0:00:00 > 0:00:06the Chancellor of picture Philip Hammond and his ministerial team. --
0:00:06 > 0:00:18the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond.
0:00:20 > 0:00:32Order! Order! Question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.Mr 's
0:00:32 > 0:00:39Mika, with permission I would like Rushton 's one and two. It is right,
0:00:39 > 0:00:43Mr Speaker, that more of our money that is spent locally is raised
0:00:43 > 0:00:51locally. In 2010, councils were 80% dependent on government grants. By
0:00:51 > 0:00:542020, councils will largely be funded by council tax and other
0:00:54 > 0:01:02local revenues.I thank the Minister for her answer but local councils
0:01:02 > 0:01:07have faced devastating cuts. Between 20 ten and 2020 councils will of had
0:01:07 > 0:01:14their direct funding by 79%. In Tower Hamlets, we have lost... In
0:01:14 > 0:01:19budget cuts since 2010. With one of the Conservative Party's own
0:01:19 > 0:01:22councils going bust, can the Minister now commits finally to
0:01:22 > 0:01:30funding locally councils properly so they can provide vital services to
0:01:30 > 0:01:37their communities?It is right we rebalance local spending from
0:01:37 > 0:01:41central government grants to locally raised taxes to help keep councils
0:01:41 > 0:01:44accountable and what we have seen his councils up and down the country
0:01:44 > 0:01:49finding new and innovative ways of working, sharing back-office
0:01:49 > 0:01:53services, doing things like installing Wi-Fi, improving waste
0:01:53 > 0:01:58collection. But what we have also seen is Labour councils wasting
0:01:58 > 0:02:04money. So, for example, momentum supported Birmingham City Council
0:02:04 > 0:02:13bin strikes, which cost the taxpayer £40,000 per day.Order! Order!
0:02:13 > 0:02:21Resume your seat, Mr. You answer for government policy. You do not waste
0:02:21 > 0:02:25the time of the House by going into rants about the policies of other
0:02:25 > 0:02:36parties. And if the...Thank you, it's the speaker. My own council of
0:02:36 > 0:02:42Brighton and Hove has had to make £52 million worth of cuts in three
0:02:42 > 0:02:49years. Despite superb Labour leadership in the city. With one of
0:02:49 > 0:02:53the Minister's own Tory councils going bust, will the Chancellor
0:02:53 > 0:02:58finally commits to properly funding local government in tomorrow's local
0:02:58 > 0:03:07government settlement?We have... To enable them to fund spending in
0:03:07 > 0:03:12their areas. It is absolutely right that councils should not waste money
0:03:12 > 0:03:17and should find savings. The fact is, we went through an incredible...
0:03:17 > 0:03:23Period through labour and we have succeeded in reducing that deficit
0:03:23 > 0:03:29by three quarters. And can I point out to the honourable gentleman that
0:03:29 > 0:03:32councils have reserves of £23 billion. And in fact of those
0:03:32 > 0:03:44reserves have increased by 8 billion since 2010.Which would have brought
0:03:44 > 0:03:47in additional resource. However, with the Minister agree with me it
0:03:47 > 0:03:52is not just about resource but it is also about council structures,
0:03:52 > 0:03:58leadership and creating efficient organisations?My honourable friend
0:03:58 > 0:04:01is absolutely right. Lots of councils have done things better and
0:04:01 > 0:04:05more efficiently and in fact have led the way across government. We
0:04:05 > 0:04:09have also given more powers to local mayors and we are giving mayors
0:04:09 > 0:04:14across the country £4.8 billion of new investment over the next 30
0:04:14 > 0:04:20years.What priority does she attached to local authorities over
0:04:20 > 0:04:26new housing?It is vitally important that we see more housing built
0:04:26 > 0:04:32across the country and that is why at budget we committed to 300,000
0:04:32 > 0:04:43homes being built per year over the next decade.Mr Speaker, with the
0:04:43 > 0:04:49Chief Secretary join me in paying tribute to a council that has made
0:04:49 > 0:04:52substantial savings and efficiencies since 2010 whilst continuing to
0:04:52 > 0:04:58provide excellent services.He's absolutely right. We have seen the
0:04:58 > 0:05:02leadership of numerous Conservative councils across the who find new and
0:05:02 > 0:05:06efficient ways of doing things. And that is what we need to do as a
0:05:06 > 0:05:10government, we need to find better ways of doing things and more
0:05:10 > 0:05:15efficiency, rather than wasting money and crashing the economy as
0:05:15 > 0:05:21happened under the previous Labour governments.My own county council
0:05:21 > 0:05:24of Derbyshire has seen their government funding cut by over £200
0:05:24 > 0:05:29million. Two thirds of their spending goes on adult social care.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33Does the Minister agree it should be a postcode lottery as to which
0:05:33 > 0:05:38counties can afford the most council tax as to whether their elderly get
0:05:38 > 0:05:43looked after decently?We have put additional funding into social care
0:05:43 > 0:05:48and we have also allowed councils to raise a precept. I think it is a
0:05:48 > 0:05:52very important principle that local councils are accountable for the
0:05:52 > 0:05:58money they spend to local voters. And the situation we inherited in
0:05:58 > 0:06:032010 where 80% of the money came from local government means that we
0:06:03 > 0:06:07could have profligate local councils and local taxpayers would not have
0:06:07 > 0:06:13to foot the bill.This week having faced the same central government
0:06:13 > 0:06:16cuts from everywhere else, Conservative controlled Kettering
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Borough which am a member can expect to freeze its council tax for the
0:06:19 > 0:06:24eighth year in a row. Would it not appear that other councils are
0:06:24 > 0:06:31better at Op... Whatunder the previous Labour government council
0:06:31 > 0:06:36tax doubled and we are hearing talk from the benches opposite that if
0:06:36 > 0:06:46they were to getting government... The issue of local authorities and
0:06:46 > 0:06:51other public bodies. Will the Minister commits to lift in the
0:06:51 > 0:06:54public sector pay cap and to properly funding these pay
0:06:54 > 0:07:01increases?I point out that we put an extra £2 billion worth of
0:07:01 > 0:07:05spending power into the hands of the Scottish Government at the last
0:07:05 > 0:07:10budget. We have also said that we want to be flexible over public
0:07:10 > 0:07:13sector pay to make sure we are retaining and recruiting the best
0:07:13 > 0:07:21possible staff.If you'll forgive me, Mr Speaker, as we came into the
0:07:21 > 0:07:27chamber we heard the news of... Who coordinated a large number of
0:07:27 > 0:07:34all-party groups. I would like to send out simply to his family. These
0:07:34 > 0:07:36ministerial responses demonstrate absolutely no understanding
0:07:36 > 0:07:40whatsoever of the crisis of cuts over the last eight years and the
0:07:40 > 0:07:44impact on local government. Local councils are now facing a funding
0:07:44 > 0:07:48gap of nearly £6 billion by 2020 and it is the most vulnerable that are
0:07:48 > 0:07:52suffering. The number of children taken into care is at its highest
0:07:52 > 0:07:57level since 1985. One in three of councils are warning the cuts have
0:07:57 > 0:08:02left them with insufficient resources to support these children.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05The leader of the Chancellor's own Surrey council said, and I quote,
0:08:05 > 0:08:12the government cannot stand by idly when Rome burns. ... Commit today to
0:08:12 > 0:08:18use next month's Spring Bateman to address the funding crisis in our
0:08:18 > 0:08:22local councils?First of all, the springs statement is not a physical
0:08:22 > 0:08:26event and it is vitally important that we maintain the discipline that
0:08:26 > 0:08:31we have achieved over the last eight years, that we keep control of
0:08:31 > 0:08:35public spending because that is what has led to the strong economy we are
0:08:35 > 0:08:39now seeing, record levels of employment and increasing number of
0:08:39 > 0:08:43new businesses starting up. And the reality is that if the party
0:08:43 > 0:08:49opposite where to get into power, we would see that legacy squandered.
