALLOWANCE (FUTURE YEARS) Evennett, rh Sir David Jenkin, Sir Bernard Everitt, Ben Jenkinson, Mark Question put, Fabricant, Michael Jenkyns, Andrea That (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice Farris, Laura Jenrick, rh Robert of the House relating to the matters that may be included in Fell, Simon Johnson, rh Boris Finance Bills) provision may be made taking effect in a future Fletcher, Katherine Johnson, Dr Caroline year for each of the following amounts to remain at the amount Fletcher, Mark Johnson, Gareth specified for the tax year 2021-22— Fletcher, Nick Johnston, David (a) the amount specified in section 10(5) of the Income Ford, Vicky Jones, Andrew Tax Act 2007 (basic rate limit), and Foster, Kevin Jones, rh Mr David (b) the amount specified in section 35(1) of that Act Fox, rh Dr Liam Jones, Fay (personal allowance). Francois, rh Mr Mark Jones, Mr Marcus The House divided: Ayes 360, Noes 274. Frazer, Lucy Jupp, Simon Freeman, George Kawczynski, Daniel Division No. 236] [7.1 pm Freer, Mike Kearns, Alicia AYES Fuller, Richard Keegan, Gillian Fysh, Mr Marcus Knight, rh Sir Greg Adams, Nigel Carter, Andy Gale, rh Sir Roger Knight, Julian Afolami, Bim Cartlidge, James Garnier, Mark Kruger, Danny Afriyie, Adam Cash, Sir William Ghani, Ms Nusrat Kwarteng, rh Kwasi Ahmad Khan, Imran Cates, Miriam Gibb, rh Nick Lamont, John Aiken, Nickie Chalk, Alex Gibson, Peter Largan, Robert Aldous, Peter Chishti, Rehman Gideon, Jo Latham, Mrs Pauline Allan, Lucy Chope, Sir Christopher Gillan, rh Dame Cheryl Leadsom, rh Andrea Amess, Sir David Churchill, Jo Glen, John Leigh, rh Sir Edward Anderson, Lee Clark, rh Greg Goodwill, rh Mr Robert Levy, Ian Anderson, Stuart Clarke, Mr Simon Gove, rh Michael Lewer, Andrew Andrew, rh Stuart Clarke, Theo Graham, Richard Lewis, rh Brandon Ansell, Caroline Clarke-Smith, Brendan Grant, Mrs Helen Lewis, rh Dr Julian Argar, Edward Clarkson, Chris Gray, James Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Atherton, Sarah Cleverly, rh James Grayling, rh Chris Loder, Chris Atkins, Victoria Clifton-Brown, Sir Geoffrey Green, Chris Logan, Mark Bacon, Gareth Coffey, rh Dr Thérèse Green, rh Damian Longhi, Marco Bacon, Mr Richard Colburn, Elliot Griffith, Andrew Lopez, Julia Badenoch, Kemi Collins, Damian Griffiths, Kate Lopresti, Jack Bailey, Shaun Costa, Alberto Grundy, James Lord, Mr Jonathan Baillie, Siobhan Courts, Robert Gullis, Jonathan Loughton, Tim Baker, Duncan Coutinho, Claire Halfon, rh Robert Mackinlay, Craig Baker, Mr Steve Cox, rh Sir Geoffrey Hall, Luke Mackrory, Cherilyn Baldwin, Harriett Crabb, rh Stephen Hammond, Stephen Maclean, Rachel Barclay, rh Steve Crosbie, Virginia Hancock, rh Matt Mak, Alan Baron, Mr John Crouch, Tracey Hands, rh Greg Malthouse, Kit Baynes, Simon Daly, James Harper, rh Mr Mark Mangnall, Anthony Bell, Aaron Davies, David T. C. Harris, Rebecca Mann, Scott Benton, Scott Davies, Gareth Harrison, Trudy Marson, Julie Beresford, Sir Paul Davies, Dr James Hart, Sally-Ann May, rh Mrs Theresa Berry, rh Jake Davies, Mims Hart, rh Simon Mayhew, Jerome Bhatti, Saqib Davies, Philip Hayes, rh Sir John Maynard, Paul Blackman, Bob Davis, rh Mr David Heald, rh Sir Oliver McCartney, Jason Blunt, Crispin Davison, Dehenna Heappey, James McCartney, Karl Bone, Mr Peter Dinenage, Caroline Heaton-Harris, Chris McPartland, Stephen Bottomley, Sir Peter Dines, Miss Sarah Henderson, Gordon McVey, rh Esther Bowie, Andrew Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Henry, Darren Menzies, Mark Bradley, Ben Docherty, Leo Higginbotham, Antony Mercer, Johnny Bradley, rh Karen Donelan, Michelle Hinds, rh Damian Merriman, Huw Brady, Sir Graham Dorries, Ms Nadine Hoare, Simon Metcalfe, Stephen Braverman, rh Suella Double, Steve Holden, Mr Richard Millar, Robin Brereton, Jack Dowden, rh Oliver Hollinrake, Kevin Miller, rh Mrs Maria Bridgen, Andrew Doyle-Price, Jackie Hollobone, Mr Philip Milling, rh Amanda Brine, Steve Drax, Richard Holloway, Adam Mills, Nigel Bristow, Paul Drummond, Mrs Flick Holmes, Paul Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Britcliffe, Sara Duddridge, James Howell, John Mohindra, Mr Gagan Brokenshire, rh James Duguid, David Howell, Paul Moore, Damien Browne, Anthony Duncan Smith, rh Sir Iain Huddleston, Nigel Moore, Robbie Bruce, Fiona Dunne, rh Philip Hudson, Dr Neil Mordaunt, rh Penny Buchan, Felicity Eastwood, Mark Hughes, Eddie Morris, Anne Marie Buckland, rh Robert Edwards, Ruth Hunt, Jane Morris, David Burghart, Alex Ellis, rh Michael Hunt, rh Jeremy Morris, James Burns, rh Conor Ellwood, rh Mr Tobias Hunt, Tom Morrissey, Joy Butler, Rob Elphicke, Mrs Natalie Jack, rh Mr Alister Morton, Wendy Cairns, rh Alun Eustice, rh George Javid, rh Sajid Mullan, Dr Kieran 767 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 768 Situation Situation Mumby-Croft, Holly Spencer, rh Mark Brock, Deidre Gardiner, Barry Mundell, rh David Stafford, Alexander Brown, Alan Gibson, Patricia Murray, Mrs Sheryll Stephenson, Andrew Brown, Ms Lyn Gill, Preet Kaur Murrison, rh Dr Andrew Stevenson, Jane Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Girvan, Paul Neill, Sir Robert Stevenson, John Bryant, Chris Glindon, Mary Nici, Lia Stewart, rh Bob Buck, Ms Karen Grady, Patrick Nokes, rh Caroline Stewart, Iain Burgon, Richard Grant, Peter Norman, rh Jesse Streeter, Sir Gary Butler, Dawn Gray, Neil O’Brien, Neil Stride, rh Mel Byrne, Ian Green, Kate Offord, Dr Matthew Stuart, Graham Byrne, rh Liam Greenwood, Lilian Opperman, Guy Sturdy, Julian Cadbury, Ruth Greenwood, Margaret Parish, Neil Sunak, rh Rishi Callaghan, Amy Griffith, Nia Patel, rh Priti Sunderland, James Cameron, Dr Lisa Gwynne, Andrew Paterson, rh Mr Owen Swayne, rh Sir Desmond Campbell, rh Sir Alan Haigh, Louise Pawsey, Mark Syms, Sir Robert Campbell, Mr Gregory Hamilton, Fabian Penning, rh Sir Mike Thomas, Derek Carden, Dan Hanna, Claire Penrose, John Throup, Maggie Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hanvey, Neale Percy, Andrew Timpson, Edward Chamberlain, Wendy Hardy, Emma Philp, Chris Tolhurst, Kelly Champion, Sarah Harman, rh Ms Harriet Pincher, rh Christopher Tomlinson, Justin Chapman, Douglas Harris, Carolyn Poulter, Dr Dan Tomlinson, Michael Cherry, Joanna Hayes, Helen Pow, Rebecca Tracey, Craig Clark, Feryal Healey, rh John Prentis, Victoria Trevelyan, rh Anne-Marie Cooper, Daisy Hendrick, Sir Mark Pritchard, rh Mark Trott, Laura Cooper, Rosie Hendry, Drew Pursglove, Tom Truss, rh Elizabeth Cooper, rh Yvette Hill, Mike Quin, Jeremy Tugendhat, Tom Corbyn, rh Jeremy Hillier, Meg Quince, Will Vara, Mr Shailesh Cowan, Ronnie Hobhouse, Wera Raab, rh Dominic Vickers, Martin Coyle, Neil Hodge, rh Dame Margaret Randall, Tom Vickers, Matt Crawley, Angela Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Redwood, rh John Villiers, rh Theresa Creasy, Stella Hollern, Kate Rees-Mogg, rh Mr Jacob Cruddas, Jon Hopkins, Rachel Wakeford, Christian Richards, Nicola Cryer, John Hosie, rh Stewart Walker, Sir Charles Richardson, Angela Cummins, Judith Howarth, rh Sir George Walker, Mr Robin Roberts, Rob Cunningham, Alex Huq, Dr Rupa Wallace, rh Mr Ben Robertson, Mr Laurence Daby, Janet Hussain, Imran Robinson, Mary Wallis, Dr Jamie Davey, rh Ed Jardine, Christine Rosindell, Andrew Warburton, David David, Wayne Jarvis, Dan Ross, Douglas Warman, Matt Davies, Geraint Johnson, rh Dame Diana Rowley, Lee Watling, Giles Davies-Jones, Alex Johnson, Kim Russell, Dean Webb, Suzanne Day, Martyn Jones, Darren Sambrook, Gary Whately, Helen De Cordova, Marsha Jones, Gerald Saxby, Selaine Wheeler, Mrs Heather Debbonaire, Thangam Jones, rh Mr Kevan Scully, Paul Whittaker, Craig Dhesi, Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Jones, Ruth Seely, Bob Whittingdale, rh Mr John Docherty-Hughes, Martin Jones, Sarah Selous, Andrew Wiggin, Bill Dodds, Anneliese Kane, Mike Shapps, rh Grant Wild, James Donaldson, rh Sir Jeffrey M. Keeley, Barbara Sharma, rh Alok Williams, Craig Doogan, Dave Kendall, Liz Shelbrooke, rh Alec Williamson, rh Gavin Dorans, Allan Khan, Afzal Simmonds, David Wood, Mike Doughty, Stephen Kinnock, Stephen Skidmore, rh Chris Wragg, Mr William Dowd, Peter Kyle, Peter Smith, Chloe Wright, rh Jeremy Dromey, Jack Lake, Ben Smith, Greg Duffield, Rosie Lammy, rh Mr David Young, Jacob Smith, Henry Eagle, Dame Angela Lavery, Ian Zahawi, Nadhim Smith, rh Julian Eagle, Maria Law, Chris Smith, Royston Tellers for the Ayes: Eastwood, Colum Lewell-Buck, Mrs Emma Solloway, Amanda Maria Caulfield and Edwards, Jonathan Lewis, Clive Spencer, Dr Ben David Rutley Efford, Clive Linden, David Elliott, Julie Lloyd, Tony NOES Elmore, Chris Lockhart, Carla Eshalomi, Florence Long Bailey, Rebecca Abbott, rh Ms Diane Begum, Apsana Esterson, Bill Lucas, Caroline Abrahams, Debbie Benn, rh Hilary Evans, Chris Lynch, Holly Ali, Rushanara Betts, Mr Clive Farron, Tim MacAskill, Kenny Ali, Tahir Black, Mhairi Farry, Stephen MacNeil, Angus Brendan Allin-Khan, Dr Rosena Blackford, rh Ian Fellows, Marion Madders, Justin Amesbury, Mike Blackman, Kirsty Ferrier, Margaret Mahmood, Mr Khalid Anderson, Fleur Blake, Olivia Fletcher, Colleen Mahmood, Shabana Antoniazzi, Tonia Blomfield, Paul Flynn, Stephen Malhotra, Seema Ashworth, rh Jonathan Bonnar, Steven Fovargue, Yvonne Maskell, Rachael Bardell, Hannah Brabin, Tracy Foxcroft, Vicky Matheson, Christian Barker, Paula Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Foy, Mary Kelly Mc Nally, John Beckett, rh Margaret Brennan, Kevin Furniss, Gill McCabe, Steve 769 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 770 Situation Situation McCarthy, Kerry Rodda, Matt 7. CORPORATION TAX (SMALL COMPANIES McDonagh, Siobhain Russell-Moyle, Lloyd RATE) McDonald, Andy Saville Roberts, rh Liz Resolved, McDonald, Stewart Malcolm Shah, Naz McDonald, Stuart C. Shannon, Jim That (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice McDonnell, rh John Sharma, Mr Virendra of the House relating to the matters that may be included in McFadden, rh Mr Pat Sheerman, Mr Barry Finance Bills) provision may be made taking effect in a future McGinn, Conor Sheppard, Tommy year— McGovern, Alison Siddiq, Tulip (a) charging corporation tax at a rate lower than the main McKinnell, Catherine Slaughter, Andy rate on profits not exceeding a specified amount, McLaughlin, Anne Smith, Alyn (b) reducing the amount of corporation tax chargeable in McMahon, Jim Smith, Cat cases where profits exceed that amount but do not McMorrin, Anna Smith, Nick exceed a higher specified amount, and Mearns, Ian Smyth, Karin (c) amending Chapter 3A of Part 8 of the Corporation Miliband, rh Edward Sobel, Alex Tax Act 2010 (corporation tax rates on ring fence Mishra, Navendu Spellar, rh John profits). Monaghan, Carol Starmer, rh Keir Moran, Layla Stephens, Chris Morden, Jessica Stevens, Jo 8. RATE OF DIVERTED PROFITS TAX Morgan, Stephen Stone, Jamie Resolved, Morris, Grahame Streeting, Wes That (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice Murray, Ian Stringer, Graham of the House relating to the matters that may be included in Murray, James Sultana, Zarah Finance Bills) provision taking effect in a future year may be Nandy, Lisa Tami, rh Mark made increasing the percentage specified in section 79(2)(a) of Newlands, Gavin Tarry, Sam the Finance Act 2015. Nichols, Charlotte Thewliss, Alison Nicolson, John Thomas, Gareth 9. CAPITAL ALLOWANCES (SUPER- Norris, Alex Thomas-Symonds, rh Nick O’Hara, Brendan Thompson, Owen DEDUCTION ETC) Olney, Sarah Thomson, Richard Resolved, Onwurah, Chi Thornberry, rh Emily That provision may be made for temporary first-year allowances Oppong-Asare, Abena Timms, rh Stephen in respect of expenditure incurred on plant or machinery by Osamor, Kate Trickett, Jon companies within the charge to corporation tax, including provision Osborne, Kate Turner, Karl for the amount of expenditure qualifying for an allowance to be Oswald, Kirsten Twigg, Derek treated as being greater than the actual amount of the expenditure. Owatemi, Taiwo Twist, Liz Owen, Sarah Vaz, rh Valerie Paisley, Ian Webbe, Claudia 10. EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY INCREASE IN Peacock, Stephanie West, Catherine ANNUAL INVESTMENT ALLOWANCE Pennycook, Matthew Western, Matt Resolved, Perkins, Mr Toby Whitehead, Dr Alan That provision may be made extending the temporary increase Phillips, Jess Whitford, Dr Philippa in the maximum amount of annual investment allowance under Phillipson, Bridget Whitley, Mick section 51A of the Capital Allowances Act 2001 from two years Pollard, Luke Whittome, Nadia to three years. Powell, Lucy Williams, Hywel Qureshi, Yasmin Wilson, Munira 11. CAPITAL ALLOWANCES (OIL AND GAS) Rayner, rh Angela Wilson, rh Sammy Reed, Steve Winter, Beth Resolved, Rees, Christina Wishart, Pete That provision may be made about expenditure incurred in Reeves, Ellie Yasin, Mohammad relation to the decommissioning of offshore plant or machinery Reeves, Rachel Zeichner, Daniel for the purposes of sections 164 and 165 of the Capital Reynolds, Jonathan Allowances Act 2001. Ribeiro-Addy, Bell Tellers for the Noes: Rimmer, Ms Marie Jeff Smith and Robinson, Gavin Bambos Charalambous 12. CAPITAL ALLOWANCES (EXTENSIONS OF LEASES FOR REASONS RELATED TO CORONAVIRUS) Question accordingly agreed to. Resolved, The list of Members currently certified as eligible for a proxy vote, and of the Members nominated as their That provision (including provision having retrospective effect) may be made disapplying sections 70YB and 70YC of the proxy, is published at the end of today’s debates. Capital Allowances Act 2001 in cases involving the extension of long funding operating leases, or plant or machinery leases that are not long funding leases, for reasons related to coronavirus. 6. CORPORATION TAX (CHARGE AND MAIN RATE FOR FINANCIAL YEARS 2022 AND 2023) 13. TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF PERIODS TO Resolved, WHICH TRADE LOSSES ETC MAY BE CARRIED BACK That (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice Resolved, of the House relating to the matters that may be included in Finance Bills) provision may be made for the charging of That provision may be made for a temporary extension of the corporation tax, and for setting the main rate of corporation tax, periods to which losses made in a trade, profession or vocation for the financial years 2022 and 2023. may be carried back. 771 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 772 Situation Situation 14. CORPORATION TAX (R&D TAX CREDITS) (b) possession of, or entitlement to acquire, rights Resolved, entitling the holder to receive 5% or less of any distributions that may be made by the company, That (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice or of the House relating to the matters that may be included in (c) where the company is a close company, possession Finance Bills) provision may be made for limiting the amount of of, or entitlement to acquire, rights that would in R&D tax credit to which a small or medium-sized enterprise may the event of the winding up of the company, or in be entitled. any other circumstances, entitle the holder to 15. EXTENSION OF SOCIAL INVESTMENT TAX receive 5% or less of the assets that would then be RELIEF available for distribution among the participators. (4C) In subsection (4B)(c) “participator” has the meaning Resolved, given by section 454 of CTA 2010.” That provision may be made substituting a later date for the (4) In section 61S(4) (deductions from chain payments), for date mentioned in— “services-provider” substitute “relevant person”. (a) section 257K(1)(a)(iii) of the Income Tax Act 2007 (date by which investment must be made to qualify (5) In section 61T(3) (client-led status disagreement process), for social investment tax relief), and for “section 61V” substitute “sections 61V and 61WA”. (b) paragraphs 1(3)(b) and 2(2)(b) of Schedule 8B to the (6) In section 61U (information to be provided by worker and Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 (date by consequences of failure)— which gains re-invested in social enterprises must (a) in the heading, after “worker” insert “or intermediary”; accrue to qualify for hold-over relief). (b) in subsection (1), for “the worker” substitute “the 16. INCOME TAX (WORKERS’ SERVICES relevant person”; PROVIDED THROUGH INTERMEDIARIES) (c) in subsection (2), for “the worker” substitute “the relevant person”; Resolved, (d) in subsection (3), after “In this section” insert “— That— “relevant person” means the worker or, in a case where (1) Chapter 10 of Part 2 of the Income Tax (Earnings and the worker has not complied with subsection (1), Pensions) Act 2003 (workers’ services provided through the intermediary;”. intermediaries to public authorities or medium or large clients) is amended as follows. (7) In section 61V (consequences of providing fraudulent information)— (2) In section 61N (worker treated as receiving earnings from employment)— (a) in subsection (2), in the words before paragraph (a), for “services-provider” substitute “relevant person (or if (a) in subsection (3), for “and 61V” substitute “, 61V and more than one, the first relevant person) in relation to 61WA”; whom the fraudulent documentation condition is (b) in subsection (5), for “section 61V” substitute “sections met”; 61V and 61WA”; (b) in subsection (3), for “involves the services-provider” (c) in subsection (5A), in the words before paragraph (a), substitute “may involve a services-provider”; for “and 61V” substitute “, 61V and 61WA”. (c) in subsection (5), after paragraph (c) insert— (3) In section 61O (conditions where intermediary is a company)— “(d) a person in the chain who is resident in the United (a) in subsection (1), for paragraph (b) substitute— Kingdom or has a place of business in the United “(b) subsection (1A) or (1B) is satisfied.”; Kingdom.” (b) after subsection (1) insert— (8) After section 61W insert— “(1A) This subsection is satisfied where the worker has a material interest in the intermediary. “61WA Anti-avoidance (1B) This subsection is satisfied where— (1) This section applies if in any case at least one relevant (a) the worker has a non-material interest in the person in a chain participates in a relevant avoidance intermediary, arrangement. (b) the worker— (2) An arrangement is a “relevant avoidance arrangement” (i) has received, if its main purpose, or one of its main purposes, is to (ii) has rights which entitle, or which in any secure a tax advantage by securing that at least one of circumstances would entitle,the worker to receive, the conditions mentioned in section 61O or 61P is or not met in relation to an intermediary. (iii) expects to receive, (3) Section 61N(3) has effect as if the reference to the a chain payment from the intermediary, and fee-payer were a reference to the participating person, (c) the chain payment does not, or will not, wholly but— constitute employment income of the worker (a) section 61N(4) continues to have effect as if the (apart from as a result of this Chapter).”; reference to the fee-payer were a reference to the (c) after subsection (4) insert— deemed employer, and “(4A) The worker is treated as having a non-material (b) Step 1 of section 61Q(1) continues to have effect as interest in the intermediary if— referring to the chain payment made by the deemed (a) the worker, alone or with one or more associates of employer. the worker, or (4) The participating person is— (b) an associate of the worker, with or without other (a) in a case where only one relevant person participates associates of the worker, in the arrangement, that person; has a non-material interest in the intermediary. (b) in any other case the highest relevant person in the (4B) For this purpose a non-material interest means— chain who participated in the arrangement and (a) beneficial ownership of, or the ability to control, from whom HMRC considers there is a realistic directly or through the medium of other companies prospect of recovering, within a reasonable period, or by any other indirect means, 5% or less of the the amount of tax that would have been paid (or ordinary share capital of the company, not repaid) in the absence of the arrangement. 773 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 774 Situation Situation (5) Subsection (3) has effect even though that may involve (5) In subsection (3), for “Subsection (2) applies” substitute a participating person being treated as both employer “Subsections (2) and (2A) apply”. and employee in relation to the deemed employment (6) In section 402B of the Income Tax (Earnings and under section 61N(3). Pensions) Act 2003 (termination payments, and other benefits, (6) In this section— that cannot benefit from the section 403 threshold, to be treated “arrangement” includes any agreement, understanding, as earnings), in subsection (1)— scheme, transaction or series of transactions (whether (a) the words from “is treated”to the end become paragraph (a), or not legally enforceable); and “deemed employer” means a person who would, but (b) after that paragraph insert “, but for this section, be treated by section 61N(3) as making a payment to the worker; (b) is not capable of being an amount to which section 27 applies by virtue of subsection 1(a) or (b) of “relevant person” means— that section (UK-based taxable earnings for year (a) the worker; when employee not resident in UK).” (b) a person who is resident in the United Kingdom or who has a place of business in (7) In section 402D of the Income Tax (Earnings and the United Kingdom; Pensions) Act 2003 (post-employment notice pay)— “tax” means income tax (and “tax advantage” is to be (a) in subsection (3), for “and (6)” substitute “, (6) and construed accordingly”); (6A)”; “tax advantage” includes— (b) in subsection (6), after “month, ” insert “the employee’s (a) avoidance or reduction of a charge to tax or an basic pay is paid in equal monthly instalments,”; assessment to tax, (c) after subsection (6) insert— (b) repayment or increased repayment of tax, “(6A) In any other case where the last pay period of (c) avoidance of a possible assessment to tax, and the employee to end before the trigger date is a (d) deferral of a payment of tax or advancement of month and the employee’s basic pay is paid in a repayment of tax.” equal monthly instalments, then— (9) In section 688AA(2)(a) (workers’ services provided through BP is the employee’s basic pay from the employment intermediaries: recovery of PAYE), after “to a worker” insert in respect of the last pay period of the employee “(other than by virtue of section 61WA)”. to end before the trigger date, (10) The amendments made by this Resolution have effect in P is 30.42, and relation to deemed direct payments treated as made on or after D is the number of days in the post-employment 6 April 2021. notice period.” And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that (8) The amendments made by this Resolution have effect in this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions relation to general earnings to which section 402B of the Income of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 applies that are paid— (a) on or after 6 April 2021, and (b) in connection with a termination of employment that 17. INCOME TAX (PAYMENTS ON takes place on or after that date. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT) And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that Resolved, this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions That— of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. (1) Section 27 of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 (UK-based earnings for year when employee not resident in 18. INCOME TAX (CASH EQUIVALENT BENEFIT UK) is amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (5). OF A ZERO EMISSIONS VAN) (2) In subsection (1)— Resolved, (a) omit the “or” at the end of paragraph (a), and That— (b) at the end of paragraph (b) insert “, or (1) Section 155 of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) (c) general earnings to which section 402B (termination Act 2003 (cash equivalent of the benefit of a van) is amended in payments, and other benefits, that cannot benefit accordance with this Resolution. from the section 403 threshold, to be treated as (2) In subsection (1B)— earnings) applies.” (a) in paragraph (a), for “2021-22” substitute “2020-21”; (3) In subsection (2), for “(1)” substitute “(1)(a) or (b)”. (b) omit the “and” at the end of that paragraph; (4) After subsection (2) insert— (c) after that paragraph insert— “(2A) The percentage of the general earnings within “(aa) if the van cannot in any circumstances emit CO2 subsection (1)(c) that are an amount of “taxable by being driven and the tax year is 2021-22 or a earnings” from the employment in the tax year in subsequent tax year, the cash equivalent is nil, which they are received is given by— and”. A (3) In subsection (1C) omit paragraph (g). ×100 B And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions where— of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. B is the total amount of general earnings from the employment that it is reasonable to assume the 19. INCOME TAX (ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT employee would have received in respect of the post- INCENTIVES) employment notice period (within the meaning givenbysection402E(5))if theemployee’semployment Resolved, had not been terminated until the end of that That provision (including provision having retrospective period, and effect) may be made modifying requirements relating to A is the total amount of those general earnings that it enterprise management incentives in relation to persons who are is reasonable to assume would have been taxable not required to work for reasons connected with coronavirus earnings by virtue of subsection (1)(a) or (b).” disease. 775 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 776 Situation Situation 20. INCOME TAX (CYCLE TO WORK) 25. STANDARD LIFETIME ALLOWANCE Resolved, (FUTURE YEARS) That provision may be made for Condition B in section 244(3) Resolved, of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 (requirement That (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice that cycle or cyclist’s safety equipment is used mainly for commuting of the House relating to the matters that may be included in etc) to be treated as met for the period commencing with 16 Finance Bills) provision taking effect in a future year may be March 2020 and ending with 5 April 2022 in relation to the made for the amount of the standard lifetime allowance to provision for an employee of a cycle or cyclist’s safety equipment remain at the amount for the tax year 2020-21. that was first provided before 21 December 2020. 26. PENSION SCHEMES (COLLECTIVE MONEY PURCHASE BENEFITS) 21. INCOME TAX (CORONAVIRUS TESTS IN Resolved, 2021-22) That provision may be made about the treatment under Part 4 Resolved, of the Finance Act 2004 of collective money purchase benefits. That— (1) For the tax year 2021-22, no liability to income tax arises in 27. CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SCHEME respect of— Resolved, (a) the provision to an employee of a coronavirus test, or That— (b) the payment or reimbursement, to or in respect of an Introductory employee, of the cost of such a test. (1) Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Finance Act 2004 (construction (2) In this Resolution “coronavirus test” means a test which industry scheme) is amended as follows (and, in the following detects the presence of a viral antigen or viral ribonucleic acid provisions, that Act is referred to as “FA 2004”). (RNA) specific to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus Contractors 2 (SARS-CoV-2). (2) Section 59 of FA 2004 (contractors) is amended in (3) This Resolution has effect as if it were contained in Part 4 of accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4). the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 (employment income: exceptions). (3) In subsection (1), for paragraph (l) substitute— “(2) a person carrying on a business at any time if, in the And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that period of one year ending with that time, the person’s this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions expenditure on construction operations exceeds of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. £3,000,000.” (4) For subsections (2) and (3) substitute— 22. INCOME TAX (CORONAVIRUS TESTS IN “(2) But this section only applies to a body or person OTHER YEARS) falling within any of paragraphs (b) to (fa) or (h) to (k) of subsection (1) at any time if, in the period of Resolved, one year ending with that time, the body or person’s That— expenditure on construction operations exceeds (a) provision may be made that, for the tax year 2020-21, £3,000,000. no liability to income tax arises on the provision of (3) Where the condition in subsection (1)(l) or (2) is met in coronavirus tests to employees, or on the payment or relation to a body or person at any time, the body or reimbursement of the costs of such tests, and person may elect for the condition to be treated as no (b) (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the longer being met if, at that time, the body or person is practice of the House relating to the matters that not expected to make any further expenditure on may be included in Finance Bills) provision taking construction operations. effect in a future year may be made to the same effect. (3A) Where the condition in subsection (1)(l) or (2) ceases to be met in relation to a body or person at any time, the body or person may elect for the condition to be 23. INCOME TAX (STATUTORY PARENTAL treated as continuing to be met until the body or BEREAVEMENT PAY) person is not expected to make any further Resolved, expenditure on construction operations. (3B) Subsections (3) and (3A) do not prevent the That provision (including provision having retrospective effect) condition in subsection (1)(l) or (2) from being met may be made that the reference to variation in paragraph 62(6) of again in relation to the body or person.” Schedule 2 to the Finance Act 2017 (optional remuneration arrangements) does not include any variation which occurs in (5) Paragraph (6) applies where— connection with a person’s entitlement to statutory parental (a) the condition in section 59(1)(l) or (2) of FA 2004 was bereavement pay. met in relation to a body or person immediately before the amendments made by paragraphs (3) and (4) come into force, and 24. STANDARD LIFETIME ALLOWANCE (b) on the coming into force of those amendments, that (2021-22) condition would (but for paragraph (6)) cease to be Resolved, met in relation to the body or person. That section 218(2C) and (2D) of the Finance Act 2004 (6) The condition in section 59(1)(l) or (2) of FA 2004 (as the (indexation of standard lifetime allowance) do not apply in case may be) is treated as continuing to be met in relation to the relation to the standard lifetime allowance for the tax year body or person until the body or person is not expected to make 2021-22 (so that the amount of the standard lifetime allowance any further expenditure on construction operations (within the for that tax year remains at the amount for the tax year 2020-21, meaning given by section 74 of FA 2004). namely £1,073,100). Deductions for materials And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that (7) In section 61(1) of FA 2004 (deductions on account of tax this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions from contract payments), for “any other person” substitute “the of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. sub-contractor”. 777 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 778 Situation Situation Grace period (b) recklessly makes a statement, or furnishes a document, (8) In section 61 of FA 2004 (deductions on account of tax which is false in a material particular, from contract payments), after subsection (3) insert— for the purpose of enabling or facilitating B to become “(4) Subsection (5) applies where the contractor is a registered for gross payment or for payment under person falling within section 59(1)(l). deduction. (5) An officer of Revenue and Customs may, if the officer (4) A case is within this subsection if a person (“A”) who considers it appropriate to do so, by notice in writing— exercises influence or control over another person (“B”) or is in a position to do so— (a) exempt the contractor from the requirement to deduct sums from contract payments under subsection (a) encourages B to make a statement, or furnish a (1) for a specified period; document, which A knows to be false in a material particular, or (b) treat the contractor as if such an exemption had applied in relation to— (b) encourages B to make a statement or furnish a document— (i) specified contract payments made before the date of the notice, or (i) which is false in a material particular, and (ii) contract payments made during a specified (ii) where A is reckless as to whether the statement period before the date of the notice. or document is false in a material particular, (6) The period referred to in subsection (5)(a)— for the purpose of enabling or facilitating B to become registered for gross payment or for payment under (a) must not exceed 90 days, but deduction. (b) may be extended by one or more further notices (5) In a case where this section applies, A is liable to a under subsection (5). penalty not exceeding £3,000.” (7) In subsection (5) “specified” means specified in the notice.” Commencement Restrictions on set-off (13) The amendments made by this Resolution have effect for the tax year 2021-22 and subsequent tax years. (9) Section 62 of FA 2004 (treatment of sums deducted) is amended as follows. (14) But the amendment made by paragraph (12) has no effect in relation to a statement made, or document furnished, before (10) After subsection (3) insert— 6 April 2021. “(3A) Regulations under subsection (3) may include provision And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that authorising an officer of Revenue and Customs to— this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions (a) correct an error or omission relating to a set-off of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. claim; (b) remove a set-off claim; (c) prohibit a person from making a further set-off 28. COVID-19 SUPPORT SCHEME (WORKING claim, for a specified period or indefinitely. HOUSEHOLDS RECEIVING TAX CREDITS) (3B) Regulations under subsection (3) that include Resolved, provision of the kind mentioned in subsection (3A) That— may, for example, include provision— (a) allowing the things mentioned in subsection (3A)(a) (1) This Resolution applies to a payment which— to (c) to be done by amending a return (including (a) is made by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs in the a return not made under the regulations) or otherwise; exercise of a function which they have as a result of a (b) allowing a set-off claim to be removed where the direction given by the Treasury under section 76 of claimant is not eligible to make the claim (including the Coronavirus Act 2020, and where the claimant is not a company, not a sub- (b) is made to a person by reason of the person’s receipt of contractor, or is registered for gross payment); any tax credit specified in the direction on a date so (c) requiring information to be given to the Commissioners specified. of Revenue and Customs, at such times as may be (2) No liability to income tax arises in respect of a payment to specified in the regulations. which this Resolution applies. (3C) In subsections (3A) and (3B), “set-off claim” means a (3) But paragraph (2) does not prevent the application of claim for treating a sum deducted under section 61 as paragraph 8 of Schedule 16 to the Finance Act 2020 (charge to paid on account of any relevant liabilities.” income tax where person not entitled to coronavirus support (11) In subsection (4), for “subsection (3)” substitute “this payment) in relation to a payment to which this Resolution section”. applies. Penalties And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions (12) For section 72 of FA 2004 (penalties) substitute— of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. “72 Penalties (1) This section applies in a case within subsection (2), (3) or (4). 29. SELF-EMPLOYMENT INCOME SUPPORT (2) A case is within this subsection if a person (“A”)— SCHEME (a) makes a statement, or furnishes a document, which Resolved, A knows to be false in a material particular, or That provision may be made— (b) recklessly makes a statement, or furnishes a document, which is false in a material particular, (a) for payments made under the self-employment income support scheme, other than a payment in respect of a for the purpose of becoming registered for gross payment partner of a firm where the payment is distributed or for payment under deduction. amongst the partners, to be treated as receipts of a (3) A case is within this subsection if a person (“A”) who revenue nature of the tax year in which they are exercises influence or control over another person received, and (“B”) or is in a position to do so — (a) amending section 106(3) of, and paragraph 8 of (a) makes a statement, or furnishes a document, which Schedule 16 to, the Finance Act 2020 in relation to A knows to be false in a material particular, or the self-employment income support scheme. 779 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 780 Situation Situation 30. DEDUCTIONS FOR VOLUNTARY 32. PAYMENTS MADE TO VICTIMS OF REPAYMENTS MODERN SLAVERY ETC Resolved, Resolved, That provision (including provision having retrospective effect) That provision may be made (including provision having may be made for a payment made to a public authority in respect retrospective effect) exempting from income tax any payments of a charge to be deductible for income tax or corporation tax made by or on behalf of a public authority for the purpose of purposes in circumstances where that charge has been waived or providing assistance and support to persons reasonably regarded reduced for purposes connected with the provision of support to as victims of slavery or human trafficking. businesses in connection with coronavirus.

33. HYBRID AND OTHER MISMATCHES 31. REPEAL OF PROVISIONS RELATING TO Resolved, THE INTEREST AND ROYALTIES DIRECTIVE That provision may be made (including provision having Resolved, retrospective effect) amending Part 6A of the Taxation (International That— and Other Provisions) Act 2010. (1) The following provisions are repealed— (a) sections 757 to 767 of the Income Tax (Trading and 34. CORPORATION TAX (RELIEF FOR LOSSES Other Income) Act 2005 (exemption from income tax for certain interest and royalty payments) and the AND OTHER AMOUNTS) italic heading before those sections, and Resolved, (b) sections 914 to 917 of the Income Tax Act 2007 That provision (including provision having retrospective (discretion to make royalty payments gross) and the effect) may be made— italic heading before those sections; (a) amending Part 7ZA of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 and the remainder of this Resolution makes amendments (restrictions on deductions for carried-forward losses consequential on the repeal of those provisions. and other amounts), and (2) In section 98 of the Taxes Management Act 1970 (special (b) amending sections 137 (deductions from total profits returns, etc)— for in-year group relief), 188BE (restriction on surrendering carried-forward losses for group relief), (a)in subsection (4A)(b) omit “, (4DA)”, and 188DD (claimant company’s relevant maximum for (b) omit subsection (4DA). overlapping period), and 719 and 721 (which concern changes in the ownership of a company) of that Act. (3) In section 42(9) of the Finance Act 2016 (section 758 of the Income Tax (Trading and Other Income) Act 2005 not to apply to certain royalty payments)— 35. CORPORATE INTEREST RESTRICTION (a) in paragraph (b), at the end insert “under arrangements (within the meaning of section 917A of Income Tax (MINOR AMENDMENTS) Act 2007) entered into before that day”, Resolved, (b) omit paragraph (c) (but not the “and” at the end of it), That provision (including provision having retrospective effect) and may be made amending— (c) for the words after paragraph (d) substitute “the (a) section 452 of the Taxation (International and Other arrangements are to be regarded as DTA tax avoidance Provisions) Act 2010 (Real Estate Investment Trusts), arrangements for the purposes of section 917A of and ITA 2007”. (b) Schedule 7A to that Act in relation to penalties under (4) In consequence of the repeal of section 762 of the Income paragraph 29 of that Schedule. Tax (Trading and Other Income) Act 2005 made by paragraph (1), the Exemption From Tax For Certain Interest Payments Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/2622) are revoked (and, accordingly, exemption notices issued in accordance with those regulations 36. NORTHERN IRELAND HOUSING are cancelled). EXECUTIVE (5) The amendments made by this Resolution have effect in Resolved, relation to— That provision (including provision having retrospective (a) payments made on or after 1 June 2021, and effect) may be made exempting the Northern Ireland Housing Executive from corporation tax. (b) payments made in disqualifying circumstances on or after 3 March 2021 but before 1 June 2021. (6) A payment is made in “disqualifying circumstances” if it is 37. CAPITAL GAINS TAX (ANNUAL EXEMPT made directly or indirectly in consequence of, or otherwise in connection with, any arrangements the main purpose, or one of AMOUNT FOR 2021-22) the main purposes, of which is to secure that the provisions Resolved, mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) or (b) continue to have effect in That section 1L of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 relation to it. (which provides for an increase in the annual exempt amount to (7) For this purpose “arrangements” includes any agreement, reflect increases in CPI) does not apply for the tax year 2021-22 understanding, scheme, transaction or series of transactions (so that the annual exempt amount for that tax year remains at (whether or not legally enforceable). the amount for the tax year 2020-21, namely £12,300). And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. 781 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 782 Situation Situation 38. CAPITAL GAINS TAX (ANNUAL EXEMPT “TABLE A: RESIDENTIAL AMOUNT FOR FUTURE YEARS) Part of relevant consideration Percentage Resolved, So much as does not exceed 0% That (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice £250,000 of the House relating to the matters that may be included in So much as exceeds £250,000 but 5% Finance Bills) provision taking effect in a future year may be does not exceed £925,000 made for the annual exempt amount to remain at the amount for So much as exceeds £925,000 but 10% the tax year 2020-21. does not exceed £1,500,000 The remainder (if any) 12%”. (3) Schedule 4ZA (higher rates of stamp duty land tax for 39. CAPITAL GAINS TAX (HOLD-OVER RELIEF additional dwellings etc) has effect as if for the Table A in FOR FOREIGN-CONTROLLED COMPANIES) section 55(1B) mentioned in paragraph 1(2) there were substituted— Resolved, “TABLE A: RESIDENTIAL That provision may be made amending section 167(2) of the Part of relevant consideration Percentage Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992. So much as does not exceed 3% £250,000 So much as exceeds £250,000 but 8% 40. PLASTIC PACKAGING TAX does not exceed £925,000 Resolved, So much as exceeds £925,000 but 13% does not exceed £1,500,000 That (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice of the House relating to the matters that may be included in The remainder (if any) 15%”. Finance Bills) provision taking effect in a future year may be (4) Paragraph 2(3) of Schedule 5 (amount of SDLT chargeable made for a new tax to be charged on plastic packaging components in respect of rent) has effect as if for Table A there were produced in, or imported into, the United Kingdom. substituted— “TABLE A: RESIDENTIAL 41. INHERITANCE TAX (NIL RATE BAND ETC) Rate bands Percentage Resolved, £0 to £250,000 0% Over £250,000 1% That provision may be made for inheritance tax purposes for the amount of the nil rate band, the residential enhancement and (5) In a case where— the taper threshold to remain at their current amounts, including (a) as a result of section 44(4) of the Finance Act 2003 the provision (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the effective date of a land transaction falls in the further practice of the House relating to the matters that may be temporary relief period, and included in Finance Bills) taking effect in a future year. (b) the contract concerned is completed by a conveyance after that period ends, section 44(8) of that Act is not to apply in relation to that 42. STAMP DUTY LAND TAX (REDUCED RATES conveyance if the sole reason that (but for this subsection) it ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY FOR would have applied is that the modifications made by this section TEMPORARY PERIOD) have no effect in relation to that conveyance. Resolved, (6) Section 44(10) of the Finance Act 2003 applies for the purposes of subsection (5).” That— And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that (1) The Stamp Duty Land Tax (Temporary Relief) Act 2020 is this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions amended as follows. of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. (2) In section 1 (reduced rates of SDLT on residential property for a temporary period)— 43. STAMP DUTY LAND TAX (INCREASED (a) in subsection (1)(b) (which specifies the end of that RATES FOR NON-RESIDENT TRANSACTIONS) temporary period), for “31 March 2021” substitute “30 June 2021”, Resolved, (b) in subsections (1) and (6)(a), for “temporary” substitute That— “initial temporary”, and (1) In the Finance Act 2003, Part 4 (stamp duty land tax) is amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (5). (c) in the heading, for “a temporary” substitute “an initial temporary”. (2) After section 75 insert— (3) After that section insert— “Increased rates for non-resident transactions 75ZA Increased rates for non-resident transactions “1A Further period for reduced rates of SDLT on residential property (1) In its application for the purpose of determining the amount of tax chargeable in respect of a chargeable (1) This section makes modifications of Part 4 of the transaction that is a non-resident transaction, this Finance Act 2003 in relation to any land transaction Part has effect as if 2% were added to each rate the effective date of which falls in the period (“the specified in the rate-specifying provisions. further temporary relief period”)— (2) The “rate-specifying provisions” are— (a) beginning with 1 July 2021, and (a) in section 55(1B), Table A; (b) ending with 30 September 2021. (b) in Schedule 4ZA, in paragraph 1(2), Table A; (2) Section 55(1B) (amount of stamp duty land tax (c) in Schedule 4A, paragraph 3(1)(a); chargeable: general) has effect as if for Table A there (d) in Schedule 5, in paragraph 2(3), Table A; were substituted— (e) in Schedule 6ZA, in paragraph 4, Table A; 783 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 784 Situation Situation (f) in section 74(1A), Step 4. (a) different amounts of rents are payable for different (3) Schedule 9A defines “non-resident transaction” and parts of the term, and makes further provision in connection with this section. (b) those amounts (or any of them) are ascertainable at Anti-avoidance”. the effective date of the transaction, the average annual rent over the period for which the (3) In section 101 (unit trust schemes), in subsection (7), at the highest ascertainable rent is payable. end insert “, or Schedule9A(increasedratesfornon-residenttransactions).” (5) For provision modifying sub-paragraph (3) in its application to chargeable transactions of particular (4) In section 122 (index of defined expressions), in the table, descriptions, see— at the appropriate place insert— paragraph 13 (bare trust acquiring new lease); paragraph 14 (purchases by certain settlements). “non-resident transaction Schedule 9A, paragraph 2” (6) Sub-paragraph (1) is subject to paragraph 17 (5) After Schedule 9 insert— (completion of contract previously substantially performed). “SCHEDULE 9A PART 3 INCREASED RATES FOR NON-RESIDENT TRANSACTIONS

