Every parliamentary written question tabled by James Wild this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 81–100 of 124 · Treasury
Pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2025 to Question 59412 on Government Departments: Reviews, how many lines of activity in her Department were considered as part of the zero based review.
As with all departments, HM Treasury undertook a line-by-line review of all activity within the Department.
Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2025 to Question 77620 Self-assessment: Fines, what the average response time was of HMRC’s dedicated support service to those facing personal difficulties over the latest 12 months for which data is available.
HMRC are committed to being aware of customers’ wider personal situations and will provide extra support if customers need it, as set out in the HMRC Charter. All HMRC advisers are given training and guidance on how to identify customers who need extra help and how to either provide tailored support themselves or refer the customer to HMRC’s specialist extra support provision. HMRC increased the size of its Extra Support Team (EST) by 28% over 2024 to 2025. In 2024 to 2025, HMRC’s dedicated Customer Service EST helped over 150,000 customers in vulnerable circumstances. The average response time for those contacting the EST in the past twelve months (October 2024- September 2025) was:Referrals via telephony - an average wait time of 44 seconds.Webchat - average wait time of 3 minutes and 14 seconds.Post - 81.18% of correspondence cleared within 15 working days.
Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2025 to Question 77620 on Self-assessment: Fines, if he will set out for (a) late-filing of Self Assessment forms and (b) late payment of Income Tax (i) how many penalties were cancelled, (ii) the average cost per cancellation, (iii) the average length of time taken by HMRC to cancel a penalty and (iv) the average value of penalties cancelled in each year since 2011.
Data on the average cost per cancellation and the average time to cancel penalties is not available.Final data on the late payment of income tax and the average value of penalties cancelled in each year since 2011 cannot be provided as returns continue to be issued, received and cancelled for several years after the filing return
Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2025 to Question 77620 on Self-assessment: Fines, whether her Department plans to consult on the new penalty regime for the (a) late filing of Self Assessment returns and (b) late payment of Income Tax; and when she plan to introduce the new regimes.
The previous government held three public consultations between 2016 and 2018 on reforms to late filing and late payment penalties. Following this, penalty reform was introduced for VAT customers in 2023 as part of Making Tax Digital. The same approach will be extended to Income Tax Self Assessment customers as follows: From April 2026: businesses with qualifying income over £50,000From April 2027: businesses with qualifying income over £30,000From April 2028: businesses with qualifying income over £20,000 The government will confirm in due course when the remaining Income Tax Self Assessment customers will move to the new penalty approach.
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed higher business rates multiplier on employment in the retail sector.
The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century. As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with ratable values (RVs) below £500,000 from 2026-27. This permanent tax cut will ensure they benefit from much-needed certainty and support. This tax cut must be sustainably funded, and so the Government will introduce a higher rate on the most valuable properties in 2026/27 - those with RVs of £500,000 and above. These represent less than one per cent of all properties, but cover the majority of large distribution warehouses, including those used by online giants. The final design, including the rates, for the new business rates multipliers will be announced at Budget 2025, so that the Government can factor the revaluation outcomes and broader economic and fiscal context into decision-making. When the new multipliers are set, HM Treasury intends to publish analysis of the effects of the new multiplier arrangements.
With reference to the official statistics entitled 2025 HMRC statistics announcements, published on 8 October 2025, what assessment he has made of the reasons for HMRC’s error in recording VAT cash receipts outturn.
HMRC corrected the error in their VAT cash receipts which impacted provisional figures from April 2025 to August 2025. The impact of the correction was an upward revision of VAT cash receipts by £2.4 billion (approximately 3% of year-to-date VAT receipts). There was no impact on earlier years. The revision was published in an exceptional release on 8 October 2025. This revision also means the ONS published revised borrowing figures, which for 2025/26 reduced by £2.0 billion.I have been given assurance from HMRC that the revision does not affect any interactions with taxpayers and that HMRC will be conducting a robust review to prevent it happening again.
If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) abolishing and (b) capping the penalty for a single missed tax return for people earning less than £50,000.
The tax system contains obligations, set out in law, to ensure that HMRC can collect the correct tax to fund vital public services. HMRC is bound by law to apply penalties where customers do not meet these obligations. Penalties also help to reassure customers who comply with their obligations that HMRC are applying the rules fairly and consistently. For Self Assessment (SA), HMRC requires the information from customers in their tax returns to determine whether they have Income Tax to pay. Even if a customer has no tax to pay, the information provided can ensure taxpayers receive the benefits to which they are entitled, such as Tax-Free Childcare. The current policy and legislation on SA penalties has been in place since 2011. The government will soon introduce a new penalty regime for late filing of SA returns and late payment of income tax. As well as reducing the penalties a customer can accumulate for filing late, this will introduce a further safeguard so people will not receive a financial penalty for a single failure to file on time. The penalties will focus on people who repeatedly file late. Where HMRC charges a penalty, a customer can appeal. HMRC will cancel any penalties where they accept that a taxpayer no longer needs to be in SA or has a reasonable excuse for not filing their return on time. HMRC regularly reviews its guidance and communications, including making it easier for customers to explain why they were unable to file their return and to inform HMRC if they no longer need to be in SA. HMRC has dedicated support in place for those facing personal difficulties and encourages anyone struggling to meet their obligations to contact them as soon as possible by phone or online.