0:08:49 > 0:08:56Local government will see a 2.1% increase in cash terms between 2015
0:08:56 > 0:09:01and 2019. And as I pointed out, they have will have also seen an increase
0:09:01 > 0:09:06in local council reserves of £8 billion. Money available to spend
0:09:06 > 0:09:14than invest on investor local services.With the crisis in
0:09:14 > 0:09:18children's services, this is not the time for political knock-about
0:09:18 > 0:09:23responses. I am not sure if the Chief Secretary has witnessed a
0:09:23 > 0:09:28child being taken into care. I have and it can scar that child for life.
0:09:28 > 0:09:34But don't listen to me, listen to the all-party enquiry into children
0:09:34 > 0:09:37social care which won nine out of ten councils are struggling to meet
0:09:37 > 0:09:42their legal duty to children. The director of children's services says
0:09:42 > 0:09:45we cannot go on as we are. It is reported that over half the councils
0:09:45 > 0:09:49in England are planning to cut children's services further. As
0:09:49 > 0:09:56recent estimates say the Chancellor will have sufficient resources to
0:09:56 > 0:10:01protect our children from further cuts. So I'm asking again, I appeal,
0:10:01 > 0:10:06I appeal, once again to the Chancellor, to use the springs
0:10:06 > 0:10:11statement, which he has the flex ability to do, to address the £2
0:10:11 > 0:10:14billion funding gap in our children's services to protect our
0:10:14 > 0:10:22children.I think it is a bit rich of the honourable gentleman to
0:10:22 > 0:10:25suggest we should not bring politics into that when it is precisely what
0:10:25 > 0:10:31he's doing. What we're doing is making sure that local councils have
0:10:31 > 0:10:36the flexibility to raise council tax in order to fund those vitally
0:10:36 > 0:10:40important public services. But I think the party opposite has to
0:10:40 > 0:10:44acknowledge it's not just the money we spend but it's the way we spend
0:10:44 > 0:10:49it. And the reality is, if the entire focus is on the level of
0:10:49 > 0:11:05spending rather than what we're
0:11:05 > 0:11:10I'll sure the oral gentleman knows this, but just to put this in
0:11:10 > 0:11:14context, the vast majority of current PFI contracts were signed
0:11:14 > 0:11:21under the last Labour Government, 86% of all current PFI projects. The
0:11:21 > 0:11:25talented office in 2010, this Government as a reformed the
0:11:25 > 0:11:39approach, so they no deliver better value for money for the taxpayers.
0:11:39 > 0:11:48Newry PF2 project will be subjected to...I am concerned about the
0:11:48 > 0:11:54workers. 90% of contractors have to disagree bulk and it tended to pay
0:11:54 > 0:11:58staff, but only in the interim period. What about the tempo set
0:11:58 > 0:12:02that will not be paid, and what will happen after the interim period?
0:12:02 > 0:12:05While the Government guarantee the employment status and pay of those
0:12:05 > 0:12:12individuals?I think the gentleman might be slightly confusing PFI
0:12:12 > 0:12:16contracts with outsourcing contracts that don't involve capital
0:12:16 > 0:12:20structures, but the resolution of Carillion continues. So far there
0:12:20 > 0:12:27has been a very high rate of uptake of a private cloud of Carillion to
0:12:27 > 0:12:32continue services that are being delivered, and we have high hopes of
0:12:32 > 0:12:39protecting the vast majority of the jobs involve.What is a Government
0:12:39 > 0:12:48doing to approve transparency and public private partnerships?We
0:12:48 > 0:12:52absolutely value transparency. The added important part of the overall
0:12:52 > 0:12:56infrastructure, but as I have explained to the House just now,
0:12:56 > 0:13:00there are currently not PF2 project in procurement. I think that
0:13:00 > 0:13:05indicates that he has said the bar for value for money and public
0:13:05 > 0:13:12private partnership is very high, and we will continue to do so.That
0:13:12 > 0:13:18is a rather extraordinary state of affairs. I hope that the honourable
0:13:18 > 0:13:22gentleman is not and ASBOs, and if he is I am sorry, but otherwise
0:13:22 > 0:13:34there is absolutely no way he should be leaving the chamber while the
0:13:34 > 0:13:37question is being asked. It is a discursive day to the House. It is
0:13:37 > 0:13:42discussed it to Chancellor.The Shadow Chancellor recently wrote to
0:13:42 > 0:13:48the Chancellor asking if there was devised value for money get into and
0:13:48 > 0:13:53an updated list of PFI, as existing data is never two years old, and
0:13:53 > 0:13:57details of any assessment the Government carried out on
0:13:57 > 0:14:02Carillion's readiness to carrier contracts.We get this? I have not
0:14:02 > 0:14:06yet received a letter from the Shadow Chancellor, but if he has
0:14:06 > 0:14:08written to me, I shall of course replied to him and answer his
0:14:08 > 0:14:19questions.This Government has put raising our national productivity at
0:14:19 > 0:14:24the heart of our mission, from The National Productivity Investment
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Fund, we have are ready and it is over £50 million in investment in
0:14:27 > 0:14:31road and rail and in north-west, and this is an addition to the
0:14:31 > 0:14:38allocations in Manchester are 243 million, and Liverpool, 135 billion.
0:14:38 > 0:14:44By my honourable friend agreed that the £31 billion national
0:14:44 > 0:14:47productivity investment targeted at transport, digital communications,
0:14:47 > 0:14:51research and developing and housing lobbyist the infrastructure of the
0:14:51 > 0:14:58UK economy.The latest to six sure that we have had the best run of
0:14:58 > 0:15:03productivity growth says before the financial crisis, but we are
0:15:03 > 0:15:06certainly not complacent. The National Productivity Investment
0:15:06 > 0:15:11Fund but invest in an Rhodes, our broadband connections, and
0:15:11 > 0:15:15delivering more homes, all of which are key to raising wages and living
0:15:15 > 0:15:21standards are people across the country.The problem is that the
0:15:21 > 0:15:26fund is not doing anything to solve the problems on our roads and
0:15:26 > 0:15:30motorways, and it is amply not giving enough money to councils to
0:15:30 > 0:15:37make sure your peers are done. -- repairs to motorways and awards are
0:15:37 > 0:15:43done. We're having a greater crisis than we have seen for some time.I
0:15:43 > 0:15:48am afraid I don't agree with the analysis. The Government has made
0:15:48 > 0:15:52record amounts of investment into our roads, as indeed into error
0:15:52 > 0:15:58rail, and that its ads will announce in the autumn, there is for the
0:15:58 > 0:16:01money. £30 billion in total to improve transport across the north
0:16:01 > 0:16:11of England. -- 13 billion.This Government has done nothing to
0:16:11 > 0:16:15deliver local rail infrastructure in the north-west, which is vital for
0:16:15 > 0:16:20jobs and the economy, so when is the Government going to invest in a
0:16:20 > 0:16:25decent quality services, including services by my constituents from
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Southport to Manchester, because F they want to do it, they should
0:16:27 > 0:16:34stand aside and let us get on with the job.The Government has been
0:16:34 > 0:16:37investing more in railways across the country than any Government
0:16:37 > 0:16:41since Victorian times, and that includes in northern England. Across
0:16:41 > 0:16:45the country, the Government has been investing a quarter of the Chilean
0:16:45 > 0:16:49pounds and infrastructure projects is 2010, 4500 of which have already
0:16:49 > 0:16:57been completed.With your permission, I would like to add to
0:16:57 > 0:17:00this question together with question seven and eight, and as my
0:17:00 > 0:17:04honourable friend has just told us, since 2010 there has been over a
0:17:04 > 0:17:08quarter of a Gillian pounds are public and private investment in
0:17:08 > 0:17:12infrastructure. We continue to invest in infrastructure. In the
0:17:12 > 0:17:16autumn budget 2017, by expanding the national productivity investment
0:17:16 > 0:17:21funds that it will not provide £31 billion additional investment,
0:17:21 > 0:17:25including more than doubling the Housing infrastructure fund, to
0:17:25 > 0:17:30fibre compounds. The ad has set out at the budget, Mr Speaker, that our
0:17:30 > 0:17:33plans was a public investment entries to levels not sustained in
0:17:33 > 0:17:4340 years.Through the major roads network, vehicle excise duty will be
0:17:43 > 0:17:48made available for investment for strategic roads outside the beam at
0:17:48 > 0:17:50the highways agency. I understand that economic growth must be a
0:17:50 > 0:17:55priority, but how much will the pressure of future housing
0:17:55 > 0:17:59development be considered in any of these future schemes, such as in my
0:17:59 > 0:18:03constituency in New York, surrounded by the Northern Renwick, when we
0:18:03 > 0:18:09have a lot of housing?The major roads network will support the
0:18:09 > 0:18:15creation of new housing developments by improving access to future
0:18:15 > 0:18:18development sites and boosting suitable land capacity, so
0:18:18 > 0:18:24investment decisions for this funding will include considerations
0:18:24 > 0:18:28of high proposal schemes will unlock plans for housing development and
0:18:28 > 0:18:32help to improve how transport is planned for new developments at the
0:18:32 > 0:18:36outset, and the ring road that he refers to is of course part of the
0:18:36 > 0:18:41proposed major roads network.The Chancellor will not the great
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Eastern realign task force which has made the economic and business case
0:18:44 > 0:18:49for rail infrastructure directly to the Treasury. He will also note that
0:18:49 > 0:18:55Draco Anglican teenagers are forking out a lot of money to the tragedy
0:18:55 > 0:19:01under the current franchise. Can the Chancellor is generally get some of
0:19:01 > 0:19:03this money back to invest in a
0:19:03 > 0:19:06much-needed improvements that are commuters are not getting?My
0:19:06 > 0:19:10honourable friend is a great champion of infrastructure, and I
0:19:10 > 0:19:13see how was to create a more dependable rear wing with entries
0:19:13 > 0:19:17focus on punctuality and reliability, and that is why the
0:19:17 > 0:19:21Government is pushing the beggars feel investment since Victorian
0:19:21 > 0:19:27times. Under the Greater Anglia franchise that is a commitment to
0:19:27 > 0:19:29deliver more services, faster journey times, including two Norwich
0:19:29 > 0:19:36with trains each weight from 2019. And a great Eastern Menai proposal
0:19:36 > 0:19:41is currently in an early stage of development, but we will consider
0:19:41 > 0:19:47the case this year has been followed.Can the Chancellor update
0:19:47 > 0:19:51has on the steps being taken to ensure the Government's ambitious
0:19:51 > 0:19:54plans for housing are supported by the local infrastructure
0:19:54 > 0:20:01investments, such as through housing infrastructure fund?My honourable
0:20:01 > 0:20:05friend is right to observe that the conduct build the homes is continued
0:20:05 > 0:20:09without infrastructure, and often it is back from local communities to
0:20:09 > 0:20:13the idea of accommodating greater number of homes is if you're that
0:20:13 > 0:20:18infrastructure will not keep it. To budget 2017 more than doubled the
0:20:18 > 0:20:23housing infrastructure fund, taking it to a total of £5 billion, and in
0:20:23 > 0:20:29February the 1st, we announced a by compounds of investment from that
0:20:29 > 0:20:34fund, supporting 133 project that will unlock infrastructure for up to
0:20:34 > 0:20:40200,000 new homes.It is now two years and two months since Boxing
0:20:40 > 0:20:45Day fact that hit much of Yorkshire, including my constituency of Leeds
0:20:45 > 0:20:49West, took still in Leeds West is no better protected from floods than it
0:20:49 > 0:20:54was on Boxing Day 2015, and the Government still have not signed off
0:20:54 > 0:21:01money for the face to alleviation scheme. -- phase two alleviation
0:21:01 > 0:21:09scheme. Buy more that happen, because it is ardently needed?My
0:21:09 > 0:21:13constituency also has been affected by flooding, and some of the
0:21:13 > 0:21:16response projects and major engineering projects which take time
0:21:16 > 0:21:21to develop, and of course Defra and the Environment Agency has funding
0:21:21 > 0:21:25for flood relief projects, but these have to be prioritised, and have to
0:21:25 > 0:21:28be worked up into proper business cases, but I will look at this
0:21:28 > 0:21:34preserve the case, and if I may, I will write to have a busy copy in a
0:21:34 > 0:21:40hazmat.The most important national infrastructure project is a network
0:21:40 > 0:21:45of tidal lagoons for low-carbon energy. Since Jay-Z apparently
0:21:45 > 0:21:49uprooted project as good value for money, why isn't allowing dinosaurs
0:21:49 > 0:21:57in the energy Department to block it?I imagine that the honourable
0:21:57 > 0:22:01gentleman is offending to the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon project,
0:22:01 > 0:22:05which as he knows, is under consideration by the Government, and
0:22:05 > 0:22:13on an item will be made in due course.Contrary to the Treasury's
0:22:13 > 0:22:19on assessment, be visibly found that a sport investment in London is 2.5
0:22:19 > 0:22:25times per capita higher than it is in the north. An knowledge -- in
0:22:25 > 0:22:28knowledge, we know companies are shedding jobs and citing the
0:22:28 > 0:22:34transport as a cause. What action will minister stick to Ederson is an
0:22:34 > 0:22:38just imbalance, and how it will be, to working with the mirrors of
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Manchester and Liverpool on the convention of the north and eyes
0:22:41 > 0:22:49this morning?I just recognise an agree with the honourable
0:22:49 > 0:22:52gentleman's figures. The analysis shows that actively infrastructure
0:22:52 > 0:22:59investment in the north per capita is higher than in the south-east.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04The Chancellor has spoken out in favour of rebalancing the economy
0:23:04 > 0:23:10via a fairer redistribution of tyres were spending, we did therefore
0:23:10 > 0:23:14consider the strategic jazz pipe was cause for a specific entries and
0:23:14 > 0:23:18transport spending across the north of England?The Government is
0:23:18 > 0:23:23committed to the northern powerhouse project, and recognises that that
0:23:23 > 0:23:28has to be supported through infrastructure investment. We are
0:23:28 > 0:23:31looking at northern powerhouse infrastructure investment projects
0:23:31 > 0:23:34on a case-by-case basis, and will continue to support the development
0:23:34 > 0:23:46of the northern powerhouse.Question six, Mr Speaker.The Government is
0:23:46 > 0:23:51undertaking a wide-ranging set of analysis of the impact of our
0:23:51 > 0:23:55departure from the European Union. This is changing through time as we
0:23:55 > 0:23:59develop an approach going forward, and as we move to a bold and
0:23:59 > 0:24:04Scarborough heads of agreement with the union partners -- all that
0:24:04 > 0:24:10comprehensive agreement.The Chancellor new in 2016 that the
0:24:10 > 0:24:17majority of people with proof that a soft Brexit a hard-won, and people
0:24:17 > 0:24:21like the Foreign Secretary who said he would have for a single market,
0:24:21 > 0:24:27but neither Chancellor knows that it will cost us £45 billion in lost tax
0:24:27 > 0:24:30receipts Didier hard Brexit, while he at least acknowledge that the
0:24:30 > 0:24:35people like me and across the chamber who support us remaining and
0:24:35 > 0:24:39both a customs union and the single market do it in the name of
0:24:39 > 0:24:43prosperity and in the name of upholding democracy?The Government
0:24:43 > 0:24:47has made its position very clear. We are leaving the European Union, that
0:24:47 > 0:24:50means we are leaving the customs union and the single market, however
0:24:50 > 0:24:55we are determined to negotiate a deal which will give us fragilis
0:24:55 > 0:25:00trade with the EU 27 as possible, postal aligning herself as a
0:25:00 > 0:25:04globally facing mission to go out and conduct and secure free trade
0:25:04 > 0:25:11agreements with other countries around the world.Could the
0:25:11 > 0:25:14Government minister please confirm that it will be a Conservative
0:25:14 > 0:25:18Government that is and will continue to be the voice of British business,
0:25:18 > 0:25:22and that securing a strong economic future will be at the heart of the
0:25:22 > 0:25:27Brexit negotiations?I thank my right honourable friend for that
0:25:27 > 0:25:32question. I can of course confirm that we remain entirely committed to
0:25:32 > 0:25:36the strength of our economy, to supporting businesses up and down
0:25:36 > 0:25:39our country, not least in our negotiations over the European
0:25:39 > 0:25:45Union, and in a customs respect to that, for which I have some aspire
0:25:45 > 0:25:47to do with us some responsibility in making sure that the move as
0:25:47 > 0:25:54effectively as possible across the EU 27 post our departure.I believe
0:25:54 > 0:25:59that the best way forward for Britain is to negotiate a new
0:25:59 > 0:26:02relationship with the European Union, one based on an economic
0:26:02 > 0:26:05partnership involving a customs union and the single market and
0:26:05 > 0:26:10goods and services. Not my words, Mr Speaker, but the member of
0:26:10 > 0:26:12Parliament for North Somerset, the Secretary of State for International
0:26:12 > 0:26:19Development, from his website just now. Can I ask the Minister, what
0:26:19 > 0:26:23representation as he had from the Secretary of State for International
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Development and supportive membership of the customs union and
0:26:25 > 0:26:39the single market?