“NON-RESIDENT” IN RELATION TO A CHARGEABLE PART 1 TRANSACTION:INDIVIDUALS INTRODUCTION Whether individual “non-resident” in relation to a chargeable 1 This Schedule is arranged as follows— transaction (a) Part 2 explains how to determine for the purposes 3 For the purposes of this Schedule, an individual is of this Part of this Act whether a chargeable “non-resident” in relation to a chargeable transaction transaction is a “non-resident transaction”; if the individual is not UK resident in relation to the (b) Part 3 explains how to determine for the purposes transaction (see paragraphs 4 and 5). of this Schedule whether an individual is “non- Whether individual “UK resident” in relation to a chargeable resident” in relation to a chargeable transaction; transaction: basic rule (c) Part 4 explains how to determine for the purposes 4 (1) For the purposes of this Schedule, an individual is of this Schedule whether a company is “non- “UK resident” in relation to a chargeable transaction resident” in relation to a chargeable transaction; if the individual is present in the United Kingdom on (d) Part 5 contains special rules applying in relation to at least 183 days during any continuous period of particular purchasers and transactions; 365 days that falls within the relevant period. (e) Part 6 contains supplementary provision. (2) “The relevant period” means the period that— (a) begins with the day 364 days before the effective PART 2 date of the chargeable transaction, and (b) ends with the day 365 days after the effective date MEANING OF “NON-RESIDENT TRANSACTION” of the chargeable transaction. Meaning of “non-resident transaction” (3) This paragraph does not apply in relation to a 2 (1) A chargeable transaction is a “non-resident transaction” chargeable transaction to which paragraph 3 applies. for the purposes of this Part of this Act if— (4) References in this paragraph to an individual being (a) the purchaser is, or (if there is more than one) the present in the United Kingdom on a day are to the purchasers include, a person who is non-resident individual being present in the United Kingdom at in relation to the transaction, the end of that day. (b) the main subject-matter of the transaction consists (5) This paragraph is subject to paragraph 12 (spouses and of— civil partners of UK residents). (i) a major interest in one or more dwellings, or (ii) a major interest in one or more dwellings and Whether individual “UK resident” in relation to a chargeable other property, transaction: special cases (c) that major interest, at the beginning of the effective 5 (1) For the purposes of this Schedule, an individual is date of the transaction, is not a term of years “UK resident” in relation to a chargeable transaction absolute or leasehold estate that has 7 years or to which this paragraph applies if the individual is less to run, and present in the United Kingdom on at least 183 days (d) the de minimis threshold is exceeded. during the period that— (2) A reference in sub-paragraph (1)(b) or (c) to a major (a) begins with the day 364 days before the effective interest in a dwelling includes an undivided share in a date of the chargeable transaction, and major interest in a dwelling. (b) ends with the effective date of the chargeable transaction. (3) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1)(d), the de minimis threshold is exceeded if— (2) This paragraph applies to a chargeable transaction if (a) in a case in which the chargeable consideration for any of conditions A to C is met in relation to the the transaction does not consist of or include rent, transaction. the chargeable consideration for the transaction is (3) Condition A is that the purchaser is, or (if there is £40,000 or more; more than one) the purchasers include— (b) in a case in which the chargeable consideration for (a) a company, or the transaction consists of or includes rent— (b) a person acting as a trustee of a unit trust scheme. (i) the chargeable consideration other than rent is (4) Condition B is that the purchaser is, or (if there is more £40,000 or more, or than one) the purchasers include, an individual who (ii) the annual rent is £1,000 or more. is treated as entering into the transaction by virtue of (4) In sub-paragraph (3) “annual rent” in relation to a paragraph 2 of Schedule 15 (transaction entered into transaction, means the average annual rent over the for the purposes of a partnership treated as entered term of the lease to which the transaction relates or, into by partners). if— (5) Condition C is that— 785 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 786 Situation Situation (a) the purchaser is, or (if there is more than one) the Meaning of “close company” purchasers include, an individual who is acting as 8 (1) For the purposes of this Schedule, a company is a a trustee of a settlement, and “close company” if it is a close company within the (b) under the terms of the settlement no beneficiary is meaning given by Chapter 2 of Part 10 of CTA 2010 entitled— (basic definitions), applying that Chapter subject to (i) to occupy the dwelling or dwellings for life, or the following modifications. (ii) to income earned in respect of the dwelling or (2) Section 444 (companies involved with close companies) dwellings. applies as if condition A in that section were omitted. (6) References in this paragraph to an individual being (3) Section 446 (particular types of quoted company not present in the United Kingdom on a day are to the treated as close) is treated as omitted. individual being present in the United Kingdom at Non-UK control the end of that day. (1) For the purposes of this Schedule, a company meets (7) This paragraph is subject to paragraph 12 (spouses and the “non-UK control test” in relation to a chargeable civil partners of UK residents). transaction if it is a close company within the Crown employment meaning given by Chapter 2 of Part 10 of CTA 2010 6 (1) For the purposes of paragraphs 4 and 5, an (basic definitions), applying that Chapter subject to individual is (subject to sub-paragraph (3)) treated as the following modifications. present in the United Kingdom at the end of a day if (2) Section 439 (“close company”) applies as if— at that time the individual— (a) references to a participator were to a relevant (a) is in Crown employment, and participator, and (b) is present in a country or territory outside the (b) references to five or fewer participators were to any United Kingdom for the purpose of performing number of relevant participators. activities in the course of that employment. (3) In sub-paragraph 3, “relevant participator” means a (2) For the purposes of paragraphs 4 and 5, an individual participator (within the meaning given by Chapter 2 is (subject to sub-paragraph (3)) treated as present in of Part 10 of CTA 2010) who— the United Kingdom at the end of a day if at that (a) is non-resident in relation to the chargeable time the individual— transaction (within the meaning of this Schedule), (a) is the spouse or civil partner of an individual who is and treated as present in the United Kingdom at the (b) is not a general partner in a limited partnership. end of that day under sub-paragraph (1), and (4) Section 444 (companies involved with close companies) (b) is living with that spouse or civil partner. applies as if condition A in that section were omitted. (3) Sub-paragraph (1) or (2) applies in relation to an (5) Section 446 (particular types of quoted company not individual only if a claim that it should so apply is treated as close) is treated as omitted. included in a land transaction return or an amendment (6) Section 451 (attribution of rights and powers) has effect of such a return. subject to the limitations set out in paragraph 10. (4) “Crown employment” means employment under the (7) The reference in sub-paragraph (3)(b) to a general Crown— partner does not include a general partner who (a) which is of a public nature, and possesses, or is entitled to acquire, rights that entitle (b) the earnings from which are payable out of the the general partner, in the event of the winding up of public revenue of the United Kingdom or of the company or in any other circumstances, to receive Northern Ireland. more than 1% of the assets of the company which (5) Section 1011 of the Income Tax Act 2007 (references would then be available for distribution among its to married persons, or civil partners, living together) members. applies for the purposes of this paragraph. Non-UK control: attribution of rights and powers 10 (1) This paragraph sets out limitations on the rights PART 4 and powers of a person (A) that, apart from this paragraph, would be capable of being attributed to another person (B) under section 451(4) of CTA “NON-RESIDENT IN RELATION TO A CHARGEABLE 2010, as that provision applies for the purposes of TRANSACTION:COMPANIES paragraph 9(1). Whether company is “non-resident” in relation to a chargeable (2) Where A and B are partners in a partnership, no rights transaction and powers of A may be attributed to B under 7 (1) For the purposes of this Schedule a company is paragraph (c) or (d) of section 451(4) of CTA 2010 “non-resident” in relation to a chargeable transaction by virtue of that fact. if either of the following conditions is met. (3) Where— (2) The first condition is that, on the effective date of the (a) A and B are spouses or civil partners of each other, chargeable transaction, the company is not UK resident (b) A and B are living together, and for the purposes of the Corporation Tax Acts (see (c) A is UK resident in relation to the chargeable Chapter 3 of Part 2 of CTA 2009). transaction, (3) The second condition is that, on the effective date of no rights and powers of A may be attributed to B under the chargeable transaction, the company (though UK paragraph (c) or (d) of section 451(4) of CTA 2010 resident for the purposes of the Corporation Tax by virtue of the fact mentioned in paragraph (a). Acts)— (4) Where A’s interest in a company is de minimis, no (a) is a close company (see paragraph 8), rights and powers of A in relation to the company (b) meets the non-UK control test in relation to the may be attributed to B under any of paragraphs (a) transaction (see paragraphs 9 and 10), and to (d) of section 451(4) of CTA 2010. (c) is not an excluded company (see paragraph 11). (5) For this purpose, A’s interest in a company is “de (4) This paragraph is subject to— minimis” if— (a) paragraph 15 (co-ownership authorised contractual (a) the proportion of the share capital or issued share schemes); capital in the company that A possesses or is (b) paragraph 16 (alternative property finance). entitled to acquire is less than 5%, 787 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 788 Situation Situation (b) the proportion of the voting rights in the company Bare trust acquiring new lease that A possesses or is entitled to acquire is less 13 (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies to a chargeable transaction than 5%, if— (c) the issued share capital in the company that A (a) the purchaser is, or (if there is more than one) the possesses or is entitled to acquire would, on the purchasers include, a person (P) who is acting as a assumption that the whole of the income of the trustee of a bare trust, and company were distributed among the participators, (b) paragraph 3(3) of Schedule 16 (trustee of bare trust entitle A to receive less than 5% of the income so granted a lease treated as purchaser of the whole distributed, and of the interest acquired) applies in relation to P. (d) A’s rights in the company entitle A, in the event of (2) In determining for the purposes of this Part of this Act the winding up of the company or in any other whether the chargeable transaction is a “non-resident circumstances, to less than 5% of the assets of the transaction”, paragraph 2(1)(a) (condition that company which would then be available for purchaser be non-resident) has effect as if a reference distribution among the participators. to the purchaser or purchasers— (6) Any rights A has as a loan creditor are to be disregarded (a) included the beneficiary or beneficiaries of the bare for the purposes of the assumption in sub-paragraph trust, and (5)(c). (b) did not include P. (7) Section 1011 of the Income Tax Act 2007 (references Purchase by settlement if beneficiary entitled to occupy, or to to married persons, or civil partners, living together) income from, dwelling applies for the purposes of this paragraph. 14 (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies to a chargeable Excluded companies transaction if— 11 (1) A company is an “excluded company” for the (a) the purchaser is, or (if there is more than one) the purposes of paragraph 7(3)(c) if it is any of the purchasers include, a person (P) who is acting as a following— trustee of a settlement, and (a) a PAIF; (b) under the terms of the settlement a beneficiary is (b) a body corporate that is a 51% subsidiary of PAIF; entitled— (c) a company UK REIT; (i) to occupy the dwelling or dwellings for life, or (d) a company that is a member of a group UK REIT. (ii) to income earned in respect of the dwelling or (2) In this paragraph— dwellings. (a) “PAIF” means a body corporate that is a property (2) In determining for the purposes of this Part of this Act AIF for the purposes of Schedule 7A to this Act whether the chargeable transaction is a “non-resident by virtue of paragraph 2(2) of that Schedule; transaction”, paragraph 2(1)(a) (condition that (b) “51% subsidiary” has the same meaning as in the purchaser be non-resident) has effect as if a reference Corporation Tax Acts (see Chapter 3 of Part 24 to the purchaser or purchasers— of CTA 2010); (a) included the beneficiary or beneficiaries of the (c) “company UK REIT” has the same meaning as in settlement, and Part 12 of CTA 2010 (see section 524(5) of that (b) did not include P. Act); (3) In this paragraph “settlement” does not include a (d) “group UK REIT” has the same meaning as in Part settlement under a unit trust scheme. 12 of CTA 2010 (see section 523(5) of that Act). Co-ownership authorised contractual schemes 15 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), a co-ownership PART 5 authorised contractual scheme is not “non-resident” in relation to any chargeable transaction. SPECIAL RULES FOR PARTICULAR PURCHASERS AND (2) A collective investment scheme that is a co-ownership TRANSACTIONS authorised contractual scheme by virtue of section Spouses and civil partners of UK residents 102A(7) (EEA schemes) is “non-resident” in relation 12 (1) This paragraph applies where— to all chargeable transactions. (a) there are two or more purchasers in relation to a Alternative property finance chargeable transaction who are or will be jointly 16 (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies in relation to a chargeable entitled to the interest acquired, and transaction within section 71A(1)(a) (purchase of land (b) the following conditions are met in relation to those by financial institution as part of alternative property purchasers. finance arrangements). (2) The conditions are— (2) The financial institution that enters into the transaction (a) that, on the effective date of the transaction, the is “non-resident” in relation to the transaction if and purchasers, or (if there are more than two) two of only if the person with whom it enters into the them, are spouses or civil partners of each other; arrangements mentioned in section 71A(1) is non-resident (b) that, on the effective date of the transaction, those in relation to the transaction. spouses or civil partners are living together; (3) Sub-paragraph (4) applies in relation to a chargeable (c) that one of those spouses or civil partners is UK transaction within section 73(1)(a)(i) (purchase of resident in relation to the chargeable transaction; land by financial institution as part of alternative (d) that (apart from this paragraph) one of those spouses property finance arrangements). or civil partners is non-resident in relation to the (4) The financial institution that enters into the transaction chargeable transaction; is “non-resident” in relation to the transaction if and (e) that neither of the spouses or civil partners is acting only if the person with whom it enters into the as a trustee of a settlement. arrangements mentioned in section 73(1) is non-resident (3) For the purposes of this Schedule, the spouse or civil in relation to the transaction. partner mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(d) is UK Completion of contract previously substantially performed resident in relation to the chargeable transaction. 17 In a case within section 44(8) (contract substantially (4) Section 1011 of the Income Tax Act 2007 (references performed and subsequently completed by a to married persons, or civil partners, living together) conveyance) the later of the notifiable transactions applies for the purposes of this paragraph. mentioned in that provision is a “non-resident transaction” 789 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 790 Situation Situation for the purposes of this Part if and only if the earlier (b) the main subject-matter of the transaction consists of those notifiable transactions is a non-resident of or includes an interest in a building, or a part transaction for the purposes of this Part. of a building, that is to be constructed or adapted under the contract for use as a single dwelling, PART 6 and (c) construction or adaptation of the building, or part SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION of a building, has not begun by the time the Completion of land transaction return contract is substantially performed. 18 (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies in relation to a land (6) In sub-paragraph (5)— transaction return in respect of a chargeable “contract” includes any agreement; transaction if— “relevant deeming provision” means any of sections 44 (a) in order to determine whether the chargeable transaction to 45A or paragraph 5(1) or (2) of Schedule 2A or is a non-resident transaction, it is necessary to paragraph 12A of Schedule 17A; determine whether one or more individuals are UK resident in relation to the transaction under “substantially performed” has the same meaning as in paragraph 4(1), and section 44. (b) that individual or any of those individuals, at the (7) A building or part of a building used for a purpose beginning of the day on which the land transaction specified in section 116(2) or (3) is not used as a return is delivered, has not yet met the condition dwelling for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2) or (5). in that provision (but might turn out to do so (8) Where a building or part of a building is used for a depending on their residence during the remainder purpose mentioned in sub-paragraph (7), no account of the relevant period). is to be taken for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2) (2) The land transaction return must be prepared on the of its suitability for any other use. assumption that the individual or (as the case may Interpretation be) each of the individuals is resident outside the United Kingdom throughout the period— 21 In this Schedule— (a) beginning with the day on which the land transaction “CTA 2009” means the Corporation Tax Act 2009; return is delivered, and “CTA 2010” means the Corporation Tax Act 2010. (b) ending at the end of the relevant period. Power to modify this Schedule (3) In this paragraph “the relevant period” has the same meaning as in paragraph 4(1). 22 (1) The Treasury may by regulations amend or Amendment of return where individual becomes UK resident otherwise modify this Schedule for the purpose of after return delivered preventing certain chargeable transactions from being non-resident transactions for the purposes of 19 (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where— this Schedule. (a) a land transaction return in respect of a chargeable transaction is prepared on the assumption (2) The provision which may be included in regulations mentioned in paragraph 18(2), and under this paragraph by reason of section 114(6)(c) includes incidental or consequential provision which (b) the individual or (as the case may be) each of the may cause a chargeable transaction to be a non-resident individuals in respect of whom the assumption transaction for the purposes of this Schedule.” was made subsequently meets the condition in paragraph 4(1) (with the result that the transaction (6) The amendments made by this Resolution have effect in is not a non-resident transaction). relation to any land transaction of which the effective date is, or (2) The land transaction return may be amended, at any is after, the commencement date. time before the end of the period of 2 years (7) But those amendments do not have effect in relation to— beginning with the day after the effective date of the (a) a transaction effected in pursuance of a contract transaction, to take account of the fact that the entered into and substantially performed before the transaction is not a non-resident transaction. commencement date, or (3) Where a land transaction return is amended under sub-paragraph (2), paragraph 6(2A) of Schedule 10 (b) a transaction that— (notice of amendment of return to be accompanied (i) is entered into pursuant to a contract entered into by the contract for the transaction etc) does not before 11 March 2020, and apply in relation to the amendment. (ii) is not excluded for the purposes of this sub- What counts as a dwelling paragraph. 20 (1) This paragraph sets out rules for determining what (8) A transaction is excluded for the purposes of sub- counts as a dwelling for the purposes of this Schedule. paragraph (b) of paragraph (7) if— (2) A building or part of a building counts as a dwelling (a) there is any variation of the contract, or assignment of if— rights under the contract, on or after 11 March 2020, (a) it is used or suitable for use as a single dwelling, or (b) the transaction is effected in consequence of the (b) it is in the process of being constructed or adapted exercise on or after that date of any option, right of for such use. pre-emption or similar right, or (3) Land that is, or is to be, occupied or enjoyed with a dwelling as a garden or grounds (including any (c) on or after that date there is an assignment, sub-sale or building or structure on that land) is taken to be part other transaction relating to the whole or part of the of that dwelling. subject-matter of the contract as a result of which a person other than the purchaser under the contract (4) Land that subsists, or is to subsist, for the benefit of a becomes entitled to call for a conveyance. dwelling is taken to be part of that dwelling. (5) The main subject-matter of a transaction is also taken (9) In paragraphs (6) and (7) “the commencement date” means to consist of or include an interest in a dwelling if— 1 April 2021. (a) substantial performance of a contract constitutes And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that the effective date of that transaction by virtue of a this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions relevant deeming provision, of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. 791 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 792 Situation Situation 44. STAMP DUTY LAND TAX (HOUSING (8) Sub-paragraph (7) is to apply to the second successor CO-OPERATIVES ETC) as it applies to the first successor, and so on, subject to the necessary modifications.” Resolved, (3) Part 4 of the Finance Act 2003 (stamp duty land tax) is That— further amended in accordance with paragraphs (4) to (10). (1) In Schedule 4A to the Finance Act 2003 (higher rate of (4) In section 81 (further return where relief withdrawn)— SDLT for certain transactions), after paragraph 5F insert— (a) for subsection (1A) substitute— “Qualifying housing co-operatives “(1A) Where relief is withdrawn to any extent under— 5FA Paragraph 3 does not apply to a chargeable transaction (a) any of paragraphs 5G to 5L of Schedule 4A (relief so far as its subject-matter consists of a higher threshold from higher rate under Schedule 4A (higher rate interest that is acquired by a company on a day on for certain transactions)), which the company is a qualifying housing co-operative (b) paragraph 6 of Schedule 7A (PAIF seeding relief), for the purposes of section 150(3A) of the Finance or Act 2013 (relief from ATED).” (c) paragraph 14 or 16 of Schedule 7A (COACS (2) In that Schedule, after paragraph 5K insert— seeding relief), “5L (1) This paragraph applies where relief under the purchaser must deliver a further return before the end paragraph 5FA (qualifying housing co-operatives) of the period of 30 days after the relevant date.”; has been allowed in respect of a higher threshold (b) in subsection (1B), after paragraph (e) insert— interest forming the whole or part of the subject- “(ea) in the case of relief under paragraph 5FA of that matter of a chargeable transaction. Schedule (qualifying housing co-operatives), the (2) References in this paragraph to a qualifying housing date determined in accordance with subsection body are to— (1C);”; (a) a company that is a qualifying housing co-operative (c) after subsection (1B) insert— for the purposes of section 150(3A) of the “(1C) For the purposes of subsection (1B)(ea) (relief Finance Act 2013 (relief from ATED), under paragraph 5FA of Schedule 4A withdrawn (b) a registered provider of social housing, or because the conditions in paragraph 5L(3) of that (c) a registered social landlord. Schedule are met), the date is— (3) The relief under paragraph 5FA is withdrawn (subject (a) where paragraph 5L(4) of Schedule 4A does not to sub-paragraph (4)) if— apply, the first day in the period mentioned in (a) on any day in the period of three years beginning paragraph 5L(3)(a) of that Schedule on which the with the effective date of the chargeable transaction purchaser is not a qualifying housing body; (“the control period”), the purchaser is not a (b) where paragraph 5L(4) or (7) of that Schedule qualifying housing body, and applies and relief is withdrawn because condition (b) immediately before the first day on which that is the A in paragraph 5L(5) of that Schedule is met, the case the purchaser still holds the higher threshold day of succession of the relevant successor; interest or holds a chargeable interest derived (c) where paragraph 5L(4) or (7) of that Schedule from it. applies and relief is withdrawn because condition B in paragraph 5L(6) of that Schedule is met, the (4) If, on any day in the control period, the purchaser is first day in the part of the control period that falls not a qualifying housing body because it ceases to after the day of succession of the relevant exist (whether by virtue of a conversion into, or successor on which the relevant successor is not a amalgamation with, another person or for any other qualifying housing body. reason), relief is not to be withdrawn under this paragraph unless— (1D) Where relief is withdrawn to any extent under paragraph 5L of Schedule 4A in a case to which (a) another person (“the first successor”) has succeeded paragraph 5L(4) or (7) applies, the reference in to the engagements of the purchaser, and subsection (1A) to the purchaser is to be read as a (b) condition A or condition B is met (and if condition reference to the relevant successor.”; B is met, subject to sub-paragraph (7)). (d) for subsection (3) substitute— (5) Condition A is that, on the day the first successor “(3) The provisions of Schedule 10 (returns, assessments succeeds to the engagements of the purchaser (“the and other matters) apply for the purposes of this day of succession”), the first successor is not a section with the following modifications— qualifying housing body. (a) references to a return under section 76 (general (6) Condition B is that— requirement to deliver land transaction return) (a) on any day in the part of the control period that are to be read as references to a return under falls after the day of succession, the first successor subsection (1) or (1A); is not a qualifying housing body, and (b) references to the transaction to which a return (b) immediately before the first day on which that is the relates are to be read as references to the case the first successor still holds the higher withdrawal of relief in respect of which the return threshold interest or holds a chargeable interest is required under subsection (1) or (1A); derived from it. (c) references to a chargeable transaction to which (as (7) If condition B is met because the first successor ceases yet) no return relates are to be read as references to exist (whether by virtue of a conversion into, or to the withdrawal of relief under any of the amalgamation with, another person or for any other provisions mentioned in subsection (1) or (1A); reason), relief is not to be withdrawn under this (d) references to the effective date of a transaction— paragraph unless it would have been withdrawn by (i) in relation to the withdrawal of relief under any virtue of sub-paragraph (4) if references in sub- of the provisions mentioned in subsection (1), paragraphs (4) to (6)— are to be read as references to the date on (a) to the purchaser were references to the first successor, which the disqualifying event occurs, and and (ii) in relation to the withdrawal of relief under any (b) to the first successor were references to the person of the provisions mentioned in subsection who has succeeded to the engagements of the first (1A), are to be read as references to the successor (“the second successor”). relevant date (see subsections (1B) and (1C)); 793 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 794 Situation Situation (e) where, by virtue of subsection (1D), a return is to be (c) where paragraph 6I(3) or (6) of that Schedule made by the relevant successor, references to the applies and relief is withdrawn because condition purchaser are to be read as references to the relevant B in paragraph 6I(5) of that Schedule is met, the successor; first day in the part of the control period that falls (f) paragraph 36(5A) is to be read as if it also after the day of succession of the relevant permitted an appeal under paragraph 35(1)(e) on successor on which the relevant successor is not a the ground that no further return is required.”; qualifying housing body.”; (e) omit subsection (5); (f) in subsection (6), for the definition of “the relevant (f) at the end insert— person” substitute— “(6) In subsections (1C), (1D) and (3)(e) (which relate to ““the relevant person” means— the withdrawal of relief under paragraph 5L of (a) the person (other than the financial institution) Schedule 4A) “the relevant successor” means the who entered into the arrangements in person who is the most recent successor in the chain question, or of succession at the time relief is withdrawn (and that (b) where relief is withdrawn to any extent under person could be the first successor, the second paragraph 6I of Schedule 4A in a case to successor or a subsequent successor). which paragraph 6I(3) or (6) applies, the (7) Terms used in subsections (1C) and (6) which are relevant successor; defined for the purposes of paragraph 5L of Schedule “the relevant successor” means the person who is the 4A have the same meaning in those subsections as most recent successor in the chain of succession at they have in that paragraph.” the time relief is withdrawn (and that person (5) In section 81ZA (alternative finance arrangements: return could be the first successor, the second successor where relief withdrawn)— or a subsequent successor).”; (a) in subsection (1), for “or 6H” substitute “, 6H or 6I”; (g) after subsection (6) insert— (b) for subsection (2) substitute— “(7) Terms used in subsection (5A), and in the definition of “the relevant successor” in “(2) The provisions of Schedule 10 (returns, assessments subsection (6), which are defined for the purposes and other matters) apply for the purposes of this of paragraph 6I of Schedule 4A have the same section with the following modifications— meaning in those provisions as they have in that (a) references to a return under section 76 (general paragraph.” requirement to deliver land transaction return) are to be read as references to a return under (6) In section 85 (liability for tax)— subsection (1); (a) after subsection (2) insert— (b) references to the transaction to which a return “(2A) Where relief is withdrawn to any extent under relates are to be read as references to the paragraph 5L of Schedule 4A (qualifying housing withdrawal of relief in respect of which the return co-operatives) in a case to which paragraph 5L(4) or is required under subsection (1); (7) applies— (c) references to a chargeable transaction to which (as (a) subsection (1) does not apply in relation to the yet) no return relates are to be read as references additional tax payable as a result of the withdrawal to the withdrawal of relief under any of the of the relief, and provisions mentioned in subsection (1); (b) the relevant successor is liable to pay that additional (d) references to the effective date of a transaction are tax. to be read as references to the date of the disqualifying event; (2B) In subsection (2A) “the relevant successor” has the same meaning as it has in subsections (1C), (1D) and (e) references to the purchaser are to be read as (3)(e) of section 81 (see subsections (6) and (7) of references to the relevant person so far as that is that section).”; necessary as a result of subsection (1) of this section or section 85(3) (payment of additional (b) in subsection (3), for “and 6H” substitute “, 6H and tax by relevant person where relief withdrawn); 6I”; (f) paragraph 36(5A) is to be read as if it also (c) in subsection (4), for the words from “means” to the permitted an appeal under paragraph 35(1)(e) on end substitute “has the same meaning as in section the ground that no further return is required.”; 81ZA (see subsections (6) and (7) of that section)”. (c) in subsection (3), for the words from “the first day” to (7) In section 86 (payment of tax)— the end substitute “— (a) in subsection (2)(za), for “5K” substitute “5L”; (a) where the relief was given under paragraph 5, 5B, 5C, (b) in subsection (2A), for “and 6H” substitute “, 6H and 5D or 5F of Schedule 4A, the first day in the control 6I”. period on which a relevant requirement was not met; (8) In section 87(3) (interest on unpaid tax)— (b) where the relief was given under paragraph 5FA of Schedule 4A, the date determined in accordance (a) in paragraph (za), for “5K” substitute “5L”; with subsection (5A).”; (b) after paragraph (za) insert— (d) in subsections (4) and (5), for “subsection (3)” “(zb) in the case of an amount payable because relief is substitute “subsection (3)(a)”; withdrawn under any of paragraphs 6D, 6F, 6G, (e) after subsection (5) insert— 6H and 6I of Schedule 4A, the date which is the “(5A) For the purposes of subsection (3)(b) (relief date of the disqualifying event for the purposes of withdrawn because the conditions in paragraph 6I(2) section 81ZA (see subsection (3) of that section);”. of Schedule 4A are met), the date is— (9) In Schedule 4A (stamp duty land tax: higher rate for (a) where paragraph 6I(3) of Schedule 4A does not certain transactions)— apply, the first day in the period mentioned in (a) in paragraph 2(6)(a)— paragraph 6I(2)(a) of that Schedule on which the (i) for “5K” substitute “5L”; relevant person is not a qualifying housing body; (ii) for “6H” substitute “6I”; (b) where paragraph 6I(3) or (6) of that Schedule applies and relief is withdrawn because condition (b) in paragraph 6A— A in paragraph 6I(4) of that Schedule is met, the (i) in sub-paragraph (4), for “and 5F(1)” substitute “, day of succession of the relevant successor; 5F(1) and 5FA”; 795 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 796 Situation Situation (ii) in sub-paragraph (5), for “or 5F(1)” substitute “, (d) references to a major interest include an 5F(1) or 5FA”; undivided share in a major interest in land.”; (c) in paragraph 6C(2)(b), for “and 5F(1)” substitute “, (e) in paragraph 9, in the definition of “financial 5F(1) and 5FA”; institution”, for “6H” substitute “6I”. (d) after paragraph 6H insert— (10) In Schedule 10 (returns, assessments and other “61 (1) This paragraph applies where relief under matters), in paragraph 12(2A) (notice of enquiry)— paragraph 5FA (qualifying housing co-operatives) (a) in paragraph (b), omit “in respect of the same has been allowed, in accordance with paragraph land transaction”; 6A(4), in relation to the purchase of a major (b) in the words after paragraph (b), for “land interest in land. transaction” substitute “return”. (2) The relief is withdrawn (subject to sub-paragraph (11) The amendments made by this Resolution have (3)) if— effect in relation to any land transaction of which (a) on any day in the period of three years beginning the effective date is 3 March 2021 or a later date. with the effective date of the first transaction And it is declared that it is expedient in the public (“the control period”), the relevant person is interest that this Resolution should have statutory not a qualifying housing body, and effect under the provisions of the Provisional (b) immediately before the first day on which that Collection of Taxes Act 1968. is the case the relevant person holds a relevant interest (whether jointly, or in common, or otherwise). 45. ANNUAL TAX ON ENVELOPED DWELLINGS (3) If, on any day in the control period, the relevant (HOUSING CO-OPERATIVES) person is not a qualifying housing body because it Resolved, ceases to exist (whether by virtue of a conversion into, or amalgamation with, another person or for That— any other reason), relief is not to be withdrawn (1) In section 150 of the Finance Act 2013 (providers of social under this paragraph unless— housing)— (a) another person (“the first successor”) has (a) after subsection (3) insert— succeeded to the engagements of the relevant “(3A) A day in a chargeable period is relievable in person, and relation to a single-dwelling interest if on that day (b) condition A or condition B is met (and if a qualifying housing co-operative (as defined by condition B is met, subject to sub-paragraph section 150A) is entitled to the interest.”, and (6)). (b) in the heading, at the end insert “etc”. (4) Condition A is that, on the day the first successor succeeds to the engagements of the relevant person (2) After that section insert— (“the day of succession”), the first successor is not “150A Meaning of “qualifying housing co-operative” a qualifying housing body. (1) A company is a “qualifying housing co-operative” for (5) Condition B is that— the purposes of section 150(3A) on any day if on that (a) on any day in the part of the control period that day— falls after the day of succession, the first successor (a) it is a housing association within the meaning of— is not a qualifying housing body, and (i) the Housing Associations Act 1985, or (b) immediately before the first day on which that is (ii) Part 2 of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order the case the first successor still holds a relevant 1992, interest (whether jointly, or in common, or otherwise). (b) it is a registered society within the meaning of— (6) If condition B is met because the first successor (i) the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies ceases to exist (whether by virtue of a conversion Act 2014, or into, or amalgamation with, another person or for (ii) the Co-operative and Community Benefit any other reason), relief is not to be withdrawn Societies Act (Northern Ireland) 1969, and under this paragraph unless it would have been (c) the rules of the association comply with subsection withdrawn by virtue of sub-paragraph (3) if (2). references in sub-paragraphs (3) to (5)— (2) The rules of the association— (a) to the relevant person were references to the (a) must restrict membership to persons who are tenants, first successor, and or prospective tenants, of the association, (b) to the first successor were references to the person who has succeeded to the engagements (b) must preclude the granting or assignment of tenancies of the first successor (“the second successor”). to persons other than members, (7) Sub-paragraph (6) is to apply to the second (c) must prevent members from transferring any of successor as it applies to the first successor, and so their shares, on, subject to the necessary modifications. (d) must prevent members from receiving any more (8) In this paragraph— than the nominal value of their shares on a return of share capital, and (a) “qualifying housing body” means— (e) must confer on members equal voting rights.” (i) a company that is a qualifying housing co-operative for the purposes of section 150(3A) of the (3) The amendments made by this Resolution have effect in Finance Act 2013 (relief from ATED), relation to— (ii) a registered provider of social housing, or (a) the chargeable period beginning with 1 April 2021 and (iii) a registered social landlord; all subsequent chargeable periods; (b) “relevant interest” has the same meaning as in (b) the chargeable period beginning with 1 April 2020 but paragraph 6D; only in relation to a person and a single-dwelling (c) “the relevant person” means the person (other interest falling within case A or case B. than the financial institution) who enters into (4) Case A is that the first day in the chargeable period on the arrangements mentioned in section 71A(1) which the person is within the charge with respect to the or 73(1); single-dwelling interest is on or after 3 March 2021. 797 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 798 Situation Situation (5) Case B is that the person was within the charge with respect 48. VALUE ADDED TAX (TEMPORARY 12.5% to the single-dwelling interest on one or more days in the RATE FOR HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM) chargeable period before 3 March 2021 but has not delivered an annual tax on enveloped dwellings return for the period with Resolved, respect to the interest by 3 March 2021. That provision may be made for a temporary 12.5% rate of (6) For the purposes of paragraphs (3) to (5), “single-dwelling value added tax on supplies within Groups 14 to 16 in Schedule interest”, “within the charge” and “annual tax on enveloped 7A to the Value Added Tax Act 1994. dwellings return” have the same meanings that they have for the purposes of Part 3 of the Finance Act 2013. 49. VALUE ADDED TAX (EXTENDING DIGITAL And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that RECORD-KEEPING TO ALL BUSINESSES) this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. Resolved, That provision may be made repealing paragraph 6(7) to (9) of Schedule 11 to the Value Added Tax Act 1994. 46. ANNUAL TAX ON ENVELOPED DWELLINGS (REPAYMENT CLAIM) 50. VALUE ADDED TAX (DEFERRING PAYMENT Resolved, BY REASON OF THE CORONAVIRUS That— EMERGENCY) (1) A claim for repayment of annual tax on enveloped Resolved, dwellings paid, before 3 March 2021, by or on behalf of a chargeable person with respect to a single-dwelling interest may That— be made by the person for each day (if any) in the chargeable (1) In this Resolution— period beginning with 1 April 2020 on which— “the Commissioners” means the Commissioners for Her (a) the person was within the charge with respect to the Majesty’s Revenue and Customs; interest and not treated as being outside the charge “HMRC” means Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs; by virtue of section 132(2) of the Finance Act 2013 “relevant VAT sum” means a sum to meet all or part of a (effect of reliefs under sections 133 to 150), and liability described in article 5 of the Finance Act (b) a qualifying housing co-operative was entitled to the 2008, Section 135 (Coronavirus) Order 2020 (S.I. interest. 2020/934). (2) For the purposes of a claim under this Resolution with (2) The Commissioners (having agreed that payment of respect to a single-dwelling interest— relevant VAT sums may be deferred until 31 March 2021) may— (a) a company is a qualifying housing co-operative on any (a) agree that payment of a relevant VAT sum may be day if on that day it would have been a qualifying further deferred, and housing co-operative for the purposes of section (b) make such arrangements as they consider appropriate 150(3A) of the Finance Act 2013 (if sections 150(3A) for persons to pay relevant VAT sums. and 150A of the Finance Act 2013 (as inserted by the preceding Resolution) had been in force on that day); (3) The period for which payment is further deferred under paragraph (2) may be different for different cases. (b) each day on which the conditions in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) are met with respect to the interest is a (4) Arrangements made under paragraph (2) may, among “relievable day”; other things— (c) references to “the relevant return” are to the annual tax (a) require that, in order to participate in the arrangements, on enveloped dwellings return for the chargeable period a person must meet specified conditions, beginning with 1 April 2020 with respect to the interest. (b) require or enable a sum to be paid in instalments, including instalments of different amounts, and (3) Where a claim is made under this Resolution with respect to a single-dwelling interest, HMRC must repay the total of the (c) make different provision for different cases. daily amounts for all the relievable days. (5) Nothing in paragraphs (2) to (4) affects the powers (4) A claim under this Resolution must be made by amending otherwise available to the Commissioners in connection with the the relevant return under paragraph 3 of Schedule 33 to the collection and management of relevant VAT sums or other sums. Finance Act 2013 on the same basis as it would have been (6) No liability to a surcharge on a relevant VAT sum arises amended if, on each of the relievable days, the chargeable person under section 59 of the Value Added Tax Act 1994 (the default had been entitled to claim the type of relief numbered 8 in the surcharge). table in section 159A(9) of that Act. (7) A person who is liable to pay a relevant VAT sum is liable (5) Terms used in this Resolution and in Part 3 of the Finance to a penalty if the person— Act 2013 have the same meaning in this Resolution as in (a) fails to pay the sum on or before 30 June 2021, and that Part. (b) fails to enter into payment arrangements in respect of And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that the sum on or before that day. this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions (8) In paragraph (7), “payment arrangements”means arrangements of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. with HMRC (whether general or individually tailored) under which the sum is to be paid and includes arrangements entered into before this Resolution comes into force. 47. VALUE ADDED TAX (TEMPORARY 5% RATE FOR HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM) (9) A person is not liable to a penalty under this Resolution in respect of a relevant VAT sum if the person satisfies HMRC or, Resolved, on appeal, a tribunal that there is a reasonable excuse for the That in Articles 2 and 5 of the Value Added Tax (Reduced failures described in paragraph (7)(a) and (b). Rate) (Hospitality and Tourism) (Coronavirus) Order 2020 (S.I. (10) In paragraph (9), “tribunal” has the same meaning as in 2020/728), for “31st March 2021” substitute “30th September the Value Added Tax Act 1994 (see section 82 of that Act). 2021”. (11) The amount of the penalty under this Resolution is 5% of And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that so much of the relevant VAT sum as has not been paid this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions immediately before the day on which the amount due by way of of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. penalty is assessed under paragraph (12). 799 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 800 Situation Situation (12) Where a person is liable to a penalty under this Resolution, 52. CUSTOMS DUTY (REMOVAL OF STEEL TO HMRC may assess the amount due by way of penalty and notify NORTHERN IRELAND) it to the person (subject to paragraph (15)). Resolved, (13) If it appears to HMRC that the amount that ought to have been assessed in an assessment under paragraph (12) That— exceeds the amount that was assessed, HMRC may make a (1) The Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations supplementary assessment of the amount of the excess and 2020 (S.I. 2000/1605) are amended as follows. notify it to the person (subject to paragraph (15)). Duty on certain steel products imported on or after 3 March 2021 (14) If it appears to HMRC that the amount that was assessed (2) After regulation 7 insert— in an assessment under paragraph (12) exceeds the amount that “7A Amount of section 30A(3) duty for certain steel products ought to have been assessed, HMRC may, by notice to the person, amend the assessment so as to reduce the amount due. (1) This regulation applies to goods if— (a) they are imported into the United Kingdom as a (15) An assessment under paragraph (12) or (13) may not be result of their entry into Northern Ireland, made after the end of the period of 2 years beginning with the time when facts sufficient in the opinion of HMRC to indicate (b) they are not relevant goods, that the person had failed as described in paragraph 7(1)(a) and (c) they are not Union goods, (b) came to HMRC’s knowledge. (d) the origin of the goods (as determined in accordance with the provisions of Union customs legislation (16) An amendment under paragraph (14) may be made after in force relating to non-preferential origin) is neither the last day on which the assessment in question could have been in the United Kingdom nor in the European Union, made. (e) they are declared, in accordance with Union customs (17) A penalty under this Resolution must be paid before the legislation, for a procedure corresponding to the end of the period of 30 days beginning with the day on which free-circulation procedure or the authorised use notification of the assessment of the penalty under paragraph procedure, (12) is issued. (f) they would (ignoring this regulation) have been (18) Where HMRC make a supplementary assessment under subject to the EU steel safeguarding measure, and paragraph (13), the additional amount must be paid before the (g) if they had instead been imported into a member end of the period of 30 days beginning with the day on which State they would have benefitted from tariff-rate they issue the notification of that assessment. quota in relation to that measure. (19) Where HMRC amend an assessment under paragraph (2) For the purpose of determining the amount of duty (14) that does not affect when the penalty must be paid. charged under section 30A(3) of the Act in respect of (20) If an amount is assessed and notified to a person under goods to which this regulation applies— this Resolution then unless, or except to the extent that, the (a) the EU steel regulation does not apply, and assessment is withdrawn or reduced, the amount is recoverable as (b) the steel safeguards notice applies as if references to if it were VAT due from the person. import duty were to duty charged under section (21) In paragraph (20), “VAT” has the same meaning as in the 30A(3)” Value Added Tax Act 1994 (see section 96 of that Act). (3) In regulation 8 (determination of section 30A charge), (22) Part 5 of the Value Added Tax Act 1994 (reviews and after “7” insert “, 7A”. appeals) has effect in relation to— (4) In regulation 9 (relief from section 30A duty), in (a) any liability to a penalty under this Resolution, and sub-paragraph (c)— (b) the amount of a penalty under this Resolution, (a) for “regulation” substitute “regulations”; as if those matters were listed in section 83(1) of that Act. (b) after “7” insert “and 7A”. (23) Section 84(3), (3B) and (3C) of that Act (requirement to (5) The amendments made by paragraphs (2) to (4)— deposit sum payable with HMRC) have effect in relation to (c) have effect in relation to goods declared on or after appeals against decisions with respect to those matters. 3 March 2021, in accordance with Union customs legislation, for a procedure corresponding to the free- (24) A person is not liable to a penalty under this Resolution in circulation procedure or the authorised use procedure, respect of a failure in respect of which the person has been and convicted of an offence. (d) have effect as if made under section 30B of the Taxation (25) Section 98 of the Value Added Tax Act 1994 (service of (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (and may be amended notices) applies to notices and notifications to be given under this or revoked accordingly) Resolution as it applies to notices and notifications to be given under that Act. Duty on certain steel products imported before 3 March 2021 (26) For the purposes of this Resolution, a notice or (6) Before regulation 8 insert— notification given to a personal representative, trustee in “7B Amount of section 30A(3) duty for certain steel products bankruptcy, trustee in sequestration, receiver, liquidator or other before 3 March 2021 representative of a person is to be treated as having been given to (1) This regulation applies to goods if— that person. (a) they are imported into the United Kingdom as a (27) In paragraph (26), “trustee in sequestration” has the same result of their entry into Northern Ireland, meaning as in the Value Added Tax Act 1994 (see section 96 of (b) they are declared before 3 March 2021, in accordance that Act). with Union customs legislation, for a procedure (28) This Resolution comes into force on 9 March 2021. corresponding to the free-circulation procedure or the authorised use procedure, And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that (c) they are not relevant goods, this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. (d) they are not Union goods, (e) the origin of the goods (as determined in accordance with the provisions of Union customs 51. VALUE ADDED TAX (REFUNDS TO S4C) legislation in force relating to non-preferential origin) is neither in the United Kingdom nor in Resolved, the European Union, That provision may be made about refunds of value added tax (f) they would (ignoring this regulation) have been to S4C. subject to an EU steel safeguarding measure, 801 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 802 Situation Situation (g) if they had instead been imported into a member (12) The amendments made by paragraphs (9) to (11)— State they would have benefitted from tariff-rate (a) have effect in relation to goods declared on or after quota in relation to that measure, and 3 March 2021, in accordance with Union customs (h) they would not have been subject to a domestic legislation, for a procedure corresponding to the free- steel safeguarding measure (whether they would circulation procedure or the authorised use procedure, have benefited from a quota or were otherwise not and subject to the measure) if— (b) have effect as if made under section 40B of the (i) the goods had been declared for the free- Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (and may be circulation procedure or the authorised use amended or revoked accordingly) procedure in Great Britain, and Duty on certain steel products removed to Northern Ireland after IP (ii) that declaration had been accepted at the same completion day time as the actual declaration was accepted. (13) Before regulation 14 insert— (2) Where the person declaring the goods makes a relevant claim that is accepted by HMRC, the EU steel regulation “13B Amount of section 40A(1) duty for certain domestic does not apply for the purpose of determining the steel products amount of duty charged under section 30A(3) of the (1) This regulation applies to goods if— Act in respect of the goods. (a) they are removed to Northern Ireland from Great (3) In this regulation “relevant claim” means a claim made Britain, in accordance with the procedure set out in the steel (b) they are declared, in accordance with Union customs notice provided all conditions in that notice are legislation, for a procedure corresponding to the complied with.” free-circulation procedure or the authorised use (7) In regulation 8 (determination of section 30A charge), procedure, before “and 9” insert “, 7B”. (c) they are domestic goods, (d) they are not relevant goods, (8) The amendments made by paragraphs (6) and (7)— (e) they are not Union goods, (a) have effect in relation to goods declared on or after IP (f) they are not goods to which regulation 11 applies, completion day, in accordance with Union customs legislation, for a procedure corresponding to the free- (g) the origin of the goods (as determined in circulation procedure or the authorised use procedure, accordance with the provisions of Union customs and legislation in force relating to non-preferential origin) is neither in the United Kingdom nor in (b) have effect as if made under section 30B of the the European Union, Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (and may be (h) they would (ignoring this regulation) have been amended or revoked accordingly) subject to an EU steel safeguarding measure, and Duty on certain steel products removed to Northern Ireland on or (i) if they had instead been imported into a member after 3 March 2021 State they would have benefitted from tariff-rate (9) After regulation 13 insert— quota in relation to that measure. “13A Amount of section 40A(1) duty for certain steel products (2) Where the person declaring the goods makes a relevant (1) This regulation applies to goods if— claim that is accepted by HMRC, the EU steel regulation (a) they are removed to Northern Ireland from Great does not apply for the purpose of determining the Britain, amount of duty charged under section 40A(1) of the Act in respect of the goods. (b) they are declared, in accordance with Union customs legislation, for a procedure corresponding to the (3) In this regulation “relevant claim” means a claim— free-circulation procedure or the authorised use (a) made in accordance with a procedure specified in a procedure, notice given by HMRC Commissioners, or (c) they are not relevant goods, (b) if no such notice is in force, made in accordance with the procedure set out in the steel notice (d) they are not Union goods, provided all conditions in that notice are complied (e) they are not domestic goods, with. (f) they are not goods to which regulation 11 applies, (4) HMRC Commissioners may by notice provide that a (g) the origin of the goods (as determined in person who makes a relevant claim of the type accordance with the provisions of Union customs mentioned in paragraph (3)(a) must notify the legislation in force relating to non-preferential Secretary of State of the making of the claim. origin) is neither in the United Kingdom nor in (5) The notice may provide— the European Union, (a) that specified information must be included in the (h) they would (ignoring this regulation) have been notification to the Secretary of State; subject to an EU steel safeguarding measure, and (b) for the form and manner in which such a (i) if they had instead been imported into a member notification must be given; State they would have benefitted from tariff-rate (c) that such a notification must be given within such quota in relation to that measure. period as is specified in the notice. (2) For the purpose of determining the amount of duty (6) A notice under paragraph (3)(a) or (4)— charged under section 40A(1) of the Act in respect of goods to which this regulation applies— (a) must be published; (b) may be withdrawn; (a) the EU steel regulation does not apply, and (c) may be amended from time to time. (b) the steel safeguards notice applies as if references to import duty were to duty charged under section 13C Amount of section 40A(1) duty for certain steel 40A(1)” products before 3 March 2021 (10) In regulation 14 (determination of section 40A charge), (1) This regulation applies to goods if— after “13” insert “13A,”. (a) they are removed to Northern Ireland from Great Britain, (11) In regulation 16 (relief from section 40A duty), in paragraph (1)(c)— (b) they are declared before 3 March 2021, in accordance with Union customs legislation, for a (a) for “regulation” substitute “regulations”; procedure corresponding to the free-circulation (b) after “13” insert “and 13A”. procedure or the authorised use procedure, 803 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 804 Situation Situation (c) they are not domestic goods, (b) have effect as if made under sections 30B and 40B of (d) they are not relevant goods, the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (and (e) they are not Union goods, may be amended or revoked accordingly) (f) they are not goods to which regulation 11 applies, Power to extend application of the regulations to other goods (g) the origin of the goods (as determined in (18) Paragraph (19) applies to a power conferred by the accordance with the provisions of Union customs Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 where provision inserted legislation in force relating to non-preferential by this Resolution— origin) is neither in the United Kingdom nor in (a) relates to particular goods, and the European Union, (b) is to have effect as if made under that power. (h) they would (ignoring this regulation) have been subject to an EU steel safeguarding measure, (19) A power to which this paragraph applies may (amongst (i) if they had instead been imported into a member other things) be exercised to make similar provision relating to State they would have benefitted from tariff-rate other goods, including provision having retrospective effect quota in relation to that measure, and provided any such retrospective provision does not impose or (j) they would not have been subject to a domestic steel increase taxation. safeguarding measure (whether they would have And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that benefited from a quota or were otherwise not this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions subject to the measure) if— of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. (i) the goods had been declared for the free- circulation procedure or the authorised use procedure in Great Britain, and 53. HYDROCARBON OIL DUTIES (ii) that declaration had been accepted at the same (RESTRICTION OF USE OF REBATED DIESEL time as the actual declaration was accepted. AND BIOFUELS) (2) Where the person declaring the goods makes a relevant Resolved, claim that is accepted by HMRC, the EU steel regulation That (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice does not apply for the purpose of determining the of the House relating to the matters that may be included in amount of duty charged under section 40A(1) of the Finance Bills) provision taking effect in a future year may be Act in respect of the goods. made amending the Hydrocarbon Oil Duties Act 1979 to restrict (3) In this regulation “relevant claim” means a claim made the use of rebated diesel and biofuels to specified categories of in accordance with the procedure set out in the steel machine. notice provided all conditions in that notice are complied with.” (14) In regulation 14 (determination of section 40A charge), 54. RATES OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS DUTY before “15” insert “13B, 13C,”. Resolved, (15) The amendments made by paragraphs (13) and (14)— That provision may be made substituting the Table in Schedule (a) have effect in relation to goods declared on or after IP 1 to the Tobacco Products Duty Act 1979. completion day, in accordance with Union customs legislation, for a procedure corresponding to the free-circulation procedure or the authorised use 55. VEHICLE EXCISE DUTY (RATES) procedure, and Resolved, (b) have effect as if made under section 40B of the That— Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 (and may be (1) Schedule 1 to the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 amended or revoked accordingly) (annual rates of vehicle excise duty) is amended as follows. Interpretation (2) In paragraph 1 (general rate)— (16) In regulation 3 (interpretation of Part 2), at the appropriate (a) in sub-paragraph (2) (vehicle not covered elsewhere in places insert— Schedule with engine cylinder capacity exceeding ““domestic steel safeguarding measure” means an 1,549cc), for “£270” substitute “£280”, and additional rate of duty payable as a result of the steel (b) in sub-paragraph (2A) (vehicle not covered elsewhere safeguards notice (and goods are subject to that in Schedule with engine cylinder capacity not measure if that additional rate is payable in respect of exceeding 1,549cc), for “£165” substitute “£170”. the goods);”; (3) In paragraph 1B (graduated rates for light passenger ““EU steel safeguarding measure” means an additional vehicles registered before 1 April 2017), for the Table substitute— rate of duty payable as a result of Article 1 of the EU steel regulation (and goods are subject to that measure if that additional rate is payable in respect of “CO2 emissions figure Rate the goods);”; (1) (2) (3) (4) ““EU steel regulation” means Commission Implementing Exceeding Not exceeding Reduced rate Standard rate Regulation (EU) 2019/159 as it may be amended, or g/km g/km £ £ replaced, from time to time;”; 100 110 10 20 ““steel notice” means the notice on movements of steel into Northern Ireland published by HMRC on 110 120 20 30 3 March 2021;”; 120 130 120 130 ““steel safeguards notice” means Taxation Notice 2020/ 130 140 145 155 06: safeguard measures on certain steel products – 140 150 160 170 application of tariff rate quotas published on 30 150 165 200 210 September 2020 by the Secretary of State, as that 165 175 240 250 notice may be amended, or replaced, from time to 175 185 265 275 time;”. 185 200 305 315 (17) The amendments made by paragraph (16)— 200 225 330 340 (a) are treated as having come into force on IP completion 225 255 575 585 day, and 805 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 806 Situation Situation (9) In paragraph 1J(a) (rates for light goods vehicles that are “CO2 emissions figure Rate not pre-2007 or post-2008 lower emission vans), for “£265” (1) (2) (3) (4) substitute “£275”. Exceeding Not exceeding Reduced rate Standard rate (10) In paragraph 2(1) (rates for motorcycles)— g/km g/km £ £ (a) in paragraph (a) (engine cylinder capacity not 255 — 590 600”. exceeding 150cc), for “£20” substitute “£21”, (b) in paragraph (b) (motor bicycles with engine cylinder (4) In the sentence immediately following the Table in that capacity exceeding 150cc but not exceeding 400cc), paragraph, for paragraphs (a) and (b) substitute— for “£44” substitute “£45”, “(a) in column (3), in the last two rows, “330” were (c) in paragraph (c) (motor bicycles with engine cylinder substituted for “575” and “590”, and capacity exceeding 400cc but not exceeding 600cc), for “£67” substitute “£69”, and (b) in column (4), in the last two rows, “340”were substituted (d) in paragraph (d) (other cases), for “£93” substitute for “585” and “600”.” “£96”. (5) In paragraph 1GC (graduated rates for first licence for light (11) The amendments made by this Resolution have effect in passenger vehicles registered on or after 1 April 2017), for Table 1 relation to licences taken out on or after 1 April 2021. (vehicles other than higher rate diesel vehicles) substitute— And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions “CO emissions figure Rate 2 of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. (1) (2) (3) (4) Exceeding Not exceeding Reduced rate Standard rate g/km g/km £ £ 56. VEHICLE EXCISE DUTY (REBATES WHERE HIGHER RATE OF DUTY PAID) 0 50 0 10 Resolved, 50 75 15 25 That— 75 90 105 115 90 100 130 140 (1) Section 19 of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 (rebates of vehicle excise duty) is amended as follows. 100 110 150 160 110 130 170 180 (2) In subsection (3A) for “subsection (3B)” substitute “subsections (3B) and (3C)”. 130 150 210 220 150 170 545 555 (3) After subsection (3B) insert— 170 190 885 895 “(3C) Where the annual rate of duty chargeable on a vehicle licence at the time when it was taken out is 190 225 1335 1345 determined in accordance with paragraph 1GE(2) of 225 255 1900 1910 Schedule 1 (higher rates of duty: vehicles with a price 255 — 2235 2245” exceeding £40,000) the relevant amount is given by— (H× R) + (L × P) (6) In that paragraph, for Table 2 (higher rate diesel vehicles) substitute— 12 where— “CO2 emissions figure Rate (1) (2) (3) H is the annual rate of duty chargeable on the licence at the time when it was taken out; Exceeding Not exceeding Rate R is the number of complete months (if any) of that part g/km g/km £ of the of the currency of the licence which is 0 50 25 unexpired— 50 75 115 (a) in respect of which the rebate condition is satisfied, and 75 90 140 (b) which are within the period of six years beginning 90 100 160 with the day of registration; 100 110 180 L is the annual rate of duty that would have been 110 130 220 chargeable on the licence at the time when it was 130 150 555 taken out if that time had been after the period of six 150 170 895 years beginning with the day of registration; 170 190 1345 P is the number of complete months (if any) of that part 190 225 1910 of the of the currency of the licence which is unexpired— 225 255 2245 (a) in respect of which the rebate condition is satisfied, 255 — 2245”. and (7) In paragraph 1GD(1) (rates for any other licence for light (b) which are not within R. passenger vehicles registered on or after 1 April 2017)— (3D) In subsection (3C) the “day of registration” means the day on which the vehicle in respect of which the (a) in paragraph (a) (reduced rate), for “£140” substitute licence is in force was first registered under this Act “£145”, and or under the law of a country or territory outside the (b) in paragraph (b) (standard rate), for “£150” substitute United Kingdom.” “£155”. (4) The amendments made by this Resolution have effect in (8) In paragraph 1GE(2) (rates for light passenger vehicles relation to cases where a rebate condition (within the meaning of registered on or after 1 April 2017 with a price exceeding section 19 of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994) is £40,000)— satisfied on or after 1 April 2021. And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that (a) in paragraph (a), for “£465” substitute “£480”, and this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions (b) in paragraph (b), for “£475” substitute “£490”. of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. 807 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 808 Situation Situation 57. HGV ROAD USER LEVY (EXTENSION OF 62. CARBON EMISSIONS TAX (REPEAL) SUSPENSION) Resolved, Resolved, That provision may be made repealing Part 3 of the Finance That provision may be made amending section 88 of the Act 2019. Finance Act 2020 (suspension of HGV road user levy) 63. FREEPORTS (DESIGNATION OF SITES) Resolved, 58. RATES OF AIR PASSENGER DUTY That— Resolved, (1) The Treasury may by regulations designate an area in That (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice Great Britain as a special area for the purposes of— of the House relating to the matters that may be included in (2) Part 2 of the Capital Allowances Act 2001 (plant and Finance Bills) provision may be made taking effect in a future machinery allowances), year increasing the rates of air passenger duty. (a) Part 2A of the Capital Allowances Act 2001 (structures and buildings allowances), and (b) where the area is in England, Part 4 of the Finance Act 59. AMOUNTS OF GROSS GAMING YIELD 2003 (stamp duty land tax). CHARGED TO GAMING DUTY (2) An area may only be designated by regulations under this Resolved, Resolution if, at the time the regulations are made— That— (a) the area is situated in a freeport, or (b) the Treasury consider that the area is being used, or is (1) In section 11(2) of the Finance Act 1997 (rates of gaming likely to be used, for purposes connected with duty), for the table substitute— activities carried on, or likely to be carried on, in a “TABLE freeport. Part of gross gaming yield Rate (3) An area designated under this Resolution is to be known as a “freeport tax site”. The first £2,548,500 15% (4) Regulations under this Resolution must specify the date on The next £1,757,000 20% which the designation takes effect. The next £3,077,000 30% (5) In this Resolution, “freeport” means an area which is The next £6,494,500 40% identified as a freeport in a document published by, or with the The remainder 50%”. consent of, the Treasury for the purposes of this Resolution (and not withdrawn). (2) The amendment made by this Resolution has effect in relation to accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2021. And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. 64. FREEPORTS (CAPITAL ALLOWANCES) Resolved, 60. RATES OF CLIMATE CHANGE LEVY That provision may be made about— (FUTURE YEARS) (a) first-year allowances under Part 2 of the Capital Allowances Resolved, Act 2001 in respect of expenditure incurred on plant and machinery for use in an area designated by the That (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice Treasury, and of the House relating to the matters that may be included in Finance Bills) provision may be made taking effect in a future (b) allowances under Part 2A of that Act in respect of year amending the rates of climate change levy. expenditure incurred on buildings or structures situated in such an area.

