08 Apr
Question
Investment: Regulatory Policies

In this question session on Investment: Regulatory Policies, various Parliament members raised concerns about the UK's regulatory environment and its effect on investment levels. The dialogue was instigated by Callum Anderson, who inquired about the impact of current regulatory policies on investment trends.

Emma Reynolds, representing the government stance, emphasized that the UK's regulatory system aims to enhance business growth and investment. She highlighted the release of a regulation action plan, promising a 25% reduction in administrative costs for businesses by the end of Parliament. Reynolds underscored a whole-of-government approach securing 60 commitments from regulators to improve the business environment, focusing on reducing redundant regulation.

12.7% increase in inward investment projects in Scotland in 2023

Compared to a 6% rise across the rest of the UK.

Callum Anderson pressed further for clarity on how a unified regulatory framework would protect consumers while ensuring the UK's competitive edge.

60 commitments from key regulators

Part of the government's strategy to enhance the business environment.

Dave Doogan from the SNP spotlighted Scotland's investment success, questioning the Chancellor's fiscal strategies and interaction with the Scottish Government. Emma Reynolds responded by noting the significant fiscal support provided to Scotland in 2024.

Mark Garnier raised concerns about possible reforms to cash ISAs, noting their importance for savings and the residential mortgage market. Reynolds acknowledged the need for balanced ISA reforms, emphasizing the dual importance of cash and equities for both personal savings and wider economic stability.

25% reduction in administrative costs for businesses

Planned by the end of the current Parliament as part of a regulation action plan.

Outcome

The session underscored the government's focus on regulatory reforms to bolster investment and stimulate growth. There was an emphasis on streamlining regulations to facilitate business operations while balancing consumer protection. Concerns, especially regarding regional economic implications in Scotland and cash ISA reforms, were partially addressed, reflecting ongoing debates and government reassessments of investment policies.

Key Contributions

Callum AndersonMember of Parliament
Labour

Queried the impact of regulatory policies on investment levels.

Emma ReynoldsMinister

Referred to a regulation action plan for reducing business costs.

Dave DooganMember of Parliament
SNP (Scottish National Party)

Highlighted Scotland's investment growth and queried fiscal interventions' impact on Scotland.

Mark GarnierShadow Minister
Conservative

Addressed concerns about potential ISA reforms and their effect on mutual societies.

Original Transcript
Callum Anderson
Buckingham and Bletchley
Lab
Question
UIN: 903668

12. What assessment she has made of the potential impact of her Department’s regulatory policies on trends in the level of investment.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury
Emma Reynolds

We have heard from UK businesses that our regulatory system often holds back growth and investment. We recently published a regulation action plan, and committed to cutting the administrative costs of regulation for businesses by 25% by the end of this Parliament.

We are going further, faster than ever before to streamline regulation and make Britain the best place in the world to do business.

Callum Anderson

The Minister will know that both domestic and international investors are often influenced by decisions taken by multiple agencies, regulators, and indeed Government Departments, which is why consistency is key.

Can the Minister update the House on how the Treasury is supporting a whole-of-Government and whole-of-regulator approach to delivering coherent UK regulatory frameworks that strike a balance between protecting consumers and boosting the global competitiveness of the UK economy?

Emma Reynolds

This is a whole-of-Government approach, and we have secured 60 commitments from key regulators to improving the business environment.

The Government are streamlining regulation and stripping back its duplication, to ultimately deliver a regulatory system that encourages new investment, innovation and growth.

Dave Doogan
Angus and Perthshire Glens
SNP

Inward investment projects in Scotland grew by 12.7% in 2023, compared with 6% across the rest of the United Kingdom. 2023 saw record investment in Scotland, which maintained its position as the top-performing area of the UK for the ninth year running.

International businesses want to locate in Scotland because they understand that GDP per person in Scotland has grown by 10.5%, compared with 6.5% in the rest of the UK, since 2007.

What impact does the Chancellor think her fiscal interventions since October will have on the attractiveness of Scotland as a destination, and what discussions has she had with the Scottish Government about the jeopardy that she has placed our economy in?

Emma Reynolds

The Chancellor delivered the biggest ever settlement for Scotland in October 2024, and I think the answer is “thank you”.

Mr Speaker
12:20

I call the shadow Minister.

Mark Garnier
Wyre Forest
Con

There is a great deal of speculation about the future of the cash individual savings account. As we know, it is an important savings mechanism for many savers across the country, all of whom will be dismayed at the loss of a significant cash savings opportunity.

Just as importantly, cutting cash ISAs will deprive building societies of important funds for their balance sheets, reducing the amount of capital available for the residential mortgage market. This point has been raised with me by the mutual societies.

Given that the loss of the cash ISA would have a profound effect on mutuals’ ability to raise debt capital, what research have the Government undertaken to establish the extent of the damage that such a measure might inflict on the residential mortgage market, which is not just important for all our constituents, but crucial for the 1.

5 million new homes that the Government propose building?

Emma Reynolds

I work closely with the mutuals and other financial services firms, and I think the hon. Member is slightly jumping the gun, if he does not mind my saying so. We are considering options to reform ISAs, but we need to get the balance right between cash and equities.

We know that many people have investments in cash ISAs who could think about investing in our capital markets, which would be a win for them through higher returns, and also for the economy. However, we absolutely understand the role that cash savings play in people having money for a rainy day.

All content derived from official parliamentary records