0:26:39 > 0:26:44On the customs union and on trade. We are taking forward legislation to
0:26:44 > 0:26:48make sure that the aspirations that we have in that respect in terms of
0:26:48 > 0:26:57our negotiations with the EU can... When those deals are concluded.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00Yesterday I met a delegation of business representatives from my
0:27:00 > 0:27:04constituency who are optimistic about our prospects when we leave
0:27:04 > 0:27:09the single market and Customs union. They are currently examining the
0:27:09 > 0:27:13concept of Freeport. Will the Minister agree to meet them when
0:27:13 > 0:27:17they have developed their thoughts further and try and overcome
0:27:17 > 0:27:25possible obstacles?I thank the honourable member for his question.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29Of course, I or indeed the Chief Secretary to the Treasury will be
0:27:29 > 0:27:35happy to meet him and his business colleagues. We are potentially
0:27:35 > 0:27:39interested in Freeport go forward and we will keep that under review.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Many members of the cabinets have made their views clear on this
0:27:42 > 0:27:46issue. The Chancellor has said that after we leave the EU he would like
0:27:46 > 0:27:50to see no tariffs with Europe and no hard border with Northern Ireland.
0:27:50 > 0:27:56To quote he said he wanted a deal that would facilitate the freest
0:27:56 > 0:28:02deal with the EU and allow us to forge new relationships around the
0:28:02 > 0:28:10world. ... In a speech made yesterday by the Leader of the
0:28:10 > 0:28:17Opposition which to quote the Chancellor will facilitate the
0:28:17 > 0:28:23freest... And allow us to forge new trade agreements with our partners
0:28:23 > 0:28:32are unwell.Well, I'm clearly here to speak about government policy.
0:28:32 > 0:28:37The zigzag in that we have seen from members opposite on the position of
0:28:37 > 0:28:42the customs union has been quite extraordinary. And it does seem to
0:28:42 > 0:28:45me at first take if I understand what has been suggested that this
0:28:45 > 0:28:50idea that you can be in the customs union and yet go out and have very
0:28:50 > 0:28:53high level of control over doing deals with other countries, I just
0:28:53 > 0:29:02do not think tanks together. Questioned nine, Mr Speaker. Thank
0:29:02 > 0:29:05you, Mr Speaker. My honourable friend will know that in the budget
0:29:05 > 0:29:08might honourable friend the Chancellor announced an additional
0:29:08 > 0:29:16one point. The. Billion we ensure our position of the Welsh government
0:29:16 > 0:29:19that our funding is above that the rate in England and as a consequence
0:29:19 > 0:29:23of those and other measures, Wales is now one of the fastest-growing
0:29:23 > 0:29:30nations within the nations and regions of the United Kingdom.Will
0:29:30 > 0:29:36he further agree with me that leaving the UK single market would
0:29:36 > 0:29:41leave of far bigger risk to the economy the lead in the EU single
0:29:41 > 0:29:52market?It is entirely right. Competitors 12% going into the
0:29:52 > 0:29:56European Union. I think those figures, Mr Speaker, speak for
0:29:56 > 0:30:01themselves.Traditionally Wales has lower wages than the rest of the
0:30:01 > 0:30:04economy. In light of low productivity and low growth
0:30:04 > 0:30:08forecast, what is the government ensuring that high-quality jobs can
0:30:08 > 0:30:16be attracted to the Welsh economy? We're doing a great deal in terms of
0:30:16 > 0:30:20productivity across the country. We have agreed to city deals within
0:30:20 > 0:30:28Wales, £500 million for Cardiff, more for Swansea. Employment is up
0:30:28 > 0:30:34in Wales by 7.3% since 2010 and unemployment in Wales is down by 39%
0:30:34 > 0:30:43since that time.The question is, what investment? They have promised
0:30:43 > 0:30:49to electrify the main line between the two cities. They will not commit
0:30:49 > 0:30:56to the Swansea Bay lagoon... Welsh at the same time as subsidising the
0:30:56 > 0:31:00most expensive row when the world in England. When will the government
0:31:00 > 0:31:06stop taking Wales were right?Am very surprised, Mr Speaker, to hear
0:31:06 > 0:31:08the honourable member levelled those accusations against a government.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12I've already explained we have set aside another 1.2 billion for Wales
0:31:12 > 0:31:17in the recent budget, the two city deals that I have referred to were
0:31:17 > 0:31:23also back back in a South Wales metro and we're big committed to
0:31:23 > 0:31:28agree on further growth deals with North and south Wales.Version ten,
0:31:28 > 0:31:34Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, the cross Whitehall analysis referred to is
0:31:34 > 0:31:38provisional internal analysis, part of on growing analysis and further
0:31:38 > 0:31:43work is in train. This analysis has been developed as a tool to inform
0:31:43 > 0:31:47Ministers on the European Union exit trade committee and subcommittees
0:31:47 > 0:31:53about the choices that must be made as negotiations progress. Thank you
0:31:53 > 0:31:57for that answer. Does the Chancellor agree with the former international
0:31:57 > 0:32:00trade permanent secretary that giving up the single market and
0:32:00 > 0:32:03customs union is like giving up a three course meal for packet of
0:32:03 > 0:32:09crisps in the future? If he does not agree, can he agree what specific
0:32:09 > 0:32:12evidence his department has seen that future trade agreements will
0:32:12 > 0:32:16outweigh the damage of leaving the single market customs union for
0:32:16 > 0:32:19businesses and jobs across the country but particularly in the
0:32:19 > 0:32:27north-east?It is the government's intention to maintain the highest
0:32:27 > 0:32:30possible access for British businesses to European Union
0:32:30 > 0:32:34markets. And the honourable lady is right that we should approach this
0:32:34 > 0:32:39on an evidence basis. We should look for the evidence of value of our
0:32:39 > 0:32:42trade flows with Europe, what that is generating UK in terms of jobs
0:32:42 > 0:32:49and we should look objectively at the opportunities that lie with
0:32:49 > 0:32:54third country trade deals and the likely profile of new jobs and new
0:32:54 > 0:32:57trade and new opportunities that can be created and we should weigh those
0:32:57 > 0:33:05carefully.Mr Speaker, leaks from the Brexit analysis showed that UK
0:33:05 > 0:33:12Government's borrowing will rise dramatically under bricks fit. Can
0:33:12 > 0:33:17the Chancellor reassures that he will cut vital public services to
0:33:17 > 0:33:22plug this gap?As the honourable lady knows, the analysis she refers
0:33:22 > 0:33:30to models standardised off-the-shelf trade models. The government is
0:33:30 > 0:33:35seeking a bespoke deal with the European Union to deliver a deep
0:33:35 > 0:33:38economic partnership, which would have a completely different set of
0:33:38 > 0:33:46outcomes. That remains our objective.Mr Speaker, it is for
0:33:46 > 0:33:50departments to consider the equalities impact of their proposals
0:33:50 > 0:33:54on workforce strategy and pay. The important thing is we reward public
0:33:54 > 0:33:59servants fairly for the work they do.Public sector servants certainly
0:33:59 > 0:34:07have not been fairly. Can I return to the private sector. Is the chief