61. RATES OF LANDFILL TAX 65. FREEPORTS (STAMP DUTY LAND TAX) Resolved, Resolved, That— That— (1) Part 4 of the Finance Act 2003 (stamp duty land tax) is (1) Section 42 of the Finance Act 1996 (amount of landfill tax) amended as follows. is amended as follows. (2) After section 61 insert— (2) In subsection (1)(a) (standard rate), for “£94.15” substitute “61A Relief for freeport tax sites “£96.70”. (1) Schedule 6C provides for relief in the case of (3) In subsection (2) (reduced rate for certain disposals), in the transactions relating to land in a freeport tax site. words after paragraph (b)— (2) In that Schedule— (a) for “£94.15” substitute “£96.70”, and (a) Part 1 contains definitions, (b) Part 2 makes provision about the relief, (b) for “£3” substitute “£3.10”. (c) Part 3 makes provision about the withdrawal of the (4) The amendments made by this Resolution have effect in relief, and relation to disposals made (or treated as made) on or after 1 (d) Part 4 confers power to change the cases in which April 2021. the relief is available. And it is declared that it is expedient in the public interest that (3) Relief under that Schedule is available only in relation this Resolution should have statutory effect under the provisions to a land transaction with an effective date falling on of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968. or before 30 September 2026. 809 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 810 Situation Situation (4) Any relief under that Schedule must be claimed in a (a) used as a dwelling or as the garden or grounds of a land transaction return or an amendment of such a dwelling, return. (b) developed or redeveloped to become residential (5) A claim for relief under that Schedule must— property, (a) be made on or before 14 October 2027, and (c) exploited as a source of rents or other receipts (b) include, or be accompanied by, such information as payable by a person using the land as a dwelling HMRC may require.” or as the garden or grounds of a dwelling, or (3) In section 81 (further return where relief withdrawn)— (d) held (as stock of the business) for resale without development or redevelopment. (a) in subsection (1A), after paragraph (a) insert— (3) For the purposes of this paragraph, use of land in the “(aa) Part 3 of Schedule 6C (relief for freeport tax course of a commercial trade or profession includes sites),”, use of land for a purpose that is ancillary to the use (b) in subsection (1B), after paragraph (ea) insert— of other land which— “(eb) in the case of relief under Schedule 6C (relief for (a) is situated in a freeport tax site, and freeport tax sites), the last day in the control (b) is being used, or developed or redeveloped, in the period on which the qualifying freeport land is course of a commercial trade or profession. used exclusively in a qualifying manner;”, and (4) The references in sub-paragraph (2) to land used as the (c) after subsection (4) insert— garden or grounds of a dwelling include a building or “(4A) Terms used in paragraph (eb) of subsection (1B) structure on the land. which are defined for the purposes of Schedule (5) The references in this paragraph to doing something in 6C have the same meaning in that paragraph as the course of a commercial trade or profession they have in that Schedule. include doing something in the course of a property (4B) Paragraph 10 of Schedule 6C applies for the rental business. purposes of subsection (1B)(eb) as it applies for the purposes of paragraph 8 of that Schedule.” (6) In this paragraph— “commercial”, in relation to a trade or profession, (4) In section 86(2) (payment of tax), after paragraph (za) means carried on— insert— (a) on a commercial basis, and “(zb) Part 3 of Schedule 6C (relief for freeport tax sites),”. (b) with a view to profit; (5) In section 87(3) (interest on unpaid tax), after paragraph “excluded rents” has the same meaning as in section (aza) insert— 133 of the Finance Act 2013; “(azaa) in the case of an amount payable because relief is “property rental business” means a property business withdrawn under Part 3 of Schedule 6C (relief for as defined in Chapter 2 of Part 3 of the Income freeport tax sites), the date which is the relevant date Tax (Trading and Other Income) Act 2005. for the purposes of section 81(1A);”. Connected persons (6) After Schedule 6B insert— 4 (1) In this Schedule, “connected person” means a person who is connected with the purchaser. “SCHEDULE 6C (2) Section 1122 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 (connected persons) has effect for the purposes of STAMP DUTY LAND TAX: RELIEF FOR FREEPORT TAX this paragraph. SITES

PART 1 PART 2

QUALIFYING FREEPORT LAND THE RELIEF Transaction land Exemption 1 In this Schedule, “transaction land”, in relation to a land 5 (1) This paragraph applies to a land transaction if at transaction, means land a chargeable interest in least 90% of the chargeable consideration for the which is the subject matter of the transaction. transaction is attributable to qualifying freeport land. Qualifying freeport land (2) The transaction is exempt from charge. 2 For the purposes of this Schedule, transaction land is Other relief “qualifying freeport land” if, on the effective date of 6 (1) This paragraph applies to a land transaction if the the transaction— proportion of the chargeable consideration for the (a) it is situated in a freeport tax site, and transaction that is attributable to qualifying freeport (b) the purchaser intends it to be used exclusively in a land (“the relevant proportion”) is less than 90% but qualifying manner. at least 10%. Use of land in a qualifying manner (2) The tax chargeable in respect of the transaction is 3 (1) For the purposes of this Schedule, transaction land is reduced by the relevant proportion. used in a qualifying manner if— Attributing chargeable consideration to land (a) it is used by the purchaser or a connected person in 7 (1) For the purposes of this Schedule, the consideration the course of a commercial trade or profession, attributable to qualifying freeport land must be (b) it is developed or redeveloped by the purchaser or a determined on a just and reasonable basis. connected person for use (by any person) in the (2) Sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) apply if less than 100% of course of a commercial trade or profession, the chargeable consideration attributable to transaction (c) it is exploited by the purchaser or a connected land situated in a freeport tax site (“the freeport person, in the course of a commercial trade or consideration”) is attributable to land that satisfies profession, as a source of rents or other receipts the condition in paragraph 2(b). (other than excluded rents), or (3) If at least 90% of the freeport consideration is attributable (d) it is used in two or more of the ways described in to land that satisfies the condition in paragraph 2(b) paragraphs (a) to (c). then, for the purposes of this Schedule, all of the (2) But land is not used in a qualifying manner to the freeport consideration is to be treated as being attributable extent that it is— to qualifying freeport land. 811 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 812 Situation Situation (4) If less than 10% of the freeport consideration is attributable (c) amend or remove conditions added under paragraph (b). to land that satisfies the condition in paragraph 2(b) (2) Regulations under this paragraph may not remove the then, for the purposes of this Schedule, all of the requirement for land to be situated in a freeport tax freeport consideration is to be treated as not being site. attributable to qualifying freeport land. (3) Regulations under this paragraph may, among other PART 3 things— (a) make provision by reference to the land, the land WITHDRAWAL OF RELIEF transaction, the purchaser or connected persons; Withdrawal of relief (b) impose conditions relating to accounts or other 8 (1) This paragraph applies where relief under Part 2 of records; this Schedule has been allowed in respect of a land (c) impose other conditions requiring a person to take transaction. steps specified in the regulations. (2) The relief is withdrawn if, at any time during the (4) Regulations under this paragraph— control period, the qualifying freeport land is not (a) may amend, repeal or otherwise modify provisions used exclusively in a qualifying manner. of this Schedule, and (3) But the relief is not withdrawn where, because of a (b) where made in reliance on section 114(6)(c), may change in circumstances that is unforeseen and amend, repeal or otherwise modify other provisions beyond the purchaser’s control, it is not reasonable to of this Act. expect the qualifying freeport land to be used Approval of regulations exclusively in a qualifying manner at that time. 12 (1) An instrument containing regulations under paragraph (4) Where, at a time during the control period, the use of 11 must be laid before the House of Commons after all or part of the qualifying freeport land in a qualifying being made. manner has not yet begun, that land, or that part of (2) If the regulations are not approved by the House of the land, is to be treated as being used exclusively in a Commons before the end of the period of 28 days qualifying manner if reasonable steps are being taken beginning with the day on which they are made, they to ensure that it is used in that manner. cease to have effect at the end of that period (if they (5) Where, at a time during the control period, the use of have not already ceased to have effect under sub- all or part of the qualifying freeport land in a qualifying paragraph (3)). manner has ceased, that land, or that part of the land, (3) If, on any day during that period of 28 days, the House is to be treated as being used exclusively in a qualifying of Commons, in proceedings on a motion that (or to manner if reasonable steps are being taken— the effect that) the regulations be approved, comes to (a) to ensure that it is used in that manner, or a decision rejecting the regulations, they shall cease (b) to dispose of all chargeable interests in that land, or to have effect at the end of that day. that part of the land, that are held by the purchaser (4) In reckoning any such period of 28 days, no account is and connected persons in a timely manner. to be taken of any time during which— The control period (a) Parliament is prorogued or dissolved, or 9 (1) In this Schedule, “the control period”, in relation to a (b) the House of Commons is adjourned for more than land transaction, means the shorter of— four days. (a) the period of three years beginning with the (5) Where regulations cease to have effect under sub- effective date of that transaction, and paragraph (3), their ceasing to have effect is without (b) the period beginning with the effective date of that prejudice to anything done in reliance on them.” transaction and ending with the effective date of And it is declared that it is expedient in the public the final transaction. interest that this Resolution should have statutory (2) For the purposes of this paragraph, a land transaction effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection is “the final transaction” if, immediately after the of Taxes Act 1968. effective date of the transaction, neither the purchaser nor a connected person holds a chargeable interest in the qualifying freeport land (whether as a 66. PENALTIES (FAILURE TO MAKE RETURNS result of that transaction alone or as a result of that ETC) transaction and other land transactions). Resolved, Disposal of interest in part of qualifying freeport land during That provision may be made about the imposition of control period penalties— 10 (1) This paragraph applies where the purchaser ceases (a) in respect of failures to make returns under the Taxes to hold a chargeable interest in part of the qualifying Management Act 1970 or returns relating to value freeport land during the control period. added tax, (2) The references in paragraphs 8 and 9 to the qualifying (b) on a person who, by failing to make a return under the freeport land are to be treated as references only to Taxes Management Act 1970, deliberately withholds the part of the qualifying freeport land in relation to information which would enable or assist Her Majesty’s which the purchaser still holds a chargeable interest Revenue and Customs to assess the person’s liability (whether the chargeable interest acquired in the land to tax, and transaction in respect of which relief was allowed under Part 2 of this Schedule or another chargeable (c) in respect of failures to pay amounts of income tax, interest). capital gains tax or value added tax on time.

PART 4 67. FOLLOWER NOTICE PENALTIES POWER TO CHANGE WHEN RELIEF IS AVAILABLE Resolved, Power to change the cases in which relief is available That provision may be made to— 11 (1) The Treasury may by regulations— (a) reduce the amount of the penalty under Chapter 2 of (a) amend the meaning of “qualifying freeport land”, Part 4 of the Finance Act 2014 otherwise than in (b) add other conditions that must be met in order for cases where persons have acted unreasonably in relief to be available under this Schedule, and bringing or conducting proceedings, and 813 Budget Resolutions and Economic 9 MARCH 2021 Budget Resolutions and Economic 814 Situation Situation (b) make amendments to the way in which such penalties 74. INFORMATION-GATHERING POWERS are aggregated with other penalties. Resolved, That (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice 68. LATE PAYMENT INTEREST AND of the House relating to the matters that may be included in REPAYMENT INTEREST (VALUE ADDED TAX) Finance Bills) provision may be made amending Schedule 36 to the Finance Act 2008 in relation to the giving of notices to Resolved, financial institutions, the giving of notices for the purpose of That provision may be made about interest on sums payable to collecting tax debts and for the purpose of checking whether or by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs in respect of value relief from stamp duty land tax is withdrawn or otherwise added tax. removed, the imposition of increased daily default penalties and the disclosure of notices.

69. PROMOTERS OF TAX AVOIDANCE 75. IMPLEMENTATION OF OECD MODEL SCHEMES RULES ON THE GIG ECONOMY Resolved, Resolved, That provision may be made amending Part 5 of the Finance That (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice Act 2014. of the House relating to the matters that may be included in Finance Bills) provision may be made to give effect to— 70. DISCLOSURE OF TAX AVOIDANCE (a) the OECD Model Rules for Reporting by Platform Operators with respect to Sellers in the Sharing and SCHEMES Gig Economy, and Resolved, (b) any other international agreement or arrangements to That provision may be made amending Part 7 of the Finance which the United Kingdom is a party that make Act 2004 and Schedule 17 to the Finance (No.2) Act 2017 for the provision corresponding, or similar, to that made by purposes of— those Model Rules. (a) allowing Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to allocate reference numbers in relation to arrangements and proposals suspected of being notifiable, 76. UNAUTHORISED REMOVAL OR DISPOSAL (b) imposing requirements relating to the disclosure of OF SEIZED GOODS information where reference numbers are allocated, Resolved, and That provision may be made about the unauthorised removal (c) allowing for the publication of information. or disposal of a thing from the place where it is seized as liable to forfeiture under an enactment relating to customs or excise.

71. PENALTIES FOR ENABLERS OF DEFEATED TAX AVOIDANCE 77. TEMPORARY APPROVALS ETC PENDING Resolved, REVIEWS OR APPEALS That provision may be made about— Resolved, (a) the powers of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to That (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice obtain information about enablers of defeated tax of the House relating to the matters that may be included in avoidance for the purposes of Schedule 16 to the Finance Bills) provision may be made for temporary approvals, Finance (No. 2) Act 2017, registrations or licences of persons or places pending reviews or appeals under Chapter 2 of Part 1 of the Finance Act 1994. (b) the assessment of penalties under that Schedule in relation to arrangements within paragraph 21 of that Schedule (multi-user schemes), and 78. REPLACEMENT OF THE LONDON (c) the publication of details of persons who have incurred INTERBANK OFFERED RATE (LIBOR) penalties under that Schedule. Resolved, That provision may be made (including provision having 72. THE GENERAL ANTI-ABUSE RULE retrospective effect)— (PARTNERSHIPS) (a) for the purposes of replacing LIBOR with the incremental Resolved, borrowing rate, and (b) about the tax consequences of things done in That provision may be made amending Part 5 of the Finance anticipation of, or in connection with, the reform or Act 2013 in relation to partnerships. discontinuance of LIBOR or another reference rate.

73. LICENSING AUTHORITIES 79. POWERS OF THE TREASURY TO AMEND (REQUIREMENTS TO GIVE OR OBTAIN TAX LEGISLATION RELATING TO BANKS INFORMATION) Resolved, Resolved, That provision may be made— That (notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the practice of the House relating to the matters that may be included in (a) modifying existing powers of the Treasury to amend Finance Bills) provision may be made, including provision taking legislation relating to banks, and effect in a future year, requiring licensing authorities, when (b) conferring new powers on the Treasury to amend licensing certain activities, to give or obtain information relating interpretation provisions in legislation relating to to tax compliance. banks. 815 9 MARCH 2021 Business without Debate 816

80. INCIDENTAL PROVISION ETC BUILDING AND BUILDINGS Resolved, That the draft Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2021, which were laid before That it is expedient to authorise— this House on 22 February, be approved.—(Mr Marcus Jones.) (a) any incidental or consequential charges to any duty or tax (including charges having retrospective effect) Question agreed to. that may arise from provisions designed in general to afford relief from taxation, and (b) any incidental or consequential provision (including BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE provision having retrospective effect) relating to provision authorised by any other resolution. Ordered, Ordered, That, in respect of the Contingencies Fund (No. 2) Bill, notices of Amendments, new Clauses and new Schedules to be moved in That a Bill be brought in upon the foregoing Resolutions; Committee may be accepted by the Clerks at the Table before the That the Chairman of Ways and Means, the Prime Bill has been read a second time.—(Mr Marcus Jones.) Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, Secretary Thérèse Coffey, Secretary Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton): Robert Jenrick, Secretary Oliver Dowden, Steve Barclay, The House has just agreed that amendments and new Jesse Norman, John Glen and Kemi Badenoch bring in clauses may be accepted by the Clerks at the Table. In the Bill. the present circumstances, Members are asked to send their amendments by email to the Public Bill Office— FINANCE (NO. 2) BILL [email protected]—to arrive before the rise of Presentation and First Reading the House. Steve Barclay accordingly presented a Bill to grant certain duties, to alter other duties, and to amend the law relating to the national debt and the public revenue, DELEGATED LEGISLATION (ELECTORAL and to make further provision in connection with finance. COMMISSION) Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time Motion made, tomorrow, and to be printed (Bill 270) with explanatory That the Motion in the name of Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg relating notes (Bill 270-EN). to the Electoral Commission shall be treated as if it related to an instrument subject to the provisions of Standing Order No. 118 Business without Debate (Delegated Legislation Committees) in respect of which notice has been given that the instrument be approved.—(Mr Marcus Jones.) DELEGATED LEGISLATION Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Hon. Members: Object. Order No. 118(6)), 817 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19: Workplace Protection 818

Covid-19: Workplace Protection and cannot be used as part of any disciplinary or capability process. What of those suffering with long Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House covid? Will the Government add that to the list of do now adjourn.—(Marcus Jones.) conditions classed as a disability under the Equality Act 7.13 pm 2010, or will they expect people to prove that they are protected by the Act every time they want to raise an Justin Madders (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): issue? The last year has seen extraordinary changes in the way we live our lives, with enormous hardship, enormous In terms of those with long-term medical conditions, heartache and enormous sacrifice for many. As has we know that people with diabetes are at increased risk. been demonstrated in this place, the way that many Many with diabetes have been able to shield, but what people work has changed. I thank you, Madam Deputy workplace protections will be in place to support people Speaker, the House staff and Mr Speaker for everything who are clinically extremely vulnerable when shielding they have done to ensure that Members can still do their ends on 31 March? Are the Government confident that jobs remotely and safely. workplace risk will have significantly reduced after that But not everyone has had that choice. For many, their date? Diabetes UK’s research shows that 69% of people jobs have not only continued as before, but the dangers with diabetes working outside the home felt unsafe in and pressures associated with them have increased tenfold. their workplace. Covid-19 is not going to go away, and Those working in health and social care are the most neither are those concerns. obvious example of that, with over 800 people sadly losing their lives so far after contracting covid, but Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): A half-hour debate many others have also had to face new pressures and is probably not enough for the issues that could be dangers as a result of the pandemic. The Government raised. I know that the hon. Member has been contacted have been too slow to recognise those challenges, so I on numerous occasions by people who feel that their want to use tonight’s debate to highlight those issues. health has not been properly protected since the outbreak The matters that I intend to raise are a combination of covid-19. Does he agree that the information provided of issues drawn to my attention by individual constituents by public health agencies was slow in surfacing and that and by trade unions, and I draw the House’s attention lessons need to be learnt even at this stage about the to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial guidance given to small and medium-sized businesses Interests. Not all the issues raised with me are new on workplace protection, which is very important? deficiencies in workplace protection. In fact, they all follow a familiar pattern that has been given an extra Justin Madders: I am grateful for the hon. Member’s dimension by covid. What they add up to is a difficult intervention; he makes an important point. In the early environment for workers where legitimate concerns are stages of the pandemic, it was difficult for everyone to not addressed or,worse,are met with detrimental treatment. know exactly what the right thing to do was, but there is I will start with self-isolation. This time last year, the no excuse for that now. We have a lot more detail on Opposition identified a real issue with any strategy to how covid operates, and we know that it will be with us deal with the pandemic that involved requiring those for some considerable time. who tested positive to self-isolate. For many, the financial I turn to fire and rehire.This is not a new development—it consequences of not going into work are significant. has been around for as long as people have had jobs—but Many people do not get company sick pay, and statutory that does not make it acceptable. In fact, it shows that sick pay is not enough for people to live on, but perhaps our employment protections are as antiquated as they more relevant to the debate is the fact that many people are inadequate. GMB and Unite in particular have been are working in jobs where they do not even qualify for involved in a number of high-profile examples of fire SSP. It was not until six months into the pandemic that and rehire, and there is no doubt that the pandemic has the Government finally recognised that by introducing seen the number of examples of this increase dramatically. the self-isolation payment. However, seven out of eight The current crisis has shone a light on the imbalance of people do not qualify for it. That remains a huge hole in power in the employment relationship and how many our defences. people feel totally exposed to the whims of their employer. I would like to focus on some of the issues that people Their powerlessness does not just manifest itself in have experienced with their employers when they have people losing their jobs. The imbalance is endemic had to self-isolate. They do not have any protection across many workplaces. Look at everyone on zero-hours from their employer for detrimental treatment. That contracts, in the gig economy or in agency work—they detriment could be refusal to pay sick pay if they are are literally at their company’s beck and call. entitled to it, or it could even be dismissal. I have heard Insecurity is baked into the workplace. It is little from constituents of cases where a period of self-isolation wonder that so many people feel a sense of helplessness. was used by an employer to trigger a sickness absence When ruthless employers use the cover of the pandemic review or was used as part of a process that was already to push home their advantage, it is time for the Government under way. I am sure we can all understand the genuine to step in. That people have job security in this country anxieties that people might have if they have to tell their is an illusion for many. Even for those who are in what employer that they need to self-isolate—even more so if we might consider stable employment, any pretence of it is for a second or third time—so why do they have no job security has been cruelly exposed by fire and rehire, protection for doing the right thing? which, I am sorry to say,has become almost as widespread The Government could, either through guidance or as the virus in the last 12 months. People who face a regulations, state clearly that a period of self-isolation dismissal and re-engagement, to give it its proper legal should be classed as “other leave” that cannot be called terminology, are often concerned that they are in this unauthorised leave, sickness absence or annual leave situation at all. Yes, they might have been employed by 819 Covid-19: Workplace Protection9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19: Workplace Protection 820 the same company for many years. Yes, their terms and dropped off a little bit this year. It is almost as if their conditions have remained largely unchanged. They may patience has worn thin. That has also manifested itself even have had them collectively agreed by their trade in the number of complaints I have had about staff union. The job itself has not changed. It still needs to be without any health issues who have also been asked to done. They perform well and the company is still making go back into work contrary to the work at home instruction. good profits, so why are they suddenly being asked to Sadly, we have come across someone who was made come in and do the job for 20% less pay? redundant after complaining about being required to The answer to that lies in the destructive combination go to work when they could have easily carried out of weak employment laws, an indifferent Government those duties at home. They did not have two years’ and an opportunistic employer who is seizing the moment service, so they could not claim unfair dismissal. It was to chip away at hard-won rights. What then follows is a difficult to see how they could use other health and consultation period that amounts to nothing more than safety-related protections, given the difficulties with a box-ticking exercise, followed by an impossible dilemma that law. It is to be welcomed that the Government have of losing your job altogether or coming back into work just published new regulations which will extend protection the following week on less money. It is a race to the to those classed as workers when raising health and bottom that coronavirus has accelerated. It is time that safety issues, but it is disappointing that that is not due race was stopped. to come into force until 31 May. People need that Of course, plenty of employers have struggled this protection now; they needed it 12 months ago. It is year. We know that. That is why the furlough scheme good that it is being extended to workers, but there are was created, but there are some employers out there still too many people who are not classed as workers, or, who, despite taking advantage of furlough, have still in the case of Uber drivers, who had to fight a five-year pushed ahead with fire and rehire tactics because they court battle just to get that recognition. The Government saw an opportunity to make a few more quid for their really need to clean up and strengthen the rules in this shareholders. I personally do not think that employers area so that everyone in work has basic protections and should be taking taxpayers’ cash with one hand only to we do not have the unfair, uneven and exploitative be giving out dismissal notices with the other. I would lottery that it is at the moment. like to see the Government saying to those companies We are also getting more complaints about businesses that they take the money on the basis that they will that are not adhering to covid-19 measures and, sadly, support and protect people in their existing jobs, not some constituents are too afraid to tell us where they chip away at them. work because they are fearful of reprisals. They have The law on unfair dismissal and “some other substantial raised concerns about their employer not applying social reason” needs to be fundamentally strengthened so that distancing, not allowing people to stay at home when the onus is on the employer to show that any such they display symptoms, asking staff to come in while changes were essential to secure the survival of the waiting for test results and telling staff not to disclose business. That would raise the threshold for employers close contacts when they test positive. These are all real seeking to justify dismissal from the current test of examples,and they completely undermine the Government’s “sound or good reason”, which we know tribunals do attempts to restrict transmission of the virus. People not examine in detail. It adds insult to injury that those need better support, and they need greater reassurance who choose not to succumb to the financial blackmail that when they raise concerns they will be addressed of fire and rehire do not even get a redundancy payment. and, critically, that there will be no reprisals for them as The Government should be looking to enhance job individuals. protection. The furlough scheme is the start of a recognition I spent 15 years before I came here representing by the state that it has a role to keep people in work and people who had been victims of workplace injustice, keep them secure. Let us not abandon that principle and very often the reason they had been on the receiving now. Let us build on it. end of that treatment was that they had raised a legitimate One of the main problems has been people being concern with their employer. Sadly, it seems that things asked to go into work despite being able to work from have got worse rather than better in the past few years. home, which is, of course, contrary to the Government’s In the past year, those concerns have increased tenfold “stay at home” message that has been in place for much because the number of issues an employee might reasonably of the past year. Thanks to the marvels of technology, raise with their employer about the inadequate level of many more people have been able to work from home, protection they get when they go into work has increased but some employers seem to have a very old fashioned considerably. attitude that unless they can see the person in front of This is not just about workplace protections now. It is them, even if they are just sat in front of a computer in all our interests that people can go about their screen, they cannot be sure that they are working. business and go to work safely. Those who are in a trade Many people have been forced to go into work union are able to raise concerns collectively, and one unnecessarily, including people with underlying health such example is from the GMB. It has raised concerns conditions. I even had a constituent who had to go into about the guidance on working in other people’s homes, work when they were supposed to be shielding; what which has changed during this lockdown. The union was particularly of note was that the individual had believes this is creating greater risk. The guidance now been shielding from home during the previous two mentions meter reading specifically as being a permitted lockdowns and had performed their duties from home reason for someone to enter a home. The concern is that without any problem. In the third lockdown, however, those meter readers could become super-spreaders and that was suddenly not acceptable. That is a pattern we that they are putting themselves and the householders have seen with a number of other employers. Their at unnecessary risk just to get a meter reading, which willingness to support those shielding seems to have could be done in a number of ways. Unlike a plumber 821 Covid-19: Workplace Protection9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19: Workplace Protection 822

[Justin Madders] says that its safety concerns have not been taken seriously, with not even a risk assessment process having been or an electrician, who might enter a handful of properties agreed between the employer and union. We really need each day, meter readers can enter hundreds of homes to be doing better than this. each day, putting themselves and the public at risk. It is not an understatement to say that workplace That really needs looking at again. health and safety, far from being a regulatory burden, is I want to say a few words on retail. Those working in now a fundamental part of our return to normality supermarkets and other essential retail have been working and, indeed, key to wider economic success. That means throughout the crisis and have at times faced incredible that we need stronger regulatory interventions, and in pressure. They have played a critical role in keeping the this regard the decision to recognise covid as a “significant” country going and I pay tribute to them, but unfortunately rather than a “serious”workplace issue limits the options not everyone appreciates the work they do. The shop open to inspectors. I hope that that is something the workers’ trade union, the Union of Shop, Distributive Minister can look at again. A safe workforce is a and Allied Workers, surveyed its members and found productive workforce. It is good for employers and the that 76% of them said that abuse had been worse than economy. If this pandemic has taught us anything about normal during the pandemic, that 57% had been threatened the workplace, it is that it is too often characterised by by a customer and that 9% had been assaulted. We insecurity,imbalance and indifference to basic protections. should not be surprised that abuse has increased, given It is time we changed that. that enforcing social distancing and face coverings were reported in the survey as being two of the biggest triggers for abuse from customers, and these were not 7.29 pm issues before the pandemic started. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, This highlights a disconnect between what has been Energy and Industrial Strategy (Paul Scully): I congratulate decided in this place—regarding face coverings, for the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston (Justin example—and the reality on the ground as to how those Madders) on securing a debate on this important topic. rules, which were introduced for a very good reason, are I echo his thanks to you, Madam Deputy Speaker, enforced. The police cannot be everywhere, and after a Mr Speaker and the staff of the House, who have cut of 20,000 officers in the last decade, handing them a allowed us to continue our business to the best of our plethora of new laws to enforce was never going to be abilities. I add my condolences to all the friends and realistic. This is placing those who work in retail and families of the people who have lost their lives and suffered hospitality, to name but two, in a difficult and potentially throughout this pandemic. dangerous position. There is no doubt that the pandemic is one of the When we pass laws in this place about important greatest challenges that the UK has faced, and as Minister safety measures to stop the spread of the virus, we also for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets, I need to look at ourselves and ask whether we are setting see daily the difficult choices that individuals and businesses the right example. I am sorry to say that there have been have had to make as we manage the threat to public a few recent high-profile examples of Government bodies health. One of my priorities has been to support businesses not taking the lead. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing in making their workplaces covid-secure to ensure that Agency in Swansea has been in the headlines a lot they are able to operate as safely as possible, to keep our recently due to the number of cases contracted in the economy going and to protect workers and customers. workplace there.I understand that work was commissioned Before I speak in greater depth about the practical in June 2020 to look at home working at the DVLA, but steps we have taken, I would like to pay tribute to the that the recognised trade union, the Public and Commercial businesses we have worked with to make workplace Services Union, has not been granted sight of that report protection a reality. As we have heard, a number of and has instead been told to go through the freedom of businesses have remained open for the duration of the information route to see it. pandemic, providing us with the essential goods and I appreciate that this does not involve the Minister’s infrastructure that we need in the short and longer Department, but as the Minister responsible for the term. I am hugely grateful to them and their incredible workplace, can he please have a word with the Department staff. The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right when he for Transport and point out that discussions about safe says that safe workplaces and safe staff make a productive workplaces are not a matter to be pursued through FOI workforce. Those businesses have made significant efforts requests? This should involve both parties sitting down over the past year. and engaging in constructive dialogue. I understand I recognise that many sectors have not been permitted that 300-plus desks have recently been removed by the to operate as usual, including, as we have heard, hospitality, DVLA to ensure that social distancing is possible, but if personal care, tourism and the performing arts. I commend that is right, how can it also be right that staff had been their perseverance and adaptability in transforming into working in those conditions since last August? Is this covid-secure businesses at such speed. Not all those lack of distancing the reason that there have been more sectors fall under my Department, but I am acutely than 550 positive cases at the DVLA since September aware that they continue to face significant pressure, last year? The Government and their agencies should be and some businesses have been unable to reopen at all. setting an example to other employers on how to operate The road map provides a route out of the current safely and responsibly. lockdown in England, but I recognise the tremendous On that note, perhaps the Minister could also speak difficulties that businesses have been experiencing and to his colleagues in the Department for Justice about continue to endure in the face of the pandemic. We will the fact that court staff in London and Liverpool have continue to do all we can to support the British people balloted for industrial action because their union, PCS, and businesses through this moment of crisis. 823 Covid-19: Workplace Protection9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19: Workplace Protection 824

As announced last week in the Budget, and as we The guidance does remain robust in the light of the heard earlier today, the Budget continues to provide new virus strains, although that is continuously reviewed unprecedented levels of support for the economy,protecting as new data emerges. To continue to protect the most jobs and livelihoods across the whole of the UK. The vulnerable in our society, businesses should continue to Chancellor announced an additional £65 billion of further follow the guidance, even if employees have received a measures to support the economy in 2021-22. That will negative test result or have been vaccinated. take the total support for the economy to £407 billion—the Following the publication of the road map, at this largest peacetime support package on record. key point in the UK’s response to the coronavirus Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of the pandemic, the Government have taken the opportunity nationwide lockdown measures almost a year ago, the to build on the collective input and insights shared by Government have worked tirelessly to develop clear businesses, unions and representative organisations.Almost guidance on how to work safely across a range of a year from its initial publication, the message we hear workplace settings. We consulted numerous businesses, most frequently is that continuity is key for businesses, industry leaders, trade unions and local and central and that the guidance is embedded and well understood. Government organisations to develop the covid-secure That does not mean that there is nothing left to learn guidance. We did that in close collaboration with Public about how well the guidance has been working in practice, Health England and the Health and Safety Executive to and we have consulted widely to consider any improvements reflect the latest expert advice at each stage of the that we can make ahead of the reopening. The Government Government’s response to the pandemic. The guidance will provide further advice on how businesses can improve gives practical considerations for how to adapt a workplace fresh air flow in indoor workplaces and introduce regular to make it covid-secure, including simple but vital measures testing, as set out in the road map. User feedback is such as completing a workplace risk assessment that good and levels of compliance are high, but we must factors in covid-19, cleaning more often—both hands not be complacent. The covid-secure guidelines are and surfaces—maintaining social distancing and putting underpinned by the health and safety legislation as in place mitigations where social distancing is not possible. regards the need to conduct a risk assessment, as well as certain requirements set out in new regulations brought The guidance also raises other practical considerations, forward by the House under the public health legislative such as considering ventilation in line with HSE guidance— framework. Enforcing authorities have been given the something that will continue to be very important— powers they need to enforce covid rules where necessary, adapting a workplace layout to facilitate social distancing, for the purposes of controlling the spread of infection. and reducing the need for face-to-face meetings, including Those powers are robust and proportionate, ranging working from home where possible. It also reminds from issuing fixed penalty notices to closing down a businesses of the need to support NHS Test and Trace, business in extremis. We continue to work closely with and to comply with face covering and self-isolation businesses and across Government to ensure that we rules and others. maintain these high levels of compliance. If someone has a concern about the measures in a workplace, they Justin Madders: The Minister is talking about risk should consult their health and safety representatives in assessments. Will he look at the concern that I have the first instance. raised about court staff, and the Ministry of Justice and the Courts and Tribunals Service not agreeing on the process for a risk assessment in their working environment? Justin Madders: I am grateful to the Minister for giving way again. In terms of the enforcement powers that are at the disposal of inspectors, is the Minister Paul Scully: I noted the examples that the hon. able to say how many improvement notices or fixed Gentleman gave of the DVLA and the court system, penalty notices have been issued? and I will certainly reflect on those and take them back. The key thing is that the guidance also reminds Paul Scully: I cannot give the hon. Gentleman the employers of their duty to consider those with protected answer at the moment, but I will find that out for him. characteristics,as the hon. Gentleman says—those shielding or those with other vulnerabilities—and take particular We have given more resource to the Health and care to factor their needs into workplace risk assessments. Safety Executive to ensure that it can do its job to the Every organisation is different and employers must best of its ability. We do look to people to come forward translate the guidance into specific actions to take, with evidence, and that includes not just employees but depending on the nature of their organisation, such as trade unions and other representatives as well. We make its size and type and how it is organised, operated and sure that we encourage all businesses, especially if they managed. The duty is on employers to ensure that the are considering reopening after a period of closure, to risk assessment for their business addresses the risk of take the time to review and refresh their risk assessments covid-19 to anyone affected by the business. The Health in line with the latest advice. and Safety Executive, local authorities and health and Although there is much cause for hope and optimism safety representatives within businesses—and, of course, with the vaccine roll-out, we must be mindful not to trade unions—ensure that support is available to help prematurely relax the social distancing and other safety businesses to implement the right control measures. So measures that have been put in place to protect workers we urge businesses to continue to keep their risk assessments and the most vulnerable in society. As set out in the up to date and maintain dialogue with their workers road map, covid-secure guidance will remain applicable over the measures put in place for their safety. As we throughout steps 1 to 3. At step 4, subject to review, we have heard, it is not always the case, but we must make hope to relax legal limits on social contact and open the sure that we press that home to all businesses. remaining closed settings, including clubs and large 825 Covid-19: Workplace Protection9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19: Workplace Protection 826

