Live webchat with Rachel Reeves MP, Labour's shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Monday 26 March, 12.30 pm

[JustineMumsnet]

Labour's shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Rachel Reeves MP, is joining us for a webchat tomorrow, Monday 26th March, 12.30-1.30pm (just before she nips of to the Common's chamber to close the budget debate).

Rachel was elected to Parliament at the last general election, having previously worked as an economist for the Bank of England, the British Embassy in Washington and at Halifax Bank of Scotland and is regarded as one of Ed Miliband's high-flyers and a potential future leader of the labour party.

Rachel's keen to answer any of your questions: from tax credits to child benefit, personal allowances to pension age (and of course anything a bit more exciting in between).

As ever, if you can't join us live - do post a question in advance.

[JugglingWithTangentialOranges]

Yes, BM - As I said they/we will get in back in spades anyway - So what are we waiting for !!

[RachelReevesMP]

I would like to see a tax on bankers' bonuses of 50%, which would raise £2bn to fund 25,000 affordable homes as well as supporting 100,000 young people into employment.

When in Government, Labour increased the number of affordable homes to its highest level. One policy that I thought was hugely helpful was shared ownership schemes that helped people on to the housing ladder even if they didn't have massive deposits. This government has cut the affordable housing budget by 60% making it harder for young people to get on the housing ladder.

I also support the mansion tax if it is used to help people on more modest and middle incomes. I think it is disappointing that the government didn't go ahead with that last week. Another missed opportunity to provide a bit of support to families.

@ethelb

What is Labour's policy to minimise the impact of the houseing situation?

How is affordable houseing going to be made available to young people?

Are you considering rent caps, mansion tax, or building more homes?

[RachelReevesMP]

He was even worse when the camera was off!...

@maresedotes

Hello Rachel

How on earth did you cope with David Starkey on QT recently?!

[RachelReevesMP]

OK, that's the end of my session now. Can I just say thank you to everybody for all your questions and ideas. And a special hello to Louise (mumsnetter and on maternity leave from my office)!

Please invite me back again! And if you've got nothing else to do at c.9.20pm this evening, tune in to the parliament channel.

Rachel

[Pooka]

Probably too late for the chat, but wanted to say that your father was my headmaster at primary school! He was absolutely brilliant, and he must be incredibly proud of how well you are doing.

[BoffinMum]

If people could stop being rude, condescending and patronising towards mothers, stigmatising them when convenient, or moaning about their role and describing it as a 'lifestyle choice' up there with acquiring a dog or an expensive new car, that would be a great start. (I cannot believe I am having to type that in the 21st century, by the way).

It's enough to make you put your Fawcett Society t-shirt on.

[BoffinMum]

Thank you Rachel. Very good webchat. Get MNHQ to ask you back sometime for more!!!

[CharlotteBronteSaurus]

many thanks for your excellent answers Rachel. i hope it won't be too long before you get a chance to put things into practice .

[JugglingWithTangentialOranges]

Thanks Rachel ! Very interesting ! You made my day

[MrsHenryWood]

Thanks Rachel; although you missed the point of my 1st question; I am actually in favour of a 50% tax rate, and would also not have reduced it.

My issue was about the attitude towards people who are paying this rate, and how increasingly alienating I increasingly find it as a Labour voter.

But best of luck with the whole Chief Secretary thing - would be great to see you there in 2015

[Northernlurker]

Just catching up with then part of this - really good webchat I think. Thanks HQ and thanks Rachel.

[IHeartKingThistle]

Yay - Rachel Reeves remembers me! I was convinced she'd call me a fruitloop and summon security

Thanks for answering my question; it's good to see research is being done. Would LOVE to see you leading that party instead of any kind of Miliband!

(In Surrey now. Hi to your sister too! I've just remembered all the letters on homemade marbled paper )