If she will take steps to prevent people who owe no tax from being charged HMRC late-filing penalties.
The tax system contains obligations, set out in law, to ensure that HMRC can collect the correct tax to fund vital public services. HMRC is bound by law to apply penalties where customers do not meet these obligations. Penalties also help to reassure customers who comply with their obligations that HMRC are applying the rules fairly and consistently. For Self Assessment (SA), HMRC requires the information from customers in their tax returns to determine whether they have Income Tax to pay. Even if a customer has no tax to pay, the information provided can ensure taxpayers receive the benefits to which they are entitled, such as Tax-Free Childcare. The current policy and legislation on SA penalties has been in place since 2011. The government will soon introduce a new penalty regime for late filing of SA returns and late payment of income tax. As well as reducing the penalties a customer can accumulate for filing late, this will introduce a further safeguard so people will not receive a financial penalty for a single failure to file on time. The penalties will focus on people who repeatedly file late. Where HMRC charges a penalty, a customer can appeal. HMRC will cancel any penalties where they accept that a taxpayer no longer needs to be in SA or has a reasonable excuse for not filing their return on time. HMRC regularly reviews its guidance and communications, including making it easier for customers to explain why they were unable to file their return and to inform HMRC if they no longer need to be in SA. HMRC has dedicated support in place for those facing personal difficulties and encourages anyone struggling to meet their obligations to contact them as soon as possible by phone or online.
What assessment she has made of the potential merits of reviewing HMRC late-filing penalties.
The tax system contains obligations, set out in law, to ensure that HMRC can collect the correct tax to fund vital public services. HMRC is bound by law to apply penalties where customers do not meet these obligations. Penalties also help to reassure customers who comply with their obligations that HMRC are applying the rules fairly and consistently. For Self Assessment (SA), HMRC requires the information from customers in their tax returns to determine whether they have Income Tax to pay. Even if a customer has no tax to pay, the information provided can ensure taxpayers receive the benefits to which they are entitled, such as Tax-Free Childcare. The current policy and legislation on SA penalties has been in place since 2011. The government will soon introduce a new penalty regime for late filing of SA returns and late payment of income tax. As well as reducing the penalties a customer can accumulate for filing late, this will introduce a further safeguard so people will not receive a financial penalty for a single failure to file on time. The penalties will focus on people who repeatedly file late. Where HMRC charges a penalty, a customer can appeal. HMRC will cancel any penalties where they accept that a taxpayer no longer needs to be in SA or has a reasonable excuse for not filing their return on time. HMRC regularly reviews its guidance and communications, including making it easier for customers to explain why they were unable to file their return and to inform HMRC if they no longer need to be in SA. HMRC has dedicated support in place for those facing personal difficulties and encourages anyone struggling to meet their obligations to contact them as soon as possible by phone or online.
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed reforms in the Consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax in England and Northern Ireland, published on 28 April 2025 on the Government’s housebuilding target.
The government consulted on proposals for reform of Landfill Tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses. The government is committed to delivering 1.5 million homes over 5 years as set out in the Plan for Change. The government are working with the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government to assess these impacts and is considering the potential impacts of proposed Landfill Tax reforms on housing delivery and government targets. The government will respond to the consultation in due course.
What recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed reforms in the Consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax in England and Northern Ireland, published on 28 April 2025 on UK infrastructure projects.
The government consulted on proposals for reform of Landfill Tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses. As part of the consultation, the Government has received a wide range of views from stakeholders, including representatives from the construction sector. Reducing the amount of waste material sent to landfill remains a key environmental objective, supporting the transition to a circular economy. The government recently published a 10-year infrastructure strategy that set out the government’s long-term plan for economic, housing and social infrastructure to drive growth. The Government will continue to work across government and engage with stakeholders, including the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, to assess the potential impacts on infrastructure projects. This approach will ensure that infrastructure delivery is supported while advancing circular economy objectives. The government will respond to the consultation in due course.
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed reforms in the Consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax in England and Northern Ireland, published on 28 April 2025 on costs to the average UK infrastructure project.
The government consulted on proposals for reform of Landfill Tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses. As part of the consultation, the Government has received a wide range of views from stakeholders, including representatives from the construction sector. Reducing the amount of waste material sent to landfill remains a key environmental objective, supporting the transition to a circular economy. The government recently published a 10-year infrastructure strategy that set out the government’s long-term plan for economic, housing and social infrastructure to drive growth. The Government will continue to work across government and engage with stakeholders, including the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, to assess the potential impacts on infrastructure projects. This approach will ensure that infrastructure delivery is supported while advancing circular economy objectives. The government will respond to the consultation in due course.
What recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed abolition of the lower rate of Landfill Tax, included in the Consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax in England and Northern Ireland, published on 28 April 2025 on costs to (a) households and (b) the construction industry.
The government consulted on proposals for reform of Landfill Tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses. As part of the consultation, the Government has received a wide range of views from stakeholders, including representatives from the construction sector. Reducing the amount of waste material sent to landfill remains a key environmental objective, supporting the transition to a circular economy. The government recently published a 10-year infrastructure strategy that set out the government’s long-term plan for economic, housing and social infrastructure to drive growth. The Government will continue to work across government and engage with stakeholders, including the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, to assess the potential impacts on infrastructure projects. This approach will ensure that infrastructure delivery is supported while advancing circular economy objectives. The government will respond to the consultation in due course.
If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of her proposal for a remote betting and gaming duty on (a) rugby league, (b) snooker and (c) darts.
The Government consultation on proposals to simplify the current gambling tax system by merging the three current taxes that cover remote (including online) gambling into one closed on 21 July 2025. Responses are now being analysed and a response to the consultation will be published at Autumn Budget 2025. If any changes are made to gambling duties at a future Budget following the consultation, they will be accompanied by a Tax Information and Impact Note which will set out the expected impacts.
With reference to her Department’s press release entitled Valuation Office Agency scrapped in government drive to slash inefficiencies, published on 28 April 2025, what estimate she has made of the potential impact of the expected 5 to 10 per cent of additional savings in VOA administrative costs by 2028-29 on full time equivalent.
The potential impact of the expected additional savings in the Valuation Office Agency’s administrative costs and Full Time Equivalents (by 28/29) will be determined as detailed plans are developed and implemented.
If she will publish each of the zero-based Departmental reviews undertaken by her Department.
Every department has undertaken a line-by-line review of its spending, committing to deliver at least 5% efficiencies and savings by the end of this Spending Review period. These efficiencies and savings are integral to department’s settlements. As part of the Spending Review, the OVFM have worked with departments to agree efficiency plans showing how almost £14bn of efficiencies will be delivered by 2028-29. These efficiencies contribute to the 5% and are set out in the Spending Review 2025 document. These efficiencies and savings will now be delivered by departments as they plan and deliver their budgets for the years covered by the spending review.
What proportion of matured Child Trust Funds that have not been claimed were opened by HMRC on the child’s behalf.
HMRC assists young people in accessing their matured CTFs through its online tracing service and through targeted communications appropriate to the age group. It will continue its work with providers, industry representatives and other stakeholders, exploring ways of increasing the profile of CTFs and enabling account owners to be aware of and trace their accounts.HMRC encourages anyone unsure about their situation to get in touch with their account provider. If people don’t know their account provider, they can easily locate their Child Trust Fund accounts online by using the “Find my CTF” page on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/child-trust-funds/find-a-child-trust-fundInformation on Child Trust Funds is available in HMRC’s Annual Savings Statistics.https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/annual-savings-statistics-2024
What steps HMRC is taking to improve communication with Child Trust Fund beneficiaries.
HMRC assists young people in accessing their matured CTFs through its online tracing service and through targeted communications appropriate to the age group. It will continue its work with providers, industry representatives and other stakeholders, exploring ways of increasing the profile of CTFs and enabling account owners to be aware of and trace their accounts.HMRC encourages anyone unsure about their situation to get in touch with their account provider. If people don’t know their account provider, they can easily locate their Child Trust Fund accounts online by using the “Find my CTF” page on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/child-trust-funds/find-a-child-trust-fundInformation on Child Trust Funds is available in HMRC’s Annual Savings Statistics.https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/annual-savings-statistics-2024
What proportion of matured Child Trust Funds have not been claimed.
HMRC assists young people in accessing their matured CTFs through its online tracing service and through targeted communications appropriate to the age group. It will continue its work with providers, industry representatives and other stakeholders, exploring ways of increasing the profile of CTFs and enabling account owners to be aware of and trace their accounts.HMRC encourages anyone unsure about their situation to get in touch with their account provider. If people don’t know their account provider, they can easily locate their Child Trust Fund accounts online by using the “Find my CTF” page on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/child-trust-funds/find-a-child-trust-fundInformation on Child Trust Funds is available in HMRC’s Annual Savings Statistics.https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/annual-savings-statistics-2024
What the market value is of matured Child Trust Funds that are unclaimed.
HMRC assists young people in accessing their matured CTFs through its online tracing service and through targeted communications appropriate to the age group. It will continue its work with providers, industry representatives and other stakeholders, exploring ways of increasing the profile of CTFs and enabling account owners to be aware of and trace their accounts.HMRC encourages anyone unsure about their situation to get in touch with their account provider. If people don’t know their account provider, they can easily locate their Child Trust Fund accounts online by using the “Find my CTF” page on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/child-trust-funds/find-a-child-trust-fundInformation on Child Trust Funds is available in HMRC’s Annual Savings Statistics.https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/annual-savings-statistics-2024