[Paul Scully] from March 2021. That will ensure that local authorities can continue to make payments and support people on events, and including weddings. But the Government low incomes to stay at home and self-isolate when have been clear that some safety measures must still be required. required from summer onwards. On zero-hour contracts, we must get the balance To cover a couple of areas that we have talked about, right to make sure that people who work on such I have been working with the retail sector, including contracts enjoy the flexibility of such work—the vast USDAW, to help as regards the violence shown to retail majority of students and young parents involved in staff, who have done amazing work during the pandemic. such contracts do appreciate that flexibility. We have Fire and rehire, which the hon. Gentleman mentioned, banned exclusive contracts, and we want to make sure has been raised a number of times in this place. It is that, in having that flexibility, people are not being important that, yes, we retain our flexible employment exploited. I look forward to the Employment Bill coming practice, but it should not be used as a bullyboy tactic forward so that we can look further at a number of by large companies against their workers. He said correctly issues around the gig economy, including making sure that anyreasonable,sensible and forward-thinking employer that our flexible working is a fair way of working. I can would understand that treating their employees well confirm that we will continue to work with all sectors of gets the best out of them, makes it a productive business, the economy as we forge a successful, long-term recovery and, ultimately, gets the best for the shareholder in the from this pandemic. I remain grateful to businesses for long term. We have charged ACAS with looking at the everything that they currently do, and will do in the evidence to see how systematically the practice is being future, to help us to build back better. used. It has reported back, and I will be examining what Question put and agreed to. it says. On self-isolation, we have put in £110 million of 7.41 pm funding for the test and trace support payment. A House adjourned. further £20 million per month will go to local authorities 827 9 MARCH 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 828

Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy

The following is the list of Members currently certified Mr John Baron (Basildon and Stuart Andrew as eligible for a proxy vote, and of the Members nominated Billericay) (Con) as their proxy: Simon Baynes (Clwyd South) Stuart Andrew (Con) Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy Margaret Beckett (Derby South) Chris Elmore (Lab) Ms Diane Abbott (Hackney Bell Ribeiro-Addy Apsana Begum (Poplar and Bell Ribeiro-Addy North and Stoke Newington) Limehouse) (Lab) (Lab) Aaron Bell (Newcastle-under- Stuart Andrew Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East Chris Elmore Lyme) (Con) and Saddleworth) (Lab) Hilary Benn (Leeds Central) Chris Elmore Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) Stuart Andrew (Lab) (Con) Scott Benton (Blackpool South) Stuart Andrew Bim Afolami (Hitchin and Stuart Andrew (Con) Harpenden) (Con) Sir Paul Beresford (Mole Valley) Stuart Andrew Imran Ahmad Khan (Wakefield) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Con) Jake Berry (Rossendale and Stuart Andrew Nickie Aiken (Cities of London Stuart Andrew Darwen) (Con) and Westminster) (Con) Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) Chris Elmore Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Lab) Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green Chris Elmore Saqib Bhatti (Meriden) (Con) Stuart Andrew and Bow) (Lab) Mhairi Black (Paisley and Patrick Grady Tahir Ali (Birmingham, Hall Chris Elmore Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Green) (Lab) Ian Blackford (Ross, Skye and Patrick Grady Lucy Allan (Telford) (Con) Stuart Andrew Lochaber) (SNP) Dr Rosena Allin-Khan (Tooting) Chris Elmore Bob Blackman (Harrow East) Stuart Andrew (Lab) (Con) Mike Amesbury (Weaver Vale) Chris Elmore Kirsty Blackman (Aberdeen Patrick Grady (Lab) North) (SNP) Sir David Amess (Southend Stuart Andrew Olivia Blake (Sheffield, Hallam) Chris Elmore West) (Con) (Lab) Fleur Anderson (Putney) (Lab) Chris Elmore Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Chris Elmore Lee Anderson (Ashfield) (Con) Chris Loder Central) (Lab) Stuart Anderson Stuart Andrew Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Wolverhampton South West) Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Con) Caroline Ansell (Eastbourne) Stuart Andrew Steven Bonnar (Coatbridge, Patrick Grady (Con) Chryston and Bellshill) (SNP) Tonia Antoniazzi (Gower) (Lab) Chris Elmore Andrew Bowie (West Stuart Andrew Edward Argar (Charnwood) Stuart Andrew Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) (Con) (Con) Jonathan Ashworth (Leicester Chris Elmore Tracy Brabin (Batley and Spen) Chris Elmore South) (Lab) (Lab/Co-op) Sarah Atherton (Wrexham) Stuart Andrew Ben Bradley (Mansfield) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Karen Bradley (Staffordshire Stuart Andrew Victoria Atkins (Louth and Stuart Andrew Moorlands) (Con) Horncastle) (Con) Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab) Chris Elmore Gareth Bacon (Orpington) (Con) Stuart Andrew Suella Braverman (Fareham) Stuart Andrew Mr Richard Bacon (South Stuart Andrew (Con) Norfolk) (Con) Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) Chris Elmore Kemi Badenoch (Saffron Stuart Andrew (Lab) Walden) (Con) Jack Brereton (Stoke-on-Trent Stuart Andrew Shaun Bailey (West Bromwich Stuart Andrew South) (Con) West) (Con) Andrew Bridgen (North West Stuart Andrew Siobhan Baillie (Stroud) (Con) Stuart Andrew Leicestershire) (Con) Duncan Baker (North Norfolk) Stuart Andrew Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Paul Bristow (Peterborough) Stuart Andrew Harriett Baldwin (West Stuart Andrew (Con) Worcestershire) (Con) Sara Britcliffe (Hyndburn) (Con) Stuart Andrew Steve Barclay (North East Stuart Andrew Deidre Brock (Edinburgh North Patrick Grady Cambridgeshire) (Con) and Leith) (SNP) Hannah Bardell (Livingston) Patrick Grady James Brokenshire (Old Bexley Stuart Andrew (SNP) and Sidcup) (Con) Paula Barker (Liverpool, Chris Elmore Alan Brown (Kilmarnock and Patrick Grady Wavertree) (Lab) Loudon) (SNP) 829 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote9 MARCH 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 830

Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy

Ms Lyn Brown (West Ham) Chris Elmore Mr Simon Clarke Stuart Andrew (Lab) (Middlesbrough South and East Anthony Browne (South Stuart Andrew Cleveland) (Con) Cambridgeshire) (Con) Theo Clarke (Stafford) (Con) Stuart Andrew Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con) Stuart Andrew Brendan Clarke-Smith Stuart Andrew Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab) Chris Elmore (Bassetlaw) (Con) Felicity Buchan (Kensington) Stuart Andrew Chris Clarkson (Heywood and Stuart Andrew (Con) Middleton) (Con) Ms Karen Buck (Westminster Chris Elmore James Cleverly (Braintree) (Con) Stuart Andrew North) (Lab) Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Stuart Andrew Robert Buckland (South Stuart Andrew Cotswolds) (Con) Swindon) (Con) Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Stuart Andrew Alex Burghart (Brentwood and Stuart Andrew Coastal) (Con) Ongar) (Con) Elliot Colburn (Carshalton and Stuart Andrew Richard Burgon (Leeds East) Bell Ribeiro-Addy Wallington) (Con) (Lab) Damian Collins (Folkestone and Stuart Andrew Conor Burns (Bournemouth Stuart Andrew Hythe) (Con) West) (Con) Daisy Cooper (St Albans) (LD) Wendy Chamberlain Dawn Butler (Brent Central) Bell Ribeiro-Addy Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire) Chris Elmore (Lab) (Lab) Rob Butler (Aylesbury) (Con) Stuart Andrew Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Chris Elmore Pontefract and Castleford) (Lab) Ian Byrne (Liverpool, West Chris Elmore Derby) (Lab) Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Ind) Liam Byrne (Birmingham, Chris Elmore Hodge Hill) (Lab) Alberto Costa (South Stuart Andrew Leicestershire) (Con) Ruth Cadbury (Brentford and Chris Elmore Isleworth) (Lab) Robert Courts (Witney) (Con) Stuart Andrew Alun Cairns (Vale of Stuart Andrew Claire Coutinho (East Surrey) Stuart Andrew Glamorgan) (Con) (Con) Ronnie Cowan (Inverclyde) Patrick Grady Amy Callaghan (East Patrick Grady (SNP) Dunbartonshire) (SNP) Sir Geoffrey Cox (Torridge and Stuart Andrew Dr Lisa Cameron (East Kilbride, Patrick Grady West Devon) (Con) Strathaven and Lesmahagow) (SNP) Neil Coyle (Bermondsey and Chris Elmore Old Southwark) (Lab) Sir Alan Campbell (Tynemouth) Chris Elmore (Lab) Stephen Crabb (Preseli Stuart Andrew Pembrokeshire) (Con) Mr Gregory Campbell (East Sir Jeffrey M. Donaldson Londonderry) (DUP) Angela Crawley (Lanark and Patrick Grady Hamilton East) (SNP) Dan Carden (Liverpool, Walton) Chris Elmore Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) Chris Elmore (Lab) (Lab) Mr Alistair Carmichael (Orkney Wendy Chamberlain Virginia Crosbie (Ynys Môn) Stuart Andrew and Shetland) (LD) (Con) Andy Carter (Warrington South) Stuart Andrew Tracey Crouch (Chatham and Stuart Andrew (Con) Aylesford) (Con) James Cartlidge (South Suffolk) Stuart Andrew Jon Cruddas (Dagenham and Chris Elmore (Con) Rainham) (Lab) Sir William Cash (Stone) (Con) Stuart Andrew John Cryer (Leyton and Chris Elmore Miriam Cates (Penistone and Stuart Andrew Wanstead) (Lab) Stocksbridge) (Con) Judith Cummins (Bradford Chris Elmore Alex Chalk (Cheltenham) (Con) Stuart Andrew South) (Lab) Sarah Champion (Rotherham) Chris Elmore Alex Cunningham (Stockton Chris Elmore (Lab) North) (Lab) DouglasChapman(Dunfermline Patrick Grady Janet Daby (Lewisham East) Chris Elmore and West Fife) (SNP) (Lab) JoannaCherry(EdinburghSouth Patrick Grady James Daly (Bury North) (Con) Stuart Andrew West) (SNP) Ed Davey (Kingston and Wendy Chamberlain RehmanChishti(Gillinghamand Stuart Andrew Surbiton) (LD) Rainham) (Con) Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab) Chris Elmore Jo Churchill (Bury St Edmunds) Stuart Andrew David T.C. Davies (Monmouth) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Con) Feryal Clark (Enfield North) Chris Elmore Gareth Davies (Grantham and Stuart Andrew (Lab) Stamford) (Con) Greg Clark (Tunbridge Wells) Stuart Andrew Geraint Davies (Swansea West) Chris Elmore (Con) (Lab/Co-op) 831 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote9 MARCH 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 832

Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy

Dr James Davies (Vale of Clwyd) Stuart Andrew ColumEastwood(Foyle)(SDLP) Patrick Grady (Con) Mark Eastwood (Dewsbury) Stuart Andrew Mims Davies (Mid Sussex) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Alex Davies-Jones (Pontypridd) Chris Elmore Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen Stuart Andrew (Lab) East and Dinefwr) (Ind) Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con) Stuart Andrew Ruth Edwards (Rushcliffe) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mr David Davis (Haltemprice Stuart Andrew Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab) Chris Elmore and Howden) (Con) Julie Elliott (Sunderland Central) Chris Elmore Dehenna Davison (Bishop Ben Everitt (Lab) Auckland) (Con) Michael Ellis (Northampton Stuart Andrew Martyn Day (Linlithgow and Patrick Grady North) (Con) East Falkirk) (SNP) Mr Tobias Ellwood Stuart Andrew Thangam Debbonaire (Bristol Chris Elmore (Bournemouth East) (Con) West) (Lab) Mrs Natalie Elphicke (Dover) Stuart Andrew Marsha De Cordova (Battersea) Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Con) Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi Chris Elmore Florence Eshalomi (Vauxhall) Chris Elmore (Slough) (Lab) (Lab/Co-op) Caroline Dinenage (Gosport) Stuart Andrew (Con) Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) Chris Elmore (Lab) Miss Sarah Dines (Derbyshire Stuart Andrew Dales) (Con) George Eustice (Camborne and Stuart Andrew Redruth) (Con) Mr Jonathan Djanogly Stuart Andrew (Huntingdon) (Con) Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co- Chris Elmore op) Leo Docherty (Aldershot) (Con) Stuart Andrew Dr LukeEvans (Bosworth) (Con) Stuart Andrew Martin Docherty-Hughes (West Patrick Grady Dunbartonshire) (SNP) Sir David Evennett (Bexleyheath Stuart Andrew and Crayford) (Con) Anneliese Dodds (Oxford East) Chris Elmore (Lab/Co-op) Ben Everitt (Milton Keynes Stuart Andrew North) (Con) Michelle Donelan (Chippenham) Stuart Andrew (Con) Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) Stuart Andrew (Con) Dave Doogan (Angus) (SNP) Patrick Grady Laura Farris (Newbury) (Con) Stuart Andrew Allan Dorans (Ayr, Carrick and Patrick Grady Cumnock) (SNP) Tim Farron (Westmorland and Wendy Chamberlain Lonsdale) (LD) Ms Nadine Dorries (Mid Stuart Andrew Bedfordshire) (Con) Stephen Farry (North Down) Wendy Chamberlain (Alliance) Steve Double (St Austell and Stuart Andrew Newquay) (Con) Simon Fell (Barrow and Furness) Stuart Andrew (Con) Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South Chris Elmore and Penarth) (Lab) Marion Fellows (Motherwell and Patrick Grady Wishaw) (SNP) Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) Stuart Andrew (Con) Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen Stuart Andrew and Hamilton West) (Ind) Peter Dowd (Bootle) (Lab) Chris Elmore Colleen Fletcher (Coventry Chris Elmore Oliver Dowden (Hertsmere) Stuart Andrew North East) (Lab) (Con) Katherine Fletcher (South Stuart Andrew Richard Drax (South Dorset) Stuart Andrew Ribble) (Con) (Con) Mark Fletcher (Bolsover) (Con) Stuart Andrew Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Chris Elmore Erdington) (Lab) NickFletcher(DonValley)(Con) Stuart Andrew Mrs Flick Drummond (Meon Stuart Andrew Stephen Flynn (Aberdeen South) Patrick Grady Valley) (Con) (SNP) James Duddridge (Rochford and Stuart Andrew Vicky Ford (Chelmsford) (Con) Stuart Andrew Southend East) (Con) Kevin Foster (Torbay) (Con) Stuart Andrew Rosie Duffield (Canterbury) Chris Elmore Yvonne Fovargue (Makerfield) Chris Elmore (Lab) (Lab) David Duguid (Banff and Stuart Andrew Dr Liam Fox (North Somerset) Stuart Andrew Buchan) (Con) (Con) Sir Iain Duncan Smith Stuart Andrew Vicky Foxcroft (Lewisham, Chris Elmore (Chingford and Woodford Deptford) (Lab) Green) (Con) Mary Kelly Foy (City of Bell Ribeiro-Addy Philip Dunne (Ludlow) (Con) Stuart Andrew Durham) (Lab) Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) Chris Elmore Mr Mark Francois (Rayleigh Stuart Andrew (Lab) and Wickford) (Con) Maria Eagle (Garston and Chris Elmore Lucy Frazer (South East Stuart Andrew Halewood) (Lab) Cambridgeshire) (Con) 833 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote9 MARCH 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 834

Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy

George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) Stuart Andrew Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Luke Hall (Thornbury and Yate) Stuart Andrew Mike Freer (Finchley and Stuart Andrew (Con) Golders Green) (Con) Fabian Hamilton (Leeds North Chris Elmore Gill Furniss (Sheffield, Brightside Chris Elmore East) (Lab) and Hillsborough) (Lab) Stephen Hammond Stuart Andrew Marcus Fysh (Yeovil) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Wimbledon) (Con) Sir Roger Gale (North Thanet) Stuart Andrew Matt Hancock (West Suffolk) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Con) Barry Gardiner (Brent North) Chris Elmore Greg Hands (Chelsea and Stuart Andrew (Lab) Fulham) (Con) Mark Garnier (Wyre Forest) Stuart Andrew Claire Hanna (Belfast South) Ben Lake (Con) (SDLP) Ms Nusrat Ghani (Wealden) Stuart Andrew Neale Hanvey (Kirkcaldy and Patrick Grady (Con) Cowdenbeath) (SNP) Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis and Stuart Andrew Emma Hardy (Kingston upon Chris Elmore Littlehampton) (Con) Hull West and Hessle) (Lab) Patricia Gibson (North Ayrshire Patrick Grady Ms Harriet Harman Chris Elmore and Arran) (SNP) (Camberwell and Peckham) Peter Gibson (Darlington) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Lab) Jo Gideon (Stoke-on-Trent Stuart Andrew Carolyn Harris (Swansea East) Chris Elmore Central) (Con) (Lab) Preet Kaur Gill (Birmingham, Chris Elmore Rebecca Harris (Castle Point) Stuart Andrew Edgbaston) (Lab/Co-op) (Con) Dame Cheryl Gillan (Chesham Stuart Andrew Trudy Harrison (Copeland) Stuart Andrew and Amersham) (Con) (Con) Paul Girvan (South Antrim) Sir Jeffrey M. Donaldson Sally-Ann Hart (Hastings and Stuart Andrew (DUP) Rye) (Con) John Glen (Salisbury) (Con) Stuart Andrew Simon Hart (Carmarthen West Stuart Andrew and South Pembrokeshire) (Con) Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) Chris Elmore (Lab) Helen Hayes (Dulwich and West Chris Elmore Norwood) (Lab) Mr Robert Goodwill Stuart Andrew (Scarborough and Whitby) (Con) Sir John Hayes (South Holland Stuart Andrew and The Deepings) (Con) Michael Gove (Surrey Heath) Stuart Andrew (Con) Sir Oliver Heald (North East Stuart Andrew Hertfordshire) (Con) Richard Graham (Gloucester) Stuart Andrew (Con) John Healey (Wentworth and Chris Elmore Dearne) (Lab) Mrs Helen Grant (Maidstone Stuart Andrew and The Weald) (Con) James Heappey (Wells) (Con) Stuart Andrew Peter Grant (Glenrothes) (SNP) Patrick Grady Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) Stuart Andrew (Con) James Gray (North Wiltshire) Stuart Andrew (Con) Gordon Henderson Stuart Andrew (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) Neil Gray (Airdrie and Shotts) Patrick Grady (Con) (SNP) Sir Mark Hendrick (Preston) Chris Elmore Chris Grayling (Epsom and Stuart Andrew (Lab/Co-op) Ewell) (Con) Drew Hendry (Inverness, Nairn, Patrick Grady Damian Green (Ashford) (Con) Stuart Andrew Badenoch and Strathspey) (SNP) Kate Green (Stretford and Chris Elmore Darren Henry (Broxtowe) (Con) Stuart Andrew Urmston) (Lab) Mike Hill (Hartlepool) (Lab) Chris Elmore Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham Chris Elmore Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) Stuart Andrew South) (Lab) (Con) Margaret Greenwood (Wirral Chris Elmore Simon Hoare (North Dorset) Stuart Andrew West) (Lab) (Con) Andrew Griffith (Arundel and Stuart Andrew Wera Hobhouse (Bath) (LD) Wendy Chamberlain South Downs) (Con) Dame Margaret Hodge Chris Elmore Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab) Chris Elmore (Barking) (Lab) Kate Griffiths (Burton) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mrs Sharon Hodgson Chris Elmore James Grundy (Leigh) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Washington and Sunderland Jonathan Gullis (Stoke-on-Trent Stuart Andrew West) (Lab) North) (Con) Kate Hollern (Blackburn) (Lab) Chris Elmore Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Chris Elmore Kevin Hollinrake (Thirsk and Stuart Andrew Reddish) (Lab) Malton) (Con) Louise Haigh (Sheffield, Heeley) Chris Elmore Adam Holloway (Gravesham) Stuart Andrew (Lab) (Con) 835 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote9 MARCH 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 836

Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy Member eligible for proxy vote Nominated proxy

Paul Holmes (Eastleigh) (Con) Stuart Andrew Ruth Jones (Newport West) Chris Elmore Rachel Hopkins (Luton South) Chris Elmore (Lab) (Lab) Sarah Jones (Croydon Central) Chris Elmore Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) Patrick Grady (Lab) (SNP) Simon Jupp (East Devon) (Con) Stuart Andrew Sir George Howarth (Knowsley) Chris Elmore Mike Kane (Wythenshawe and Chris Elmore (Lab) Sale East) (Lab) John Howell (Henley) (Con) Stuart Andrew Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury Stuart Andrew Paul Howell (Sedgefield) (Con) Stuart Andrew and Atcham) (Con) Nigel Huddleston (Mid Stuart Andrew Alicia Kearns (Rutland and Stuart Andrew Worcestershire) (Con) Melton) (Con) Dr Neil Hudson (Penrith and Stuart Andrew Gillian Keegan (Chichester) Stuart Andrew The Border) (Con) (Con) Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) Stuart Andrew Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Chris Elmore (Con) Eccles South) (Lab) Jane Hunt (Loughborough) Stuart Andrew Liz Kendall (Leicester West) Chris Elmore (Con) (Lab) JeremyHunt(SouthWestSurrey) Stuart Andrew Afzal Khan (Manchester, Chris Elmore (Con) Gorton) (Lab) Rupa Huq (Ealing Central and Chris Elmore Stephen Kinnock (Aberavon) Chris Elmore Acton) (Lab) (Lab) Imran Hussain (Bradford East) Bell Ribeiro-Addy Sir Greg Knight (East Yorkshire) Stuart Andrew (Lab) (Con) Mr Alister Jack (Dumfries and Stuart Andrew Julian Knight (Solihull) (Con) Stuart Andrew Galloway) (Con) Danny Kruger (Devizes) (Con) Stuart Andrew Christine Jardine (Edinburgh Wendy Chamberlain Kwasi Kwarteng (Spelthorne) Stuart Andrew West) (LD) (Con) Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central) Chris Elmore Peter Kyle (Hove) (Lab) Chris Elmore (Lab) Mr David Lammy (Tottenham) Chris Elmore Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Lab) Mr Ranil Jayawardena (North Stuart Andrew John Lamont (Berwickshire, Stuart Andrew East Hampshire) (Con) Roxburgh and Selkirk) (Con) Sir Bernard Jenkin (Harwich Stuart Andrew Robert Largan (High Peak) Stuart Andrew and North Essex) (Con) (Con) Mark Jenkinson (Workington) Stuart Andrew Mrs Pauline Latham (Mid Mr William Wragg (Con) Derbyshire) (Con) Andrea Jenkyns (Morley and Stuart Andrew Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab) Bell Ribeiro-Addy Outwood) (Con) Chris Law (Dundee West) (SNP) Patrick Grady Robert Jenrick (Newark) (Con) Stuart Andrew Andrea Leadsom (South Stuart Andrew Boris Johnson (Uxbridge and Stuart Andrew Northamptonshire) (Con) South Ruislip) (Con) Sir Edward Leigh Stuart Andrew Dr Caroline Johnson (Sleaford Stuart Andrew (Gainsborough) (Con) and North Hykeham) (Con) Ian Levy (Blyth Valley) (Con) Stuart Andrew Dame Diana Johnson (Kingston Chris Elmore Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Chris Elmore upon Hull North) (Lab) Shields) (Lab) GarethJohnson(Dartford)(Con) Stuart Andrew Andrew Lewer (Northampton Stuart Andrew Kim Johnson (Liverpool, Chris Elmore South) (Con) Riverside) (Lab) Brandon Lewis (Great Stuart Andrew David Johnston (Wantage) (Con) Stuart Andrew Yarmouth) (Con) Darren Jones (Bristol North Chris Elmore Clive Lewis (Norwich South) Chris Elmore West) (Lab) (Lab) Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Stuart Andrew Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest Stuart Andrew Knaresborough) (Con) East) (Con) Mr David Jones (Clwyd West) Stuart Andrew Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger Stuart Andrew (Con) (Bridgwater and West Somerset) Fay Jones (Brecon and Stuart Andrew (Con) Radnorshire) (Con) David Linden (Glasgow East) Patrick Grady Gerald Jones (Merthyr Tydfil Chris Elmore (SNP) and Rhymney) (Lab) Tony Lloyd (Rochdale) (Lab) Chris Elmore Mr Kevan Jones (North Chris Elmore Carla Lockhart (Upper Bann) Sir Jeffrey M. Donaldson Durham) (Lab) (DUP) Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) Stuart Andrew Mark Logan (Bolton North Stuart Andrew (Con) East) (Con) 837 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote9 MARCH 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 838

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Rebecca Long Bailey (Salford Bell Ribeiro-Addy Khalid Mahmood (Birmingham, Chris Elmore and Eccles) (Lab) Perry Barr) (Lab) Marco Longhi (Dudley North) Stuart Andrew Shabana Mahmood Chris Elmore (Con) (Birmingham, Ladywood) (Lab) Julia Lopez (Hornchurch and Stuart Andrew Alan Mak (Havant) (Con) Stuart Andrew Upminster) (Con) Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Chris Elmore JackLopresti(FiltonandBradley Stuart Andrew Heston) (Lab) Stoke) (Con) Kit Malthouse (North West Stuart Andrew Mr Jonathan Lord (Woking) Stuart Andrew Hampshire) (Con) (Con) Scott Mann (North Cornwall) Stuart Andrew Tim Loughton (East Worthing Stuart Andrew (Con) and Shoreham) (Con) Julie Marson (Hertford and Stuart Andrew Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Bell Ribeiro-Addy Stortford) (Con) Pavilion) (Green) Rachael Maskell (York Central) Chris Elmore Holly Lynch (Halifax) (Lab) Chris Elmore (Lab) Kenny MacAskill (East Lothian) Patrick Grady Christian Matheson (City of Chris Elmore (SNP) Chester) (Lab) Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Chris Elmore Mrs Theresa May (Maidenhead) Stuart Andrew Selly Oak) (Lab) (Con) Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) Chris Elmore Jerome Mayhew (Broadland) Stuart Andrew (Lab) (Con) Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) Stuart Andrew Paul Maynard (Blackpool North Stuart Andrew (Con) and Cleveleys) (Con) Karl McCartney (Lincoln) (Con) Stuart Andrew Ian Mearns (Gateshead) (Lab) Bell Ribeiro-Addy Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham Chris Elmore Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con) Stuart Andrew and Morden) (Lab) JohnnyMercer (Plymouth, Moor Stuart Andrew Andy McDonald Chris Elmore View) (Con) (Middlesbrough) (Lab) Huw Merriman (Bexhill and Stuart Andrew Stewart Malcolm McDonald Patrick Grady Battle) (Con) (Glasgow South) (SNP) Stephen Metcalfe (South Stuart Andrew Stuart C. McDonald Patrick Grady Basildon and East Thurrock) (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and (Con) Kirkintilloch East) (SNP) Edward Miliband (Doncaster Chris Elmore John McDonnell (Hayes and Bell Ribeiro-Addy North) (Lab) Harlington) (Lab) Robin Millar (Aberconwy) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mr Pat McFadden Chris Elmore Mrs Maria Miller (Basingstoke) Stuart Andrew (Wolverhampton South East) (Con) (Lab) Amanda Milling (Cannock Stuart Andrew Conor McGinn (St Helens Chris Elmore Chase) (Con) North) (Lab) Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con) Stuart Andrew Alison McGovern (Wirral South) Chris Elmore Navendu Mishra (Stockport) Chris Elmore (Lab) (Lab) Craig Mackinlay (South Thanet) Stuart Andrew Mr Andrew Mitchell (Sutton Stuart Andrew (Con) Coldfield) (Con) Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle Chris Elmore Gagan Mohindra (South West Stuart Andrew upon Tyne North) (Lab) Hertfordshire) (Con) Cherilyn Mackrory (Truro and Stuart Andrew Carol Monaghan (Glasgow Patrick Grady Falmouth) (Con) North West) Anne McLaughlin (Glasgow Patrick Grady Damien Moore (Southport) Stuart Andrew North East) (SNP) (Con) Rachel Maclean (Redditch) Stuart Andrew Layla Moran (Oxford West and Wendy Chamberlain (Con) Abingdon) (LD) Jim McMahon (Oldham West Chris Elmore Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth Stuart Andrew and Royton) (Lab) North) (Con) AnnaMcMorrin(Cardiff North) Chris Elmore Jessica Morden (Newport East) Chris Elmore (Lab) (Lab) John Mc Nally (Falkirk) (SNP) Patrick Grady Stephen Morgan (Portsmouth Chris Elmore Angus Brendan MacNeil (Na Patrick Grady South) (Lab) h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Anne Marie Morris (Newton Stuart Andrew Stephen McPartland (Stevenage) Stuart Andrew Abbot) (Con) (Con) David Morris (Morecambe and Stuart Andrew Esther McVey (Tatton) (Con) Stuart Andrew Lunesdale) (Con) Justin Madders (Ellesmere Port Chris Elmore Grahame Morris (Easington) Chris Elmore and Neston) (Lab) (Lab) 839 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote9 MARCH 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 840

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Joy Morrissey (Beaconsfield) Stuart Andrew Stephanie Peacock (Barnsley Chris Elmore (Con) East) (Lab) Wendy Morton (Aldridge- Stuart Andrew Sir Mike Penning (Hemel Stuart Andrew Brownhills) (Con) Hempstead) (Con) Dr Kieran Mullan (Crewe and Chris Loder Matthew Pennycook (Greenwich Chris Elmore Nantwich) (Con) and Woolwich) (Lab) Holly Mumby-Croft Stuart Andrew John Penrose (Weston-super- Stuart Andrew (Scunthorpe) (Con) Mare) (Con) David Mundell (Dumfriesshire, Stuart Andrew Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) Antony Higginbotham ClydesdaleandTweeddale)(Con) (Con) Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) Chris Elmore Mr Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) Chris Elmore (Lab) (Lab) James Murray (Ealing North) Chris Elmore Jess Phillips (Birmingham, Chris Elmore (Lab/Co-op) Yardley) (Lab) Mrs Sheryll Murray (South East Stuart Andrew Bridget Phillipson (Houghton Chris Elmore Cornwall) (Con) and Sunderland South) (Lab) Andrew Murrison (South West Stuart Andrew Chris Philp (Croydon South) Stuart Andrew Wiltshire) (Con) (Con) Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab) Chris Elmore Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) Stuart Andrew Sir Robert Neill (Bromley and Stuart Andrew (Con) Chislehurst) (Con) Luke Pollard (Plymouth, Sutton Chris Elmore Gavin Newlands (Paisley and Patrick Grady and Devonport) (Lab/Co-op) Renfrewshire North) (SNP) Dr Dan Poulter (Central Suffolk Stuart Andrew Charlotte Nichols (Warrington Chris Elmore and North Ipswich) (Con) North) (Lab) Rebecca Pow (Taunton Deane) Stuart Andrew Lia Nici (Great Grimsby) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) John Nicolson (Ochil and South Patrick Grady Lucy Powell (Manchester Chris Elmore Perthshire) (SNP) Central) (Lab/Co-op) Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Stuart Andrew Victoria Prentis (Banbury) (Con) Stuart Andrew Southampton North) (Con) Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) Stuart Andrew Jesse Norman (Hereford and Stuart Andrew (Con) South Herefordshire) (Con) Tom Pursglove (Corby) (Con) Stuart Andrew Alex Norris (Nottingham North) Chris Elmore Jeremy Quin (Horsham) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Lab/Co-op) Will Quince (Colchester) (Con) Stuart Andrew Neil O’Brien (Harborough) Stuart Andrew Yasmin Qureshi (Bolton South Chris Elmore (Con) East) (Lab) Brendan O’Hara (Argyll and Patrick Grady Dominic Raab (Esher and Stuart Andrew Bute) (SNP) Walton) (Con) Dr Matthew Offord (Hendon) Stuart Andrew Tom Randall (Gedling) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Angela Rayner (Ashton-under- Chris Elmore Sarah Olney (Richmond Park) Wendy Chamberlain Lyne) (Lab) (LD) John Redwood (Wokingham) Stuart Andrew Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Chris Elmore (Con) Tyne Central) (Lab) Steve Reed (Croydon North) Chris Elmore Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Lab/Co-op) Abena Oppong-Asare (Erith and Chris Elmore Christina Rees (Neath) (Lab) Chris Elmore Thamesmead) (Lab) Ellie Reeves (Lewisham West Chris Elmore Kate Osamor (Edmonton) (Lab/ Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Penge) (Lab) Co-op) Rachel Reeves (Leeds West) Chris Elmore Kate Osborne (Jarrow) (Lab) Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Lab) Kirsten Oswald (East Patrick Grady Jonathan Reynolds (Stalybridge Chris Elmore Renfrewshire) (SNP) and Hyde) (Lab) Taiwo Owatemi (Coventry North Chris Elmore NicolaRichards(WestBromwich Stuart Andrew West) (Lab) East) (Con) Sarah Owen (Luton North) Chris Elmore Angela Richardson (Guildford) Stuart Andrew (Lab) (Con) Ian Paisley (North Antrim) Sir Jeffrey M. Donaldson Ms Marie Rimmer (St Helens Chris Elmore (Con) South and Whiston) (Lab) Neil Parish (Tiverton and Stuart Andrew Rob Roberts (Delyn) (Con) Stuart Andrew Honiton) (Con) Mr Laurence Robertson Stuart Andrew Priti Patel (Witham) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Tewkesbury) (Con) Mr Owen Paterson (North Stuart Andrew Gavin Robinson (Belfast East) Sir Jeffrey M. Donaldson Shropshire) (Con) (DUP) Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con) Stuart Andrew Mary Robinson (Cheadle) (Con) Stuart Andrew 841 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote9 MARCH 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 842

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Matt Rodda (Reading East) Chris Elmore Keir Starmer (Holborn and St Chris Elmore (Lab) Pancras) (Lab) Andrew Rosindell (Romford) Stuart Andrew Chris Stephens (Glasgow South Patrick Grady (Con) West) (SNP) Douglas Ross (Moray) (Con) Stuart Andrew Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) Stuart Andrew (Con) Lee Rowley (North East Stuart Andrew Derbyshire) (Con) Jo Stevens (Cardiff Central) Chris Elmore (Lab) Dean Russell (Watford) (Con) Stuart Andrew Jane Stevenson (Wolverhampton Stuart Andrew Lloyd Russell-Moyle (Brighton, Chris Elmore North East) (Con) Kemptown) (Lab/Co-op) John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con) Stuart Andrew Liz Saville Roberts (Dwyfor Ben Lake Meirionnydd) (PC) Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con) Stuart Andrew Selaine Saxby (North Devon) Stuart Andrew Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes Stuart Andrew (Con) South) (Con) Jamie Stone (Caithness, Wendy Chamberlain Paul Scully (Sutton and Cheam) Stuart Andrew Sutherland and Easter Ross) (Con) (LD) Bob Seely (Isle of Wight) (Con) Stuart Andrew Sir Gary Streeter (South West Stuart Andrew Andrew Selous (South West Stuart Andrew Devon) (Con) Bedfordshire) (Con) Wes Streeting (Ilford North) Chris Elmore Naz Shah (Bradford West) (Lab) Chris Elmore (Lab) Grant Shapps (Welwyn Hatfield) Stuart Andrew Mel Stride (Central Devon) Stuart Andrew (Con) (Con) Alok Sharma (Reading West) Stuart Andrew Graham Stringer (Blackley and Chris Elmore (Con) Broughton) (Lab) Mr Virendra Sharma (Ealing, Chris Elmore Graham Stuart (Beverley and Stuart Andrew Southall) (Lab) Holderness) (Con) Mr Barry Sheerman Chris Elmore Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op) Zarah Sultana (Coventry South) Bell Ribeiro-Addy Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Stuart Andrew (Lab) Rothwell) (Con) Rishi Sunak (Richmond (Yorks)) Stuart Andrew Tommy Sheppard (Edinburgh Patrick Grady (Con) East) (SNP) James Sunderland (Bracknell) Stuart Andrew Tulip Siddiq (Hampstead and Chris Elmore (Con) Kilburn) (Lab) Sir Desmond Swayne (New Mr William Wragg David Simmonds (Ruislip, Stuart Andrew Forest West) (Con) Northwood and Pinner) (Con) Sir Robert Syms (Poole) (Con) Stuart Andrew Chris Skidmore (Kingswood) Stuart Andrew Mark Tami (Alyn and Deeside) Chris Elmore (Con) (Lab) Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) Chris Elmore Sam Tarry (Ilford South) (Lab) Chris Elmore (Lab) Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Patrick Grady Alyn Smith (Stirling) (SNP) Patrick Grady Central) (SNP) Cat Smith (Lancaster and Chris Elmore Derek Thomas (St Ives) (Con) Stuart Andrew Fleetwood) (Lab) Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) Chris Elmore Chloe Smith (Norwich North) Stuart Andrew (Lab/Co-op) (Con) Nick Thomas-Symonds Chris Elmore Greg Smith (Buckingham) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Torfaen) (Lab) Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con) Stuart Andrew Richard Thomson (Gordon) Patrick Grady Julian Smith (Skipton and Stuart Andrew (SNP) Ripon) (Con) Emily Thornberry (Islington Chris Elmore Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) Chris Elmore South and Finsbury) (Lab) (Lab) Maggie Throup (Erewash) (Con) Stuart Andrew Royston Smith (Southampton, Stuart Andrew Stephen Timms (East Ham) Chris Elmore Itchen) (Con) (Lab) Karin Smyth (Bristol South) Chris Elmore Edward Timpson (Eddisbury) Stuart Andrew (Lab) (Con) Alex Sobel (Leeds North West) Chris Elmore Kelly Tolhurst (Rochester and Stuart Andrew (Lab) Strood) (Con) Amanda Solloway (Derby Stuart Andrew Justin Tomlinson (North Stuart Andrew North) (Con) Swindon) (Con) Dr Ben Spencer (Runnymede Stuart Andrew Michael Tomlinson (Mid Dorset Stuart Andrew and Weybridge) (Con) and North Poole) (Con) Alexander Stafford (Rother Stuart Andrew Craig Tracey (North Stuart Andrew Valley) (Con) Warwickshire) (Con) 843 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote9 MARCH 2021 Members Eligible for a Proxy Vote 844

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Anne-Marie Trevelyan Stuart Andrew Dr Alan Whitehead Chris Elmore (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (Con) (Southampton, Test) (Lab) Jon Trickett (Hemsworth) (Lab) Bell Ribeiro-Addy Dr Philippa Whitford (Central Patrick Grady Laura Trott (Sevenoaks) (Con) Stuart Andrew Ayrshire) (SNP) Elizabeth Truss (South West Stuart Andrew Mick Whitley (Birkenhead) (Lab) Chris Elmore Norfolk) (Con) Craig Whittaker (Calder Valley) Stuart Andrew Tom Tugendhat (Tonbridge and Stuart Andrew (Con) Malling) (Con) John Whittingdale (Malden) Stuart Andrew Karl Turner (Kingston upon Chris Elmore (Con) Hull East) (Lab) Nadia Whittome (Nottingham Chris Elmore Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab) Chris Elmore East) (Lab) Liz Twist (Blaydon) (Lab) Chris Elmore Bill Wiggin (North Stuart Andrew Mr Shailesh Vara (North West Stuart Andrew Herefordshire) (Con) Cambridgeshire) (Con) James Wild (North West Stuart Andrew Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) Stuart Andrew Norfolk) (Con) (Con) Craig Williams Stuart Andrew Matt Vickers (Stockton South) Chris Loder (Montgomeryshire) (Con) (Con) Hywel Williams (Arfon) (PC) Ben Lake Theresa Villiers (Chipping Stuart Andrew Gavin Williamson Stuart Andrew Barnet) (Con) (Montgomeryshire) (Con) Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) Stuart Andrew Munira Wilson (Twickenham) Wendy Chamberlain (Con) (LD) Mr Ben Wallace (Wyre and Stuart Andrew Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) Sir Jeffrey M. Donaldson Preston North) (DUP) DrJamieWallis(Bridgend)(Con) Stuart Andrew Beth Winter (Cynon Valley) Chris Elmore David Warburton (Somerset and Stuart Andrew (Lab) Frome) (Con) Pete Wishart (Perth and North Patrick Grady Matt Warman (Boston and Stuart Andrew Perthshire) (SNP) Skegness) (Con) Mike Wood (Dudley South) Stuart Andrew Giles Watling (Clacton) (Con) Stuart Andrew (Con) Suzanne Webb (Stourbridge) Stuart Andrew Jeremy Wright (Kenilworth and Stuart Andrew (Con) Southam) (Con) Claudia Webbe (Leicester East) Bell Ribeiro-Addy Mohammad Yasin (Bedford) Chris Elmore (Ind) (Lab) Catherine West (Hornsey and Chris Elmore Jacob Young (Redcar) (Con) Stuart Andrew Wood Green) (Lab) Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on- Stuart Andrew Helen Whately (Faversham and Stuart Andrew Avon) (Con) Mid Kent) (Con) Daniel Zeichner (Cambridge) Chris Elmore Mrs Heather Wheeler (South Stuart Andrew (Lab) Derbyshire) (Con)

