Contributions
4,729 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDAudit and Corporate GovernanceWe are not appeasing the big accountancy firms; many of them do not like some of our proposals. These are worthwhile reforms that will improve the market and help to bring about…23 Mar 2021HANSARDRenewables Obligation (Amendment) Order 2021That the draft Order laid before the House on 3 February be approved.23 Mar 2021HANSARDAudit and Corporate GovernanceThese proposals are to provide information to expert users and many of the ordinary readers as well. Therefore, both markets are to be fulfilled.23 Mar 2021HANSARDAudit and Corporate GovernanceIndeed, I have had extensive engagement with the profession, including the big four and a number of smaller companies, as we seek to progress the legislation.23 Mar 2021HANSARDAudit and Corporate GovernanceI know that my noble friend is passionate about not imposing new burdens on companies. I share her desire, but we think that the current regime could be improved. There will be a…23 Mar 2021HANSARDAudit and Corporate GovernanceI do not agree with my noble friend. As I said earlier, accountability for directors applies only to those in the largest businesses—that is, those with revenues in the hundreds…23 Mar 2021HANSARDAudit and Corporate GovernanceThe big four accountancy firms are important to the regime but we want to introduce more possible competition into it, which is why we are introducing the proposals for shared…23 Mar 2021HANSARDAudit and Corporate GovernanceMy Lords, the Government’s proposals on audit and corporate governance reform will enhance the UK’s reputation as a world-class destination for business and investment. They…23 Mar 2021HANSARDAudit and Corporate GovernanceThe impact assessment, in fact, includes examples of quantifiable benefits that will be refined and developed in further iterations of the impact assessment. I agree that…23 Mar 2021HANSARDAudit and Corporate GovernanceMy noble friend makes a good point but the proposals will not provide a disincentive to people taking on new appointments. It is important to remember that the proposals for…23 Mar 2021HANSARDAudit and Corporate GovernanceWe are discussing audit reforms and reforms to the audit market. I think that the noble Baroness may want to have a separate debate about reforms to company structures.23 Mar 2021HANSARDAudit and Corporate GovernanceI do not agree that the audit market is in crisis. Some worthwhile improvements can be made, which is what we are proposing. The noble Lord will see that a full impact assessment…23 Mar 2021HANSARDRenewables Obligation (Amendment) Order 2021My Lords, this draft instrument relates to the renewables obligation renewable electricity support scheme. The renewables obligation was introduced in 2002 to provide a subsidy…23 Mar 2021HANSARDAudit and Corporate GovernanceMy noble friend makes an interesting point. Although this White Paper does not include proposals on trading in companies’ shares, the listings review of the noble Lord, Lord Hill,…23 Mar 2021HANSARDCorporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 (Coronavirus) (Change of Expiry Date) Regulations 2021That the draft Regulations laid before the House on 11 February be approved. Relevant document: 46th Report from the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee. Considered in Grand…22 Mar 2021HANSARDHeat PumpsWe already work closely with Ofgem and key electricity network stakeholders to assess the network impacts and the future requirements arising from the increased deployment that…22 Mar 2021HANSARDHeat PumpsHeat pumps are probably the best way of deploying electric heat in many rural areas, but we agree that it is a problem in rural areas that are not connected to the mains gas grid…22 Mar 2021HANSARDHeat PumpsMy Lords, the Government remain committed to the ambition set out in the Prime Minister’s 10-point plan to install 600,000 heat pumps every year until 2028 to make the UK’s homes…22 Mar 2021HANSARDHeat PumpsThe noble Lord makes a very good point. I have worked closely with local authorities on many of these schemes. The heat and buildings strategy is a priority, and we are aiming to…22 Mar 2021HANSARDHeat PumpsThe noble Baroness draws attention to an important problem. Of course, given the diversity of heat demand, no one solution can provide the best option for everyone; we suspect…22 Mar 2021