0:34:07 > 0:34:10secretary concerned as I am that many private-sector firms in their
0:34:10 > 0:34:15reporting obligations on the gender pay gap are excluding partners
0:34:15 > 0:34:18income on the basis that they are not employees. What will government
0:34:18 > 0:34:26do to close a loophole?We have announced new policies on reporting
0:34:26 > 0:34:31the private sector pay gap. The pay gap has come down under this
0:34:31 > 0:34:34government and we are now seeing a record number of women in work. And
0:34:34 > 0:34:40the reason that is is we have taken the difficult economic decisions to
0:34:40 > 0:34:43close the deficit and to make sure we have allowed the private sector
0:34:43 > 0:34:51to flourish.With inflation at 3% and government cut council tax and
0:34:51 > 0:34:55police budgets forcing up precepts, why should low paid workers
0:34:55 > 0:34:59predominantly who are women have an increase of only 1% next year after
0:34:59 > 0:35:05four years of 1% already?First of all I would point out that those on
0:35:05 > 0:35:12the lowest pay have seen their real wages rise by 7% since 2015. The
0:35:12 > 0:35:17highest level for some time. And also, it is the women that we are
0:35:17 > 0:35:22seeing more likely to be in work, a record level of employment and we
0:35:22 > 0:35:25have also given additional flexibility to public services to
0:35:25 > 0:35:35make sure they are able to recruit and retain.The government is taking
0:35:35 > 0:35:38a proactive approach to support borrowers and to aid people to
0:35:38 > 0:35:42manage their money well and help those in problem debt. We reformed
0:35:42 > 0:35:48the regulation giving the FC a considerable regulatory powers and
0:35:48 > 0:35:51we are setting up a new single financial guidance policy to make it
0:35:51 > 0:35:58easier for people to get help with money matters.After seven years,
0:35:58 > 0:36:03wages are still flowing 2010. Self-employed people are on average
0:36:03 > 0:36:08paid less than they were a generation ago. Does the Minister
0:36:08 > 0:36:11share my alarm that too many people are having to worry about buying
0:36:11 > 0:36:15school uniform, affording a family holiday or even just paying for
0:36:15 > 0:36:21their rent or mortgage?The government recognises it's very
0:36:21 > 0:36:24important that we focus on the poorest people in our society, that
0:36:24 > 0:36:28is why we have increased the national living wage by 4.7% which
0:36:28 > 0:36:34will mean a pay rise of £600 for those working full-time. We have
0:36:34 > 0:36:38also increased the personal allowance, frozen the fuel duty and
0:36:38 > 0:36:45increased childcare support to attend to the concerns raised.As
0:36:45 > 0:36:48part of our enquiry into household finances, the Treasury committee is
0:36:48 > 0:36:51looking at the problems facing financially vulnerable households
0:36:51 > 0:36:56and last week I and my committee colleague visited the citizens
0:36:56 > 0:37:01advice bureau in Nottingham. There they told as the problems caused by
0:37:01 > 0:37:05banks and companies but the harshest of always the government. There is
0:37:05 > 0:37:09forbearance for... Over parents. A live is often the first port of call
0:37:09 > 0:37:14rather than a last resort. Is the Minister concerned by this heavy
0:37:14 > 0:37:25handedness and as you not agree that the local... Should lead...As part
0:37:25 > 0:37:30of the work of the single finance guidance body, we will be
0:37:30 > 0:37:35implementing a breathing space. That work is... That Bill is going
0:37:35 > 0:37:38through committee as you know and I am determined that we will get this
0:37:38 > 0:37:41right, listen to best practice across the country. We are committed
0:37:41 > 0:37:46in our manifesto to a six-week breathing space and we will look
0:37:46 > 0:37:52very carefully at representations received from across the country.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55Citizens advice report on Universal Credit claimants who are having more
0:37:55 > 0:37:59than 40% of their standard allowance taken from the monthly payment.
0:37:59 > 0:38:04There is a 40% cap on repayments to third parties but it does not appear
0:38:04 > 0:38:07to include payments of advanced budgeting loans and it is living
0:38:07 > 0:38:11people and able to look make ends meet. Will the Minister agreed to
0:38:11 > 0:38:17meet with DWP colleagues to ensure people are not pushed into debt by
0:38:17 > 0:38:23the government's own rules?Of course I will meet with colleagues
0:38:23 > 0:38:26across government. I meeting with the Minister as we seek to get this
0:38:26 > 0:38:34legislation right.Mr Speaker, membership of the European Economic
0:38:34 > 0:38:40Area would require free member of people with the rest of the European
0:38:40 > 0:38:43Union and the UK Government has been clear that the free movement of
0:38:43 > 0:38:48people cannot continue as it is now. So we are seeking a bespoke,
0:38:48 > 0:38:52comprehensive and ambitious partnership in the neutral interests
0:38:52 > 0:39:00of the UK and the EU.The government's own forecast at suggest
0:39:00 > 0:39:04that no deal Brexit will cut GDP growth in the north-west of England.
0:39:04 > 0:39:13What steps is he taking to reduce the impacts of no deal?As I said
0:39:13 > 0:39:17earlier in answer to a previous question, the figures to which my
0:39:17 > 0:39:21honourable friend refers are based on standardised trade models, not
0:39:21 > 0:39:24that its bespoke deal that we are seeking to achieve. She asked me
0:39:24 > 0:39:30what steps I am taking to protect her constituents's interest. I am
0:39:30 > 0:39:35supporting my colleagues in seeking to strike an ambitious partnership
0:39:35 > 0:39:43with the EU that delivers maximum benefits for the EU and the UK.What
0:39:43 > 0:39:46assessment has the Chancellor made in particular of the potential
0:39:46 > 0:39:54benefits of EUA benefits... UK economy of the creative industries,
0:39:54 > 0:40:00so important for my constituents in Bristol West?The creative
0:40:00 > 0:40:04industries and one of Britain's a great success stories and more
0:40:04 > 0:40:09broadly our services sector is our strategic strength in many respects.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13We have to ensure that as we negotiate a future relationship with
0:40:13 > 0:40:17the European Union, we protect not only the marketing goods but the
0:40:17 > 0:40:20marketing services where Britain has such significant comparative
0:40:20 > 0:40:28advantage.By helping all places to access the benefits of technological
0:40:28 > 0:40:33progress and reach their full potential, we can drive growth at
0:40:33 > 0:40:37national level. Sizzled in 2016 the government has announced an
0:40:37 > 0:40:41additional £7 billion for science and innovation... To total
0:40:41 > 0:40:50government are indeed spending by 2021.Does he agree with me that
0:40:50 > 0:40:53digital technology enables further devolution away from London of
0:40:53 > 0:41:00high-tech industries but what is the government doing to support a?The
0:41:00 > 0:41:06government's are expanding... By investing 21 million over four years
0:41:06 > 0:41:09to help people grow a digital business and this includes a
0:41:09 > 0:41:14large-scale city the demonstrated in Manchester which demonstrates how
0:41:14 > 0:41:26Internet links can improve energy and health and culture.