51WH 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19 Vaccine: 52WH Take-up Rates in London and Fulham by NHS staff, council staff and volunteers. Westminster Hall It has been an absolutely exemplary effort, and I can testify to that personally, because I had my first jab two Tuesday 9 March 2021 weeks ago and I cannot imagine a smoother, more reassuring and more professional service than the one I experienced at the time. I am told by the many constituents [SIR CHRISTOPHER CHOPE in the Chair] with whom I have been in contact that that is the experience across the board, so I can express nothing Covid-19 Vaccine: other than praise for the way in which the system is Take-up Rates in London being rolled out. Virtual participation in proceedings commenced (Order, Indeed, the success of the programme nationally, 25 February). whereby I think we are at 22 million first doses and [NB: [V] denotes a Member participating virtually.] about 1 million second doses, is, again, an achievement. Obviously—I do not wish to state this in any adverse 9.25 am way—we are going to talk about the problems today. Sir Christopher Chope (in the Chair): Welcome to this We are going to take for granted the successes and talk version of Westminster Hall. May I thank all the people about the problems, because that is our job. involved in facilitating this important development in About one third of the population has had a first our democracy? There have been some changes, which I dose, and a very small percentage—less than 2%—has will set out briefly. One is that we start five minutes had a second dose. That is a matter of political and earlier, so that we can finish this debate at five minutes scientific choice, which most people would agree with, to 11. I remind hon. Members participating, both physically although it is not how some other countries have dealt and virtually, that they must arrive at the start of the with it. Nevertheless, it shows the size of the achievement debate and they are expected, under the instructions of and also the task ahead. If we have done a third, which the Deputy Speaker, to remain for the duration of the might include some young people who are not getting entire debate. If Members attending virtually have any the vaccine in the near future, there are two thirds to technical problems, they should email the Westminster go—even my maths tells me that—and then there is the Hall Clerks’email address. Weask that Members attending second dose as well. There is still a mountain to climb, physically clean their spaces before using them and but what gives me confidence is the fact that the NHS’s before leaving the room, so that those spaces can be data and operation are better placed than perhaps any used by others later. Without further ado, I call Andy health service could be to deal with the problem. However, Slaughter to move the motion. let us not gloss over the fact that this is taking the individual effort of millions of people across the country. 9.26 am I shall go through some problems, but on another Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): I beg to move, positive note, I had a very uplifting conversation with That this House has considered covid-19 vaccine take-up rates my local director of covid-19 response and recovery last in London. night. She told me that the expectation, which I hope It is a great pleasure to be here in what I think is, from the Minister will be able to confirm, is that, first, from a Back-Bench point of view, the first of these virtual next week there will be a substantial increase in the sessions in Westminster Hall, although it is also very amount of vaccine available nationally and locally. I good to be here physically, in the flesh, and to see the think we are going from some 2 million doses a week to Minister and the shadow Minister, my hon. Friend the 4 million. I do not know whether that is true, so perhaps Member for Nottingham North (Alex Norris), here in the Minister will be able to confirm that. the flesh as well. On the screen I can see, I think, nine Secondly, that will allow the centres that are dispensing Labour colleagues and even one Conservative who will the vaccine to expand. One problem so far has been a take part in this debate, so that is a very good start, and lack of vaccine at some of the GP-run primary care what better subject than this to start the process off network centres, with major centres in many places not with? opening at all. I hope that the Minister, if his information There is a reason, which the Minister will be familiar is this granular, will be able to confirm that the with, why this issue has aroused a lot of interest among Hammersmith mass vaccination centre based at the my colleagues. I need to say first that the Minister has Novotel hotel in the centre of Hammersmith, which been making himself available on a regular basis— was due to open on 8 February, will open next week and sometimes almost daily—to answer our questions, which that other centres will open this month in north-west are often the same questions. That is a rather barbed London. compliment, because it implies, perhaps, that he has not My third point, which relates to a local initiative, is answered them the first time they were asked. One thing on the issue of vaccine hesitancy. Next Monday we start that I would like to do today is to try to pin him down a local programme to contact every person who we on just a few very important issues. I do thank him for know has either declined or not been contacted and is in his candour, his availability and, of course, for being one of the priority groups. We will go through the here today—as I have pointed out to him, he is the only process of contact, persuasion or whatever else is necessary Vaccines Minister, so it would be difficult for him to to ensure that we catch up on what are not terribly good delegate this one. figures at the moment. I will come back to that at the The second thanks that I would like to express is to end, because one thing we are looking for there is everybody who is making vaccination work in London, perhaps support from the Government in carrying out and indeed across the country. Obviously I especially that programme, which is a really good programme. I appreciate the work done in my own area of Hammersmith have been told all about it, and I compliment the local 53WH Covid-19 Vaccine: 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19 Vaccine: 54WH Take-up Rates in London Take-up Rates in London [Andy Slaughter] giving us most concern, the number of days has been in single figures since the beginning of the year. In that council on setting that up and using the Hammersmith area, significant vaccination has been going on for and Fulham community aid network—H&F CAN—which fewer than 10 days. That is of great concern. has been helping people shield and helping people in That may be corrected by the sheer volume that is need over the past year. coming through. It is essential that we get enough We have been asking for data for many weeks. I can vaccine for the PCNs, the major centres, and for the see the Minister’s dilemma, because if he gives us national pharmacy and hospital centres if they are to continue to data, we ask for regional; if he gives us regional, we ask operate. I hope that the Minister will be able to confirm for integrated care systems; if we get ICS, we ask for what I think is the strategy now, which is that the major clinical commissioning group; if we get CCG, we ask centres—in my case, say, 1,500 doses a day, which is for Medical Science Liaison Association; if he gives us very significant—will be dealing with the new cohorts, medical support officer, we ask for postcode—so he so the younger people coming into the system now and might think it is a slippery slope. In a darker moment, also possibly some second doses. That is what we think he might have concluded that it is better to give us is going to happen. nothing at all. I will contradict that view by saying that There is a certain sense in that, because the process of it is better to say, “There is a story to tell here.” I do not going to a major centre involves getting a letter and think that anybody will take a view other than one that making an appointment, and it may involve some travel. will help the process go ahead. It is important to have It is more suitable for people who are more mobile and more granular data, at least down to ward level, so that may have a car or something of that nature to get them we can see what is happening in our constituencies and where they are going. we can take action to deal with it. The PCNs are going to give some of the second On the issue of supply, it appears that—I say “appears” doses, but I suspect they are going to scale down a little, because I spend a lot of time on this and it is difficult to because GPs obviously have other work to do—I am do the sleuthing work—in the initial roll-out at the going to ask the Minister about this. The problem is beginning of the year, London was being left behind, that we are neglecting an important group of people in and then there was a correction and more vaccines groups 1 to 4 who missed out on the vaccine and who came into London, and in the past few weeks we have now need to be the target for ensuring that we get our had something of a dearth—a drought—of vaccines vaccination rates up. It is pretty clear that the PCNs are nationally. If one looks at the daily figures, one sees that the best vehicle for delivering that. by the end of last year they were at around 600,000 doses I do not want to go on for too long as I know many a day. For the past week or so they have been between colleagues want to get in, but the last and most important 200,000 to 400,000 a day, which is a significant change. I point for us at the moment is how we deal with the issue hope that we will see the figures go up again. that is variously called vaccine resistance or vaccine In a way, there is a bit of “bald men arguing over a hesitancy, but is simply a problem for the NHS, the comb” here, because colleagues in other regions will say, Government and all of us working to resolve it. We “Hang on, you are not taking our vaccines to London, need local solutions as well as national resources. There are you?” I do not know whether they are saying that in has been a lack of data in relation to these matters. The your part of the world, Sir Christopher, but I have evidence for that is the reliance that so many colleagues heard it said. The reality is that we all need to vaccinate have placed on Sky News’s analysis of the data on the all our populations. The question is one of overall NHS website. I am not sure that is where we should be supply. It would have helped had we known the situation going as our first port of call, although they did a good more clearly at an earlier stage. job, because for the first time, over a week ago, we were There is also the push and pull factor. Some privileged able to see figures by ward. Knowing the different institutions, such as the hospital hubs, are able to order characteristics of our wards, we were able to see how from what supplies there are and obtain those. There things were going within the constituency. may be some logic to that, in the sense that they are In my constituency—I feel the pattern is true across principally—not exclusively—vaccinating NHS staff, who the rest of London—the more prosperous areas, the less clearly are a priority, but it does mean that the local ethnically diverse areas and the less deprived areas were GP-run PCN hubs are reliant simply on what is delivered already at 100% for the older cohort of the population. to them; they have very little control over that. They Poorer areas, such as those in Shepherd’s Bush, White may have very little notice of what is being delivered. It City and West Kensington, were below 75%. That is a got to the state last week where, between Monday and very significant difference. It is replicated across London, Friday, not one of the five dispensing outlets in my and north-west London is one of the most difficult constituency had any vaccine delivered. Unless there areas. As of last Friday, it was the only integrated care was some left over still within its shelf life, no vaccination system area in England that was below 80% for those was going on. over the age of 65. All the London ICSs are down at the That was an extreme example, but if I look at those bottom, but north-west London is slightly further down. GP hubs, during the course of this year, the best of Wetalk about 80% and 75% as worrying and significant, them—where I had my jab—has operated for about but when one adds in deprivation, by looking at the 25 days, so less than half the time. When I say “operated”, most deprived 10% of the population, and ethnicity, I mean at a significant level of, say, more than because certain ethnic groups are being vaccinated at a 400 vaccinations a day, and that was for only 25 days. much lower rate, often below 50%, then that should be But for the other two hubs in the borough, including the ringing alarm bells in Whitehall. It is certainly ringing one at White City, which is the most deprived area in my them locally. We have not cracked this nut. I seek a constituency and the one where vaccination rates are response from the Minister on that point. 55WH Covid-19 Vaccine: 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19 Vaccine: 56WH Take-up Rates in London Take-up Rates in London We know what is needed: time, money and personnel 9.46 am to ensure that those contacts are made. The problem is Ms Karen Buck (Westminster North) (Lab) [V]: I that phone calls are made that are not answered once, congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Hammersmith twice or three times, or someone may express a reservation (Andy Slaughter) on introducing this very welcome and about the question, and either there is not time to deal extremely timely debate. He has set out the arguments with it, as that is not the way the system is set up, or the very comprehensively and I shall endeavour not to caller is not expert enough to deal with it. A lot of it is repeat too many of the key points. about trusted people—that is very important— and places, and places that are accessible. I will repeat, and I am sure that everyone speaking this morning will also repeat, our grateful thanks to All of those are important, but so is having people NHS and public health staff who are working so hard who can answer the questions that are asked. If they to deliver this vaccine. It has been a national success cannot answer questions such as, “How do you know story; there is no doubt of that whatever. It is an that the vaccine will be safe in 5 years’ time?” or, “How extraordinary logistical achievement, of which the NHS will it protect someone with my medical condition?”, or can be extremely proud. I had my vaccine on Saturday dispel fears and rumours such as, “I have heard this at St Charles’ Hospital and it was an extraordinary, about the vaccine from somebody I trust,” it is almost professional operation; swift and effective. I think everyone worse than not having made the approach at all, because should be very proud of what they have done. they end up reinforcing the problem. Of course, that does not mean that that we should We think we have cracked that. I have been looking at not be able to focus on some of the outstanding questions the hesitancy programme that Hammersmith has set that arise regarding the delivery of the vaccine in London. up, and I think it is good. I pay tribute to the staff doing As has been stated, London as a city, as a region, is not it. It will be labour intensive and will cost money. The achieving the same figures as other parts of the country, Minister knows my beef on that. When the £23 million which should be a cause for concern. My particular of so-called community champions money was made concern is my own borough, my own constituency area, available at the end of January, quite rightly, and handed Westminster North. It is apparently the second-worst out to some 60 local authority areas across the country, performing borough in the country with just 69% coverage those that had the lowest take-up rates at that time of 65-plus. City of London and Westminster South are essentiallydidnotgetanymoney—Westminster,Kensington also performing very poorly. and Chelsea, Hammersmith, and Newham. Some did, This does matter very greatly, for reasons we all but it seemed to be a bit of a lottery.I think seven London understand. It matters in terms of individuals and in boroughs got sums ranging between £40,000 and £750,000. terms of the public health of the borough, but I would I do not think we need help in knowing what to do, but also suggest to the Minister that it is a particular we do need some resource of that kind. I understand concern because the central London economy is so that there is a little resource coming in through the critical to our national economic revival. Therefore, NHS: £100,000 per ICS. However, that really only goes being confident that we have good coverage in central down to £10,000 per CCG. Looking at areas we have London seems, to me, to have a significance even over the most data on, where there are particular problems, and above the pure public health considerations. it would be useful to add to that resource now. I want to focus on two particular themes, the first of I think I have gone on long enough—you are probably which I am afraid is going back to the question of data. not the man to ask, Sir Christopher—but I think I have For the reasons that my hon. Friend the Member for had enough questions for the Minister to be able to Hammersmith has outlined, inner London generally remember and answer them all. This is special pleading has a highly complex set of population characteristics. for London, in a way, because London has suffered. We We need to understand the particularity of those can conjecture the reasons for that. They are complicated. circumstances to be effective in delivering to those We have talked about deprivation, we have talked about populations. While it is useful, indeed, to have the ethnicity, but there are other factors in London we all national and regional—north-west London, in my know about. We know about them through canvassing instance—and some of the borough data, we need to be and elections; we know about them through electoral able to look at local data, understand it and know that registration; we will know about them this month through it is accurate. trying to fill in census forms. I have yet to see the information that is provided to the directors of public health. As of this point, the London has a disproportionate number of people middle of March, nearly three months into the vaccination who are isolated, for all sorts of reasons. They may not programme, it has not yet been shared with me. The have financial resources, or they may not have a mobile fact that it has not been shared with me by my local phone, or have credit on their mobile phone. They may authority reflects its concerns that the data is not live in a room in a multi-occupancy house which has no accurate. The Minister will have heard, no doubt, doorbell or other means of reaching them. They may from many other people, that there is a concern that have mental health problems. They may simply live building up from the basis of the local data to a larger alone and have become isolated from the community picture and then expanding it out to a national picture around them. will give different results, and people will start looking We are actually very good at contacting those people at variations in that data and asking questions about it. if we have the time and the money to do so; we do it I understand that point and can see that it is indeed through electoral registration, and we are also doing it difficult to get those statistics all squared off. On the with the census. However, we do need that prioritisation other hand, I am absolutely clear that unless we understand and I hope that the Minister will understand that, and the difference between what is in happening in, for will be able to respond in kind. example, the Mozart estate area in the Queens Park 57WH Covid-19 Vaccine: 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19 Vaccine: 58WH Take-up Rates in London Take-up Rates in London [Ms Karen Buck] lot more people wish to participate in the debate. I hope that she will bring her remarks to a swift close so that I ward, and in Belgravia and Knightsbridge, we will not can call the next speaker. get a proper understanding of where the priorities should be. Ms Buck: Many apologies. I will conclude on that. I My local authority has told me that part of its have concerns about the data and the investment in anxiety is that there is a variance between the use of the support for reaching hard-to-reach populations, and Office for National Statistics data and the national I hope the Minister will address those. My sincere immunisation management system data, which has led apologies. to a significant national population variant of, I believe, as high as 5 million. As my hon. Friend outlined, there 9.56 am is good reason to believe that the percentage variance Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con) [V]: It is a will be greater in central London than anywhere else in pleasure to serve under your chairmanship once again, the country. We have seen that in terms of the census Sir Christopher, albeit for the first time virtually. I and the population figures. I had a debate on the 2001 congratulate the hon. Member for Hammersmith (Andy census because of my concerns about accurate recording Slaughter) on securing the debate, which is important of population. However,it is unclear to me,from discussions for all Londoners. It is a pleasure to follow the hon. with people working in the local health service, what Member for Westminster North (Ms Buck). population denominators are being used locally. It is unclear who is using what data, and as a consequence it In the London Borough of Harrow, we have had an is unclear whether such local data as exists is even outstanding performance on vaccination rates. Wereceived remotely accurate. congratulations from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on that performance, and I put on the The question is: does that matter? I would say that it record my appreciation and thanks to the fantastic does, because if we are spending time trying to find team—both from the NHS and the volunteers—who people who are simply not present, to raise the vaccination made this possible. To set it in context, more than rate, for good reasons, we are wasting time and effort on 70,000 people in Harrow have had their first vaccination, them, whereas at the same time—both phenomena are, out of an adult population of just under 200,000, which I think, true simultaneously—there are wards, estates is a remarkable performance, at the Hive centre, which and communities in my constituency, as there will be in opened in December, and at Byron Hall and Tithe others, where we are failing to make contact with people Farm, which opened in January. To get to this stage so who need to be contacted, because they are extremely quickly has been remarkably good. hard-to-reach populations. My hon. Friend outlined some of the reasons for that. There is a high relative That has to be set against the fact that Harrow is the proportion of single people who will not necessarily most ethnically diverse borough in London. Others have ties to communities, and links so that we can use have a higher number of different sections of population, the normal channels of communication. There is a high but we literally have someone from every country on the proportion of people with mental health problems, planet and various different communities, so it is a again, often living singly. There is the largest private direct challenge to reach all those different communities rented sector in the country, with a high degree of and to encourage them to come forward to get their population churn, which means that when talking to vaccinations. This fantastic effort also has to be set someone it is often unclear whether they are the same against the position that, at the beginning of the pandemic, person who was living there six months before. Unless Northwick Park Hospital came very close to being and until we can be sure of the granular data and overwhelmed by the number of covid cases. Sadly, we understand the baseline population statistics on which have had a very high death rate, and at one stage it is based, we have a problem. Harrow had the highest covid transmission rate in A secondary data problem concerns ethnicity and London, so achieving this vaccination rate has been understanding some of the issues around both the vital. take-up of the vaccine and vaccine reluctance, which More than 35,000 people have had their first vaccination are different components. The issue is that, in central at the Hive since the middle of December, and the London, we have the largest Arabic-speaking populations, Prime Minister visited the site to see at first hand the a very diverse set of communities, but these are being excellent work that is being done. However, we are recorded under “ethnic—other”, and therefore it is experiencing problems, and I will relay some of those difficult for us to be able to focus in on those communities, for the Minister. There is reluctance among the Afro- which are important, in terms of delivery. Caribbean, Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities, I have written to the Minister with some of these who are hard to reach. There have been real difficulties questions, but even since I wrote to him there has been in getting them to come forward; there is a reluctance to new information from the local authority and from the have the vaccine. Among the white British, Irish and clinical commissioning groups that raise questions for Indian population, there have been no such problems—they me about the data. We need to know whether the have come forward in their droves to receive their population that we are chasing is there, whether we are vaccinations, which is good news. chasing hard-to-reach people or whether we need to The supply problems are really serious. To give the focus in on people who have vaccine reluctance. I was Minister an example—I hope he will be able to answer told last week— this—the capacity at each of our vaccination centres is roughly 860 doses a day, yet this week, our centres will Sir Christopher Chope (in the Chair): Order. I am only receive 400 doses. That is less than half a day’s sorry, but if the hon. Lady were participating physically, work, so the lack of supply is holding us back from I would by now have been staring her down, because a achieving even faster vaccination rates. 59WH Covid-19 Vaccine: 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19 Vaccine: 60WH Take-up Rates in London Take-up Rates in London The real problem that emanates from that is that we the miracle of the vaccine at Christmas that has given are having particular difficulties in contacting younger everyone hope—but that maxim of differential impact people who have underlying health conditions. They are is one we have to look at. among the most reluctant to come forward, because of There are two things that will take us to the other side the myths and legends about what the vaccine does to of this: vaccine uptake among the population and the people’s bodies. I am pleased that we now have a myth- hesitancy that people talk about, and supply. London buster to combat this unfortunate propaganda, which is has nudging 10 million people—some 12% of the spreading very widely among different communities. population. My own borough has 360,000 people. Initially, An excellent video has also been put together by different we had the town hall, then we had a second venue in community leaders, coming together irrespective of race, Southall— religion, colour or creed to say why it is important that in the west of the borough. Both those were closed last people have the vaccination, to encourage people to do week. The latter did a record 1,200, I think, before so, and to try to combat some of this insidious propaganda. shutting its doors until further notice. There has been a Also on the issue of vaccine supply,my centres complain magnificent effort from volunteers and NHS staff, and that they get notified only a day in advance of the everyone was poised. I have heard nothing but praise vaccine arriving, which of course means that it is very about the efficiency of the operation, but then they were difficult to schedule people in to get their vaccinations. all stood down. Can we have a better plan for supply of vaccine, which There are old divides between the inner city and the is vitally important? Equally, allowing flexibility to GPs leafy suburbs, but my seat has both: Ealing is known as undertaking vaccinations at GP surgeries would help “queen of the suburbs”, but there are wards of deprivation considerably.It would reach those harder-to-reach groups, in Acton, where there has been no vaccination centre; it because people trust their GPs in the way that they do is a bit of a vaccination black spot. I hope the Minister not necessarily trust going to a large vaccination centre. will help me to address that issue. Acton is big enough I will end my remarks by saying that in Harrow, to have a tube or rail station with every compass point certainly, we have achieved remarkably well, but we can on several different lines—Central, District, and do better provided that we get the supply, that we have Piccadilly—but there is no vaccination centre. Given better notice, and that the facilities continue to arrive. the characteristics of its population, the Acton-shaped At the end of April, two of our mass vaccination hole makes the issue even more urgent. centres will close, and there will be the potential for As a whole, London—our nation’s capital—sometimes complete chaos when we come to the second doses, seems to have experienced this over-promising, and this because everyone will be invited to attend one centre in moonshot rhetoric. Not that long ago, we were promised Harrow to get their second dose. I predict that is going 24-hour vaccinations in the capital. That was being said to be quite chaotic, so I would ask that we look at in January. The experience of our centres last week was potentially keeping those centres open for a further far from that. period to ensure that every adult gets their opportunity for at least the first dose by the end of July, as per the We are waiting for the second dose and hopefully plan that the Minister has. there will be a big surge, but it concerns me that there seems to be a bit of anti-London rhetoric from the Thank you, Sir Christopher, and I look forward to Government at times. That stretches to the fact that we listening to what other colleagues have to say. have a towns fund with new bungs bringing in prosperity and opportunity—but not in London, which has been Sir Christopher Chope (in the Chair): As there are still completely excluded in favour of red wall locations. I eight more speakers and we start the wind-ups at 10.33, would caution the Government not to let that apply to I am afraid that I now have to impose a four-minute vaccination supply. London is not immune from maximum time limit. deprivation, poor housing and overcrowding: I have those in my wards in Acton. Localised need should 10.2 am drive allocation, not centralised supply. Dr Rupa Huq (Ealing Central and Acton) (Lab) [V]: We are now in the second year of coronavirus, and we Sir Christopher Chope (in the Chair): Order. I am have all experienced highs and lows throughout this sorry to interrupt, but you have gone beyond your time period. At the beginning, we were told that this is a limit. I do not know whether it is because you cannot great leveller, given that Prince Charles and the Prime see the clock. My job is to try to ensure that everybody Minister had it. Rather than the “we are all in it is able to speak. I call Feryal Clark. together” narrative, it is maybe more fair to say that we are all in the same storm, but in different boats. Nowhere Dr Huq: Apologies; I did not see a clock. have we seen that differential impact more clearly than in the vaccine roll-out in London. 10.7 am We all remember the pictures of the memorably named William Shakespeare having his jab early in Feryal Clark (Enfield North) (Lab) [V]: It is a pleasure December, but it took a good 10 days for the vaccine to to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Christopher. I reach the magnificent gothic splendour of Ealing town thank my hon. Friend the Member for Hammersmith hall, and sadly the supply in London has lagged behind (Andy Slaughter) for securing the debate. I start by other parts of the country. It has been a magnificent paying tribute to the amazing NHS workers at North effort. We have all seen the brilliant statistic that a third Middlesex University Hospital and at Chase Farm Hospital, of the population have been done, but again, there is as well as all the NHS workers in Enfield and the public room for improvement here. We remember the highs health team at Enfield Council, who are working day and lows—the 50,000 fatalities figure came just before and night to make the vaccine roll-out a success. 61WH Covid-19 Vaccine: 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19 Vaccine: 62WH Take-up Rates in London Take-up Rates in London [Feryal Clark] Marmot that the decade of neglecting to address health inequalities, which are writ large under the covid pandemic, The vaccine roll-out programme that began in early is really showing itself in the vaccination strategy. January across the nation is nothing short of amazing, I thank Dr Maimaris from Haringey Council, who is thanks to the great work by our NHS. I congratulate the the head of public health, and Dr Peter Christian of Minister on the work he has done. Right from the start, Dukes Avenue practice, who is leading on the GP side. however,as my hon. Friend the Member for Hammersmith He told me last Friday that one of his colleagues in set out, there have been concerns with the roll-out in Wood Green made 30 phone calls, and that of those London, and those concerns have been raised by London only one person was keen to take up the vaccine offer. MPs from day one. That is the kind of hesitancy that we are seeing. In my It transpired initially that the vaccine supply to London constituency, someone who catches the 41 bus from was inadequate in comparison with other regions, and Wood Green to Hornsey Rise sees their life expectancy that the set-up of delivery centres across London was rise by years and years, so that by the time they get to limited and done too slowly to come on board. We Highgate, they will be living 15 to 20 years longer than knew that the pandemic had highlighted the inequality the average person in Wood Green—that is common in our communities and we knew about the pockets of across many of our London constituencies. deprivation—the areas with high covid rates and poor We have been working hard with Christian churches, healthcare provision: we have been raising those issues with Rabbi David Mason in Muswell Hill, and with the over the past twelve months of the pandemic. Imam in Wightman Road mosque, where I will be at It took a very long time for the NHS to be allowed to the weekend to push for many more people to take share the vaccine update data with us MPs. When the up the vaccine. We really need to understand the granular Government finally gave clinical commissioning groups detail of the levelling-up debate in the national context. permission to share that data, it became abundantly It is not just about levelling-up between the north and clear that those areas and communities that we had south of England, but levelling-up within our constituencies. been raising—in Enfield, the communities that had North Middlesex University Hospital and Whittington suffered the worst of the pandemic—were also those Hospital have done a wonderful job during the pandemic. with the lowest vaccine uptake. I pay tribute to their staff, and call for them to be I have raised this matter at many meetings with NHS correctly remunerated. I hope that the Government will colleagues and with the Minister. There are many barriers. review their position on the 1% pay offer, which is just a The issue is not just about vaccine hesitancy, as is disgrace. constantly repeated; there is an expectation that an This is not just about the level of vaccine on offer. We 80-year-old Kurdish woman will book an appointment know, for example, that in the Fortis Green and Crouch over the internet, but that is just not going to happen. End wards in my constituency, 99% of eligible people The digital divide in the eastern part of Enfield North have had the vaccine. That number falls to 74% in Wood constituency, where the uptake of the vaccine by over-65s Green. Office for National Statistics data up to February is just above 50%, is a real issue. There needs to be an 2021 showed that fewer than 50%—some 49%—of black easier booking mechanism for areas with a digital divide, or black British adults said that they were likely to have as well as for the elderly, who are not very tech-savvy. the jab. We must have high-quality conversations between The wards in my constituency with the highest covid GPs and their patients to tackle that. We also know rates and poor primary care provision do not have from the OpenSAFELY analysis that 60% of black vaccine centres nearby. The nearest vaccine centre for people aged 70 or over had been vaccinated, compared constituents in those wards is two bus rides away, which with 75% of south Asians and 90% of white people. is just not acceptable. Where the need is greatest, the Nowhere is that clearer than in my constituency. provision is low. In the most affluent areas of my What we need to do is to address health inequalities constituency, where there is good primary care provision in the wider sense. We need to consider the impact of and many vaccine centres, the uptake is more than overcrowded housing, educational attainment, the high 80%, and 40-year-olds are now being called for their incidence of violent crime and all the indicators of vaccines. inequality, and address them. We cannot have another Finally, 16,000 people across Enfield—predominantly decade of neglect and unequal distribution. We are a in the eastern part—are not registered with a GP. There wealthy country; we are simply not spending public is no clarity on how those constituents will access funds in the right way to address long-term health vaccines. I would be really grateful if the Minister set inequalities.If anything has shown that, it is this vaccination out the plan for people who are not registered with a strategy, which shows it in all its detail. GP. Will the Minister also clarify what is meant by the term “hesitancy”, as there is real confusion on that? 10.15 am Does it mean people who reject the vaccine outright, saying, “I do not want this,” or does it mean people with Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Bow) (Lab) [V]: It whom no contact has been made after three contact is a pleasure to join this very important debate, attempts? It is really important that we get some clarity Sir Christopher, and I congratulate my hon. Friend the on that. Member for Hammersmith (Andy Slaughter) on securing it. The speed of the roll-out of the vaccination programme 10.11 am is a great source of hope for all of us. Those of us who Catherine West (Hornsey and Wood Green) (Lab) have lost loved ones are particularly grateful to the [V]: I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Hammersmith NHS, to the scientists and to so many people who have (Andy Slaughter) for securing this debate. What we are come together to produce this vaccine, because we all seeing is a tale of two cities, but within one constituency know how important it is to protect our constituents, in my case. We know from the excellent work of Professor and our friends and family. 63WH Covid-19 Vaccine: 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19 Vaccine: 64WH Take-up Rates in London Take-up Rates in London Locally, I pay tribute to my local authority, which has do not vaccinate them there will be even greater risks. set up a helpline that is proactively contacting people So I hope the Minister will address that point, as well as who have not been vaccinated, and addressing and the importance of getting more supplies into London— answering their questions. Government resources will make a big difference to other local authorities to help Sir Christopher Chope (in the Chair): Order. I call support that effort, and we need that back-up from Fleur Anderson. Ministers. I also thank the Royal London Hospital, Queen 10.20 am Mary University, GPs’ surgeries, the London Muslim Fleur Anderson (Putney) (Lab) [V]: It is a pleasure to Centre and other partners who have been helping with serve under your chairmanship, Sir Christopher. I the vaccination effort in my constituency. Many people congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Hammersmith will be aware that in the first wave Tower Hamlets had (Andy Slaughter) on securing this very important debate, the fourth-highest age-standardised death rate in the to enable us, as London MPs, to speak about the country. Although we are a young population, relatively situation now, which can be rectified. I add my thanks speaking, there are huge health inequalities and huge to all the scientists, NHS managers and fixers, vaccinators issues with deprivation, severe overcrowding, and volunteers who have made the roll-out of the intergenerational households and many other factors vaccine programme so far so swift and such a success. that, as other colleagues have said, make inner London To defeat this pandemic in the UK, we have to defeat extremely vulnerable to this pandemic. it in London—there is no getting away from that—but In the second wave, we saw that the spread of the the vaccination rate is lower here, as colleagues have virus caused more deaths, which is why it is vital that we said. In my area of south-west London, the CCG has get to those who have not yet been vaccinated and those provided the first dose to 389,000 people, which is who have underlying health conditions by increasing 26% of the population, but some local authorities around the supply of the AstraZeneca vaccine, and that we get England have a rate of over 50%. Areas such as Rother, to those who did not take up the vaccine when they West Devon and North Norfolk have much higher were offered it, for a number of complicated reasons, as vaccination rates, so it is not just an issue of supply, other colleagues have mentioned. In some cases, it is although supply is an issue in my area. We have two about reticence, but it is also about practicalities and vaccination centres and they are not open today. We do about deprivation. It is not just ethnic minority communities hope to see that surge. who are affected, although we have seen big differentials; In January, a promise was made to open a vaccination it is also those from white disadvantaged backgrounds centre in Queen Mary’s hospital in Roehampton. It will and from working-class backgrounds who have been not surprise the Minister that I am going to talk about disproportionately affected, both in terms of death Roehampton today, as I have raised the subject many rates and in lower take-up of vaccines. times. The vaccination centre there has been built but What we need to do now is make sure that the not opened. There is no vaccination centre in Roehampton, vaccines are in the right places. The centralised hubs but there have been spikes of covid infection there. It is are, of course, useful and important, but it is also vital an area of high deprivation; as my hon. Friend the that we get vaccines to local GP surgeries. As I have said Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Catherine West) to the Minister time and again, it is vital that we get said, this is a tale of two cities. more vaccines to pharmacies and that pop-up clinics There are not good transport links from Roehampton. get up and running. The ones that we have are very The primary care network is keen to support vaccination good and very helpful, but the unpredictability of supply, but there is no vaccination centre. The rates at the the inability to plan and the lack of local flexibility are moment are because a huge amount of transport has all leading to sub-optimal outcomes, when we could been organised, relying on voluntary organisations, to have better outcomes. make minibus trips to Putney. That cannot go on for the So today I call on the Minister, once again, to get the long term; we need a long-term solution for Roehampton, vaccines to the local providers and to provide local which is an area of highest need. authorities with additional support, so that they can do The Minister knows Roehampton well because he the chasing, as is the case in my local authority. What was a Putney councillor for many years. I know that last we have seen is that when GPs are responsible for week he met Dr Hasan from the Alton Practice, who is getting vulnerable patients, including homebound patients, a shining example of someone passionate about the vaccinated in my borough, 95% of those patients have health inequalities in Roehampton and the need to been vaccinated. So this is not rocket science; we can address them. She is very concerned about vaccine address the gaps. hesitancy in young people. As the vaccine roll-out goes I am grateful to the Minister for the work that he has on, the vaccine hesitancy we see will only increase. done so far and I appreciate that in him we have a In Roehampton there are higher levels of black and listening ear. I hope that he listens to the arguments that ethnic minority populations, isolation and overcrowding. have been made—not just by Members in my party, but All those mean that having a trusted vaccination centre by Members in his own: we have to get the supplies in. nearby that can be attended around shifts—for a care Going forward, as other colleagues have pointed out, worker, for example—is so important. Otherwise, we we also need to address some of the deeper underlying risk baking in those existing health inequalities for the conditions and to make sure that people’s vulnerabilities long term, which will go alongside all the other inequalities are addressed. felt by the population in Roehampton. They are throwing There is one final issue. Ramadan is coming, so we up their arms and saying, “We don’t get other things, so are in a race against time to vaccinate vulnerable constituents we are not getting a vaccination centre.” That is not from the Muslim community in our city, because if we acceptable. 65WH Covid-19 Vaccine: 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19 Vaccine: 66WH Take-up Rates in London Take-up Rates in London [Fleur Anderson] I am not calling for Wimbledon to lose their services, but the Minister must surely see the absurdity of We are not arguing for more in London; we are this decision. arguing for our fair share. We are not arguing for more in particular areas; we are just arguing for every area to Sir Christopher Chope (in the Chair): I will have to have its fair share. We must anticipate, see the problems limit the last two speakers to three minutes each. If they that are already developing and nip them in the bud have not seen it, there should be a countdown clock right now and address them. I hope I will hear from the at the top of their screens to help them keep to the Minister that we will have a vaccination centre in time limit. Roehampton and that those areas being left behind will be identified and addressed. 10.27 am

10.23 am Helen Hayes (Dulwich and West Norwood) (Lab) [V]: It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden) (Lab): Sir Christopher. I congratulate my hon. Friend the May I begin by making it clear that I am not here to Member for Hammersmith (Andy Slaughter) on securing raise criticism for criticism’s sake? I am here because I this important debate. understand how imperative it is that the vaccine programme I put on record my thanks to everyone who is working is successful. Although I welcome the scale of the to deliver the vaccination roll-out in Dulwich and West programme and the number of vaccinations delivered, I Norwood, from the scientists who have worked to deliver am extremely concerned about the vaccination take-up safe and effective vaccines at such a rapid speed, the in my constituency, and the inconceivable decision to nurses, doctors and public health teams who have organised open the two new vaccination centres miles away from the delivery to the volunteers who have made vaccination the NHS declared low take-up wards of concern. centres such welcoming, joyful places. Let me briefly explain the geography. The borough of The vaccination programme is our great hope at the Merton is split in two: Mitcham and Morden, and end of this difficult year of coronavirus, but it is as true Wimbledon. Merton’s inequalities in health are stark, locally as it is globally that none of us is safe until all of with an eight-year difference in life expectancy between us are safe. Coronavirus has already shown itself to be a parts of Mitcham and parts of Wimbledon. The Minister disease of inequality, thriving on pre-existing ill health, will be aware of Tudor Hart’s inverse care law—that the low paid occupations and overcrowded housing, and areas in the greatest health are then statistically more affecting people from black, Asian and minority ethnic likely to receive better health services. communities much more severely. Look no further than Merton. When the state-of-the-art Previous studies of flu vaccination uptakes have identified Nelson health centre was opened in one of the wealthiest, ethnicity and deprivation as factors correlating negatively richest wards of Wimbledon, Mitcham received the with take-up.It was entirely predictable that the inequalities “Wilson portacabin”. When lateral flow testing was of covid-19 could be further exacerbated by vaccine introduced at community pharmacies, they were opened hesitancy within communities and occupations that were everywhere but Mitcham. When a decision was made to already at a high risk of serious illness and death. That relocate acute hospital services—guess what? The proposals is what we now see. Last week, more than a quarter of moved them miles further away from the most deprived over-80s in Lambeth and Southwark had still not received areas, with the statistically worst health. While many of their first jab, and while 80% of white residents over 65 these decisions are baked into decades of inequality, the have now been vaccinated, the rate among African and location of a vaccination centre is a decision for here Caribbean residents was below 45%. and now. The reasons for hesitancy are complex, but they are Here is the state of play: there are two centres in not mysterious: well-documented examples of appalling, Merton; one in Wimbledon and one in Mitcham. However, unethical medical experimentation have led to take-up of the vaccine across the borough has varied understandable fear and mistrust in some communities; significantly and, as ever, the devil is in the detail. mild side effects of a jab, which might require a day off Merton has 25 middle and lower layer super output work, are a deterrent if there is no guaranteed sick pay; areas. Of the 12 with the highest vaccination take-up the structural racism that some communities have rates, 11 are in Wimbledon. In all 12 Wimbledon areas, encountered has eroded their trust in institutions, including over 93% of over-70s have received their first dose. the NHS, and peer-to-peer communication of anti-vax Compare that with Mitcham and Morden, where seven misinformation on WhatsApp and Facebook is very of the 13 areas are still below 90%, and Mitcham West, potent. All those factors and more may lead people to where the vaccination take-up was just 81%. That means be hesitant to come forward to take the vaccine. that one in five residents have been offered, but not Addressing people’s deep-seated fears and concerns accepted, the vaccine. requires time and resources. I pay tribute to some of the I recognise the breadth of factors as to why this could very effective work being done at a local level in Lambeth be, and that accessibility of the vaccination centre is and Southwark to address vaccine hesitancy, including only one. However, it is a significant one, particularly the leadership being shown by black and Asian councillors. given that, of the two new large-scale vaccination centres Those efforts are driving up vaccination rates week by that are set to open in Merton, both are in Wimbledon—two week, but our councils urgently need more resources to centres, miles away from the wards with the lowest deliver that work. When the Government recently invited take-up areas, which also have statistically lower levels a select list of councils to bid for additional funding to of car ownership. Are we not supposed to be breaking address vaccine hesitancy, Lambeth and Southwark down barriers, rather than throwing up even more? were not on the list. This is, frankly, inexplicable. 67WH Covid-19 Vaccine: 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19 Vaccine: 68WH Take-up Rates in London Take-up Rates in London The vaccination programme is rightly being celebrated Hall. These debates are a crucial way of airing important across the country, but it will not have been a complete topics.I am grateful to the staff for the clearly extraordinary success as long as disparities remain in the vaccination efforts they have made to make this happen. Facing a rate between different communities according to race, wall of pictures of one’s colleagues in this way is possibly income or occupation. If that is allowed to persist, the closest I will get to being on “Saturday Night covid-19 will become a disease of inequality to an even Takeaway”, so I am grateful for that, too. greater extent, with some communities enjoying protection, I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for while those in others still fall ill and die. That is not a Hammersmith (Andy Slaughter) on securing this debate reality that we can possibly accept, so I urge the Government and his leadership of it. His argument was very much to take this issue much more seriously and fund our based around three themes: data, supply and the impact councils properly to combat vaccine hesitancy. on take-up in diverse and poorer communities. It is 10.31 am remarkable that all the contributions that followed basically fitted within that framework. It is clear that this is a Ms Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab) [V]: The truth is strongly held view and a commonly shared experience that the vaccine roll-out has not worked as well as it in London, so I hope the Minister will address the might for the vulnerable of London. In West Ham, it points raised. I was particularly interested in what my has been about age. We are one of the youngest areas in hon. Friend said about the catch-up point and using Europe and we have had the highest excess deaths. The local authorities to contact those who have chosen not numbers in the highest-priority groups, especially the to take up their vaccine yet, or who have been unable to over-70s and 80s, are low; consequently, our areas were do so, and encourage them to do so. I know that, as a allocated vaccine supplies at a level far below what former leader of a council, he shares my enthusiasm for could have been delivered. Wehave had disproportionately the ability of local authorities to cut through and connect large numbers with clinical vulnerabilities—illness linked with their constituents. That is a very good model and is to higher levels of deprivation—but they were in the top certainly one that has succeeded for us in Nottingham. four priority groups, so clinicians have only just started to vaccinate them. Just to pick up briefly on some of the things colleagues have said, my hon. Friend the Member for Westminster Sky News found that Newham had the highest excess North (Ms Buck) made the point about granular data, deaths in the UK between March and mid-January. and as my hon. Friend the Member for Hammersmith Some 15 of the top 20 areas for excess deaths are in says, we always want more data, but it is for a purpose. I London. Local clinicians have constantly called for the think it is really clear that we need granular data about flexibility to vaccinate younger people with clinical the vaccine because, as my hon. Friend the Member for vulnerabilities, and I know that Ministers will remember Ealing Central and Acton (Dr Huq) said, we started off that I have echoed those calls. However, I am not here thinking this would be a great leveller, but actually in just to complain, because I am very grateful that Ministers terms of both covid deaths and vaccine take-up, we and officials have listened, and I am hopeful that London know that it is not a great leveller and the experiences CCGs will be given greater flexibility to deliver second are not common to everyone. jabs. More than anything, we have to focus on the role of deprivation, because it is the major barrier to speedy That chimes very much with the point that my hon. vaccinations. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green GP data is limited in areas such as mine because (Catherine West) made about the tale of two cities, people move, from one short private rental to another, which is a very elegant way of explaining it. Similarly, over and again, and so many are in temporary my hon. Friends the Members for Bethnal Green and accommodation. Those in poverty and insecure work Bow (Rushanara Ali), for Putney (Fleur Anderson) and are less likely to be able to keep their phone contracts for West Ham (Ms Brown) all talked about the inequalities and hang on to the same number, which makes it hard that exist within London, and that difference between when so many vaccine appointments are organised by inner and outer London. We have to match our policy text. People do not have access to broadband or mobile response to that. In that spirit, the point that the hon. data, and the consequences are clear. Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman) made about different ethnic minorities and not grouping them For the affluent group in DQ5, uptake has been 60%. collectively, which I will talk about in a second, was very For the most deprived group, DQ1, it has been just interesting, too. 37%, and it drops at each step, from DQ5 to DQ1. We must find better ways to address this, because we are The critical point that my hon. Friend the Member letting down the vulnerable and it is hindering our for Mitcham and Morden (Siobhain McDonagh) made collective ability to fight this virus. I would therefore about access was so well put. It can be easy to say, like to hear more from the Minister today about how we “Hang on a minute, we just know that in certain groups will tackle this. of the population take-up is lower and that is kind of But I do not want to finish without heaping massive how it is.” But, as the care law she mentioned says, if praise on our NHS locally—our fantastic local GPs, that is then overlaid with access and where facilities are, our local public health teams and all our volunteers. I we are baking in and causing that conclusion ourselves. genuinely cannot thank them enough. They are working Again, I hope that is something that can be addressed. together with such tenacity and extraordinary commitment, All colleagues were at pains to talk about good news, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. and I think that is right. It is wonderful that over 22 million people have now had at least one dose. That 10.33 am is about one in three of all of us in the UK, and about Alex Norris (Nottingham North) (Lab/Co-op): It is a 40% of the adult population. People are getting those pleasure to serve under your chairship, Sir Christopher, first doses at a rate of about 300,000 a day, which is a and it is a pleasure, too, to be back doing Westminster real success and an extraordinary effort by all involved. 69WH Covid-19 Vaccine: 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19 Vaccine: 70WH Take-up Rates in London Take-up Rates in London [Alex Norris] hope they will ask their doctor, their pharmacist, their Member of Parliament, or their faith leader—whoever I am grateful to the Minister for his leadership and for they trust, please will they ask those questions? his constant availability to me and to all colleagues, With supplies set to double and, hopefully, able to and, of course, to the staff who have delivered this. It is tackle many of the supply issues that colleagues raised, working; we are seeing a decline in hospitalisations and we are at a crossroads. Will the inequalities widen or cases. Of course, lockdown is a significant part of that, can we to use this moment to close them? I have a few but the vaccination effect is a major part. It is wonderful questions that I hope the Minister will address this news and provides that light at the end of the tunnel. morning. What different steps are being taken to mop Today’s spotlight on London reveals a challenge for up segments of cohorts that the roll-out has moved our capital, but also other similar communities. While past? What is being done to provide more local vaccination the regional data is a little bit older—about 10 days’ sites in communities that are being left behind? I am old—in London just over 2 million doses have been conscious that often, in politics—we all know this— delivered, which is about 29% of the adult population, sometimes we cannot change the message, but we can so a significant drop from the 40% nationwide. My hon. change the messenger. A community pharmacy, for Friend the Member for Hammersmith made it very example, is a trusted alternative in the heart of every clear that he did not want this to be special pleading. It community, on every high street, which can help reach a is not special pleading; there is something different different group of people. How can we use those to try going on and therefore we must react in a different to close this gap? On a similar note, in Nottingham, we manner. That is true among boroughs, too. In Tower are using mosques as vaccination sites now. Are similar Hamlets, with the highest poverty rate in the capital, by approaches being supported in the capital? my maths 16%—the BBC have it at 14%—of the adult Before I conclude, I want to make a point about the population have had their first dose. In Newham it is staff delivering this tremendous vaccination programme. 20% and this is the same across the capital. With Their efforts have been incredible and are inching us out Bromley, where there are some of the lowest rates of of this awful period, a day at a time. It is shameful that poverty, the percentage is close to 40% and in Richmond their reward for this is a real-terms pay cut and then to upon Thames the figure is about one in three. be told, as they were over the weekend by a Minister, London is not alone. Vaccination rates are lowest in that they are lucky to be getting anything at all. urban areas in general, with Birmingham and Manchester Similarly, local authorities are playing a pivotal role also reporting lower take-up than the rest of England. in the logistics of the roll-out, as they did in resurrecting These regional variations really matter and have a significant test and trace. Their reward is an even greater real-terms impact on local health systems. In London, the rate of pay cut. As well as being a shoddy way to treat these decline in covid hospital patients is now the slowest in people, this is also bad for the collective, as we seek to the country, with a weekly rate of decline of just 15% rebound from the impact of covid. Where do these compared with twice that in the midlands, where I live, healthcare assistants or leisure centre cleaners spend and nearly 40% in the south-west. That means more their money? It is in our local economies. people in hospital suffering from covid but also less We have just finished a decade of disaster economics capacity for other treatments. I noted that in January, and all it did was lead to anaemic growth and an King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust had to erosion of living standards that has weakened our cancel all priority cancer operations—that is all those communities,which has meant that the poorest communities that need to be carried out within 28 days. I am keen to were most vulnerable to covid. The Office for Budget know what assessment Ministers have made of the Responsibility says that we have the same ahead of us impacts of such decisions and what plans there are to again. It is crucial that we do not keep making the same try to catch up. mistakes. Simply put, those who clapped on their doorstep Yesterday, YouGov released polling that might help should not be voting to cut NHS pay this evening. pick away at some of the disparities. In the study, There is much to be pleased about with the vaccine 19% of people who categorised themselves as black said roll-out, and it is giving the nation hope. However, we they would not take a vaccine and 18% who said they are seeing widening inequalities among already unequal were Pakistani said the same. That is compared with 6% groups. We must act now to tackle that. of people who look like me or 5% who said they were Asian. Again, as the hon. Member for Harrow East 10.42 am demonstrated, that is a reminder of the limits of the term BAME as a collective, and that we should not lose The Minister for Covid Vaccine Deployment (Nadhim the individual experiences of different communities by Zahawi): It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, using that term. It should give us all cause for concern, Sir Christopher. It is truly wonderful to be back with because those groups who have said they are less likely Westminster Hall debates. to take the vaccine are also the groups who are most Before I respond to the various points made by hon. likely to have died from covid. That is a sobering Members, I thank the hon. Member for Hammersmith paradox. (Andy Slaughter) for his collegiate way in highlighting I know there is a lot of interest in this issue, so I some of the concerns and working together to address would say for people who are watching, of course it is them, as well as for raising the issue of covid vaccinations okay and it is natural to be hesitant about what you put in London, which is at the forefront of many Londoners’ into your body. However, we see all the misinformation minds. that is circulated, whether on WhatsApp or online, and It is worth reminding ourselves of where we were at it is frustrating because much, if not all of it, has simple the turn of the year, before the vaccine roll-out really explanations. If someone watching today is unsure, I gathered pace. In early January, we were seeing more 71WH Covid-19 Vaccine: 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19 Vaccine: 72WH Take-up Rates in London Take-up Rates in London than 50,000 new cases of covid and around 4,500 people The community champions scheme, which was admitted to hospital every day. Sadly, we were seeing mentioned earlier, councils and voluntary organisations more than 1,000 deaths every day. In London alone, will deliver a wide range of measures to protect those there were more than 1,100 deaths a week. Each one of most at risk. They are building trust, communicating those deaths was of a grandmother or grandfather, accurate health information and ultimately helping to mother or father, daughter or son, or in my case an save lives. This will include developing new networks of uncle; each of them desperately missed by their families. trusted local champions where they do not already exist. We cannot prevent every death, but we are on the road The funding is specifically targeted at areas with to making sure that such tragedies are less commonplace. plans to reach groups such as older people, disabled Recent Public Health England data shows that levels people and people from ethnic minority backgrounds. of antibodies against covid-19 are highest in the over-80s, According to the latest evidence, these individuals are the first group to be vaccinated. It also tells us that a more likely to suffer long-term impacts, as we have single dose of either the Oxford or the Pfizer vaccine heard from colleagues, and poor outcomes from covid-19. delivers protection against severe infection in the over-70s, We have put £23 million to work on this in 16 local areas. with a more than 80% reduction in hospitalisation. The Hon. Members have raised the issue of how vaccine vaccine is working and having a real impact, protecting supplies are managed in London at a local level. I want the NHS, protecting individuals and putting us on the to reassure hon. Members that our supply and scheduled right track out of the pandemic. deliveries of vaccine will fully support the vaccination I am pleased that enthusiasm for vaccination is still of priority groups 1 to 9, which the Joint Committee on incredibly high and rising, in fact, week on week. When Vaccination and Immunisation set, by mid-April. The I took on this job, the percentage was in the late-70s in UK has secured access to eight different possible vaccines the adult population; now 94% say they would be across four different vaccine types, reflecting our strategy willing to have the jab. I have read glowing words from to ensure that we not only deliver the vaccines now but people who have received the vaccine. In the constituency future-proof any vaccination programme—a booster or of the hon. Member for Hammersmith, there is Doris annual vaccination programme—in years to come. Sargeant, a 90-year-old former hairdresser, who was Parts of the country have made significant progress, determined to get the vaccine to make sure she can see as we have heard, and gone faster than the average. We her family once lockdown is eased, or Jan Keith, for are putting more supply into areas, and I reassure whom the vaccine means hope for reintegration into a colleagues that we will do more. The NHS is doing better quality of life after almost a year of shielding alone. brilliantly to deliver the amount of supply we have. These stories are replicated many times across London London vaccine allocations are now managed at a and the rest of the country. I am determined that we will London regional level. Prioritisation is based on the continue to hear more of these personal triumphs over uptake data; where the vaccine is most needed and the coming weeks and months of the roll-out. which delivery methods are used are decided at a system On 22 February, the Prime Minister set out the new level. We have heard about pop-up sites. Roving models targets for the acceleration of the programme. We set an are also used to take the vaccine to the under-served ambitious aim to offer all adults over 50 a first dose by communities that we have heard so much about. Colleagues mid-April and the rest of the adult population by the have been very supportive. We have an MPs’ toolkit to end of July. I reassure hon. Members that we are on support the vaccination effort in their areas, which has track to meet those targets. Although day-to-day figures done incredibly well. for vaccine supply vary and a few days are better than Before I finish, I want to address some of the more others, overall we are working towards accelerating the specific points raised by the hon. Member for Hammersmith pace of the roll-out, as many hon. Members have indicated. and others. The hon. Member raised the issue of the We have some bumper weeks ahead, from the middle of Novotel opening next week. I can confirm that it will this month, allowing us to ramp up vaccination during open next week as a vaccination centre. There are March. 200 sites across London now vaccinating. I know that I know that hon. Members have raised the issue of some people have issues about travel, but I know also uptake rates in London and vaccine hesitancy. I am that Age UK, for example, and some other brilliant concerned about uptake in the BAME communities, charities have come forward to offer free travel for the which is why I spend a great deal of my time talking to over-50s to get them to vaccination sites. community leaders about how we can reassure people The hon. Member for Westminster North (Ms Buck) about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.On 13 February, raised a specific point about confusion between ONS we published our covid-19 vaccine uptake strategy, which data and NIMS data. I will just point out to her that, on aims to improve uptake across all communities. This occasion, there is double counting. ONS data is purely was very much a strategy developed by our NHS, age based, and at-risk people or the workforce in care backed by the Department and local government. homes will be double counted in that data. The NIMS The plan takes a local community-led approach, with data is more accurate, but, for the sake of full transparency, support from the Government, NHS England and local the NHS has made both datasets available. authorities to co-ordinate and enable action. It includes My hon. Friend the Member for Harrow East (Bob engagement at local level, using trusted voices, sharing Blackman) raised the specific issue of vaccine supply. I examples of what is known to work well in nearby areas can reassure him that we are about to see a massive step and encouraging community-led efforts to address vaccine change in vaccine supply to his constituency. Of course, disinformation. Weare absolutely committed to providing we need to make sure that we do not make a mistake, as advice and information at every possible opportunity to he quite rightly warned us, with second doses. I can support those getting the vaccine and anyone who assure him of that, and I will take another look at his might have questions about the vaccination process. point about the mass vax centre closures. 73WH Covid-19 Vaccine: 9 MARCH 2021 Covid-19 Vaccine: 74WH Take-up Rates in London Take-up Rates in London [Nadhim Zahawi] 10.52 am

