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Proceeding contribution from Chris Leslie (Labour) in the House of Commons on Monday, 4 July 2011. It occurred during Debate on bill on Finance (No. 3) Bill.


Finance (No. 3) Bill

The hon. Lady makes an interesting point, because it is important that we engage with the Government properly on this agenda. We are still waiting for that report, although I hope that new clause 11 has been framed in such a way as to be pretty harmless and to command widespread support. Ultimately, all that we are looking for is a review of the circumstances; and indeed, some of the tax measures that may need to be included—although they may not—would not currently be part of the arrangements that I understand her hon. Friends are reviewing. New clause 11 is simply about ensuring the widest possible capability for those policy levers that the Government would be able to consider. There are so many measures necessary to help protect the consumer. They include not just action on payday lending or interest rates, for example, but the support needed for financial literacy education—something to which the Government have regrettably taken the axe, by terminating the £26 million financial inclusion fund. That decision is a particular regret, given that it will hit citizens advice bureaux up and down the country, along with other face-to-face advice agencies. Indeed, the financial inclusion fund was an essential bit of seedcorn funding, so I would be grateful for the Minister's clarification about its future.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
530 c1253-4 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Disadvantaged Directors Assets Corporation tax Banks Credit Advisory services Capital allowances Income tax Financial services Interest rates Low incomes Pay Nuclear power Loans Money lenders Social Fund Regulation Taxation VAT Tax rates and bands Tax yields
Legislation
Finance (No. 3) Bill 2010-12
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk