Speeches by Hinds.

“Clearly, getting to a good and timely operation of the compensation scheme will take the Paymaster General’s personal attention, and I know that he will give it that attention because of his dedication to getting this right. Could he give an update to the House on the anticipated memorial dedicated specifically to the …”

“What awareness is there in very rural areas where there is not great broadband coverage and very poor indoor mobile phone coverage—sometimes no coverage at all—of the effect of this change, particularly in places where there are frequent and sometimes extended power cuts? When can we expect a full national awareness ca…”

“Just to be clear—and I am not asking you to play the role of a Treasury civil servant—a result of that change, as a venue, if I were taking on more freelancers, self-employed people, fewer wage and salaried employees, it would be less tax revenue for the Treasury.”

“Is it the overall effect?”

“Very briefly, a question on NICs. I think I heard you say earlier that the increase in employer national insurance contributions would prompt more venues to engage with freelancers rather than salaried or waged employees. Did I hear that correctly?”

“More change is coming to business rates, due in April 2026, and of course there is always the possibility of further reform. As a Committee, we write reports to the Government, making recommendations, making asks. Just spell out for us clearly what you think that ask should be.”

“Very briefly, a question on NICs. I think I heard you say earlier that the increase in employer national insurance contributions would prompt more venues to engage with freelancers rather than salaried or waged employees. Did I hear that correctly?”

“Can we come back to business rates, which we have already talked about a little this morning? Obviously, the way that the reduction in relief was done—75% came down to 40%, but the cash cap stayed the same—mathematically means that the effect has been felt more by smaller venues than the larger venues. Mark, could you …”

“Have you had much positive response?”

“Can we come back to business rates, which we have already talked about a little this morning? Obviously, the way that the reduction in relief was done—75% came down to 40%, but the cash cap stayed the same—mathematically means that the effect has been felt more by smaller venues than the larger venues. Mark, could you …”

“Have you had much positive response?”

“More change is coming to business rates, due in April 2026, and of course there is always the possibility of further reform. As a Committee, we write reports to the Government, making recommendations, making asks. Just spell out for us clearly what you think that ask should be.”

“Have you had much positive response?”

“Is it the overall effect?”

“Just to be clear—and I am not asking you to play the role of a Treasury civil servant—a result of that change, as a venue, if I were taking on more freelancers, self-employed people, fewer wage and salaried employees, it would be less tax revenue for the Treasury.”

“Is it the overall effect?”

“Very briefly, a question on NICs. I think I heard you say earlier that the increase in employer national insurance contributions would prompt more venues to engage with freelancers rather than salaried or waged employees. Did I hear that correctly?”

“Can we come back to business rates, which we have already talked about a little this morning? Obviously, the way that the reduction in relief was done—75% came down to 40%, but the cash cap stayed the same—mathematically means that the effect has been felt more by smaller venues than the larger venues. Mark, could you …”

“Just to be clear—and I am not asking you to play the role of a Treasury civil servant—a result of that change, as a venue, if I were taking on more freelancers, self-employed people, fewer wage and salaried employees, it would be less tax revenue for the Treasury.”

“More change is coming to business rates, due in April 2026, and of course there is always the possibility of further reform. As a Committee, we write reports to the Government, making recommendations, making asks. Just spell out for us clearly what you think that ask should be.”