The hon. Member for Ealing Central and Acton Andy Slaughter: Thank you, Sir Christopher, for your (Dr Huq) raised a number of specific issues about stewardship of our proceedings this morning. I am Acton town, which I will take up with her. grateful to colleagues from north, south, east and west London for speaking on behalf of their unique The hon. Member for Enfield North (Feryal Clark) constituencies but also identifying some common problems; talked about unregistered people. They can actually to the shadow Minister, who has shown, as always, the register at any GP practice, because we have amended support and solidarity that London MPs can expect the contracts to allow GPs to take on more people who from northern colleagues; and to the Minister himself. are unregistered, including those who are undocumented, The Minister will be able to judge whether he has who have the ability to be vaccinated, because we want satisfied us on every point raised today by how many everyone to be protected. people turn up to his Friday briefing this week. The hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green If there is one takeaway for the Minister from this (Catherine West), again, raised a number of issues debate, it is the need, in the laudable rush to hit overall about health inequalities. A standing agenda item in targets, not to forget those left behind. That could be our daily ops meetings in the deployment programme is people of certain ethnicities. I draw his attention to the about health inequalities, and the strategy that I mentioned Royal College of Nursing’s work on this issue, which earlier, which we launched on 13 February, is very much shows that even among nursing staff there is a disparity part of that. between different ethnicities. There are also those who The hon. Member for Bethnal Green and Bow fall through the net. I have a 68-year-old constituent (Rushanara Ali) raised a very important issue about who, because of her good health for 20 years, lost her Ramadan and the use of mosques. I was at the Brent NHS number and now is told that she has to wait eight mosque last week to see how brilliantly it was doing by weeks before she can get the vaccine. There are people really getting into the community. I remind colleagues who simply fall through the net, and it is partly our job that Dr Habib Naqvi has said that the contents of the to ensure that that does not happen. vaccines are halal and it would not invalidate a person’s On the hesitancy issue, I ask the Minister to look at fast if they were to be vaccinated in Ramadan. the work that we are doing in Hammersmith and in The hon. Member for Hammersmith needs to close north-west London. It is really good stuff. It is good the debate, so I will end with a quotation from the practice that perhaps can be reflected elsewhere. He director of public health for Newham Council that might even, after having seen it, want to go away and sums up the collaboration and partnership. He last fund it. week said: Question put and agreed to. “Over 50000 in Newham now vaccinated! Long way to go but real progress. All 60+ can book online + this week popup clinics at Resolved, Sri Murugan Temple That this House has considered covid-19 vaccine take-up rates in London. Minhaj Ul Quran Ramgarhia Centre Redeemed Christian Church of God Sir Christopher Chope (in the Chair): The sitting will be suspended until 11 o’clock. May I ask those who East Ham leisure centre have participated in this excellent debate to leave as & homeless clinic - real partnership”. quickly as possible? That is what we are doing; that is what I am determined to deliver for those communities; no one will be left behind. I am grateful to colleagues for this very important 10.54 am debate. Sitting suspended. 75WH 9 MARCH 2021 UK Video Games Industry: 76WH Contribution of Leamington Spa UK Video Games Industry: and richness of talent, the breadth and opportunity of Contribution of Leamington Spa business, and the phenomenal skills pool we had in the community. At the time, I was talking to Sir James 11 am Dyson’s foundation to try to get him to invest in our towns, but unfortunately the global financial crash put Matt Western (Warwick and Leamington) (Lab): I paid to that. beg to move, I have long held that we have the businesses, the That this House has considered the contribution of Leamington Spa to the creation of the UK video games industry. people and the educational resource to lead the way. That is because we also have the traditional automotive It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship this industry based in the area, which allows a fusion of morning, Sir Christopher. If I were to say “Freddie skills and talent from the likes of Jaguar Land Rover Starr Ate My Hamster”, those of a particular vintage and Aston Martin, just down the road. The steady might recall that headline in a certain newspaper, but if stream of engineers and specialists working at their I were to mention the title “Rock Star Ate My Hamster”, Gaydon hubs has had a knock-on effect on the games they might be forgiven for not knowing what I referred industry, with talent-switching between the industries. to. However, that was one of the first video games produced in the area of Leamington Spa. It is perhaps This is something we are seeing with the emergence of one of the least known games that emanated from a augmented reality and virtual reality technologies in particular business that I want to talk about, along with particular, which were developed in the games industry, the wider sector. and how they can be applied to other sectors as well. We have talked about the automotive sector, but there are a I do not know, Sir Christopher, if you are a seasoned great many others. We are starting to see the AR and video games player, but even if you are not, you may VR genres spreading into all other aspects of audio-visual have heard of some of our global success stories, such media. It will no doubt be at least a £100 billion as “Forza Horizon”, “Dirt Rally”, “Sonic Dash” or industry very shortly, within the next few years. Those “The Division 2”. The UK games industry contributes who were lucky enough to see the Royal Shakespeare a huge £2.8 billion to the UK economy. It comprises Company’s production of “The Tempest” in Stratford 50,000 full-time equivalent jobs,generating over £900 million will realise how these skills and emerging technologies in tax revenue. It comprises eight major hubs across the can be used in theatrical production, as well as so many UK, as well as a huge number of cottage businesses other areas. around the country. What makes the area unique is that 75% of the digital Those hubs include London, Birmingham, Manchester, media companies there are gaming companies, whereas Dundee, Slough and Leamington Spa—or should I say the figure might more typically be 5% to 10%. With a Leamington Spa, Slough, Dundee, Manchester, turnover of £101 million, the Leamington area’s economic Birmingham and London? Because while the UK is one contribution is the largest outside of London, or the of the global centres for the video games industry, it is Slough-Heathrow area, as an aggregate figure. The area Leamington Spa—or should I say Silicon Spa?—that is has the highest percentage of games employees in the the motor of the sector here in the UK. A simple glance working-age population, so you are more likely to meet at the gross valued added of the industry across those someone in the Leamington Spa area who works in the towns and cities, and a look at their relative populations, games industry than perhaps anywhere else,Sir Christopher. will show that it is Leamington Spa and its immediate The area benefits not just the cluster,but from soft-landing environs where the per capita contribution is at its opportunities, the skills and talent, the crossover, and greatest and most intense. the fusion between different sectors. It also has a relatively Silicon Spa, as it is known, happened by happy low cost profile, with excellent networks across the chance, thanks to the vision of two young brothers, the industry and world-class research on its doorstep. Darling brothers, who started up a business back in the When it comes to skills and education, we have 1980s that would ultimately be called Codemasters, and Warwickshire College Group, which offers a foundation who had the good sense to locate themselves just outside degree in games art, with the opportunity to add a Leamington, rather than in Banbury, Oxford or London. further year and receive a BA (Hons) through the They then had the foresight to hire the hugely talented University of Gloucestershire on its interactive games Philip and Nicholas Oliver. From that silicon spring, art programme. Across the west midlands higher education some 40 years ago, would gush Silicon Spa. institutions, there are 2,045 on games courses, 12,800 in That led naturally to other developers being attracted design studies and almost 17,000 on creative courses. A to the area, Leamington being an obvious choice due to huge talent coming through, perpetually, to support its reputation for great bars and good nightlife, establishing this industry and many others. a hotbed of talent. Today, the Silicon Spa cluster employs In 2019, Coventry University was ranked the UK’s over 2,000 highly-skilled people in 32 studios, equating modern university for the 7th year running, and produces to over 10% of the UK total games development sector. internationally recognised research. Some 2,000 students Per capita, that is the highest in the country, which is study the creative art and design courses that it offers, some sector clout. The businesses and talent are well and 1,700 computer science students also attend. As recognised by the big players, with Electronic Arts’ well as that, the university offers its Q-interactive digital acquisition of Codemasters in recent weeks for £1 billion, studio. Down the road, at the University if Warwick, making it the latest big name to invest in the Warwick there is a school of creative arts, performance and and Leamington area. visual cultures, and it is home to the largest university Back in 2008, a long time before I became the Member art centre outside of London. of Parliament or indeed was drawn to politics, I was Elsewhere, it is clear that the entire creative sector talking to the local council about putting Warwick and of our area will benefit from the redevelopment of Leamington on the map, because I could see the diversity Leamington’s creative quarter through the regeneration 77WH UK Video Games Industry: 9 MARCH 2021 UK Video Games Industry: 78WH Contribution of Leamington Spa Contribution of Leamington Spa [Matt Western] When it comes to skills, it would be good to see the Government match fund an industry-led skills programme of its old town. We can build upon and reinforce the as well as ensuring UK businesses can continue to importance of the creative and digital industries in the attract the best of global talent through sensible business- town and attract inward investment to the cultural and friendly immigration policies. All this is good, but other creative sectors. With costs so significantly lower than nations are throwing serious money at the industry to in London or the south-east, there are good, simple lure our businesses away. It is vital not only that these financial reasons for businesses to locate there. This is businesses remain here, but we must ensure that they recognised by the Department for International Trade, continue to invest here in Warwick and Leamington, in which presents the area as a centre of high potential for Silicon Spa and elsewhere across the country. video games both inside and outside the entertainment No speech these days would be complete without a sector. review of the challenges we presently face. It is clear I can honestly say that Leamington is absolutely the that for many businesses the pandemic has been incredibly place to be, and not just in terms of investment, but in hard, but for the games sector it has, I am glad to say, terms of skills and opportunities, and also the support. been relatively buoyant. Of course, many people have It is also the happiest town in the UK. been turning to video games in this period to stay socially connected, to maintain their mental wellbeing I am nothing if not ambitious for our area, and and to keep entertained, especially given that so much slightly green with envy about the work being done by traditional support has been closed down for long periods the games industry veteran Ian Livingston, who is and has suffered so greatly. That is why I am particularly spearheading a project to open a brand-new UK academy thankful for the initiative shown by the sector and by dedicated to science, technology and digital skills. This my local businesses during the crisis, and for the recognition is something I very much want to see replicated in the of the sector’s responsibility by taking various actions towns of Warwick and Leamington, as it is something to help support players, people and public health. The that I was envisioning back in 2008. I very much hope “Games for Carers”campaign donated tens of thousands we can see that on the horizon. of free games from across the games industry to frontline In terms of challenges, it would be remiss of me not NHS heroes. to talk about the economic, political and legal landscape, Elsewhere, there was the establishment of the partnership because it is so crucial to the future of the sector. The between leading games companies and the UK Government news the other day regarding a draft decision for a data to place central public health messaging in games, which adequacy agreement with the EU is of considerable enabled millions to be reached. That was a very good importance to the sector, and clearly to Leamington as initiative. Then there were local games companies such a result. It is positive that Brussels is set to allow data to as Playground Games in Leamington partnering with continue to flow freely from the EU to the UK after all, local food providers to give away free lunches to children although the arrangement will be reviewed every four eligible for free school meals. years, underlining just how fluid the landscape is right It is once in a generation that a few individuals step now. forward—inventors and innovators—and it is particularly The UK is and remains a major international player, rare when those innovators or inventors also have the particularly when we consider the number of companies enterprise to match. Of course, it is easy to think of that we have here relative to our GDP and population. those on the west coast of the US in Silicon Valley and The US has twice as many businesses, but it has a the likes of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates and the sorts of domestic market far larger than the UK’s. It is only businesses that they founded, but I would suggest that when we look at countries such as Japan and Germany the Darling brothers and the Oliver twins were our that we can understand the scale of our sector here in equivalents in the establishment of Silicon Spa. Thanks relative terms, which helps explain why so many nations to them, 40 years on, Leamington and the wider region envy greatly the commercial success that we enjoy globally. boast our own Silicon Spa, which has become a world- Those countries are eager to grab market share, and renowned area and sector for a hugely successful global many, such as Canada, Sweden and eastern European industry, and it is very much the motor of the UK nations, are making a determined effort to attract UK games sector. If businesses out there across the UK, or companies and our talent to relocate to their shores indeed elsewhere in the world, are looking for the best through fiscal incentives and easy visas. These are themes location, the best talent, the best skills, and maybe the among many that business sector representatives such happiest town in which to locate themselves, could I as the Association for UK Interactive Entertainment suggest they look no further than Leamington Spa—Silicon and The Independent Game Developers’ Association Spa—and that they get in touch with me? are working very hard on. That is also whythe sector-specific May I just say one final thing? When this pandemic video games tax relief is so important. eases and we are able to return to workplaces, I look forward to visiting many of these businesses, and I very In August last year the Government revealed that much look forward to seeing David Darling—I just £355 million had been spent on making more than have to have a demonstration of “Rock Star Ate My 150 video games in the previous year. In fact, since the Hamster.” relief’s introduction in 2014, just under £4 billion has been spent on making 1,400 games, which shows what can be done with support. We need not only to maintain 11.15 am that relief, but to deepen the UK games development The Minister for Digital and Culture (Caroline Dinenage): fund with an increase in Government investment in It is a great pleasure to serve under your stewardship, intellectual property while providing greater support Sir Christopher. I thank the hon. Member for Warwick for trade and investment activity. and Leamington (Matt Western) for bringing this debate 79WH UK Video Games Industry: 9 MARCH 2021 UK Video Games Industry: 80WH Contribution of Leamington Spa Contribution of Leamington Spa to the House today, and I am so chuffed to have the sprung up all across the UK, from Sheffield to Guildford, opportunity to congratulate Leamington Spa and highlight from Newcastle to Bristol, from Belfast to Cardiff, and its incredible contribution to the creation and development from London to Edinburgh and, of course, Dundee—one of the UK video games sector. That sector is such a key of our oldest games clusters and the birthplace of the element of our world-leading creative industries. groundbreaking, iconic games that I am sure you are Only a few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to speak well aware of, “Lemmings” and “Grand Theft Auto”. about the importance of Leamington Spa as a games Those are just some of the concentrations of games hub. I was very disappointed that, given covid, I was not companies that are contributing to a huge drive in able to be there in person, and had to do it virtually. I economic growth, innovation and creativity. Indeed, the would very much rather have been there in person, but I industry is one that I am proud to say is truly British in am delighted that the hon. Gentleman has brought its geographic representation. Leamington Spa to me today by bringing it to life in According to recent figures from the trade association such a vibrant and exciting fashion. He is a great advert TIGA, 80% of games development jobs are located for the town, and I very much hope, one day, that I will outside London, which is something many industries be able to visit some of his local companies. I was would, I think, aspire to. We recognise the benefits that delighted to be able to provide that keynote speech, that can bring to local economies, and, of course, the because Leamington Spa is so vibrant and such an Government are committed to levelling up across the important part of our video games sector. Its very own country. Is not the games industry a fine example of “Interactive Futures”virtual event showcased the incredible how that can be achieved? It plays such an important careers and exciting career paths in the video games part in helping us to achieve shared prosperity across sector to younger generations and their parents. That is the UK. so important: what an exciting, vibrant and interesting As the hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington career it would be to be in the video games industry! said, the industry is flourishing and promises more Leamington Spa—or Silicon Spa, as I think we should growth and success in the years to come. The sector now refer to it—and the whole surrounding area has contributed an estimated £2.9 billion to the UK economy played such a key part in the development and growth in 2019. That is up £0.4 billion from 2010, which is huge of our UK games industry. The games hub has its growth. We understand that the sector has huge potential origins way back in the late 1980s—which, of course, I to continue to grow, and can make an enormous do not remember at all—with the emergence of contribution to the UK’s future prosperity. That is why Codemasters and then Blitz Games. Their founders, the the Government are so committed to supporting its Darling brothers and the Oliver twins, were pioneers of continued growth and why we introduced the video the British games industry, as the hon. Gentleman games tax relief in 2014. That growth has supported highlighted so eloquently. Over the years, we have seen £3.7 billion of additional investment in UK games Leamington Spa flourish as a games development cluster, production, helping to strengthen the UK’s reputation experiencing superb growth and creating major economic as one of the leading destinations in the world for value, not only in the west midlands but for the whole of making video games. the UK. I am also delighted to say that my Department will The games hub is now home to such a diverse mixture continue to fund the UK games fund into the next of games companies and smaller start-ups. Of course, financial year, to support early-phase games development Codemasters remains today one of our biggest and and talent. That includes the games fund Transfuzer most successful games companies, but the area’s world- programme, which has helped 400 graduates so far. I famous studios also include Playground Games, Ubisoft am thrilled that the 2021 competition is now open for Leamington, and Sega’s HARDlight studio. Some of applications, supporting another cohort of games talent, our most recognised game titles have been developed based in a range of regional hubs. Transfuzer helps there, including internationally acclaimed racing games graduates to go on to great jobs in games development, such as “Forza” and “F1” and—a particular favourite which is increasingly important as the industry has such of mine—“Sonic the Hedgehog”. My parents always demand for incredibly talented and ambitious individuals. thought that I was wasting my time with all the years of That demand will only continue to grow. my youth I spent playing video games, but it was clearly The sector already employed some 27,000 people in preparing me for life as the Minister responsible for 2019—a 42% increase on 2013. That is exactly why video games, so it all worked out very well. events such as the one at which I recently spoke,Leamington That blend of experienced games businesses and Spa’s “Interactive Futures”, and Games Careers Week, innovative start-ups has produced an organic system of which will happen later this month, are vital. We must inter-business mentoring and support, which has enabled continue to inspire people to look for roles in our the area to flourish so successfully. That mixture of incredibly rewarding creative industries. In recent times business size and professional experience encourages an another great success story has been the emergence of impressive rate of intellectual property development, the UK’s e-sports industry, which presents another huge and it is therefore no surprise at all that Leamington set of opportunities to explore, to drive growth and Spa has become one of the UK’s largest hubs for indie investment. We are excited to see how we can build on games studios. Of course, that is why the area is referred that, to see the UK established as a major e-sports to as Silicon Spa, given its incredibly attractive mixture destination. of innovation, artistic design, digital growth and skilled However, while we can celebrate the games industry’s creative professionals. fantastic growth and opportunities, there are some Leamington Spa, though, is just one example of the challenges for the creative industries. The video games UK’s many excellent games hubs. I do not know if you sector remained relatively resilient against covid-19 but, know this, Sir Christopher, but video games hubs have of course, the pandemic placed unprecedented pressure 81WH UK Video Games Industry: 9 MARCH 2021 82WH Contribution of Leamington Spa [Caroline Dinenage] Support for Women Leaving Prison on some organisations and individuals across the economy, and some other sectors in DDCMS have been particularly [SIR CHARLES WALKER in the Chair] badly hit. That is why the £65 billion three-point plan that the Chancellor set out last week, to provide support 2.30 pm for jobs and businesses as we emerge out of the pandemic Sir Charles Walker (in the Chair): I remind hon. and forge a path to recovery, is vital. Members that there have been some changes to normal The Budget announcement coincides with the publication practice in order to support the new hybrid arrangements. of “Build Back Better: our plan for growth”, which sets Timings of debates have been amended to allow technical out the Government’s plan to support economic growth arrangements to be made for the next debate. There will through significant investment in infrastructure, skills also be suspensions between each debate.I remind Members and innovation. That highlights more than anything, I participating physically and virtually that they must arrive think, the digital and creative industry as a major for the start of debates in Westminster Hall. Members success story in the UK’s potential future growth, and are expected to remain for the entire debate. If Members as a driver of innovation. attending virtually have any technical problems, they It is important to acknowledge some of the themes should email the Westminster Hall Clerks’ email address. that the hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington Members attending physically should clean their spaces brought out in his speech today. The industry really is before they use them and before they leave the room. an incubator for some high-end technology. He also 2.31 pm highlighted the fantastic opportunities to gain really high-quality skills, well-paid jobs and exciting future Carolyn Harris (Swansea East) (Lab): I beg to move, careers. That this House has considered support for women leaving However, we must also recognise that there is still a prison. little bit of work to be done to ensure that video games It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, are enjoyed safely by everybody. We know that our Sir Charles.When you look at the female prison population, evolving digital technologies, such as video games, present you are faced with the stark reality that, for the most some new responsibilities as well. There are social part, it is nurture, not nature, that has led these women responsibilities to make sure that anybody using them is down the path they are following: a path of destruction; not exposed to harm. That is why we take seriously a path that embodies a lack of self-worth; a path that public concerns about loot boxes, for example, and why has been created for them by life experiences and subsequent we launched a bespoke call for evidence last September. complex needs. This sort of process will inform what we can do as a Nearly 60% of women who come into contact with Government and as an industry to ensure that all consumers the criminal justice system are survivors of domestic are well protected. We will announce the next steps in violence, and more than half report having received that process in the months ahead. emotional, physical or sexual abuse during childhood. However, I want to end with a key positive message Both of these figures are likely to be underestimates. If from the Government. We fully appreciate the amazing we add issues such as poverty and addiction to that, we potential—indeed, the amazing achievement up to now— can start to see the full picture of how past trauma leads and the future growth potential of the video games to crime, conviction and imprisonment. industry. We want to exploit fully the UK games sector’s I could talk—and I have talked—at great length potential for growth and to cement its position as a about the need for alternatives to prison for many world leader. We fully recognise the games industry’s women in the first place. The female offender strategy importance and its future potential, and the contribution gave me a sense of real hope that more would be done that the sector, which is exemplified in areas such as to advocate for women’s centres, with the emphasis on Leamington Spa, makes to British prosperity. supporting and rehabilitating women in a more constructive Finally, of course, something that I had forgotten to setting. In the strategy, the Government signalled a mention until now is the sheer joy and entertainment commitment to a new programme of work for female that video games bring to millions of players in the UK, offenders, driven by three priorities: early intervention, not least a few in my own household. I am excited to see an emphasis on community-based solutions, and an what opportunities the UK games sector will present in aim to make custody as effective and decent as possible the future. It is an industry with an extremely bright for those women who have to be there. future. I was therefore shocked and disappointed by the Ministry of Justice’s announcement earlier this year of Question put and agreed to. 500 new prison places for women, at a cost of £150 million, particularly when co-funding for women’s centres, which 11.26 am are proven to reduce offending, is being cut. Sitting suspended. Today, I want to look at what happens to women when they finish their sentence. What support is available to them to help them rebuild their lives? What more needs to be done to reduce the number of women whose initial conviction becomes a catalyst for a lifetime in the criminal justice system? I recently met representatives from the Safe Homes for Women Leaving Prison initiative. Shockingly, they told me that over half of all women leaving prison have 83WH Support for Women Leaving Prison9 MARCH 2021 Support for Women Leaving Prison 84WH nowhere safe to go. They walk through the gate with and offers them freedom from the past, to help them three things: the paltry £46 prison discharge grant, a avoid recall and allow them to choose a different path; plastic bag full of belongings, and the threat of recall if not a system that is set up for failure from the very start. they miss their probation appointment. For some, the If we are to see an end to this injustice, so much more simple fact that they have been in prison a long way from needs to be done to offer women the support and tools home means that they have no local connections when they need to build themselves a better future. I talk to they are released. For others, who are victims of abuse, very many women who started on this vicious journey returning to their homes,and consequently the perpetrators, because of the environment in which they lived. I have comes at a huge personal risk. Yet what other options met women whose original crime was not having a TV are there? licence. Unable to pay the associated fine, they ended up A lack of secure housing is a significant barrier to in prison. I have met women whose children refused to rehabilitation. According to a report by Her Majesty’s go to school. Again, unable to pay the fine,their punishment inspectorate of probation, between 2019 and 2020, 65% of was prison. When they are released they have lost their men and women who were released from prison without family, their home and their dignity. They now live on settled accommodation reoffended. Without somewhere the streets, and too many are working the streets and to live, the chances of finding employment are minimal financing the pimps and the drug dealers. We have to and the impact on mental health is devastating. A return break this cycle. The Government must act now to to familiar surroundings, harmful behaviour, substance prevent this cycle of inevitability. abuse and crime is almost inevitable. The duty to refer in the Homelessness Reduction Act 2.39 pm 2017 is failing vulnerable women leaving prison. The Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con): It is a pleasure Government must take urgent action to change this and to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Charles, and to improve the Act’seffectiveness.Although the announcement follow the hon. Member for Swansea East (Carolyn Harris). of dedicated staff to act as brokers for prisoners in I agree with every word she said. There are some people order to give them faster access to accommodation on who, when they come to this place, like to play to the gallery, release is welcome, having this resource in only 11 prisons and there are some who come to do the right thing. The around the country will not come close to solving the substance of this debate is one where we need to make problem. These staff need to be placed in every women’s sure we do the right thing, because the measure of a prison in the country and be fully trained to address the civilised society is how it treats its most vulnerable people. challenges faced by women when they leave prison. Likewise, the new pilot announced by the Government Many colleagues on my side of the House have a very of temporary basic accommodation for prison leavers “Hang ’em and flog ’em” approach to criminal justice— at risk of homelessness does not go far enough. It has locking people up and throwing away the key. There is a been launched in only five of the 12 probation regions place for that. However, many people who end up in our in England and Wales. It is limited to a maximum of criminal justice system or in custody are themselves 12 weeks’ accommodation and does not address the some of the most vulnerable people,and they are symptoms particular needs of women at all. This needs to be a of state failure. That is particularly true of women national scheme that takes into account the specific prisoners. As we all know, quite often people who have issues faced by vulnerable women with complex needs been in the care system are over-represented on the and offers safe and secure permanent accommodation prison estate, as are people with addiction problems, to enable them to achieve resettlement and rehabilitation. and people with literacy and numeracy issues, and that Leaving prison should be the chance for a new beginning, is the state failing those people. but the way things stand, it is just the start of another How we deal with people once they enter that cycle of battle for many women—a battle to find somewhere safe offending and reoffending is how we should judge our to live, to get a job, to stay clean and to not reoffend. It success in rehabilitation and making sure that we give is a battle to avoid being recalled, because that £46 was people a second chance. We should not be writing just not enough for a fresh start. people off forever. We know that if we do not give them Will the Minister look again at the Government’s the support to be rehabilitated, they will continue a commitments in the female offender strategy? Will they cycle of reoffending. That is not good for society at all, make commitments to take an approach that addresses or indeed for the taxpayer, because putting people in vulnerability, follows the evidence about what works in prison is quite an expensive solution. We need to grasp supporting them to turn their lives around and treats this debate head-on. We should not be letting our them as individuals of value? Will he consider what could criminal justice system pick up the price of state failure. be done to improve women’s life chances on release, be Women who have been let down by the state are it an uplift in the prison discharge grant; a pledge to particularly over-represented in the prisons system. As look again at additional prison places, given that it the hon. Member for Swansea East has alluded, many is clear that women’s centres provide better outcomes; are victims of abuse, whether domestic abuse or sexual extending dedicated support across the whole female violence, and trauma is symptomatic. In fact, for some justice estate to help with accommodation before release; of those women, prison is probably as safe and secure making available guaranteed accommodation for all an environment as they have ever been in. What a those leaving who are at risk of homelessness; or perhaps travesty for our society that we let that happen. all these things? We know that there have been many moves in recent We know that the majority of women with convictions years to recognise that prison is not the right place for have experienced trauma. Wehave all heard the harrowing people who are vulnerable and suffering the consequences stories of abuse, addiction, coercion, and self-deprivation of trauma. For a long time, we had a move towards that have led these women to commit crimes in the first different, more community-based solutions. In particular, place. We need a system that supports their rehabilitation talking about women who are also parents, what good 85WH Support for Women Leaving Prison9 MARCH 2021 Support for Women Leaving Prison 86WH

[Jackie Doyle-Price] 2.46 pm Ellie Reeves (Lewisham West and Penge) (Lab) [V]: It is there to be done by putting women in prison and is a pleasure to speak in today’s debate and to serve putting their children into care? What is going to be the under your chairmanship, Sir Charles. First of all, I positive outcome for society of that? Other solutions thank my hon. Friend the Member for Swansea East can be pursued, such as treatment orders combined (Carolyn Harris) for securing this incredibly important with community payback schemes. I think we should debate today; it is particularly timely, given that yesterday look at that. was International Women’s Day. It is important to see The direction of travel was very much in favour of this from the first two contributions that women from both more enlightened way of treating women in the criminal sides of the House can find common ground on this justice system, but we seem to have had a change in really important issue. I for one am grateful that there emphasis. As the hon. Lady mentioned, the announcement are these issues that, as women, we can potentially work of 500 new prison places comes at a time when the women’s together on. prison population has gone down by 600. We are talking It is important to remember that as many as 70% of about an increase in capacity of 1,100. We ask ourselves: women in prison are survivors of domestic abuse, and what signal are we showing about how we are going to deal that women in prison are also five times more likely to with people who, frankly, need support to not reoffend? have mental health difficulties than those in the general In not too recent a time, the then Cameron Government population. However,sadly, in many cases they are simply had very big ambitions for prison reform and emphasis not receiving the support they need on being released on rehabilitation, but they seem to have died with that from prison. According to the Ministry of Justice, Government. It is easy to be populist and easy to play in the year ending March 2020, one in 25 women were to a gallery that wants to lock people up and throw sleeping rough on release from custody, and nearly half away the key, but we need to think about what the best of women left without settled accommodation. Data outcome for society is. Surely the best outcome for from the independent monitoring boards for women’s society is to make sure we do everything in our power to prisons and the prisons themselves suggest that the support people to get out of that cycle of reoffending. figure is actually as high as 60%. This is a huge problem, not least because 65% of women released from prison I often say in this place that there is no public policy to no fixed abode go on to reoffend. Failure to provide issue that cannot be solved by a housing solution, and safe and secure accommodation is therefore preventing that is also true of this. It is clear that some kind of rehabilitation and fuelling reoffending. security in accommodation when people leave prison is fundamental to making sure that people do not reoffend. The Ministry of Justice has recently announced As the hon. Lady mentioned, there are pilots in place to £70 million of funding to support former offenders at give that support in housing, but I helpfully suggest to risk of homelessness, including a pilot to provide prison the Minister that perhaps we should have more focus on leavers with temporary accommodation for up to 12 weeks. those kinds of step-down solutions for housing for However, that pilot is limited in scope, as it covers only people who leave prison, and that perhaps that might be five of the 12 probation regions and, as my hon. Friend a better value-for-money investment of taxpayers’ money the Member for Swansea East pointed out, does nothing than simply expanding the prison estate. for women in the other seven probation regions. There is also uncertainty about whether those vulnerable women As I say, the more we can do to divert women away leaving prison will be supported beyond the 12 weeks’ from simply being incarcerated, the better it will be for temporary accommodation to find long-term, safe and society. It will prevent some children from going into the secure accommodation. That is the type of accommodation care system, and prevent that generational flow of history that is desperately needed, not a 12-week temporary fix. repeating itself in families. We also know that, as the hon. That funding is also incredibly low, compared with Lady mentioned, some of the offences committed by the £150 million recently pledged to build 500 new prison women for which they end up with a custodial sentence cells for women. While Ministry of Justice figures published are not ones that justify such a sentence. In particular, in November last year show that the female prison they can often be with reference to debt, and again, I population is projected to rise by around two fifths by think we can find much better solutions for supporting 2026, it is important to remember that, in the main, we people out of that. need to focus on community sentences and the use of I have little more to add, other than to reaffirm my women’s centres instead of prison, especially given that support for everything the hon. Lady has said. We as 80% of women are in prison for non-violent offences. political leaders perhaps need to give more leadership Indeed, a series of inquiries and reports in recent decades to our communities, and to be more understanding and have all concluded that prison is rarely a necessary, more forgiving of why people end up the way they are. appropriate or proportionate response to women who It is when people feel excluded from society—when they offend. The Government’s own female offender strategy feel that society is not giving them a chance—that they promises a focus on early intervention and community- end up in this cycle of crime and reoffending, in and out based solutions. Why are the Government not following of prison. As I say, that is our failing. We need to make that female offender strategy? Why are they investing in sure that when we pick people up for the first time, we prisons, when actually the money is needed in women’s do what we can to help them address their problems, centres? whether that is debt, poor literacy, or all the other traumas Specialist women’s services are best placed to address that they may have suffered. As we know, mental health women’scomplex needs, to divert women from the criminal difficulties are a big characteristic of this prison population justice system, and to prevent reoffending. The Women’s too. Let us do our bit and not simply rely on more Budget Group further found that a place at a women’s prison places. centre costs between £1,223 and £4,125 per woman, 87WH Support for Women Leaving Prison9 MARCH 2021 Support for Women Leaving Prison 88WH depending on needs, while a place in a women’s prison I thank the organisation Safe Homes for Women costs £52,000 per year. Better investment in and use of Leaving Prisons for its sterling work to highlight the women’s centres would therefore yield huge savings on problems that exist within the rehabilitation process for the costs incurred directly by the criminal justice system, women leaving prison. When I read through the briefing and on those incurred indirectly by the health, mental notes, it was clear that we can and must do better to health, housing, welfare services that would otherwise rehabilitate these women properly rather than their be used by a previous offender. Instead, these specialist leaving prison with no support, which makes it much providers face a £10 million core funding gap from this harder for them to make the change in their lives that March. The Government should provide proper ring-fenced they need. That is why we are here today. I am very core funding to ensure the long-term sustainability of pleased to see the Minister in his place and I know that those services. he will be able to answer the questions that we put to We also seriously need to look at the presumption him. against short sentences. Fifty-eight per cent. of women The briefing highlighted that each year thousands of are reconvicted within one year of leaving prison. That vulnerable women really need follow-on help from whenever figure rises to 73% for sentences of less than 12 months. they leave prison. The hon. Member for Swansea East Meanwhile, the proportion of women sent to prison to said at the beginning of the debate that people leave serve very short sentences has risen sharply. In 1993, prison with £46—my goodness—and a plastic bag with only a third of custodial sentences given to women were their clothes in and probably all their life’s possessions, for less than six months. In 2019, the figure had nearly and with nowhere to live, which, of all things, I really doubled to 62%. The problem with short sentences is worry about. There is also the threat of recall if they that there is no time for any form of rehabilitation, and miss a probationary appointment. Is that the level of it often means that during that time women lose their preparedness that is needed for the outside world? I family ties, any job they may have, and their housing. would say not; indeed, that is why this debate is happening. Statistics show that women are more likely to reoffend Instead, they are left at the mercy of those evil and when they are given a short sentence. A review of the wicked people out there who take advantage of others, purpose and use of short sentences for women offenders, and who the hon. Members for Swansea East and for and their value to victims, offenders and the taxpayer is Thurrock both referred to. needed. I believe that we should give these women the dignity We know that women are more likely to reoffend that they want and need, and the confidence that comes if they are released from prison to no fixed abode. We from that, so that they can leave prison well. If someone know that women released from prison are more likely gets out of prison and they do not have a house, the first to reoffend than those serving community sentences, thing that they need is a house, or accommodation. But and that women are more likely to reoffend if they are that should not be provided just as a one-off, leaving all given a short sentence in prison rather than a community the other things to fall into place, or hoping that that sentence. Despite that, the Government are not seriously happens. It is about the follow-on help. looking into a presumption against short sentences, are Who addresses the mental health issues? We have leaving women’s centres at the risk of closure through lived through a year of coronavirus, and many people in underfunding, and are not investing enough in measures my constituency and indeed in all our constituencies to prevent homelessness. Instead, they are investing have experienced mental health and wellbeing at a lower more in prison places, which is the one thing that has level than ever before—at least, I cannot remember in been shown to not be of use for the majority of female my lifetime there being a lower level. Mental health offenders. issues are affecting lots of people. Multiply that by Without action on those issues, the Government simply those who are stuck in prison for the sentence that they condemn many women to a cycle of crime.Totruly support have been given for the crime that they have committed, women in the criminal justice system we need a much and for those people the mental health issues are really more holistic, understanding approach, which ultimately overwhelming. would cost less to both the taxpayer and to society. What we do to provide follow-on help matters. Housing is the No.1 priority, as the hon. Member for Swansea 2.53 pm East said. The next stage is to provide follow-on help for any mental health issues. We can help with simple Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): It is very nice to be things, for example, managing budgets and the moneys in the new Westminster Hall and to make a contribution. people have. Even those small things matter. It is certainly different and does not have the ambience I watched a TV programme with Simon Reeve, who I of the original, but it is nice to have the debates back. quite like; he does a trip to different places. On Sunday I thank and congratulate the hon. Member for Swansea night, my wife and I watched it together. He was doing East (Carolyn Harris) on setting the scene so well, and I a trip around the Americas and he went to a place in thank those who have contributed. It has been good to Colorado; I hope that I am right on that. It was a prison hear all the valuable contributions. town—there were nine prisons in that town. But what Obviously, I am very pleased to make a contribution they were doing in that prison town was getting people on this issue, because—like the hon. Member for Thurrock prepared for whenever they left prison. (Jackie Doyle-Price)—I have a passion to help those in We all have our own opinion of the US justice society who are probably less well-off and need help. system. It is quite a complicated system, where someone My heart’s desire and my position here is to help those can start off with a fine for a broken tail-light but things who perhaps are not able to help themselves. The hon. can multiply and they can end up being in prison, Lady outlined the issues very clearly and I want to because they do not have the money to repay a debt and speak about them as well. get themselves back in credit. However, what they were 89WH Support for Women Leaving Prison9 MARCH 2021 Support for Women Leaving Prison 90WH

[Jim Shannon] Back in 2019, I read an incredibly interesting article that included excerpts from a study carried out by the doing in this prison town was get people prepared criminology lecturer Gillian McNaull as part of research for the outside world. The prisoners were being taught for Queen’s University Belfast. What she said sums up simple things, such as going to a restaurant. These are this issue very well: people who perhaps do not have the educational “Many women are not remanded due to the severity of their standards that they need; they probably do not have the crime, but instead due to their vulnerability.” social skills, either. For them, the outside world is a scary place and they are vulnerable to being taken If society puts people away because they are vulnerable advantage of. and not because of the severity of their crime, there is something wrong. If Gillian McNaull at Queen’sUniversity I believe that the practice that we are debating today Belfast can recognise that, I am absolutely sure that is a devastating one, which places vulnerable women at Members who speak in this debate and the Minister risk and prevents them from rebuilding their lives after recognise it. She also says: a prison sentence. Safe and secure accommodation is “I found that a significant number of women are being arrested essential for rehabilitation, but 65% of prisoners are and remanded to custody for issues relating to mental health released to no fixed abode. Basically, they go out the crisis, suicidal ideation, alcohol use issues and homelessness.” door of the prison and they are on their own. If they The hon. Member for Thurrock referred to that. We have no family, the situation is even worse, because really need to know the reasons why people are in they really are singular and alone with what happens to prison. If it is because they have committed a crime of them. And, yes, the potential for them to reoffend such severity that warrants prison, that is okay, but it is emerges very quickly. Let us consider that figure I not if they are in because they are vulnerable or have just gave; it is an incredibly significant figure. It is 65%, nobody to turn to or are really down on their ankles. and this figure alone prompts calls for action to be taken. Gillian McNaull added: “This sees an unacceptable use of prison as a place of ‘safety’ It is only right that we give the Government credit for and ‘containment’ for women—an issue exacerbated by deficits in recognising that women have a very different experience community resources, such as a lack of gender-appropriate hostel of the criminal justice system from men, but because of accommodation, adequate community mental health support that, while the Government have done some things, they and social care provision.” have perhaps not done enough. They have committed to The hon. Member for Lewisham West and Penge improving outcomes for women in contact with the (Ellie Reeves) made a similar reference. What can be criminal justice system across England and Wales, but I done to help to achieve successful and secure hostel just wish that we in Northern Ireland had the same pilot accommodation, community mental health support, scheme that the Government have looked at. Has the which is really necessary, and that social care provision? Minister had the opportunity to speak to the Justice If we get all those in place, I believe we can help in a Minister in the Assembly in Northern Ireland, Naomi more constructive way and give people hope for society Long, to discuss these things and see what we can learn for the future. That is really important. from the UK Parliament to make this thing happen in Northern Ireland as well? At this time, the Justice Minister is committed to carrying out a review. I ask the Minister to ensure I also highlight that, despite that recognition, the that all information, practices and pilots are shared Government have not set out any gender-specific measures UK-wide—we are very much part of the United Kingdom to address support for, in particular, the complex needs of of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and want to be, vulnerable women prison leavers in their new pilot scheme and we want those pilot schemes and practices shared to house prison leavers in temporary accommodation. I in a way that we can take advantage of them as well—to welcome the pilot scheme, which really gets us to the inform what changes can be made to prevent offending stage where we really want to be—the first stage of and the improper use of facilities. More support is trying to rehabilitate and bring people into society with clearly needed and I believe that the effort will bring better opportunities and life potential. I would love to reward. I know it is the intention of everybody here, see that, and if that that is the intention of the Minister including the Minister, to lessen reoffending. It is vital and the Government, it is to be welcomed. However, at that more women will be able to change their lives with this stage, the Government have missed that opportunity, the support that they are crying out for. so I ask again whether the Minister will set out how this pilot will cater for the specific and complex needs of 3.5 pm vulnerable women prison leavers. I really want to make sure that, when the pilot scheme is in place, what comes Bambos Charalambous (Enfield, Southgate) (Lab): It forward after that gets people ready for the next stage of is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Charles. their lives. Further, there is a question to be asked about This is an important debate, on which there is much whether this will be extended across all probation regions agreement, and I will add to many of the things that in England and Wales. have been said today. I also asked whether the information will be shared If the Government are serious about reducing reoffending with Northern Ireland to ensure that new designated by women, they need to support specialist services, such prison officers acting as brokers for housing are appointed as those offered by women’s centres, to help them stop in every women’s prison—I think the hon. Member for offending in the first place and, if they have offended, to Swansea East referred to this in her contribution at give them support afterwards. Providing accommodation the very beginning—and receive specific training on the is key because being homeless is one of the biggest challenges facing women prison leavers. factors in reoffending. 91WH Support for Women Leaving Prison9 MARCH 2021 Support for Women Leaving Prison 92WH

Many women who have committed crimes and This Government’s female offender strategy set out are therefore in the criminal justice system are some very clear principles, and we agree totally that we disproportionately victims of crime themselves. They need to address vulnerability, acknowledge the role of also tend to be imprisoned for crimes less serious than gender, treat women as individuals with the potential to those committed against them. Addiction or being in an make a positive contribution, and break the cycle of abusive relationship are also factors for many of those reoffending. To do this, the strategy made it clear that women. “Short custodial sentences do not deliver the best results for Short sentences are very disruptive for women, especially female offenders”. if they have children. Most women serving short prison It acknowledged the essential role of women’s centres sentences are back in prison within a year. Reoffending and made it clear that when women leave prison, the levels are staggeringly high, with 48% of women reconvicted support they receive has to respond to their complex within a year of leaving prison. That rises to 61% for needs. Again, we agree. However, it has been almost sentences of under 12 months. three years since the strategy was published and, as we The Minister will know that women released from have heard, as many as six out of 10 women leaving prison are more likely to reoffend, and reoffend earlier, prison are being released into homelessness—60%. The than those serving community sentences. Women receiving strategy is simply not being successfully implemented. short sentences often lose their accommodation, with We know that without a home, it is so much harder to many needing to be rehoused with children, as they are find work. Reuniting with children and family is even primary carers. As we know, such accommodation is more difficult. Meeting probation commitments and very limited for local authorities and there are huge accessing healthcare and substance misuse treatment is waiting lists. that much harder. Not having a stable home damages If women are victims of domestic abuse, they cannot mental health. It destroys life chances and lives. It kills go back to the place where the abuse happened. There is hope. This Government have acknowledged that the already a chronic lack of suitable housing, including for likelihood of reoffending can be as much as 50% higher women with complex needs. Many women imprisoned for those released into homelessness. Between 23 March from previous addresses, to which they cannot return, and 31 August last year, during the height of the first lose that local connection and their ability to be rehoused. lockdown, more than 3,500 prisoners,including 275 women, I welcome the recent announcement from the Ministry were released into homelessness. During those first of Justice of £70 million funding for a pilot scheme to terrifying months of covid, 65 women were sent out to house prison leavers in temporary accommodation for sleep rough on our streets on their very first night out of up to 12 weeks. That is in only five of the 12 probation prison. Some of the most vulnerable people in our society regions. I understand that that is a pilot but I would were effectively sent by the Government to sleep on the very much welcome its extension much further. I am streets, when the rest of us had been told to stay home, also concerned that the Government are spending to stay safe and to protect the NHS. It beggars belief. £150 million to build 500 new prison cells for women. We have got to acknowledge that outcomes for women That clearly indicates that the problem will not be leaving prison are frankly terrible. One reason is clearly solved, that there will be more women going to prison. the lack of accommodation, but another significant That addresses the symptom, not the cause. reason is the lack of continuity of care for those in need We need to get to the heart of what will stop women of drug or alcohol abuse treatment when they leave offending. For me, that is support for women’s centres. prison. Last year, the national average of continuity in We know that women’s centres are very effective in care in England was just 35%. When drug-related deaths helping women who are vulnerable not to offend in the are at an all-time high and when a third of people in first place. A survey showed that for every £1 spent, prison are there for reasons related to drug use, surely to £2.84 was saved in costs, if the money were invested in heavens continuing treatment outside of prison must be women’s centres. a priority? I am told there is an ambitious Government When women leave prison they are given only the target to go from this derisory 35% to 75%, but there discharge grant of £46, which is clearly not enough. are simply no details of how that will happen. I am Having to survive the first week out of prison on less hoping that the Minister will tell us today how and than £7 a day is not going to get anyone very far. We when that 75% target will be met. need to ensure support networks are there for women It cannot be a surprise to anyone listening to this when they leave prison. extremely well informed debate that reoffending is rife. To conclude, we need to provide more accommodation Of women who have served a sentence of under a year, for women leaving prison, increase the discharge grant 73% will be convicted of another offence within a year. and invest in women’s centres. I thank Women in Prison, If we are to tackle reoffending and if we want fewer Agenda and Safe Homes for Women Leaving Prison for victims of crime, we have to tackle the root causes of the excellent work they do and for their briefings for that crime. The Government’s own research tells us that today’s debate. often women in prison are dealing with enormous trauma caused by sometimes years of abuse. 3.9 pm That is why my hon. Friend the Member for Swansea Ms Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab) [V]: It is a genuine East was absolutely right to highlight the need for pleasure to see you and serve under your chairmanship, women’s centres. The evidence is clear that they slash Sir Charles. I am also grateful to my hon. Friend the reoffending, they cut crime and they help many women Member for Swansea East (Carolyn Harris) for calling to heal and create better lives—and, unlike short prison this important debate and for her stonking speech. sentences for women, they are great value for money. There have been excellent contributions today from Some women’s centres have managed to demonstrate that Members on both sides of the House. they save £2.80 for the public purse for every £1 invested, 93WH Support for Women Leaving Prison9 MARCH 2021 Support for Women Leaving Prison 94WH