0:41:26 > 0:41:32In those centres of excellence in gaydar, health and energy, key
0:41:32 > 0:41:36drivers of future economy. And Saturday, I had a meeting with Sadiq
0:41:36 > 0:41:42can wear start-up is identified attracting investment as a key
0:41:42 > 0:41:47barrier to their growth. What is this Government doing to attract
0:41:47 > 0:41:50investment to businesses in Newcastle, and those that the good
0:41:50 > 0:41:57image in a bank has supported by Labour?We certainly have a national
0:41:57 > 0:42:02bank to encourage investment in small businesses. We also have the
0:42:02 > 0:42:05£400 million digital infrastructure fund, and as a minister, I am doing
0:42:05 > 0:42:09all I can to make sure we find the best conditions for investing across
0:42:09 > 0:42:22the country.ICI FS have confirmed, under our plan, public investment
0:42:22 > 0:42:26will reach levels not sustained until the late 1970s by the end of
0:42:26 > 0:42:30this Parliament, and we want to see that investment across United
0:42:30 > 0:42:34Kingdom. We are delivering £30 billion of transport investment in
0:42:34 > 0:42:38the north, and we will launch a transport as much as what fun to
0:42:38 > 0:42:46kasbah migrate to cities.Devolution in the greatest city scatter
0:42:46 > 0:42:50Manchester region is beginning to unlock opportunities for investment
0:42:50 > 0:42:52and infrastructure, research and development and innovation in the
0:42:52 > 0:42:59north-west. It will allow facilities in my constituency to prosper.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03There's a minister and agree, that FBI able to realise the full
0:43:03 > 0:43:12potential of our regions, devolution has to extend further.I'm delighted
0:43:12 > 0:43:15to hear the positive story that the honourable gentleman is giving that
0:43:15 > 0:43:20we have created as a Government. In the last make, I have met with the
0:43:20 > 0:43:24Mayor of Greater Manchester, and we are committed to working with anyone
0:43:24 > 0:43:26who shares our commitment to economic growth and prosperity in
0:43:26 > 0:43:35the north of England.The Government is committed to picking up
0:43:35 > 0:43:40investment in Scotland and it did the Chancellor announced an
0:43:40 > 0:43:45additional £2 billion at Dinas budget. We have boosted city deals
0:43:45 > 0:43:51are ready by £1 billion, and we have committed for the city deals in
0:43:51 > 0:43:57sterling, the case it is, and the Borders.As shown by honourable
0:43:57 > 0:44:02friend will share my concern and the consent of my constituents activity
0:44:02 > 0:44:09stats were at a recent systematic sure that -- showed a decline below
0:44:09 > 0:44:13the levels of the UK. Does he not agree with me that instead of making
0:44:13 > 0:44:18Scotland the highest tax part of the UK, and increasing taxes, he should
0:44:18 > 0:44:22be encouraging the Scottish Government to follow this
0:44:22 > 0:44:26Government's lead, encouraging enterprise and growing UK
0:44:26 > 0:44:32productivity if that's what it ties levels in ten years.You're
0:44:32 > 0:44:38absolutely right to raise the critical as you are productivity,
0:44:38 > 0:44:40and it is of course the responsibility of both Government
0:44:40 > 0:44:45and that respect. On the matter of tax that you raise, I totally agree,
0:44:45 > 0:44:49that it is important to keep tax down, add to the extent that that
0:44:49 > 0:44:54has achieved in Scotland as been to a last degree the changes we have
0:44:54 > 0:45:05made to personal allowance.
0:45:11 > 0:45:17Mr Speaker, we have made sure that local councils have the reliability
0:45:17 > 0:45:20to serve local residents by giving them additional council tax
0:45:20 > 0:45:29flexibility.I thank the Minister for that answer, but between 2010
0:45:29 > 0:45:38and 2020, bit of a cancer will have had their direct funding cut by 70%.
0:45:38 > 0:45:43Can the minister explain how they are expected to meet the rising
0:45:43 > 0:45:47children service and adult social care demands?As they died, councils
0:45:47 > 0:45:52have been given the ability to increase council tax levels to pay
0:45:52 > 0:45:56for those services, and what is vitally important is that those
0:45:56 > 0:45:59taxes are raised locally so that local councillors are accountable
0:45:59 > 0:46:07for the decisions they make.Can you confirm that the Government will now
0:46:07 > 0:46:11probably to improve their funding for local government to replace the
0:46:11 > 0:46:16transparent and advert system, and what you look closely at the
0:46:16 > 0:46:19Leicestershire model for dinner.It is a good point. Local government
0:46:19 > 0:46:24funding has not been fair, and that is why we have been consulting on
0:46:24 > 0:46:27affair from you at the moment, analyst with interest that has
0:46:27 > 0:46:40representations.With the Minister give... Number 20, Mr Speaker.Since
0:46:40 > 0:46:462010, when we had a post-war record level of deficit of 9.9%, we have
0:46:46 > 0:46:52reduced that to 2.2% as of last year, and a forecast in November
0:46:52 > 0:47:00that this deficit bolt for the decline to 1.1% of GDP by 2022,
0:47:00 > 0:47:042023.With the Minister give an estimate of his recent assessment of
0:47:04 > 0:47:07his effect that our deficit reduction measures have taking up on
0:47:07 > 0:47:12relieving the tax burden for younger generations?My honourable friend
0:47:12 > 0:47:15rate is an absolutely critical point about the borders of getting the
0:47:15 > 0:47:19debts down in order to make sure that future generations do not carry
0:47:19 > 0:47:23the burden of that debt, which is why we have reduced the deficit by
0:47:23 > 0:47:27three quarters, it is why we are going to hit our reduction and the
0:47:27 > 0:47:37level of debt to years early in 2020.The an agenda for Huddersfield
0:47:37 > 0:47:46is very eager, and I think we ought to hear the fellow.Some people in
0:47:46 > 0:47:49the us will not I am not the most radical member of the pages, but can
0:47:49 > 0:47:54I tell the Minister that if we had been successful in reducing the
0:47:54 > 0:48:00budget of this Government, my constituents in Yorkshire could
0:48:00 > 0:48:04forget that, but the fact of the matter is that we have had the money
0:48:04 > 0:48:09for the electrification of the trans-Pennine relied stolen from us,
0:48:09 > 0:48:15and as Chancellor refuses to give it back. When will he make amends?As
0:48:15 > 0:48:24the honourable member but not, that we are awaiting the business case
0:48:24 > 0:48:28for this project, and when we receive that, we will accept that
0:48:28 > 0:48:45most closely.Thank you so much, Mr Speaker.In summer 2015, the summer
0:48:45 > 0:48:53as the CEO of virgin money to bleed a view to gender diversity. And
0:48:53 > 0:49:01response, she lodged the women's finance Charter, which as pharmacy,
0:49:01 > 0:49:10to four.I thank the Minister for that excellent answer, and following
0:49:10 > 0:49:17the Royal mind's appointment of its first funeral Chief Executive in its
0:49:17 > 0:49:201001 year history, but the Secretary of State journey in congratulating
0:49:20 > 0:49:27her on her new role?Yes, I would be delighted to congratulate Art, and I
0:49:27 > 0:49:32wish her all the best in the new role. If I may, I would also like to
0:49:32 > 0:49:38take this opportunity to apply to congratulate my own constituents who
0:49:38 > 0:49:46was elected the first woman president... I wish the Secretary of
0:49:46 > 0:49:48State are the best with that. LAUGHTER
0:49:48 > 0:50:03.I'm sure he'll be back with some anxiety.My principal responsibility
0:50:03 > 0:50:05is to ensure economic responsibility and the continued prosperity of the
0:50:05 > 0:50:10British people and I will do so by building on the plan set out in the
0:50:10 > 0:50:13autumn budget. This Government is determined to meet the important
0:50:13 > 0:50:17challenges we face as well as to seize the opportunities ahead, as we
0:50:17 > 0:50:22create an economy fit for the future. And I balanced approach to
0:50:22 > 0:50:26the public finances enables ASBO to give households and businesses
0:50:26 > 0:50:30supporting the near term, and to invest in the future of this country
0:50:30 > 0:50:34while also being fair to the next generation by reducing the national
0:50:34 > 0:50:42debt that remains far too large. Reducing to raise VAT to 5% after
0:50:42 > 0:50:47really the European Union would create an extra 121,000 jobs and
0:50:47 > 0:50:51£4.6 billion in revenue to the tragedy of a tenuous. It will be a
0:50:51 > 0:50:59great boost to our cities and also our coastal towns. While he commit
0:50:59 > 0:51:05to looking at this edgy as we leave the EU?My honourable friend is
0:51:05 > 0:51:09nothing if not persistent and consistent. At that can never have
0:51:09 > 0:51:12maintained he has raised this issue. There have been numerous requests
0:51:12 > 0:51:17for new VAT believes since the referendum, some of which is
0:51:17 > 0:51:22currently not permitted under EU law. And have that everywhere to
0:51:22 > 0:51:26gather the VAT relief request that we have received, that has come to
0:51:26 > 0:51:33more than £38 billion a year. On VAT and tourism, the Government has
0:51:33 > 0:51:36received representations on this issue. We are looking again at the
0:51:36 > 0:51:40case for change, and we have issued a call for evidence on the impact of
0:51:40 > 0:51:44the 80 on tourism in Northern Ireland, analyst at the keep this
0:51:44 > 0:51:50issue and a careful review.The chief secretary gave a speech last
0:51:50 > 0:51:54year, far better value for money from public finances, and are not
0:51:54 > 0:51:59spending money we don't have. He talked about not wasting money. So
0:51:59 > 0:52:03how can she justify spending hundreds of millions of pounds on
0:52:03 > 0:52:08for the tax giveaways was £2000 per child via the tax free childcare
0:52:08 > 0:52:14scheme to the wealthiest families using, for example, private schools.
