Contributions
289 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCharities: Banking ServicesCharities make vital contributions across the country. While the provision of banking services is ultimately a commercial decision for banks, the Government believe that it is…23 Jul 2026HANSARDCharities: Banking ServicesI understand the point the noble Baroness is making; I live in south Devon, so I recognise the picture. We understand the importance to communities and high streets of access to…23 Jul 2026HANSARDCharities: Banking ServicesI thank my noble friend for that easy, holiday-focused question on the last day of term. I also thank my noble friend Lord Pitt-Watson, who got to the Treasury job too late to…23 Jul 2026HANSARDCharities: Banking ServicesMy Treasury officials will kill me for this answer, but I must say that I recognise the picture the noble and gallant Lord has painted. When I came to read the pack for this…23 Jul 2026HANSARDCharities: Banking ServicesThe question of regulation is really important here, so I should set out the position clearly. Charities are protected by the FCA’s consumer duty up to £1 million turnover, and if…23 Jul 2026HANSARDCharities: Banking ServicesNo, I do not think that is what we are suggesting. We are suggesting that the banks must act proportionately and in a risk-based way. I think the noble Baroness knows that there…23 Jul 2026HANSARDCharities: Banking ServicesThat does not sound right to me. I do not know the answer to that question, but I will make sure my noble friend Lord Pitt-Watson writes to the noble Viscount.23 Jul 2026HANSARDCharities: Banking ServicesI am not familiar with that case, but if it is as the noble Lord suggests—and I have no reason to doubt that—that is a serious concern, and I am sure the FCA would want to know…23 Jul 2026HANSARDCharities: Banking ServicesI could read out a very long answer I have here, but I will not. The heart of the matter in relation to ethical banking goes back to this question of risk-based assessment. I know…23 Jul 2026HANSARDCharities: Banking ServicesAs the noble Baroness knows, debanking and access to banking services is an issue way beyond charities and it is really important. The Government recognise the importance of that,…23 Jul 2026HANSARDDomestic Travel and Holidays: Visitor LevyAs I have said, the discretion will be with local mayors, and I pay tribute to the campaign of my noble friend and others. Perhaps I can quote one regional mayor: “I am proud that…21 Jul 2026HANSARDDomestic Travel and Holidays: Visitor LevyI am doing my job— “supporting over 100,000 jobs. The levy will allow us to invest in the infrastructure these visitors need”. I agree with this comment by my right honourable…21 Jul 2026HANSARDDomestic Travel and Holidays: Visitor LevyThis Government believe in empowering mayors. Mayors will decide whether introducing a levy is the right choice, as is common for local leaders in countries all around the world.…21 Jul 2026HANSARDDomestic Travel and Holidays: Visitor LevyI am sorry—I am on spirited form today. [ Interruption .] This is a very serious matter. One of those decisions was to make changes to employer national insurance contributions,…21 Jul 2026HANSARDDomestic Travel and Holidays: Visitor LevyI thank the noble Lord for his kind remarks. I do not normally apply for jobs, but there we are. On the central point about mayors, it is our intention to announce the results of…21 Jul 2026HANSARDDomestic Travel and Holidays: Visitor LevyThe visitor levy was announced on 25 November 2025 and a consultation on the design of the levy powers was launched in the Budget. The consultation has now closed, and the…21 Jul 2026HANSARDDomestic Travel and Holidays: Visitor LevyThat is precisely why we are leaving it to local mayors to decide. Of course we will not impose a levy from the centre. I have already said that the consultation has been…21 Jul 2026HANSARDDomestic Travel and Holidays: Visitor LevyThe Government have taken a number of fair and necessary decisions on tax, welfare and spending to fix the public the finances. In honour of my noble friend Lord Livermore, I…21 Jul 2026HANSARDDomestic Travel and Holidays: Visitor LevyYes, I do share my noble friend’s concern about misinformation and disinformation, not just in this regard but in many other regards. As noble Lords with whom I have discussed the…21 Jul 2026HANSARDDomestic Travel and Holidays: Visitor LevyI thank the noble Baroness for setting out the Government’s plan so clearly, and in doing so enjoying so much support from behind me. This visitor levy is really important; it…21 Jul 2026