[Ms Lyn Brown] Frankly, when women are put into prison but are not supported to deal with the trauma and violence that they so why are the Government planning to spend £150 million have experienced in their lives, or with the addiction that on women’s prison expansion when they have committed has put them there, and when they are released knowing just £2 million to women’s centres? That is 75 times that their only option is to sleep on the street, and they more to be spent on something they have admitted does are condemned to the revolving door of reoffending not than on something that does. Why? because support services for drugs and alcohol just are not there, that is an injustice. It is Government failure. Let me touch on one aspect we have not yet discussed: Women are not being given a fair chance to change their the specific needs of black, Asian, Gypsy, Roma and lives, or their children’s lives, for the better. Traveller women and all of those from other minority ethnic communities. We know, and the Government The Government must demonstrate that they truly know, that projects led by women from a community understand their own research. They need to demonstrate are best suited to develop effective resettlement within real commitment to and ambition for their own strategy. that community. There are excellent examples like the They need to begin to create a criminal justice system Khidmat centres in Bradford, but there are not nearly that truly understands the root causes of women’soffending, enough of them across the country. Why? and that starts to treat women fairly. As we recover from covid, it is even more important to have additional support in place for women leaving 3.21 pm prison. It is good to see that the Government plan to The Minister for Crime and Policing (Kit Malthouse): take some action on homelessness among prison leavers, It is a joy to appear under your moderating hand once but, as we have heard, only five of the 12 probation again, Sir Charles. I am grateful to the hon. Member for regions—less than half—are likely to receive some funding Swansea East (Carolyn Harris) for this important debate for temporary accommodation pilots, even though the in the aftermath of International Women’s Day. I ought value-for-money case for better accommodation is to start by reassuring her and other hon. Members, and overwhelming. Why? May I gently point out that London indeed my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock and the south-east are two of the areas where the (Jackie Doyle-Price), of my long-standing commitment problems of prison-leaver homelessness are greatest, yet to smart justice over tough justice. neither is included as a pilot? Just over 10 years ago, I became devotee of I have been doing this job for less than a year and I Mark Kleiman, a remarkable academic in the United have already worked out that the Ministry of Justice is, States, who sadly died a couple of years ago. He wrote a frankly, addicted to pilots, but there is no follow-through. seminal book, which I would recommend to hon. Members Time and again, projects are proven successful but they if they can get hold of it, called “When Brute Force are simply not rolled out. The truth is that, when it Fails”. It is an examination of the American criminal comes to women prison leavers, we need ambition and justice system, where many years of locking up more commitment. We need to provide accommodation, and and more prisoners for longer and longer in the hope that accommodation needs to be fit for purpose. Women that it would do something about crime actually produced domestic abuse survivors may need to relocate away the reverse. It proposed a series of smarter,more innovative from their area. Homes often need to be able to approaches towards criminal justice, which were, a decade accommodate women’s children. If those needs are not or so ago, showing some potential. met, women do not get a second chance, their families I am pleased to say that one of those proposals—sobriety do not get a chance, and reoffending becomes even tagging for those for whom alcohol is driving their more likely. criminal behaviour—is now rolling out across the country. Despite all those facts, in their announcement on It has started in Wales, where just the other day we temporary accommodation the Government went out managed to tag our 100th offender with a sobriety tag of their way to trumpet just how basic and temporary rather than sending them for a custodial sentence. the planned accommodation for prison leavers will be. I Compliance in that particular project is running in the ask the Minister gently: how will the new accommodation high 90th percentile. It will be rolled out in England at address the specific needs of women leaving prison and end of this month. I hope that for all kinds of offenders— the needs of their families? How will it stop the very male, female or other nomenclatures—it is the kind of expensive revolving door? I have to ask: is the priority smart approach that will have benefits beyond the positive cutting reoffending and cutting crime, or is it about and negative of incarceration. dog-whistle politics and cutting costs? If it is about I will start by reaffirming what the hon. Member for cutting costs, the Minister should know that that is a Swansea East referred to as our ambition and commitment false economy. His own research shows that. The lack to fully delivering the female offenders strategy, which of approved premises for women around the country was published, as she said, back in June 2018. I am has been a huge problem. How many of the 200 new pleased that she expressed real hope about that strategy. places planned will be in specialist women’s hostels? As she said, it has three main aims: fewer women When will they delivered? Where will they be located? coming into the criminal justice system and reoffending, Perhaps the Minister can inform us today of the progress fewer women serving short custodial sentences, with a of the approved premises for women in the south-west. greater proportion managed successfully in the community, Another public relations announcement was that and better conditions in custody to enable rehabilitation of a paltry £6 million for through-the-gate support for and improved outcomes. prison leavers. Only one of the 16 prisons receiving The strategy clearly articulates why we need a different that funding will be a women’s prison: New Hall in West approach for female offenders. They make up less than Yorkshire. Why? 5% of the prison population, but are among the most 95WH Support for Women Leaving Prison9 MARCH 2021 Support for Women Leaving Prison 96WH vulnerable in society in terms of both the prevalence to these prison leavers. The investment will bring together and the complexity of their needs. Many live chaotic the work on approved premises and the Bail lives, as the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) Accommodation and Support Service with a new tier of pointed out, and have experience of abuse, as well as of provision for prison leavers at risk of homelessness. mental health issues, substance misuse, accommodation Toreduce reoffending and provide health and wellbeing needs, and debt and finance problems. Female prisoners support, we are launching a new accommodation service are more likely than male prisoners to have been taken providing up to 12 weeks of basic temporary into care and to have witnessed violence in the home as accommodation for prison leavers who would otherwise a child. More than 60% of female prisoners reported be homeless. This will launch in five of the 12 probation having experienced domestic abuse, as the hon. Gentleman regions in England and Wales, and all individuals aged mentioned, compared with 7% of male prisoners.Outcomes 18 and over released from prison and at risk of homelessness for women in custody are worse than for men, including will be eligible, as will those moving on from approved high levels of self-harm. premises who are also at the same risk. It is anticipated Women are also more likely than men to be living that the new intervention will begin in summer 2021 with dependent children before imprisonment, and the and provide support for approximately 3,000 service consequent impact on families is therefore greater,increasing users, who will be subject to supervision by probation the risk of intergenerational offending. Each of the and have ongoing support from their community offender strategy’s aims is equally important, and each one is manager. equally relevant to the subject of the present debate on As part of its response to the covid-19 pandemic, the support for women leaving prison. Clearly there will be Ministry of Justice secured £11.5 million to support fewer women leaving prison and requiring support if we individuals at risk of homelessness on their release from can successfully reduce the number of women entering prison and help them to move on to permanent the criminal justice system and reoffending. Equally, if accommodation. The scheme initially ran between 18 May more women are managed effectively in the community, and the end of August and provided up to 56 nights’ there will be fewer serving short prison sentences. For accommodation per individual, meaning some prison those women who must be sentenced to prison because leavers were accommodated until 26 October.Wereinstated of the severity of their crimes and to protect the public, the scheme on 22 October to run up to 31 March, providing better conditions in custody improves the meaning individuals may receive accommodation support chances of effective rehabilitation. up to 26 May this year. A number of Members mentioned the Government While the scheme is an immediate response to support plans to build 500 more prison places in women’s prisons. prison leavers at risk of homelessness, the Ministry of Many Members argue that this proves the Government Justice is keen to utilise the learning gathered from the have abandoned their female offenders strategy,particularly scheme to help develop longer term improvements. We the aims of having fewer women in custody serving have started to draw together learning with the intention shorter sentences, and more being managed successfully of publishing a report in the autumn. To support the in the community, but I hope that my comments thus oversight of its covid-19 response, Her Majesty’s Prison far make clear that that is not the case. However, the and Probation Service set up seven homelessness prevention impact of the extra 20,000 police officers, with the likely taskforces to help find accommodation for offenders increase in charge volumes, cannot be ignored and upon release. These teams have been very successful in doing nothing is not an option. The long-term prison securing improved accommodation outcomes and building population is expected to increase over the six-year new local partnerships with local authorities and housing project horizon. partners. The service is considering how they might be a While custody should remain the last resort for most feature of the future landscape. women, in line with the female offenders strategy in On employment, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation meeting projected demand, the expansion of the women’s Service’sNewFuturesNetworkhasadedicatedemployment estate will provide better conditions for those who do broker focused on partnering employers with prisons require custody.Our design principles include requirements across the women’s estate. These partnerships result in around being trauma-informed and gender-specific, work opportunities for serving prisoners that provide ensuring suitable visiting spaces are provided, greater training skills, qualification and employment on release. in-cell communications options informed by the covid Opportunities are available across a variety of industry learning, and in open design the potential inclusion of sectors. rooms to support overnight visits for mothers and their children, currently available in only two women’s prisons. More recently, to mark International Women’s Day, If we succeed in reducing demand for prison places, we Sodexo announced the launch of its SheWorks skills- will be able to close older, less suitable accommodation. building programme in three prisons. With the support Having reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to of the New Futures Network, this will be extended to fully delivering the female offenders strategy, I would like further prisons over the course of the year. Sodexo aims to highlight our activity in two specific areas of support to fill 5% of its job vacancies with prison leavers and raised by Members this afternoon specifically for women those with an offending background by 2023. leaving prison: accommodation and employment. Additionally, from the end of April this year, the Offenders face significant barriers to securing suitable Clink charity’s kitchen training programme will be accommodation, often linked to their lack of access to expanded to women’s prisons at Eastwood Park, Send the necessary funds, availability of local authority housing and Downview, as part of a broader roll-out of the supply and affordability of or access to the private programme. The training scheme provides the opportunity rented sector. A £70 million investment programme was to transform job prospects by delivering industry-recognised announced in January to provide stable accommodation qualifications, training and work experience. 97WH Support for Women Leaving Prison9 MARCH 2021 Support for Women Leaving Prison 98WH

Jim Shannon: The Minister is setting out clearly some have to plan for the worst, and the impact of 20,000 of the good things that can be done. Within those, in my police officers on the prison estate cannot be ignored, contribution I mentioned social skills. It is important we will work very hard between then and now for a that people can leave prison and interact with people in much better outcome than an increase in the prison a way that they can understand and feel the confidence population. that they need. Is this one of the measures that the Minister will introduce for those who are leaving prison? Sir Charles Walker (in the Chair): Carolyn Harris, for two minutes. Kit Malthouse: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. In discussions in the Ministry of Justice I have 3.32 pm made it clear that my view, which I think is shared Carolyn Harris: I thank all Members for their broadly by Ministers in the Department, is that there contributions—I am pleased to see so many people are three foundations for success in life post-prison. here. I came to this debate feeling really apprehensive They are a job, a house and a friend—effectively, someone about the subject—it is something I have sleepless nights to hold your hand. If someone leaving prison has those about. I am leaving terrified at the prospect of 20,000 three pillars in their life, they are much more likely to extra police on the streets spending a large proportion succeed on the outside. Too often, people have one, or of their time filling 500 spaces for women in prisons in possibly two, but certainly not all three. In the role that I order to justify the money that the Government have am trying to put in place around integrated offender spent on this. That is certainly not what we need to be management—the reboot of that effort—that is what doing. We need to provide a different service for women. we are going to try to achieve. We need to recognise the fact that women have specific The New Futures Network continues to support needs. They are in large part victims, despite the fact businesses that are part of the employers’ forum for that they have been labelled as criminals. Most of them reducing reoffending, to deliver new, tailored employment are victims of society and, I am afraid to say, victims of for women. Initiatives to be trialled include mentoring this Government’s disinterest in providing anything for and thematic virtual sessions covering the development them. of soft skills, as the hon. Gentleman said. These will be We have to stop perpetuating the cycle of criminality offered to women serving the last few months of their and incarceration, criminality and incarceration. We sentence. The framework of support will be tested in have a moral duty to provide sustainable, productive, three prisons. appropriate and holistic support and to encourage these Given the ambition of the hon. Member for Swansea women to be productive and to re-engage with society. East for the Government to go further, she will be That is a far better way of using taxpayers’ money than pleased to know that as part of the January announcement freeing up spaces in prisons. We have to be more humane to tackle and reduce reoffending, we are seeking to in the way that we provide for these vulnerable and all introduce and test new approaches and roles across too often exploited individuals. That is where we need education, employment, accommodation and substance to concentrate our efforts, not on putting them in misuse. HMP New Hall, which was mentioned, has prisons. I ask the Minister to please rethink the strategy. been selected to ensure the specific needs of women are Too many women will lose their life, dignity, children, captured, so that learning can be shared across the families and homes. We cannot perpetuate this any female estate more broadly. longer. To conclude, I hope I have removed any doubts about Question put and agreed to. the Government’s ongoing commitment to deliver fully Resolved, the female offender strategy and that, in the time available, That this House has considered support for women leaving I have been able to provide clear examples of how we prison. are working to properly support women leaving prison. As far as the extra 500 places are concerned, I hope that 3.35 pm the hon. Lady and others will understand that, while we Sitting suspended. 99WH 9 MARCH 2021 Teignmouth Hospital 100WH

Teignmouth Hospital I and a number of colleagues were very disquieted by all this. Indeed, the health scrutiny committee at Devon 4.5 pm County Council was sufficiently concerned about the lack of evidence and the failure to consult that it went Anne Marie Morris (Newton Abbot) (Con) [V]: I beg to the reconfiguration panel to take informal advice as to move, to what it should do. It is only the health scrutiny That this House has considered the future of Teignmouth committee, under current legislative provisions, that Hospital. can, in effect, call in such a decision. It is my belief that, It is a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, had it done that formally, the reconfiguration panel Sir Charles. This is the story of a hospital being closed would have had to take a much more serious approach. by stealth. Teignmouth Hospital, which is in my Instead, its response to the request for advice was, constituency, was built in 1954. It was one of the first frankly, a bit of a pat on the head: “Go and talk to the purpose-built NHS hospitals and offered a wide range clinical commissioning group; I’m sure you can resolve of services. Even today, it has three community clinics, your differences,” or words to that effect. I do not really in audiology, physiotherapy and podiatry, which have think that is a responsible reply to a very urgent and largely been funded by the League of Friends. In addition, well meant request for assistance, and my view would there are out-patient clinics dealing with abdominal be, in the light of that response, that the county council, aortic screening, anaesthetics, breast, cardiology, chronic through its scrutiny committee, should now make a fatigue—there are 23 of them in total, so I will not formal application. labour through all of them, in the interests of time and to allow a proper discussion of this issue. The hospital The issue is that Teignmouth Hospital is to close, also has an operating theatre, which takes day cases without any consultation at all. Why does that matter? relating to eye complaints and skin issues. It matters because there has been no assessment of the health and care outcomes for residents of Teignmouth. However, all of this was put into a quandary in 2014, Without such a consultation, how can we be clear that when the local clinical commissioning group decided to health and care needs are being properly met? Worse, look again at how health and care should be properly the consultation takes no account of what is happening provided in Teignmouth and Dawlish. That is absolutely in the landscape of social care. In Teignmouth there are the right thing to do. However, my issue is with how it no nursing care homes, so there is no fall-back; there are has been done, and with the evidence that has been no other beds in the community that can be used. collected and the way it has been evaluated. The consultations took the following steps. First of Why are the health scrutiny committee and I so all, they looked at removing two of the in-patient wards exercised about the flaws in the reconfiguration, which within Teignmouth Hospital. So, at a stroke in 2016 and mean that closing Teignmouth Hospital without after two consultations—one in 2014-15 and one in consultation is a real mistake? First, the decision is 2016—a decision was made to remove two whole wards. based on an assumption that all intermediary care can As anyone can imagine, the local community were not be undertaken at home, with the balance in nursing care at all happy and the only thing that helped was the homes. I contend that it is simply unrealistic to consider promise of 12 new rehabilitation beds to help in the that all intermediate care can be undertaken in an community. That would have been very appropriate in a individual’s home. There are lots of reasons for that. rural community with an ageing population, which First, we do not have any nursing care homes in mine is, and with a state-of-the-art physiotherapy unit Teignmouth. Secondly, even if we did, rehabilitation is paid for, as I have said, by the League of Friends. not what nursing homes are all about. Thirdly, some of However,what was even worse was that those rehabilitation these elderly people have to have help come to them beds were never delivered. A unilateral decision was from some distance, which makes it a challenge. We also then taken in 2017 that there would be no rehabilitation have an acute lack of domiciliary care provision. That beds. No evidence was produced and no consultation puts a very big question mark over the key assumption took place. that underpins all the decision making. Then, in 2018 a further consultation looked at a The evidence that was presented is inadequate in reconfiguration of services. The creation of a new health quality and in quantity. There was a lot of data; I am hub, which was the core proposal, was and remains drowning in data, but I have very little genuine information absolutely the right thing to do, and is in accordance and very little genuine analysis. On that basis, I am very with the NHS Long Term Plan. It would house the GPs unhappy with what I have seen. It is fundamentally in Teignmouth and an integrated care hub, with individuals desk-based research by the clinical senate and the University from the voluntary sector, and the three community of Plymouth—two outstanding institutions. However, clinics. However, the out-patient clinics—all 23 of them— the information that they have used is simply records of were to be relocated to another hospital in Dawlish. It is beds and their use, whether in a hospital setting or not that far away, but given our transport problems it is otherwise. It looks at discharge and delayed discharge, quite far enough away to be problematic for an ageing but because there are no beds at the moment in Teignmouth population. Hospital, there is nowhere for people to go other than The consequence suggested—but with no questions home, or a care home outside Teignmouth, so is it asked—because of the hub and the relocation of services surprising that we find an argument being made that to Dawlish, was that Teignmouth Hospital would necessarily those beds that were in Teignmouth Hospital are not close. There was no consultation. It seems to me that needed? It seems to me that a negative cannot prove a although there has been a consultation on reconfiguration, positive. there has been no consultation on a hospital closure. It Of more concern is the fact that there is no research is my understanding that legally—never mind to ensure whatever on the patient experience. Given the lack of best care—such a consultation should take place. domiciliary care provision, that is a crucial omission. 101WH Teignmouth Hospital9 MARCH 2021 Teignmouth Hospital 102WH

[Anne Marie Morris] else to meet the rehabilitation need that is not met. That is lose-lose. I would be the first to agree that it is an People should bear it in mind that, at this point in time, ageing hospital, but it could be improved—not to become the hospital’s beds have been closed for two years. Why state of the art, and I am not looking for that; but it has no evidence been gleaned as to the quality and would cost just over £600,000 to get it to a position quantity of the care provided to people in their homes? where it could continue to provide the services that are That seems to me a glaring error, which must be resolved. needed. It also seems to me that the evidence is definitely My ask of the Minister and the Secretary of State is, defective. It takes no account of this new, post-covid first, to intervene to stop this automatic closure of world. I accept that the consultation started before Teignmouth Hospital, as the Secretary of State did to covid, but it has lasted through covid, and for me that stop the closure of Chorley hospital accident and emergency has made one thing clear: the old system we had, which department in Lancashire. I quote regional director Bill was very much just in time, is no longer the way forward. McCarthy: We must have a resilient care system. That means taking “We have received instruction from both the secretary of state into account the impact of covid. We know long covid for health and the minister of state for health, to work with the is following covid. We know that that specifically requires integrated care system and local leadership to develop an option a lot of rehabilitation care. I raised that with the clinical that provides safe, high quality care, that continues to include commissioning group, who believed it was inappropriate Chorley” to take account of the figures for 2020-21 because those emergency department. That was reported in “North by covid figures were unrepresentative. I find that strange, Northwest” in February this year, not many weeks ago. because, if those are unrepresentative of the real need, I do not have an opinion as to whether that was the surely the figures for 2019 are equally not representative. right decision, but the Secretary of State said expressly That causes me real concern. in the very recent latest White Paper—which will lead to I will turn to the proposal in relation to the other an NHS Bill—that he intends to enable power to be services, not beds in Teignmouth Hospital. That care is given to him to call in decisions such as the Teignmouth to continue to be provided in Dawlish Hospital. Dawlish one and to remove the reconfiguration panel. From the is, effectively, to take double the number of referrals— experience I have had, that panel is not fit for purpose. 23 out-patient clinic patients on top of its existing load My second ask is that the Secretary of State and the of patients. The “building works”, which I would not Minister instruct the reconfiguration panel that no closure really call building works, will simply reconfigure the of any hospital or facility should be made going forward maternity room into two consulting rooms. It is a bit without the impacts of covid having been taken into like moving the deckchairs on the Titanic. There is no account and a proper impact assessment having been evidence of any real effort to ensure that Dawlish is made. properly configured to meet what will be an increasing My third ask is for the Secretary of State and the demand. Minister to instruct the clinical commissioning group to As for the hub itself, there is no evidence that it will put in hand a separate consultation specifically on the have the capacity to take all the GPs, all the community closure of Teignmouth Hospital, after the data I referred service clinics, the integrated care hub and the voluntary to have been collected, and to mandate the CCG to sector representatives. Yes, planning permission has been collect the necessary evidence on patient experience, on put in for and, indeed, granted. It is clear how the rooms the impact of Dawlish Hospital and on the adequacy of will be configured in the new hub, but not how they will the new hub at Teignmouth. The group should then be used, and until they are used we simply do not have review the data collected and analyse it properly. evidence that they will be sufficient for the need. Teignmouth Hospital deserves better and the people What is the way forward? It seems to me—because we of Teignmouth deserve the Secretary of State’s support. have two years during which the hub is to be built—that I ask the Minister in his place to grant that support and the first priority is to collect the missing data. Let us to do what he and the Secretary of State are more than collect the data for 2020-21, and look properly at bed capable of doing, so setting an example of how important occupancy and why it is as it is. Let us look at discharge, health and care are to him and to us. That would set a readmissions and waiting lists. Let us look particularly marker that covid has changed the game and that covid, at the impact that long covid will have in that period on and long covid in particular, must influence and guide rehabilitation care and growing need. Let us also future decisions on hospital closures. I thank you for undertake some research on the quality and quantity of your indulgence, Sir Charles, and I look forward to the home-based care. There is no evidence about either of Minister’s response. those in anything that has been presented by the clinical commissioning group. Worse, there is nothing on the 4.22 pm patient experience at all. When all the data has been The Minister for Health (Edward Argar): It is a pleasure gathered, let us have a separate consultation on Teignmouth to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Charles, in a Hospital—not only after the data has been gathered but sense for the second time. In my first Committee post in after the hub has been opened and we can see whether it the House, when I was first elected, I served under your is adequate, and Dawlish has taken on its additional chairmanship on the Procedure Committee. work. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Newton To be clear about the impact of the reconfiguration Abbot (Anne Marie Morris) on securing this debate on on Teignmouth residents, all those things must be taken such an important subject, and one that I know she has into account. That is right and responsible. If we get the taken a close and long-standing interest in on behalf of decision wrong, we could well find that we are closing a her constituents, for whom she is a very strong local voice. facility only to spend money on reopening something From the outset, I pay tribute—I suspect with her—to 103WH Teignmouth Hospital9 MARCH 2021 Teignmouth Hospital 104WH the amazing work during the pandemic that has been As my hon. Friend said, the CCG undertook a formal done by not only all those working in our NHS but consultation from 1 September to 26 October 2020—I those in her local trust and hospital. I hope I might caveat that with the point that my hon. Friend and I prevail on her to pass on my thanks to her local team. made earlier, which is that that was mid covid and not As my hon. Friend set out, Teignmouth Community after the covid pandemic—which proposed to move Hospital is part of Torbay and South Devon NHS high-use community clinics from Teignmouth community Foundation Trust and provides health and care services hospital to a health and wellbeing centre in Teignmouth; to patients across Teignmouth and Dawlish. She set out to move specialist outpatient clinics from Teignmouth their work very clearly in her speech, alongside a very community hospital to Dawlish community hospital, helpful exposition of the broader health and social care four miles away; to move day-case procedures from context in the area in which she serves as the Member of Teignmouth community hospital to Dawlish community Parliament. She recognised it, quite rightly—I hear her hospital, which she picked up on clearly in her speech at plea—as a whole system, and the broader picture, rather the opening of the debate; to continue with that model than as individual siloed parts of a health system. In the of community-based intermediate care; and to reverse past, she and I have had the pleasure of discussing what the decision to establish 12 rehabilitation beds at she cares deeply about, which is the future evolution of Teignmouth community hospital, as advocated by the health and social care as a coherent single model. I hope CCG and, it asserts, as supported by previous public that it will not be too long before we can have those engagement in 2018 on the success of the service provision conversations in person again in this place. without the beds. As part of its work on ensuring that services across I understand that NHS England’s position is that the Devon are, as the CCG sees it, fit for the future and consultation in 2020 set out that a likely consequence of fully address the aspirations of the NHS long-term the reconfiguration was that the requirement for those plan, the CCG, as my hon. Friend says, has been beds in Teignmouth would no longer be there for the reviewing how services are provided and how to best local NHS. However, I hear what my hon. Friend says; integrate services in order to make improvements for she highlighted that, in her view and that of her constituents, the most vulnerable people in the communities that it that is worthy of a more discrete and focused consultation. serves. Considerable progress has been made in this The consultation was overseen by the independent area, for which I highlight the work of the CCG. Healthwatch for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, which However, the ongoing review process has highlighted analysed the just over 1,000 responses received, finding that three main cases for change remain, in the view of that 61.3% of respondents were in favour of the overall the CCG: that the joined-up community care now provided proposals. The equality impact assessment undertaken means that, in the CCG’s view, the 12 rehabilitation beds indicated that, overall, the impact on people using the previously promised for Teignmouth community hospital services affected by this proposal was deemed by them are no longer needed, and my hon. Friend made very to be of benefit, while the EIA indicated that, overall, clear her views on that on behalf of her constituents; the impact on people using the services affected by this that there is a pressing need to safeguard the future of proposal was neutral or of benefit. primary care across the entirety of the area she represents; Following a review of both consultation feedback and that both the national local strategies to integrate and the quality and equality impact assessments, the care further make the best use of the NHS estate. steering group approved the consultation and agreed to The CCG’s reviews of the need for rehabilitation beds make a recommendation to the CCG governing body at Teignmouth hospital led it to believe that the health that all four elements of the consultation proposal be and wellbeing team was successfully meeting the needs approved. The Teignmouth steering group approved the of local patients without them, but my hon. Friend set consultation and the local NHS plans to continue to out clearly her concerns about that conclusion and the review the proposed model of care in light of potential reasons why she has those concerns. I will mention at changes in levels of need within the local area, as well this point an important contextual point. While hopefully as—they have related to my office—the impact of covid-19 many things we have seen in the past year relating to on ways of working. I will turn to that in a minute, as covid will become things of the past soon, it is highly well as an offer that I will make to my hon. Friend when likely that covid has changed the nature of how we look I conclude. at the provision of healthcare, and that there are lessons I am aware that, as she has said, local councillors to learn there for the long term and for the future. I recently wrote to the independent reconfiguration panel think I heard her clearly saying that we should not lose to seek informal advice on this reconfiguration, and that by virtue of something that was begun before covid have been advised to continue to work co-operatively not being able to scoop up and learn those lessons for with the CCG to find a local resolution. My understanding the future—i.e. future-proofing the services that her is that the IRP is constrained in what it can or cannot constituents rely on. I am sure that the CCG will have do and how it can engage where it is not a formal heard her message loud and clear on that particular referral, but I understand from what my hon. Friend point. said that that remains a possibility, so I will be a little My hon. Friend talked about the consultation and cautious about prejudging whether that may or may not the decision-making process in some detail. Clearly, as I happen. She asked a number of specific questions—for gather from that and from a letter she has recently example, about Chorley, and then her asks at the end of written to the Secretary of State, which I will turn to in her speech. What I would say about Chorley is that we a moment when I conclude, she has undertaken a lot of do not have the power to instruct in the context of work in looking at these consultation processes, the reconfiguration at this point, hence the legislative proposals history of them, the genesis of them and how over time that she talked about. We requested that they look at they have changed what they have been looking at. this, which they accepted, but I add the slight caveat 105WH Teignmouth Hospital 9 MARCH 2021 106WH

[Edward Argar] Cyber-troop Activity: UK that, as I understand it, we do not have the legal power 4.50 pm to instruct the local CCG to do x or y at this point in the reconfiguration. Owen Thompson (Midlothian) (SNP): I beg to move, However, what I can offer to her within that legal That this House has considered cyber troop activity in the UK. constraint, which may be of help to her, is that first, of It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, course, I will endeavour to reply to her letter swiftly, Sir Charles. I secured this debate because I feel that we with responses to the detailed points she has raised in it. cannot go into another round of elections in May with Secondly, although the legal powers available to me in our heads in the sand about a very real threat to our the name of the Secretary of State are limited until and democracy: industrialised disinformation by state and unless an IRP referral is received and the advice is then political actors. Across political divides we must stand given, I am always delighted to meet with my hon. against the forces that seek to smear, manipulate, speak Friend if she feels that would be helpful. It may be untruths and undermine the legitimacy of Governments helpful to her if I arrange to meet with her outwith this or political opponents, through underhand and under- debate, to discuss with her in more detail some of the regulated techniques. process points and legal constraints, but also to listen in Politics, by its nature, will always host opposing and more detail than she is perhaps able to set out in a differing views, and that is absolutely right, as is the debate of this sort. I would expect her CCG to have opportunity to debate the points around these views, heard her voice in the House today loud and clear, as I but it is incumbent on all of us to ensure that the public suspect it does in her capacity as the local Member of can have confidence in the information that they see Parliament on the ground in Newton Abbot. presented from politicians and those who report on It is right that all reconfiguration decisions are taken political events. The old adage that a lie can get halfway in the best interests of patients and the local population around the world before the truth gets its boots on following the due process, and it is that due process that certainly applies here, but at a whole new industrialised slightly constrains what I can say or do in this context. level, with mass distribution only ever a mouse click However, the Government are committed to ensuring away. that the appropriate resources are available to the NHS Social media has been both a blessing and a curse. It in Devon to support patients, and to continue to provide is, in theory, a great leveller, providing an open platform the people of Devon and of her constituency with the for the discussion of ideas and helping the disadvantaged best possible care, so the people affected by these changes to organise groups to get their voices heard. It opens up need to be involved in making the key decisions—including publishing to citizen journalists, speaking without my hon. Friend, of course, as their elected voice. I gatekeepers. However, in many ways, instead of widening would hope and expect that the CCG will set out a clear the debate, it has become increasingly polarised and plan to engage proactively with her and with the local dominated by echo chambers, with information provision population, and would encourage all of her constituents ruled by mysterious algorithms. The lack of editorial to be involved in that process. content control has created a nightmare for fact checking I will reiterate two things on the record. First, I will of and fairness, and increasing numbers of nefarious actors course reply to my hon. Friend’s letter. Secondly, I have learned how to manipulate the system, fuel conspiracy repeat my offer to meet with her separately to discuss in theories and sow division. The waters have become more detail what is and is not possible within the legal murky and it is a pool in which many people no longer constraints around the reconfiguration process, and want to swim. also to learn more about Teignmouth Hospital. I hope It cannot be dismissed simply as modern-day political that in more normal times, when such things are possible, spin. The new technologies create far more poisonous I might be able to come down and see my hon. Friend in possibilities for the most Machiavellian practitioners of sunny Devon, to visit that hospital with her. the dark arts, and there is plenty of evidence that they Question put and agreed to. are taking advantage of these new superpowers. Those who want to see standards and integrity in public life 4.33 pm maintained cannot simply stand by and ignore it. Sitting suspended. Millions are being spent on orchestrated disinformation in what the Electoral Reform Society described as the unregulated “wild west” of online political campaigning. Organised cyber-troop operations use an increasingly sophisticated armoury to alter the nature and course of legitimate political debate,to smear and discredit opponents, to interfere in foreign affairs and generally to create distrust in the very processes on which democracy relies. Facts get confused, opposing points of view are tainted and people are turned off by an onslaught of hate, misleading propaganda and deliberately divisive content. Techniques used by these cyber-troops include armies of trolls or political bots amplifying particular opinions or hate speech, harassment, doxxing, smearing, doctoring images and videos, mass reporting of content and illegally harvesting data to micro-target with misleading information. They do it because it works. 107WH Cyber-troop Activity: UK9 MARCH 2021 Cyber-troop Activity: UK 108WH

Fergus Bell, the co-founder of London-based media during a debate as coming from “factcheckUK”, changed consultancy Fathm, has worked on many elections and its logo to hide its political origins and pushed pro- believes that false information shared online has been Conservative material in a way that deliberately confused “very successful” at swaying voters. It does not have to it with independent fact-checking sites. be direct in its influence but, as he says, Another question is why Topham Guerin, one of the “if you cause division between people, or if you can change communications companies behind the 2019 campaign, someone’s mind on one tiny thing that might make them vote was awarded a £3 million covid-19 contract by the differently, you can push an election”. Government. It is yet more evidence of the need for my The cyber-troops have precise, data-driven strategies to Ministerial Interests (Emergency Powers) Bill, which home in on the soft spots, and they know exactly where aims to hold the Government to account, to be supported those are. in all quarters of the House—but that matter is for People who are targeted by these tactics may be another day. disenfranchised by the processes, become disillusioned Although it is not always clear who is behind these with everyone involved in politics and no longer bother actions, there is always clear evidence of bots being to participate in democracy. In some cases, this appears used to swell numbers artificially and drive political to be the purpose of cyber-troop activities, as Channel 4 positions. A study by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue reported in the US elections, where they found evidence identified that almost all of the 10 most active accounts of micro-targeting by the Trump campaign to deter on Twitter discussing the Brexit party appeared to be 3.5 million black Americans from voting at all. That automated bots, while prior to the 2019 general election type of voter suppression should alarm us all. a report found that a third of the Prime Minister’s own The rapid rise of disinformation industries is evidenced Twitter followers were bots. in the Oxford Internet Institute’s report, “Industrialized Tackling this issue is not about silencing voices; it is Disinformation: 2020 Global Inventory of Organized about getting back some semblance of a level playing Social Media Manipulation”. It is quite a wake-up call field, recognising the range of genuine voices and turning for those who think that these things could not happen down the noise from the fakes. The UK is one of or do not happen here. The report found that 81 countries 48 countries identified in the Oxford report where cyber- are now using social media to spread computational troop manipulation campaigns are being run by private propaganda and disinformation about politics, including firms on behalf of Government or political actors. The the UK, which is a jump from 70 countries in the report found that almost $60 million had been spent on previous year. hiring these firms since 2009, but I suspect that this The report found evidence of Chinese, Russian and figure is only the tip of the iceberg. There needs to be Iranian-backed disinformation campaigns about covid-19 greater transparency and a tightening of the links between to amplify anti-democratic narratives and undermine the public sector and private contractors. trust in health officials. Microsoft has also warned that Cyber-troops sometimes work in conjunction with hackers operating out of Russia, China and Iran were civil society organisations, internet subcultures, youth targeting the staff and associates of both Donald Trump groups and fringe movements; groups who may be and Joe Biden ahead of the US election last year. In motivated by genuinely held beliefs but whose causes Argentina, a “deepfake” video was used to manipulate may ultimately be damaged by those who strategically the Minister of Security to make her appear drunk. spread disinformation or computational propaganda. As for China, a 2017 Harvard paper estimated that Take, for example, Turning Point, a right-wing youth the Chinese Government employ 2 million people to pressure group. A US Senate report found that its social write 448 million social media posts a year. The primary media activity was regularly co-opted and reposted by purpose of this activity is to keep online discussions the Internet Research Agency, which is known in Russian away from sensitive political topics. Closer to home, the slang as the “trolls from Olgino”. long-delayed Russia report from the Intelligence and Security Committee confirmed that there was “credible The use of third-party campaigning organisations open source commentary” suggesting that Russia tried can also be a way to rig the system—to channel illegal to influence the Scottish independence referendum and levels of funds and campaigns, or at the very least to subsequent elections. Yet astonishingly it seems that the exploit gaps in our outdated electoral laws in order to Government have not yet sought to find evidence of press political agendas. Many questions have rightly interference in the EU referendum and instead took an been asked about the official Vote Leave campaign’s ostrich-like approach to defending our democratic process. techniques, their links to other groups, the “dark money” At the very least, I would hope that the Government spent and their micro-targeting techniques, used in breach could be looking to implement the recommendations of of privacy laws. the ISC report. As the Vote Leave campaign demonstrated, tougher It is not just foreign interference that is at stake here; rules are needed in the conduct of future referenda, as the UK has to get its own house in order. There are well as elections. The Scottish Government introduced questions about data-driven profiling and Facebook the Referendums (Scotland) Act 2020 to better regulate advertising by political actors in the UK. In the 2019 the conduct of any future referendum, where they have general election, 90% of the Conservative party’sFacebook the power to do so, including on campaign spending advertisements in early December were labelled as and donations. I would like to see further action to misleading by Full Fact. The real danger of this kind of tighten the rules in this place too. misleading content is that cyber-troop tactics can then Fighting cyber-troops is complex and has to be tackled be used to amplify it to the extent that, by the time it is on several fronts, with governments, civil society,academia rebutted, it has already reached thousands of feeds. The and technology businesses all having a role to play. The Conservatives even tried to rebrand their Twitter output social media giants must certainly be better regulated 109WH Cyber-troop Activity: UK9 MARCH 2021 Cyber-troop Activity: UK 110WH

[Owen Thompson] reforms to protect free and fair elections. However, if I cannot have that, we need to have it moving forward on and take greater responsibility for what is published. I another basis. therefore welcome the moves to improve regulation This is not a party political issue; it is about integrity through the online safety Bill. in public life. Political differences are healthy, as is However,the misinformation and disinformation being debate, but the tactics of division and disinformation propagated by cyber-troops is clearly an ongoing and from cyber-troops are a cancer on all political discourse, growing aspect of online harms, so it is disappointing and it is spreading too fast to ignore. We all have a that this aspect has not been robustly tackled through moral imperative to take action, and I call on this these proposals. There are half-hearted plans from the Government to do so. Government for digital imprints, which is a move in the right direction, towards greater transparency, but it 5.4 pm does not go far enough or fast enough. The get-out clause, which is that the imprint can be located in an Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I thank the hon. “accessible alternative location linked to the material”, Member for Midlothian (Owen Thompson) for setting the scene so well. He knows that we do not agree on is not good enough. everything—far from it—but there are many things that Online political advertising remains largely unregulated, we do agree on, and I echo his concerns. This is not and there is nothing from the Government so far that about hearing a point of view that we may disagree shows a determination to better regulate against indecent with; it is about whether something is right; whether it is and dishonest material, dark ads or data targeting. At true. the very least, we need to see who is using citizens’ data I was looking through The Times today, and one of and why, as well as why people see particular ads. I the stories refers to fake news and also a fake review, believe that, on this front, the European regulatory where facts are disputed and questioned. Fake news, as plans go further than those of the UK. the hon. Gentleman referred to, can suddenly become I am aware of the challenges with regulating and the perceived truth when quite clearly it is not. I remember fact-checking political content, but it is not impossible many years ago, when I was a young boy, some people to overcome these, and it is essential that this is looked at school telling me that if you tell a lie often enough, at urgently. It is no longer enough simply to rely on a people will believe it. Whether that is true or not, I sense of fair play and “a fair crack of the whip for all suspect that sometimes it is true. People tell a story or a sides” to manage the truth amidst the overwhelming so-called fact over and over, and suddenly somebody barrage of information being dumped upon us. There is will say it is true. That worries me greatly. no chance for rebuttals from opponents when so much The hon. Member for Midlothian referred to voter content can spread so widely and maliciously, without suppression, and he mentioned the United States of any clarity or transparency on the sources. America as an example. What happens in America very It is not enough to treat the threat of cyber-troops as often ends up happening here—it is said that when solely an electoral phenomenon. The Government’s America sneezes, we catch a cold. If that is right, then counter-disinformation unit is usually only operational we need to be really on top of what is happening. The during periods of heightened vulnerability, when we hon. Gentleman referred to three countries, but I will know that cyber-troops are working to sow division and refer to four. Other countries that are very much involved discord every minute of every day. in voter suppression, fake news and telling the truth in a way that suits their political ambitions are Russia, China, Much needs to be done to reform the rules, strengthen Iran and North Korea. In the press a few months ago democracy and restore faith in our democratic processes, they were talking about the ability that North Korea yet there has been disappointingly slow progress now has to do this as well. so far. Many organisations, such as Reset and the Fair I think the Government really need to be on top of Vote Project, are working on this alongside the all- this and know what has been put out as wrong and party parliamentary groups on electoral campaigning untruthful, and respond to it in a really positive fashion. transparency and digital regulation and responsibility. I have done the armed forces parliamentary scheme They are doing the research and taking forward proposals over the years. The last time we did it was with the on a cross-party basis, so a lot of the heavy lifting has Royal Air Force and the first couple of times was with already been done on the Government’s behalf. the Army. Last time, even with those few years of However, the Government have given no indication difference between when I did it way back in 2012 and that they collect data on cyber-troop activity, despite 2013 and again in 2018, I could see how the role of the the important role that they should be playing in analysing Ministry of Defence and the RAF was changing, even and assessing this threat. When I have raised questions compared with just four or five years ago. I just wanted about cyber-troops, I have been advised, in response, to highlight that. I very much look forward to the that the Government’sfine-sounding “defending democracy Minister’s response—I say that nicely, but she knows I programme” is tackling this. However, from what I have mean it—which I hope will give us the important found so far, it does not seem to be doing very much. reassurance that we seek. Perhaps the Minister can point me to something other I do not want to say much more but I will refer to a than that when she responds today. couple more things if I may. Misinformation can be a We need to stop kicking this into the long grass. danger. A comment deliberately taken out of context There is plenty of evidence of the threats from both can and has caused irreparable harm. The good book—the within and outwith the UK. I have previously called for Bible—says that the word is mightier than the sword. It a debate, in Government time, on the need for electoral certainly is. It can hurt more. Surgically, the sword can 111WH Cyber-troop Activity: UK9 MARCH 2021 Cyber-troop Activity: UK 112WH bleed you, but words spoken out of tune, out of place Sir Charles Walker (in the Chair): We now go to the and hurtfully can strike deeper to the heart than anything Front-Bench speakers, who have five minutes each, else. I am always very aware of that as well. until the Minister, who has 10 minutes. I support the notion of combating this at Governmental level, which is why I look to the Minister for a positive 5.13 pm and helpful response. However—I know the hon. Member Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Glasgow South) (SNP) for Midlothian will understand my point—neither can [V]: It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair this evening, we be in the position of becoming the guardian of Sir Charles, and to serve under your chairmanship for speech. Sir Charles, you are one of those who believes in this debate secured by my hon. Friend the Member for free speech, and I believe that we must remain free; we Midlothian (Owen Thompson). must possess the ability to have opposing views, and a way that we can agree to differ and still be friends at the Disinformation, and state-sponsored disinformation end of it. That is always what I look to do in the campaigns in particular, is an issue close to my heart, comments that I make. We must possess the ability to and I know it is close to my hon. Friend’s heart. have opposing views and state them in a non-threatening Disinformation represents a growing threat, as was factual way, with the truth very much in place. adumbrated in the Oxford Internet Institute’s report he referenced in his opening remarks. It is not just that I watched the polarisation that took place in the there are now more so-called cyber-troops working on United States over the last election, and in this nation in disinformation campaigns but that they are growing in reference to Brexit. I am a Brexiteer, and I am glad that sophistication, the amount of money being spent on we are out of the EU—as a Northern Ireland MP, I that around the globe has grown into the many millions, know there are obviously issues with the deal, but I am and the threat is going only in one direction. glad that we are out—but how much of that was due to As we know from the events in Capitol Hill in January, the influences of a variety of forms of social media? disinformation has to radicalise only a relatively small percentage of the population to be a serious and violent The hon. Member for Midlothian referred to social threat not just to others in society but to democracy media, which we all know can be a plus, but it can also itself. Of course, there are countless examples of that in be an absolute curse that can destroy people and carry history throughout the world. We can even look—if all the wrong things. We all know friends, including anyone cares to—at the example of the bronze soldier colleagues in my party, who have been trolled, as I have of Tallinn in Estonia in 2007. been. Some of the comments are absolutely despicable My staff probably try to protect me from it, which, by The hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) is the way, is not a bad thing, because an ill spoken word right to highlight that this is not about regulating people’s can be mightier than the sword. opinions and views. He is a staunch Unionist who I have a lot of respect for, and I am a staunch supporter We need to watch our words and ensure that our of Scottish independence. It is an idea that has been truth does not eclipse the truth. When I say, “our around since around 843 AD and is a perfectly mainstream truth”, I do not mean my truth or the hon. Gentleman’s view to hold, albeit that I accept it is not held by a truth; I mean someone putting out what they refer to as majority of those appearing in the debate this evening. “the truth” when it is not. The balance will be hard to However, the Scottish National party recognises how find, but I believe that he, like me, wants to find that we in particular can be targeted, to be used as a means balance. That is the thrust of what he said, and I to sow division, through hostile actors weaponising a support that. I encourage the Government to use mainstream, legitimate idea. We do not want that to publications such as the “Industrialized Disinformation: happen. We want our debates to be conducted entirely 2020 Global Inventory of Organized Social Media properly. Manipulation” report, published by the University of I want to call for a couple of things. Members of Oxford, along with other evidence to find an informed Parliament need a greater understanding of the threat and balanced way forward. picture. When we talk about the sophisticated network The hon. Gentleman referred to integrity and said of cyber-troops, exactly what does that mean? I ask the that debate is healthy. So it is. I am always happy to Government to facilitate briefings on the threat picture. speak to anyone who has a different point of view from I also want us to have a national strategy to counter me because there is no threat in that, but we should be disinformation. It should build information resilience, able to debate in a healthy and constructive way and, at and not just among young people in schools—important the end of it, still be able to go our different ways, though that is. The strategy should reach every part of perhaps still with our own points of view. the population. The pandemic has surely shown us why that is important. I finish with a biblical quote as I sometimes like to do Lastly—we could go on much longer, I am sure—I in debates, and I hold strongly to this. I was sat here, plead with the Government, while accepting that it is thinking: not the departmental responsibility of the Minister: the “the truth will set you free”. ISC recommendations in the Russia report must be implemented. There is agreement across all the parties I knew that from an early age as a young boy in the in the House on that, and the Government must implement children’s meetings in my village and back home in those recommendations, disinformation being one of Ballywalter. It is true in political life, it is true in social the many areas where not just the UK but many open life and it is true in everything. The truth will set you societies are vulnerable. There is a good discussion that free. We need to hold to the truth. I very much look we could have, that would be free of party political heat, forward to the Minister’s response. to ensure that we do that, and build a resilient democracy 113WH Cyber-troop Activity: UK9 MARCH 2021 Cyber-troop Activity: UK 114WH