0:52:14 > 0:52:19Isn't that a waste of money? Is that not spending money we don't have?I
0:52:19 > 0:52:24will point out that the voucher scheme invented by the previous
0:52:24 > 0:52:31Labour Government only benefited 600,000 families, whereas our scheme
0:52:31 > 0:52:43is much broader. It benefits 1.5 million people. And... And the skin
0:52:43 > 0:52:48of the Labour Government was open to private schools and private
0:52:48 > 0:52:55mercenaries as well.Last weekend the chamber, we had an opposition MP
0:52:55 > 0:52:58complained that they believe they should be personally be paying far
0:52:58 > 0:53:03more tax. Can the Minister confirm the mechanism by which anybody can
0:53:03 > 0:53:10currently voluntarily do exactly that?As a minister of the tragedy,
0:53:10 > 0:53:15I would be delighted if the people voluntarily stepped forward to pay
0:53:15 > 0:53:20more tax than they argue, that is, I am pleased to inform my honourable
0:53:20 > 0:53:24friend, about the possible by way of a gifted to the Crown, and I am
0:53:24 > 0:53:28looking at ways to raise awareness of that particular opportunity. I
0:53:28 > 0:53:32would be happy to meet with him to discuss those options with them. I
0:53:32 > 0:53:35would also to all members are very generous gift aid relief that the
0:53:35 > 0:53:40Treasury provides for those to which to make direct contributions to
0:53:40 > 0:53:45charities of their choice.Four intent of Enfield's children are
0:53:45 > 0:53:54living below the poverty line. But on a 34 children -- that is almost
0:53:54 > 0:53:5734 thousand children. My constituency is in the top 20
0:53:57 > 0:54:00constituencies in the country with the fastest growing level of child
0:54:00 > 0:54:06poverty. If the Chancellor pursuing any kind of joined up policies with
0:54:06 > 0:54:10other relevant departments didn't by the Prime Minister said and make
0:54:10 > 0:54:14Britain a country that works not for a privileged few but for every one
0:54:14 > 0:54:20of us, including those 34,000?The Government believes that one of the
0:54:20 > 0:54:24most important divers are bringing people out of poverty is work, and
0:54:24 > 0:54:28we are rolling out Universal Credit as a consequence, with it is ever is
0:54:28 > 0:54:34that that is more successful online and legacy benefits. Since 2010, the
0:54:34 > 0:54:41honourable lady will probably know that 200,000 fewer children are now
0:54:41 > 0:54:46in absolute poverty than was the case in 2010.What preparations as
0:54:46 > 0:54:51the Treasury be making for leaving the European Union, and by the
0:54:51 > 0:54:54tragedy be ready on day one to adjure frictionless borders when we
0:54:54 > 0:55:01leave the European Union, Deal or no Deal?The Government is continuing
0:55:01 > 0:55:08with data preparations for all possible March 20 scenarios, and
0:55:08 > 0:55:10this includes adjourning the partners have adequate resources to
0:55:10 > 0:55:16prepare for a year at it. To date, the Treasury has allocated
0:55:16 > 0:55:18departments nearly £790 for preparation activity, and we are
0:55:18 > 0:55:25currently in the process of allocating the 18-19 funding from
0:55:25 > 0:55:31the additional funding INS in the autumn budget.The health and social
0:55:31 > 0:55:36care system has been pushed to its limit in recent weeks, not my words,
0:55:36 > 0:55:39but those of my local hospital trust, and last month they were
0:55:39 > 0:55:48forced to cancel and 9025 operators, and 640 outpatient appointment. --
0:55:48 > 0:55:57325 operations. It also makes it just's challenge and financial
0:55:57 > 0:56:00situation even worse. When will he get the system be sustainable
0:56:00 > 0:56:06funding it needs?
0:56:06 > 0:56:09The NHS has been rated the best health care system in the world but
0:56:09 > 0:56:13we do recognise there are extra demands on the help system which is
0:56:13 > 0:56:20why at the budget we put in an extra £6.3 billion worth of funding.What
0:56:20 > 0:56:23progress has been made in reducing the level of corporation tax
0:56:23 > 0:56:31evasion?I'm delighted to warm the House considerable progress has been
0:56:31 > 0:56:36made in reducing the level of tax evasion amongst the corporate
0:56:36 > 0:56:40sector. We have been at the forefront of the initiative's
0:56:40 > 0:56:48launched with the... The profit diversion tax was brought in in 2015
0:56:48 > 0:56:54as a consequence we have brought in £53 billion in by clamping on this
0:56:54 > 0:57:00area since 2010.Members have already raised the insufficient
0:57:00 > 0:57:06funding of local authorities by this government. The local campaign in
0:57:06 > 0:57:11Lewisham prevented children and adults with mental health services
0:57:11 > 0:57:14still lost from central government. When will the government finally
0:57:14 > 0:57:18take this seriously and reversed the cuts to children's mental health
0:57:18 > 0:57:26services?We are putting additional funding and support into children's
0:57:26 > 0:57:29mental health services and the Department for Education has
0:57:29 > 0:57:32recently announced additional support for children's mental health
0:57:32 > 0:57:39issues in schools.Could my right honourable friend tell the House
0:57:39 > 0:57:46what assessment the Treasury has made either separately or jointly of
0:57:46 > 0:57:48how external initiatives on competitiveness and investment might
0:57:48 > 0:57:55help the rail sector and Network Rail in particular?This is that
0:57:55 > 0:58:00question for my right honourable friend the Transport Secretary is
0:58:00 > 0:58:03looking at how to improve the productivity of the role way of
0:58:03 > 0:58:08course. How to ensure that every pound we invest in the railway
0:58:08 > 0:58:12delivers the maximum possible benefit to railway users and he will
0:58:12 > 0:58:19make further announcements in due course.Could the Chancellor set out
0:58:19 > 0:58:22the benefits or otherwise of the arrangement the government appears
0:58:22 > 0:58:32to have for a customs union between Camden, Islington and Westminster?
0:58:32 > 0:58:35I'm sure, Mr Speaker, when I go home and reflect on it the meaning that
0:58:35 > 0:58:43question will become later me. What I'll say to the honourable lady is
0:58:43 > 0:58:47that if we look at the way goods and services flow freely between
0:58:47 > 0:58:50different parts of our own economy and indeed between different parts
0:58:50 > 0:58:56of the United kingdom we see at once the huge benefits that it brings
0:58:56 > 0:59:01having frictionless borders as we move our goods and services.I am
0:59:01 > 0:59:06very much in favour gifting but I do find that when some large charities
0:59:06 > 0:59:13say they receive no direct support from the government but do receive
0:59:13 > 0:59:17gift aid that the Exchequer will not publish those figures. Will the
0:59:17 > 0:59:23Chancellor reconsider that?And the revenue does not disclose the funds
0:59:23 > 0:59:28individual charities receive from gift aid due to their obligations to
0:59:28 > 0:59:32respect taxpayer confidentiality under the 2005 act. Of course some
0:59:32 > 0:59:38large charities do so voluntarily. Cancer research is one example that
0:59:38 > 0:59:42received £31 million in this way but I'm very sympathetic to my right
0:59:42 > 0:59:44honourable friend's argument and it is a matter that I'll be taking
0:59:44 > 0:59:51forward. Alan Mak Ryanair have announced slashing of 20 Glasgow
0:59:51 > 0:59:55airport routes, a cut of over a million passengers in the loss of
0:59:55 > 1:00:03many jobs the departure tax caused by this government has been cited as
1:00:03 > 1:00:08a reason. Another is the Brexit uncertainty in the aviation sector.
1:00:08 > 1:00:12With more routes and jobs likely to go, what is the Chancellor and his
1:00:12 > 1:00:15colleagues doing to support the aviation sector during the
1:00:15 > 1:00:23negotiations?The issue of devolution has been delayed after
1:00:23 > 1:00:26consultations between ourselves and the Scottish Government and both
1:00:26 > 1:00:30governments been satisfied with the current arrangement. As to the
1:00:30 > 1:00:33announcement by Ryanair, I believe part of that announcement was also
1:00:33 > 1:00:36that they would be extending the number of routes out of Edinburgh
1:00:36 > 1:00:45airport.If we want to see sustainable rising wages, we will
1:00:45 > 1:00:49need to see higher productivity. Does my honourable friend welcome
1:00:49 > 1:00:54the recent improvement in these figures that we have seen?We have
1:00:54 > 1:00:59seen two quarters of good activity data but we should recognise that
1:00:59 > 1:01:03the productivity challenge we face in this country is long-term. The
1:01:03 > 1:01:06government has taken a range of measures to address it and we will
1:01:06 > 1:01:12watch the evolution of this data very carefully. But there is
1:01:12 > 1:01:17certainly no scope for any complacency about the scale of the
1:01:17 > 1:01:24challenge that we face and we're determined to rise it.Artificial
1:01:24 > 1:01:28intelligence brings huge economic opportunities but to date big tech
1:01:28 > 1:01:32companies have seemed even more likely than traditional corporate is
1:01:32 > 1:01:37to engage in aggressive tax avoidance and concentrate power in a
1:01:37 > 1:01:41narrow homogenous group of people. What will the Chancellor do to
1:01:41 > 1:01:47ensure companies in this growing sector will pay and take account of
1:01:47 > 1:01:51their wider corporate responsibility to society?The honourable lady will
1:01:51 > 1:01:55know that we have made announcements at the budget in respect of the...
1:01:55 > 1:02:02Those that operate from digital platforms and so create value as a
1:02:02 > 1:02:04consequence, we are consulting on the measures that we may take. We
1:02:04 > 1:02:08have said in our consultation document. It is possible we may look
1:02:08 > 1:02:12at revenue taxes as a particular approach ago but our preference is a
1:02:12 > 1:02:18multilateral move with our partners in the EU but we are prepared to go
1:02:18 > 1:02:24it alone if that proves necessary. The services sector makes a huge tax
1:02:24 > 1:02:30contribution to the public purse. What confidence can you give to my
1:02:30 > 1:02:33constituents who work in financial services that our new free trade
1:02:33 > 1:02:41agreements will cover services as well as goods?We are clear that the
1:02:41 > 1:02:43future comprehensive trade partnership with the European Union
1:02:43 > 1:02:47must include goats as well as services. A deal can only be done if
1:02:47 > 1:02:56it is fair to both sides -- include goods as well as services. We have
1:02:56 > 1:02:59heard it asserted that it is impossible for services to part of a
1:02:59 > 1:03:03trade agreement. I do not believe that is the case and next week I
1:03:03 > 1:03:10shall make a speech in which I will set out our view of how it is
1:03:10 > 1:03:16possible to include services within such a trade deal.The Chancellor
1:03:16 > 1:03:20referred earlier to what he called the continued prosperity in the UK.
1:03:20 > 1:03:26Will he undertake to do two things, one to ensure that the significance
1:03:26 > 1:03:30of the tax system is undertaken by looking at the level at which the
1:03:30 > 1:03:36low paid, part-time and full-time employees get the first £300 free of
1:03:36 > 1:03:45national insurance each week?We will continue to seek to simplify
1:03:45 > 1:03:50the tax system although I have to say my personal observation is that
1:03:50 > 1:03:55whenever a proposal is made to simplify, those who benefit from
1:03:55 > 1:03:59complexity is quickly speak up and those are not always people on high
1:03:59 > 1:04:03incomes, they are often on low incomes as well so we shall continue
1:04:03 > 1:04:08to try to simplify the system that is fair and appropriate for all.
1:04:08 > 1:04:11Whilst accepting that the MoD is in need of serious reform as well as
1:04:11 > 1:04:17more money, can the Chancellor confirmed that he has agreed with
1:04:17 > 1:04:20the Secretary of State for Defence that there will be no further
1:04:20 > 1:04:22reductions in capability of the modernising defence review takes
1:04:22 > 1:04:24place on the money required that in the region of two million pounds
1:04:24 > 1:04:30will be forthcoming?As the House will know I have the privilege to
1:04:30 > 1:04:35serve the nearly three years as Defence Secretary and I will one in
1:04:35 > 1:04:39my operation in the work that our Armed Forces do I also understand
1:04:39 > 1:04:45how complex and challenging managing the defence budget is being a
1:04:45 > 1:04:49multi-annual budget with many conflicts procurements in it. My
1:04:49 > 1:04:52right honourable friend the Prime Minister and myself are working very
1:04:52 > 1:04:55carefully with our right honourable friend the Defence Secretary as he
1:04:55 > 1:05:00carries out the modernisation review and we will ensure that defence has
1:05:00 > 1:05:09the funding it needs to continue to defend this country appropriately.
1:05:09 > 1:05:15Thank you. North Derbyshire CCG finished last year £27 million in
1:05:15 > 1:05:19the red and £16 million of cuts were demanded. In spite of closing
1:05:19 > 1:05:24hospital beds at a time when name I most needed, they will end this year
1:05:24 > 1:05:29£27 million in the red again. When will this government give the NHS
1:05:29 > 1:05:37sustainable settlement to ensure proper services?We have given the
1:05:37 > 1:05:41NHS sustainable settlement. The received an additional £6.3 billion
1:05:41 > 1:05:46but it is also important we reform our health care services on that we
1:05:46 > 1:05:51put in place the sustainable transformation plans, that investing
1:05:51 > 1:05:54capital and new technology and making sure that we use our
1:05:54 > 1:05:58fantastic front line workers, nurses and doctors, in the best way
1:05:58 > 1:06:04possible.As the Chancellor knows, investment in infrastructure is key
1:06:04 > 1:06:08to ensure that we can build the thousands of homes that this country
1:06:08 > 1:06:13needs. Would the Chancellor agreed to meet with me and other
1:06:13 > 1:06:15Hertfordshire MPs and the leader of Hertfordshire County Council to
1:06:15 > 1:06:19discuss how we might be able to do this in Hertfordshire, where we need
1:06:19 > 1:06:25to deliver about 100,000 new homes? Yes, Mr Speaker, I am always
1:06:25 > 1:06:28delighted to meet with my honourable friend and his colleagues and
1:06:28 > 1:06:31Hertfordshire is one of the high-pressure housing areas where it
1:06:31 > 1:06:35is absolutely essential that we deliver additional housing if we are
1:06:35 > 1:06:41to improve affordability.Cold weather payments were triggered in
1:06:41 > 1:06:46all postcodes in my constituency yesterday. Information that I shared
1:06:46 > 1:06:50on social media, yet a constituent has got up to me this morning to say
1:06:50 > 1:06:53that when she contacted Universal Credit they said they knew nothing
1:06:53 > 1:06:57about it. So could the Chancellor work with colleagues in the
1:06:57 > 1:07:00Department for Work and Pensions given the freezing weather and the
1:07:00 > 1:07:03fact that people will be nervous to turn the heating on if they do not
1:07:03 > 1:07:07know they can pay for it to resolve this as soon as possible?I'm
1:07:07 > 1:07:18grateful to the honourable will look into the point that she has raised
1:07:18 > 1:07:20immediately. This is obviously an immediate issue in relation to the
1:07:20 > 1:07:23colder weather we're having now and I will find out letter no later
1:07:23 > 1:07:25today.Of the discipline