[Stewart Malcolm McDonald] are critical of the Government, and the Czech Republic seeks to provide neutral fact-checking services. However, that allows ideas to be debated and to flourish as they negative strategies are used, as we have heard. should in any free, open society. I think we can all agree These Government-sponsored accounts are not always on that. run directly by the services whose message they are spreading, nor is that message always obvious. The Sir Charles Walker (in the Chair): In these one-hour University of Oxford research found one Russian cyber- debates the two Opposition Front Benchers get five minutes trooper who ran a fortune-telling blog that provided each, but, since we have a bit of time, if the Labour insight into relationships, weight loss, feng shui, and shadow Minister would like to take a little longer, she just occasionally geopolitics, with the goal of weaving can. I hope that all Ministers’ and shadow Ministers’ propaganda seamlessly into what appeared to be the offices make them aware of the rules on Westminster non-political musings of an everyday person. The serious Hall debates and timings; but please, shadow Minister, point is that this can be very hard to detect by the most have a little longer. It is not as if we are short of time at informed consumer. the moment. With the vast range of activities, sources and strategies deployed by cyber-troops, it is important to keep up 5.17 pm with the changing geopolitical landscape, so I ask the Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): Minister to tell me what assessment has been made of Thank you, Sir Charles. I greatly appreciate that, but in these measures deployed by cyber-troops across the any case I would like to start by saying what a pleasure world, and specifically what the impact is on UK citizens it is to serve under your chairship, and what appropriate and our democracy. The emergence of these strategies discretion you show. and threats is a threat to our democracy,which emphasises I congratulate and thank the hon. Member for the importance of collaboration with our friends and Midlothian (Owen Thompson), who called today’sdebate. allies to fully map the threats that we face. We have The internet plays an ever-increasing role in our lives, as heard of the well-publicised Russian disinformation the pandemic has shown. Our work, social and family campaign in the US 2016 election, as well as our lack of lives, and our Parliament, are all largely online, and we resilience, and even as our service personnel are mobilised get our news from online sources and develop our to help contain the pandemic, our adversaries are feeding politics digitally.Research by Ofcom shows that Facebook disinformation and division into our communities. That now rivals ITV as the second most popular news source shows how essential public understanding is in a crisis, for UK adults. That is reflected at party level. In 2018 and that the enemies of democracy will exploit every the UK’s three largest parties spent £3.7 million on weakness. The Government launched the armed forces Facebook advertising alone, which, as Members have cyber-regiment last year. That is good, but I ask the observed, is largely unregulated. Minister why it took so long, and whether we have We live in a digital age and there are, unsurprisingly, already been exposed to digital hostility. perhaps, emerging digital threats to our democracy, so The hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) today’s debate is overdue and I am concerned that the emphasised the changing role of the armed forces, and I Government are weak on online protections, and are pay tribute to his work with the armed forces. What presiding over continuing delays to the online safety Bill discussions has the Minister had with the Secretary of as well as failing to decisively oversee the impact of State for Defence specifically on cyber-troops? There Huawei on our telecoms networks. can be confusion between the responsibilities of the As we have heard, cyber-troops are Government military National Cyber Security Centre and those of Ofcom in or political party teams, committed to manipulating this key area, so could she outline where the demarcation public opinion over social media. I want to congratulate is there? As we have heard, cyber-troops operate primarily the hon. Member for Midlothian again. I was the first on social media: Facebook, Google, YouTube, Instagram, Member of Parliament to mention the internet of things Reddit, Twitter, and all parts of our social lives, as well in the House. As I understand it, he is the first Member as our work lives and consumer lives. However, we have of Parliament to mention cyber-troops in a debate, and little control over how that content is curated. Facebook in congratulating him—it is, as we have heard, a very itself says that millions of users have been exposed to important subject—I wonder why the Government are coronavirus disinformation, so I ask the Minister why not bringing forward or raising issues of this importance. we are so slow to introduce any effective regulation of It has been 11 years since the earliest reports of organised online content, when the online safety Bill will be before social media manipulation in 2010, which coincided us, and whether it will include anything to address with the first Conservative Government after Labour. cyber-troops. Members have mentioned the research by the University The hon. Member for Midlothian also highlighted of Oxford that found that cyber-troop teams use a the impact of disinformation on our democracy specifically. variety of strategies, tools and techniques, but they What discussions has the Minister had about the need often have an overarching communications strategy to reform our electoral system to protect it from foreign that involves creating official Government applications, interference, as the Electoral Commission and the Law websites or platforms for disseminating content, using Commission have set out in a number of reports? Does accounts that are either real, fake, or automated to she accept that cyber-troops warrant reform to our interact with users on social media, or creating substantive electoral laws, and what recommendations does she content such as images, videos or blog posts—fake have, if any? images, as well. They do not have to be sinister or It is harder than ever to trust what we see online, with abusive in themselves: for example, Israel deploys the fake images pretending to be from reputable sources policy of positive interactions with social media users who such as the BBC and so on. As we have heard, the 115WH Cyber-troop Activity: UK9 MARCH 2021 Cyber-troop Activity: UK 116WH

Government were themselves guilty of that during the that UK citizens have access to accurate information 2019 general election, when they changed their official when it comes to elections but also situations such as social media channels to appear as unbiased, neutral our current pandemic; it is vital to our democracy and fact-checkers. The bots may be following the Prime everyday life as well. Disinformation and mis-information, Minister, but is the Prime Minister following the bots? which is spread without intention, threaten our democratic So far, the Government appear content to leave those freedoms and can cause harm to individuals and society, issues to the market, but it is a market that has allowed and it is an issue that the Government take incredibly the spread of disinformation, opening the door to cyber- seriously. troops. Self-regulation by the social media giants has That is why we established a dedicated counter- failed, and they have made little progress. Twitter has disinformation unit, which brings together cross- begun checking some of its posts, and Mark Zuckerberg Government monitoring and analysis capabilities to has rolled back on his declaration that Facebook would build a comprehensive picture of disinformation and not become the arbiter of peace, but that is too little, misinformation. It works with partners to ensure too late, and there is not enough progress. Will the appropriate action is taken. The hon. Gentleman rightly Minister explain why the only requirement that she said that this unit that has generally been stood up places on those platforms is that they should not make at elections; it was stood up during the European money from disinformation? Surely there has to be a parliamentary elections, the UK general election in higher standard than not directly profiting from it. 2019 and again in March last year to respond to the Finally, anonymity is a complex issue, but the sheer covid pandemic, and it remains operational. The component scale of misinformation, online abuse and extremism parts of the unit remain operational all the time— means that there has to be more we can do. We recognise organisations such as the 77th Brigade, for example. anonymity as a shield for whisteblowers, victims finding Throughout the pandemic particularly, the unit has refuge online, or children in minorities exploring self- been working closely with social media platforms to expression, but how does the Minister see the relationship quickly identify potential harmful content on their platforms between anonymity and the work of cyber-troops? Is and help them respond to it. We have seen major she looking at the trade-off of protecting privacy and platforms update their terms of service and introduce free speech—the hon. Member for Strangford talked new measures to tackle disinformation and misinformation about the importance of free speech, and I echo that related to covid-19. This is not just about not being able point—and protecting our democracy and citizens from to profit from it; a really important part of the agreement harm and abuse? Inaction is to make the worst trade-off is that they also put up links to reliable,Government-backed of them all. sources of information. We welcome this, and there is This Government have been in place, in one form or clearly more to do. We continue to put pressure on another, since 2010, and in that time we have seen a platforms to ensure that their policies and enforcement dramatic change in the prominence and the role that the are fit for purpose, while respecting freedom of expression. online world plays in our lives, our democracy, our news The unit also works with Government communications and our understanding of the world, yet we have seen teams to ensure that public communications and community no action from the Government. Understanding mapping engagement address false information where appropriate and measuring the impact of cyber-troops on UK citizens to do so. is an action that any responsible Government should be taking. We have heard today about the ways in which Chi Onwurah: I thank the Minister for her comments cyber-troops are deployed, controlled and developed, and the information she is giving. Before she moves on but those strategies will not stay the same—they will from the unit for disinformation, when I asked recently continue to evolve—and we are not even playing catch-up, how many full-time employees it had, the answer was because we do not seem to be in the game at all. I am none. She has talked about how spread out it is, but really pleased that those key points have been raised in given the increased importance of disinformation, will the debate, and I hope that the Minister will set out in there be full-time employees in the unit or will they all her response the action that the Government will take. have other things to do as well as disinformation?

5.28 pm Caroline Dinenage: It is a unit that expands. There are full-time members of staff dedicated to this, but that is The Minister for Digital and Culture (Caroline Dinenage): obviously a tiny number in normal circumstances. It It is a great pleasure to serve under your stewardship, expands enormously when the Government disinformation Sir Charles. I join everyone else in thanking the hon. unit is stood up. Member for Midlothian (Owen Thompson) for bringing forward this really important topic. I know that he has Jim Shannon: The hon. Member for Newcastle upon long been a really powerful and strong voice on the Tyne Central (Chi Onwurah) has referred to the numbers subject, and he is absolutely right to keep bringing in the unit, but surely the close working with the police attention to the issue,because the worrying industrialisation forces across all the regions gives extra numerical strength in disinformation is something that we should all be to what the Government are trying to do. concerned about. A number of Members have spoken about the increasing Caroline Dinenage: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely sophistication of digital technology. Even this week right. We are working closely with the police and also there was a deepfake of Tom Cruise on TikTok; it was the Army,as I have mentioned. I am always slightly nervous incredibly lifelike and plausible and was not intended about what I am allowed to say around this issue, not for sinister purposes. That only underlines what is the being an MOD Minister, but there is the 77th Brigade, art of the possible if that technology is in the hands of which is a military unit dedicated to this sort of activity those who are up to no good. It has always been vital and with which we work very closely. 117WH Cyber-troop Activity: UK9 MARCH 2021 Cyber-troop Activity: UK 118WH

[Caroline Dinenage] with the Oxford Internet Institute and other stakeholders from civil society, academia and industry to much better While such information can come from a range of understand the issues in this space. In particular, last sources, we know that certain states routinely use it as a year the Government launched a counter-disinformation tool to exploit our open system by sowing division and policy forum, bringing together key actors in industry, undermining trust in our democracy,as the hon. Gentleman civil society and academia to improve responses to said. This can be through disinformation, cyber-attacks misinformation and disinformation and, crucially, to and other methods. We have made it clear that any prepare for future threats. This forum contributes to the foreign interference in the UK’s democratic process is collective understanding of challenges to the information absolutely unacceptable—it does not even need to be ecosystem, allows us to improve the responses that our said—and it is, and always will be, an absolute priority organisations can deliver to better mitigate evolving to protect the UK against it. The UK, along with our threats posed by false narrative and helps us to prepare G7 and NATO partners, is working hard to protect our for future advances in technology, which is of course democracy against disinformation as we work together what we are all really worried about; as we have already to tackle the shared threat of covid-19. said, the technology evolves rapidly. We remain firmly committed to protecting our We are entering a new age of accountability for democratic values and our electoral processes, which I the tech industry. The hon. Member for Midlothian know the hon. Member for Midlothian is concerned and others mentioned the online safety legislation. about, and we have robust systems in place to protect We announced plans at the end of last year for a the UK against foreign interference. As he says, it is all groundbreaking rulebook that will make tech companies about working collaboratively.These systems bring together responsible for tackling harmful content on their sites. Government, civil society and private sector organisations This new regulatory framework will give digital businesses to monitor and respond to interference in whatever much more robust rules of the road, as it were, so that form it takes. The hon. Member for Newcastle upon we can seize the brilliance of modern technology to Tyne Central (Chi Onwurah) talked about these things improve our lives while protecting children, building sometimes coming in the guise of something that could trust and, crucially, tackling criminal activity online. look quite harmless but can actually be incredibly sinister. The full Government response to the online harms It is absolutely vital to ensure that our democracy White Paper was published at the end of last year and stays open, vibrant and transparent. The Government set out how the proposed legal duty of care on online are strengthening our legislative framework, enhancing companies will work in practice. It will of course defend capabilities and engaging with partners to expand our freedom of expression and the role of the free press. efforts to ensure the maximum impact. That joined-up The new laws will also ensure appropriate checks and approach is supported through the defending democracy balances on platforms’ power over public discourse programme, based in the Cabinet Office, which provides and will promote a thriving democracy where pluralism a strategic co-ordinating forum, drawing together work and freedom of expression are protected. The laws will and expertise across Departments on a number of fronts have robust and proportionate measures to deal with to protect democratic processes, strengthen the integrity misinformation and disinformation. That is crucial, of elections,encourage respect for open and safe democratic because we know that they can cause significant physical participation, and promote open, fact-based discourse. or psychological harm to an individual. An example is The Government are taking steps to strengthen elections the anti-vax falsehoods that we are seeing around covid-19 by introducing legislation, as the hon. Member for at the moment. Crucially, the Bill will give Ofcom the Midlothian said, to ensure that the framework is fit tools it needs to understand how effectively disinformation for the modern age, for example by updating online is being addressed. That will be done through transparency campaigning rules. In May 2019, the Government reports, and then it can take action in the appropriate committed to introducing a digital imprints regime, way, as required. which will inform voters about the source of online campaign material. In August, we launched a technical Chi Onwurah: I thank the Minister for her comments. consultation on this proposal. It closed in November, I asked about the role of Ofcom with regard to cyber-troops and further details will be set out shortly. and electoral disinformation and whether she sees a role During major democratic events, the Government for Ofcom and the NCSC there. stand up an election cell—a co-ordinated structure that works with relevant organisations to identify and respond Caroline Dinenage: As the hon. Lady knows, the to emerging issues and protect the safety and security of NCSC is not a regulator, but it provides authoritative the democratic process. The counter-disinformation unit advice, and the online harms response says very clearly works closely with the election cell, co-ordinating the that it is vital that Ofcom is able to take advice, if Government’s operational response to any evolving threat necessary, from experts in whatever field, whether civil of disinformation and other forms of online manipulation. society, charities, academia or businesses. They will The Government are working really closely with partners have to work together very collaboratively, because it is to support the delivery of safe and inclusive elections. Ofcom’s job to hold companies to account to ensure Of course, the next ones will be very shortly, in May. that this issue is being tackled appropriately. The Government welcome the valuable analysis and It is important to say that we really do support insight from academia, including the Oxford University freedom of expression as a fundamental right. It is an report, and we take seriously the findings of other essential element of the full range of human rights. experts in this field. Countering disinformation and Therefore, while we take action to address false narratives other forms of manipulation requires a whole-of-society online, we have to remain committed to protecting the approach, and the Government are working closely freedom of expression that we are so well known for, 119WH Cyber-troop Activity: UK9 MARCH 2021 Cyber-troop Activity: UK 120WH across our nations. However, our commitment to tackling tackling some of these things, especially misinformation misinformation and disinformation in all their forms online. We have seen the importance of that through the remains an absolutely key priority. Our challenge as a current pandemic. The public need to be able to have society is to help to shape the internet so that it remains confidence in the information that they access. open and vibrant but still protects users from all kinds In a nutshell, the issue comes back to what the hon. of harm. It is a really difficult balance to strike, but our Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) said. He very commitment to protecting our democratic freedoms ably made the point that it is so important that we are and processes from outside interference by any actor, able to agree to disagree. I do not think that anybody is whether state or non-state, remains unwavering. suggesting that we need to have any kind of thought control or that everybody has to have the same opinions. Sir Charles Walker (in the Chair): Mr Thompson, It is important that we do not, but it is important also would you like to give us a couple more minutes in that we can have confidence that those views and opinions winding up the debate? are presented in a way that is accurate and factual.

5.42 pm Sir Charles Walker (in the Chair): I thank colleagues Owen Thompson: Thank you, Sir Charles. I will briefly for facilitating and conducting such an excellent debate. thank all hon. Members for their contributions this Question put and agreed to. afternoon. I think we have seen a very clear understanding Resolved, that it is in all our interests to ensure that we tackle this That this House has considered cyber troop activity in the UK. issue and get it right. I very much endorse the comments of my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow South (Stewart Malcolm McDonald) about seeking a strategy, 5.43 pm because we are starting to see a swell of opinion for Sitting adjourned.

27WS Written Statements 9 MARCH 2021 Written Statements 28WS

Help online platforms to tackle the wider issue of abuse Written Statements online; and Tuesday 9 March 2021 Improve public recognition of the value of journalists. Preventing intimidation in elections CABINET OFFICE In due course, the Government will legislate to introduce Tackling Intimidation in Public Life a new electoral sanction of intimidation against those who participate in elections and contribute to the political The Minister for the Constitution and Devolution (Chloe debate, including candidates and campaigners. This new Smith): I wish to update hon. Members on the steps sanction complements the existing offence of undue that the Government are taking to tackle intimidation influence against electors. in public life. Under this new electoral sanction, someone convicted In July 2017, the then Prime Minister commissioned of intimidating a candidate, future candidate, campaigner the Committee on Standards in Public Life to undertake or elected representative will face a ban on standing for a review into abuse and intimidation in elections. This and holding elective office for five years. This five-year followed concerning evidence from many parliamentary disqualification is in addition to the substantive punishment candidates across the political spectrum on their experiences for the underlying existing criminal offences of an during the 2017 general election. The Government’s intimidatory nature. It is simply not right that those who response to that report in March 2018 outlined the seek to damage free, fair and vibrant political participation Government’s planned programme of work in the area, should then be allowed to participate in the very same and the Committee has published its own follow-up to process they sought to undermine. its report in December 2020. Tackling intimidation in public life also forms an We have already updated electoral law to ensure local important part of the defending democracy programme, candidates can choose for their home address to not be a cross-Government initiative led by the Cabinet Office. made public; the local authority area in which they live can appear on the ballot paper instead. Protecting free speech within the law It is important to distinguish between strongly felt The Government will also be legislating to require political debate on the one hand, and unacceptable acts imprints on digital campaigning material. While this of abuse, intimidation and violence on the other. British will increase transparency in modern campaigning, it democracy has always been robust and oppositional. will also ensure greater scrutiny and accountability of Free speech within the law can sometimes involve those who promote material, including third party the expression of political views that some may find campaigners. The Cabinet Office has undertaken two offensive: a point that the Government have recognised separate consultations on this area, as it is complex. We in the Department for Education’s policy paper, “Higher need to be mindful not to impose excessive regulation education: free speech and academic freedom”, published of free speech by individuals, nor force campaigners last month. But a line is crossed when disagreement to publish their home addresses as part of the imprint mutates into intimidation, which refuses to tolerate requirement. other opinions and seeks to deprive others from exercising The Government will also legislate to clarify and their free speech and freedom of association. improve the offence of undue influence of a voter. We Tackling threats to MPs want to ensure that the offence offers adequate protection The Home Office is responding today, on behalf of for electors to be free from undue influence and that the Government, to the Joint Committee on Human Rights offence is effective for enforcement agencies. This reflects report, “Democracy, freedom of expression and freedom recommendations made by the Pickles review into electoral of association: Threats to MPs”. fraud, following the 2015 election court relating to elections This outlines how the Government are addressing the in Tower Hamlets. concerns raised in the report on: Parties leading on codes of conduct and support The need for collaboration to tackle the issue of threats to MPs; The Government response to the Committee on The national approach to prosecuting offences against MPs; Standards in Public Life report asserted that all political The online abuse and harassment faced by MPs; and parties should put in place their own individual, tailored, Policing around Parliament and beyond. code of conduct which sets out the standards of behaviour expected of their party members and representatives. Ensuring safety of journalists All of the political parties represented in the House of Also today, the Department for Digital, Culture, Commons now have in place their own code of conduct. Media and Sport is publishing the first National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists. The Government did not, and does not, support a The Government’s aim is to ensure that journalists joint code. This is impractical given there are over operating in the UK are as safe as possible; reduce the 300 registered political parties, and since joint codes number of attacks on and threats issued to journalists; may fuel and encourage the issuing of politically vexatious and ensure those that are responsible for such are brought and unfounded complaints. to justice. In order to support this goal, it outlines how Many parties have significantly increased their support the Government are taking steps to: for elected representatives who face abuse. Increase our understanding of the problem; Enhance the criminal justice system response in tackling Providing guidance for MPs crimes against journalists; The Government have worked with the Law Officers Support journalists and their employers to build the resources to publish new guidance from the Crown Prosecution they need to protect personal safety; Service (CPS) on the laws on intimidation, and the wide 29WS Written Statements 9 MARCH 2021 Written Statements 30WS range of areas in which intimidation can be prosecuted BUSINESS, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL under existing laws. This has been complemented by police STRATEGY guidance from the National Police Chiefs’Council (NPCC). For hon. Members who have not previously read the Covid-19: Industrial Development Act 1982 CPS guidance, it can be found at: Responding to intimidating behaviour: Information for The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Parliamentarians: Energy and Industrial Strategy (Paul Scully): I am tabling https://www.cps.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/ this statement for the benefit of hon. Members to bring publications/responding-to-intimidating-behaviour-04- to their attention spend under the Industrial Development 2019. Act 1982. In addition to the obligation to report on spend under the Industrial Development Act annually, The NPCC, CPS, College of Policing and Electoral the Coronavirus Act 2020 created a new quarterly reporting Commission have also issued Joint Guidance for Candidates requirement for spend which has been designated as in Elections, which is distributed by the Electoral coronavirus-relatedundertheCoronavirusAct.Thisstatement Commission: fulfils that purpose. https://www.electoraslcommission.org.uk/sites/default/ The statement also includes a report of the movement files/pdf_file/Joint-Guidance-for-Candidates-in- in contingent liability during the quarter. Hon. Members Elections. will wish to note that measures such as local authority Action on online communications grants, the coronavirus job retention scheme and self- employed income support scheme, and tax measures The Government have published their full response such as the suspension of business rates are not provided to the Online Harms White Paper consultation. The under the Industrial Development Act 1982 and hence response confirms that Ofcom will be named as the are not included below. independent regulator, who will oversee the regulatory This report covers the third quarter of 2020, from framework, setting clear safety standards, backed up by 1 July to 30 September 2020, in accordance with the mandatory reporting requirements and strong enforcement CoronavirusAct.Thewrittenministerialstatementcovering powers to deal with non-compliance. Legislation will thesecondquarterof 2020waspublishedon18January2021. follow in due course. Spend under the Coronavirus Act 2020 We expect companies to take action now, ahead of Under the Coronavirus Act 2020, there is a requirement the regulatory framework coming into force. We have to lay before Parliament details of the amount of assistance set out steps that we expect companies to take across a designated as coronavirus-related provided in each relevant range of harms on a voluntary basis ahead of legislation quarter. In the period from 1 July to 30 September 2020, being finalised. These include ensuring products and the following expenditures were incurred: services are safe by design and that users who have experienced harm are directed to, and are able to receive, Actualexpenditureof assistanceprovidedbyHerMajesty’s £647,308,581 adequate support. While it is not for the Government to Government from 1 July 2020 to 30 September 2020 dictate how companies allocate resources internally, we All expenditure of assistance provided by Her Majesty’s £694,945,581 have been clear that platforms need to do significantly Government from 25 March 2020 more to address online abuse. We are also ensuring that the criminal law is fit for Expenditure by Department purpose to deal with online abuse. The Department for Actual expenditure of assistance provided by: Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the Ministry of Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy £694,908,581 Justice engaged the Law Commission on a second phase Competition Appeal Tribunal £ 37,000 of itsreviewof abusiveandoffensiveonlinecommunications. Thisincludedconsideringwhetherco-ordinatedharassment Contingent liability under the Coronavirus Act 2020 by groups of people online could be more effectively dealt with by the criminal law. The Law Commission Contingent liability of assistance provided by the £ 18,985,945,140 has now consulted on proposed recommendations for Secretary of State from 1 July 2020 to 30 September reform. It will provide final recommendations in 2021, 2020 which we will carefully consider. All contingent liability of assistance provided by £ 49,442,128,910 the Secretary of State from 25 March 2020 The Government are engaging with international partners [HCWS832] to promote international consensus on what constitutes hate crime and intimidation online. The Government are currently working with international partners on this issue in the Council of Europe. DIGITAL, CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT I hope this outlines how the Government are continuing National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists to work to deliver their commitments to tackle intimidation in public life. The Government are open and receptive to ideas from hon. Members and other elected representatives The Minister for Media and Data (Mr John Whittingdale): on what further steps can be taken to protect the exercise Today, the Government will publish the UK’s first of free speech and democratic representation across the “National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists”. United Kingdom. This ambitious document is intended to ensure that [HCWS833] journalists operating in the UK can do so free from abuse, violence and threats of harm. This Government 31WS Written Statements 9 MARCH 2021 Written Statements 32WS are committed to a free and open media. In order to ensure that children and families can be supported in protect this, journalists must be free to carry out their the best way possible despite the restrictions in place vital roles free from threats and violence. Threats to across society. journalists’safety are not just threats to individuals—such At the beginning of the pandemic, the Government threats lead to journalists leaving the profession, and to introduced a series of temporary changes to the Adoption self-censorship of those that remain. Without action in and Children (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations this area, there will be less challenge to those in power, to support children’s social care services. These changes and weaker democracy. This work is critical in its own provided flexibilities to local authorities and other children’s right, and it will also serve to support the ongoing work social care settings, in the event that services suffered by the Government to tackle intimidation in public life. from high levels of staff absence or an increased need An update on this is also being published today. for services supporting vulnerable children. We made The plan has been produced by members of the no amendments to primary legislation, and the vast National Committee for Safety of Journalists, established majorityof statutorydutiesinsecondarylegislationremained in 2020, chaired by relevant Home Office and DCMS unchanged. Ministers, and comprising representatives of police and Over the summer we reviewed these flexibilities and prosecutors from across the UK, as well as publishers, decided that only a small number continued to be broadcasters, groups representing journalists and non- needed. Following a consultation, a second set of regulations governmental organisations. with fewer flexibilities—the Adoption and Children It focuses on five key areas: increasing our understanding (Coronavirus) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations—came of the problem; enhancing the criminal justice system into force in September 2020. These are due to lapse on response in tackling crimes against journalists; supporting 31 March 2021. journalists and their employers to build the resources The extraordinary measures the Government have they need to protect personal safety; helping online taken over the last year means that we are now in a platforms to tackle the wider issue of online abuse, and much better position to ease the restrictions that everyone improving public recognition of the value of journalists. has faced in the coming months. However, the challenges It makes a range of commitments from the Government, from the covid-19 pandemic remain significant and law enforcement agencies and industry. These include a Government believe that there may be circumstances in plan to launch a call for evidence into the scale of the which some services continue to face specific and exceptional threats facing journalists, the police working with the challenges into spring/summer. As more children are National Council for the Training of Journalists to provide seen by schools, and national restrictions ease further training on police operations for journalists and the and hitherto hidden harms may come to light, we must provision of guidance to help journalists understand be prepared for the potential additional demands that the law in this area by the Media Lawyers Association. may still be placed on services. The committee will hold its members to account for We therefore went out to public consultation on the delivery of these commitments while the action plan 9 February to seek views on whether to extend all the and its impact will be reviewed regularly and updated if existing flexibilities for a further six months, up to and when appropriate. September 2021, and whether to amend arrangements A copy of the action plan will be placed in the Libraries for healthcare assessments in adoption. This statement of both Houses. updates the House on the outcome of that consultation. Attachments can be viewed online at: http://www. The consultation closed on 28 February and a total parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions- of 212 responses were received. Officials engaged with answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2021- stakeholders,including local authorities,charities,children’s 03-09/HCWS831/. rights organisations and other Government Departments [HCWS831] and captured the views of children and young people directly. The majority of respondents agreed with our proposals EDUCATION to extend the existing flexibilities in relation to virtual visits, medical reports—for fostering and adoption—and the minimum frequency of Ofsted inspections of children’s Covid-19: Children’s Social Care Services social care provision. I am therefore today laying regulations before the House to that effect. This means that: The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education General Practitioners and other health professionals will (Vicky Ford): Extension of temporary regulations to continue to be given more time to provide information to support the process of approving much needed potential support children’s social care during the coronavirus adopters and foster carers.This does not remove the requirement (covid-19) pandemic. for medical reports to be provided before the child is placed Throughout the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic, with the foster parent or adoptive parent, but allows some the Government have consistently put protecting the flexibility as to when in the process the report is required. most vulnerable at the forefront of our actions. The Social workers will continue to be able to carry out duties to our most vulnerable children, which are set virtual, rather than face-to face visits in some limited out in primary legislation, all remain in place. This circumstances. The regulations and guidance are clear that virtual visits should only happen when face to face visits statutory framework enables the most effective support would be contrary to public health advice, or where face to and protection to children and their families, by local face visits would otherwise not be reasonably practicable as authorities, local safeguarding partners and other services. a result of coronavirus. However, the impact of the coronavirus (covid-19) The requirement for a minimum frequency of Ofsted pandemic, has required the Government to introduce inspections for all children’s social care providers will continue a number of amendments to secondary legislation to to be suspended for six months, until 30 September 2021. 33WS Written Statements 9 MARCH 2021 Written Statements 34WS

Extending the flexibility will enable Ofsted to use their minded to extend the amendments that allow more time resources under existing inspection powers to carry out for General Practitioners and other health professionals inspections to as many providers as possible, prioritised on a to provide information to support the process of approving risk-assessed basis. It is important to note that extending this much needed potential adopters and foster carers. This flexibility does not prevent Ofsted from inspecting services or change their inspection powers, it only affects the frequency does not remove the requirement for medical reports to with which they must inspect. be provided but moves the time during the process that the report must be provided before the child is placed Alongside the regulations, I am today publishing the with the foster parent or adoptive parent. Government’s response to the consultation, setting out more detail on each flexibility, the rationale for our Virtual Visits approach and the views received. We must be able to keep essential services, such as As part of the consultation, we also asked for views social worker visits, operating during any local lockdowns, on two new proposals in relation to adoption: to allow and in cases where households are being required to medical reports to be completed by other qualified self-isolate due to a case, or suspected case, of covid-19, medical professionals and to remove the requirement or contact with someone who has tested positive for for a full medical examination. While a majority agreed covid-19, in line with medical advice from the NHS test with the first proposal, there were a greater number who and trace service. The Government recognise that visits disagreed with the second proposal, and concerns were by social workers to looked after children provide important raised in relation to safeguarding. This is an area on opportunities to consider children and young people’s which the Government places paramount importance safety and wellbeing and that virtual visits may not and we therefore want to give this further reflection. We always provide the best conditions. We have been clear arethereforenotproceedingwiththeseadditionalflexibilities in the consultation and in our guidance that visits should at this time. happen, whenever possible, face to face. The regulations and guidance explicitly provide that virtual visits should Protecting vulnerable children has been at the heart only happen when face to face visits would be contrary of the Government’sresponse to the virus.These regulations to public health advice, or where face to face visits would formed part of that response, alongside keeping schools otherwise not be reasonably practicable as a result of and other settings open for vulnerable children, substantial coronavirus. additional investment in local authority services and additional support direct to children, young people, The Government also recognise the importance of and their families. The Government are clear that these ensuring that social workers are well equipped to use flexibilities will only remain in place for as long as they virtual visits effectively. Therefore, I am suggesting that are needed and there currently are no plans to extend it is appropriate to continue to enable visits in these them beyond 30 September 2021. Their use will continue situations to happen virtually. However, in all other to be monitored and they will be reviewed in line with situations I would expect face to face visits to take place. the Government road map to recovery. Our guidance Ofsted inspections of children’s social care providers sets out clear safeguards about how and when they The Government and Ofsted are keen that routine should be used. inspections of children’s social care providers are resumed Since the introduction of the Adoption and Children as soon as it is safe to do so. At present, Ofsted (Coronavirus) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 inspection frequency cycles are suspended due to covid-19, we have kept the flexibilities under constant review. although it is continuing to register social care providers Data for the period from 25 September to 24 November and managers, and to monitor children’s homes where 2020 suggested that over half of local authorities were there are safeguarding concerns. Therefore, I am minded using both the existing temporary flexibilities—to enable to extend the suspension of the requirement for a virtual visits and to allow greater time to provide a minimum frequency of Ofsted inspections for all children’s medical report for a prospective foster carer or adopter. social care providers to be extended for six months, Out of 113 LAs that we had spoken to over 90 LAs had until 30 September 2021. Extending the flexibility will made use of the regulations. The most used related to enable Ofsted to use its resources under existing inspection virtual engagement with children and families—this powers to carry out inspections to as many providers as had often been used alongside face-to-face visits and, in possible, prioritised on a risk- assessed basis. some cases, this has resulted in greater levels of contact It is important to note that extending this flexibility between children, young people, parents, and carers—and does not prevent Ofsted from inspecting services or improved engagement from some young people. We will change its inspection powers, it only affects the frequency continue to monitor the usage of the flexibilities through with which they must inspect. During the covid-19 monitoring information collected from the Regional pandemic Ofsted is aiming to restart graded inspections Educational and Care Teams and delivery partners. from April although it will balance this with the nature Medical reports and extent of any covid-19 restrictions that might be in In order to become a foster carer or adoptive parent, place moving into the 2021-22 inspection year. one needs to provide a medical report from a General Throughout this pandemic, social workers, charities, Practitioner. As restrictions are eased and schools return, and others working to support our most vulnerable we expect that there may be more children needing care children and families have worked tirelessly to ensure than is usual, and therefore there will be a higher need that they continue to receive the support they need. I for potential adopters and foster carers. Our National would like to place on record my personal gratitude, Health Service (NHS) continues to face unprecedented and that of the whole Government, for everything they challenges during the ongoing pressure from the pandemic. have done and continue to do. I would also like to This is unlikely to ease for some time, even when the acknowledge the extremely difficult circumstances many country enters a period of recovery. Therefore, I am children and families have faced during this pandemic. 35WS Written Statements 9 MARCH 2021 Written Statements 36WS

Protecting vulnerable children remains our top priority, Confer powers on the police to obtain information about the as it does for local authorities and children’s social care location of human remains where there is no ongoing criminal providers across the country. As the country begins to investigation; return to a more normal way of life, it is absolutely right Strengthen police powers to tackle non-violent protests that that this also applies to children’s social care. have a significant disruptive effect on the public or on access [HCWS835] to Parliament; Strengthen police powers to tackle unauthorised encampments, HOME DEPARTMENT where trespassers cause distress and misery to local communities and businesses—the response to our consultation was being published on 8 March 2021 [HCWS826]; Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill Place on a statutory footing the police’s powers to charge for the provision of retraining courses for those admitting to The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Priti low-level driving offences and clarify their powers to charge Patel): This Government were elected on a clear manifesto for the removal of abandoned vehicles or those causing an commitment to make our country safer. This means obstruction; backing our police and preventing and cutting crime. Introduce serious violence reduction orders to confer on the The Police,Crime,Sentencing and Courts Bill, introduced police new targeted stop-and-search powers to tackle knife today, will do this by: equipping police officers with the crime offenders—the response to the consultation is being powers and tools they need to keep themselves and all published today—see below; of us safe; putting the police covenant into law; tackling Strengthen the management of sex offenders, including by unauthorised Traveller encampments; requiring schools, enabling positive obligations and electronic monitoring police, councils and health authorities to work together requirements to be imposed on those who pose a risk through through violence reduction units to prevent serious sexual harm prevention orders and sexual risk orders; crime; and empowering the police by a new court order Strengthen the management of terrorism risk offenders on to target known knife carriers, making it easier for licence in the community by introducing new police powers officers to stop and search those convicted of knife crime. of premises and personal search and an urgent power of This joint Bill also contains a number of Ministry of arrest, implementing recommendations made by Jonathan Hall, QC, following his independent review of multi-agency Justice-led measures, set out in a written ministerial public protection arrangements (MAPPA) [HCWS686]. statement by the Lord Chancellor. The Home Office-led measures in the Bill will: To support the parliamentary scrutiny of the Bill, we Establish a duty on the Home Secretary to publish an annual are publishing on www.gov.uk the following documents: report on the work undertaken against delivery of the police Overarching impact assessment covering the Home Office covenant—the response to our consultation was published and two Department for Transport measures; on 8 September 2020 [HCWS438]; Impact assessment on the reforms to pre-charge bail; Enable special constables to join the Police Federation of England and Wales; Impact assessment on the new serious violence duty; Amend the definitions of dangerous and careless driving in Delegated powers memorandum; road traffic legislation so that the skills and training of police officers can be taken into account should there be any European convention on human rights memorandum; and subsequent investigations into their actions—the response Fact sheets. to our consultation was published on 2 May 2019 [HCWS1536]; Introduce a new duty on specified authorities and bodies Serious Violence Reduction Orders delivering public services to collaborate with each other to Today we are also publishing the Government’sresponse prevent and reduce serious violence—the response to our to the consultation on Serious violence reduction orders consultation was published on 15 July 2019 [HCWS1721]; (SVROs) which ran from 14 September to 8 November Place a duty on the relevant chief officer of police, local 2020. We have received responses from the public, police, authority and clinical commissioning group or local health charities and other organisations and I am grateful to board to undertake a homicide review of the circumstances all those who provided responses. of the death of a person aged 18 or over which involved an offensive weapon; SVROs are being introduced through the Police, Crime, Reform pre-charge bail to better protect vulnerable victims Sentencing and Courts Bill. SVROs will help the police and witnesses—the response to our consultation was published to tackle knife crime by giving them additional powers on 14 January 2021 [HCWS708]; to stop and search adults convicted of knife and offensive Establish a statutory framework for the extraction of information weapons offences. The orders, one of the tools that the from digital devices for the purposes of the prevention, police will be able to use as part of a wider approach to detection, investigation or prosecution of crime, safeguarding reducing serious violence and saving young lives, are purposes and the purposes of investigating deaths; intended to be a powerful deterrent. They will send a Extend the offence of arranging or facilitating the commission clear signal to offenders that if they persist in carrying of a child sex offence to cover a wider range of preparatory knives, they will be caught. Every offender issued with a conduct in respect of sex offences committed against children SVRO will face an increased likelihood of being stopped under 13; by the police and if they continue to carry weapons, Amend the Crime (Overseas Production Orders) Act 2019 to they will be sent back to prison or brought before the ensure that it operates effectively to give the police and court, where they can expect to receive an immediate prosecutors the power to obtain faster access to electronic custodial sentence under the existing “two strikes”legislation data held overseas; brought by the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015. Streamline the police powers to require a convicted person Targeted use of stop and search, as part of a wider to attend a police station for the purposes of taking their approach to intervene and support offenders, aims to fingerprints, non-intimate samples and photographs; help to safeguard those communities and individuals 37WS Written Statements 9 MARCH 2021 Written Statements 38WS most at risk. To ensure that SVROs operate as effectively of Parole Board release after the minimum term is served; as possible, we will pilot SVROs in one or more police and preventing the automatic early release of prisoners who forces before a decision is made on national roll-out. become of significant public protection concern while in custody. The response to the consultation will be available at Make community sentences more effective so that they offer www.gov.uk. A copy will also be placed in the Libraries an appropriate level of punishment and address the underlying of both Houses. drivers of offending, including: piloting a problem-solving court approach for certain community and suspended sentence [HCWS834] orders; improving national consistency for adult out of court disposals; and extending the use of electronic monitoring. HOUSING, COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Reduce the time periods after which some criminal sentences become spent, aiding rehabilitation by helping offenders to Property: Household Guidance on Hazards move on with their lives. Deliver on the Government’s longstanding commitment to The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, increase the maximum penalties for causing death by dangerous Communities and Local Government (Eddie Hughes): driving and for causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drinks or drugs. It will also introduce a new The Government have responded at pace since the onset offence of causing serious injury by careless driving. of this pandemic to provide a range of guidance to support Double the maximum penalty for assaulting an emergency and advise households. We have kept our guidance under worker from 12 months to two years to ensure that the continual review in response to the latest available evidence. courts have the necessary powers to deal effectively with Today, the Government have published a new page of offenders who use violence against emergency workers. guidance. This guidance is for people living in all types Strengthen alternatives to custody for children who have of housing,inparticularforpeoplewholiveinaccommodation offended which promote rehabilitation, and raise the threshold with shared facilities, such as a block of flats; overcrowded for custodial remand, while at the same time ensuring that accommodation; and shared accommodation. children who commit serious offences and pose a risk to the The guidance highlights the importance of ventilation public receive sentences that reflect the seriousness of their and cleaning, and makes information available on people’s offending. rights as tenants and how to work with landlords and Empower future providers of secure schools, which represent local authorities to address hazardous issues. our vision for the future of youth custody—schools with security, rather than prisons with education: with education, We continue to work with agencies across Government healthcare and purposeful activity at their heart. to collect evidence to inform the advice we issue so that Enable prisoner escort and custody service officers to manage it reflects the realities on the ground. video remand hearings in police stations to continue to make https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19- the best use of technology and improve future efficiency. shared-and-overcrowded-housing-reducing-the-risk-of- Replace the current emergency provisions in the Coronavirus infection. Act 2020, which extend the use of video and audio hearings [HCWS837] to enable more participants to attend criminal hearings remotely. We will always ensure a full hearing in court will be JUSTICE available when needed in the interests of justice. Introduce measures to facilitate the remote observation of Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill proceedings across the courts and tribunals using video and audio links underpinning the principle of open justice. These The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice measures will also provide the necessary safeguards against (Robert Buckland): This Government were elected on a the recording or broadcasting of proceedings by participants clear manifesto commitment to make our country safer. and observers. This means toughening sentences for the worst crimes Enable British sign language interpreters to be present in the and bringing offenders to justice swiftly through an jury deliberation room, meaning that profoundly deaf individuals efficient court system. are not prevented from participating in jury service. The Police,Crime,Sentencing and Courts Bill, introduced Extend the scope of positions of trust legislation, which today, will do this by: introducing tougher sentencing currently covers a number of statutory roles such as teachers for the worst offenders and ending automatic halfway and social workers, to include those who knowingly carry out certain activities within religious and sports settings, release from prison for serious crimes; creating robust such as faith leaders or sports coaches. and effective community sentences; enabling the trialling of secure schools; increasing the use of technology in Toughen the law where criminal damage of less than £5,000 is caused to a memorial by increasing the maximum sentence courts; and improving employment opportunities for from three months to 10-years imprisonment. This brings it ex-offenders. This joint Bill also contains a number of in line with criminal damage of £5,000 or more and ensures Home Office-led measures, set out in a written statement our courts have sufficient sentencing powers to punish the by the Home Secretary. emotional harm caused by this type of offending even when The Ministry of Justice-led measures in the Bill will: the financial impact may be low. Deliver on commitments made in the Sentencing White To support the parliamentary scrutiny of the Bill, we Paper, “A Smarter Approach to Sentencing”, announced to are publishing on gov.uk the following documents: the House on 16 September 2020, which will reform the sentencing and release framework, so that we have a system Impact assessments covering sentencing, courts and criminal that takes account of the true nature of crimes and protects law; the public from harm. Delegated Powers memorandum; Ensure serious criminals spend longer in custody, including: ECHR memorandum; and ending the automatic halfway release point from prison for Fact sheets. an additional cohort of serious sexual and violent offenders; making a whole life order the starting point for the premeditated [HCWS836] murder of a child; instead of a life sentence with the possibility ORAL ANSWERS

Tuesday 9 March 2021

Col. No. Col. No. TREASURY ...... 635 TREASURY—continued Covid-19: Debt Owed by Developing Countries .... 646 Economic Recovery ...... 648 Covid-19: Ineligibility for Income Support National Living Wage ...... 648 Schemes ...... 646 Regional Equity of Infrastructure Investment...... 638 Covid-19: Support for Business...... 639 Self-isolation: Financial Barriers...... 635 Covid-19: Support for Charity Sector ...... 637 Topical Questions ...... 649 Covid-19: Support for Job Retention ...... 641 Transport Connectivity ...... 644 Covid-19: Support for the Self-Employed ...... 647 UK Fiscal Policy: Living Standards (Scotland)...... 642 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Tuesday 9 March 2021

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION...... 31WS STRATEGY ...... 30WS Covid-19: Children’s Social Care Services...... 31WS Covid-19: Industrial Development Act 1982 ...... 30WS HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 35WS Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill ...... 35WS CABINET OFFICE...... 27WS HOUSING, COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL Tackling Intimidation in Public Life ...... 27WS GOVERNMENT...... 37WS Property: Household Guidance on Hazards...... 37WS DIGITAL, CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 30WS JUSTICE...... 37WS National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists. 30WS Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill ...... 37WS No proofs can be supplied. Corrections that Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked on a copy of the daily Hansard - not telephoned - and must be received in the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Tuesday 16 March 2021

STRICT ADHERENCE TO THIS ARRANGEMENT GREATLY FACILITATES THE PROMPT PUBLICATION OF BOUND VOLUMES

Members may obtain excerpts of their speeches from the Official Report (within one month from the date of publication), by applying to the Editor of the Official Report, House of Commons. Volume 690 Tuesday No. 186 9 March 2021

CONTENTS

Tuesday 9 March 2021

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 635] [see index inside back page] Chancellor of the Exchequer

Covid-19: Government’s Publication of Contracts [Col. 655] Answer to urgent question—(Edward Argar)

Landfill Sites (Odourous Emissions) [Col. 672] Motion for leave to bring in Bill—(Aaron Bell)—agreed to Bill presented, and read the First time

Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation [Col. 676] Debate (Fourth day) Resolutions agreed to

Covid-19: Workplace Protection [Col. 817] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Covid-19 Vaccine: Take-up Rates in London [Col. 51WH] UK Video Games Industry: Contribution of Leamington Spa [Col. 75WH] Support for Women Leaving Prison [Col. 82WH] Teignmouth Hospital [Col. 99WH] Cyber-troop Activity: UK [Col. 106WH] General Debates

Written Statements [Col. 27WS]

Written Answers to Questions [The written answers can now be found at http://www.parliament.uk/writtenanswers]