theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_62
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_62

Andrew Gwynne:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will estimate (a) the number of children in kinship care that receive delayed medical treatment in (i) emergencies and (ii) routine medical care resulting from the challenges in establishing a kinship carer’s parental responsibility and (b) the potential harm of such delays. \p Ashley Dalton: The Government does not hold the data requested. It is a legal and ethical principle that valid consent must be obtained before starting personal care, treatment, or investigations. This reflects the rights of individuals to decide what happens to their own bodies, as consent is a fundamental principle of good healthcare and professional practice. For infants and young children not competent to give or withhold consent, consent can be given by a person with parental responsibility. By law, healthcare professionals only need one person with parental responsibility to give consent for them to provide treatment. We do, however, recognise that too many babies, children, and young people are not receiving the support and care they deserve. We know that waiting times for services are far too long and we are determined to change that. The Government is committed to creating the healthiest generation of children ever, including children in care. The Government is adopting a mission-based approach and will deliver this ambition through the Health and Opportunity Missions, and through the 10-Year Plan for the National Health Service.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_63
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_63

Andrew Gwynne:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will implement specific training for (a) emergency care workers, (b) other healthcare professionals and (c) administrative NHS staff on (i) treating children who are in kinship care, (ii) the various types of care arrangements and (iii) the rights of carers with legally recognised parental responsibility. \p Ashley Dalton: The core and specialist training for children living with kinship carers is the same as for all children in care. The Government does not have plans to implement specialised training at present.

The Government recognises the important role that kinship carers play in caring for some of the most vulnerable children. We are determined to give every child the opportunities they deserve, and kinship carers have a crucial role to play. The Government knows that many children who receive care from relatives and friends need extra support in the health system. Kinship carers often take on this role at a time when they were least expecting to raise a family, and we recognise the challenges they face.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_64
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_64

Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of correcting cosmetic dental surgery undertaken by British nationals abroad in the last 12 months. \p Karin Smyth: The Department does not hold data on the overall costs to the National Health Service of treating complications arising from cosmetic, including dental, procedures undertaken overseas. We are exploring ways to improve our understanding of the scale and impact of these costs on NHS services.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_65
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_65

Steff Aquarone:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 29 November 2024 to Question 16285 on Methylphenidate: Shortage, what recent progress his Department has made on improving the supply of methylphenidate in (a) Norfolk and (b) the UK. \p Karin Smyth: The supply of methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets has greatly improved. However, some issues persist. We are continuing to work to resolve these remaining issues by engaging with all suppliers of methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets and capsules to assess the challenges faced and their actions to address them. We are also directing suppliers to secure additional stocks, expedite deliveries where possible, and review plans to build further capacity to support continued growth in demand for the short and long-term. The Department is also working with new suppliers of methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets and capsules to improve the supply and resiliency for the United Kingdom’s market.

The Department continually updates a list of currently available and unavailable attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) products on the Specialist Pharmacy Service website. This helps ensure those involved in the prescribing and dispensing of ADHD medications can make informed decisions with patients. This list is available at the following link:

www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-available-medicines-to-treat-adhd

The Department monitors and manages medicine supply at a national level so that stocks remain available to meet regional and local demand. Information on stock levels within Norfolk is not held centrally.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

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Edward Argar:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many full time equivalent staff were employed by NHS England on 1 April 2025. \p Karin Smyth: The number of full-time equivalent staff employed by NHS England as of 1 March 2025 was 14,957.12.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

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Ms Polly Billington:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Answer of 19 May 2025 to Question 52414 on Personal Independence Payment, how many recipients of PIP are forecast by her Department to lose their PIP Daily Living Entitlement after all PIP reassessments have taken place over the projected six year timeframe. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_68

Shaun Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of proposed changes to welfare spending on the Household Support Fund. \p Alison McGovern: Information on the impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper has been published here ‘Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper’(opens in a new tab).

A further programme of analysis to support development of the proposals in the Green Paper will be developed and undertaken in the coming months. This Government has extended the Household Support Fund by a further year, from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2026. This will ensure vulnerable households in the most need can continue to access support towards the cost of essentials, such as energy, water and food. No decision has been made at this stage on funding beyond the end of March 2026. As with all other government programmes, any such funding will be considered in the round at Phase 2 of the Spending Review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

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Chris Bloore:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the merits of placing job centre staff in supported housing sites. \p Alison McGovern: Jobcentre staff provide outreach in a range of community and service settings. This is a valuable way of reaching people who experience difficulties accessing support and promotes partnership working to benefit our customers.

Co-location planning between jobcentres and partners such as housing providers is place-based according to local needs and circumstances. This type of joint working will be strengthened by the localised approach of our plan to Get Britain Working.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many permanent civil servants in her Department are staff without assigned posts; and how many are placed in an equivalent (a) people action team, (b) priority movers list, (c) redeployment register, (d) talent pool and (e) skills match hub in the most recent period for which data is available. \p Andrew Western: There are 11 permanent civil servants in The Department for Work and Pensions without assigned posts as of 15/05/2025.

These are all held on a priority movers list to enable matching against suitable roles and are also on the redeployment register which is shared with Other Government Departments to seek redeployment.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_72

Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many calls to the Pension Service helpline (a) were not answered, (b) involved the caller being on hold for more than 10 minutes and (c) were terminated by the Pension Service following the caller being on hold for more than 10 minutes in each month between January 2015 and January 2024. \p Torsten Bell: DWP does not have a specific enquiry line called the Pension Service Helpline, so I have provided the data from the State Pensions enquiries line.

Over the period 1 February to 30 April 2025 a total of 28,775 calls were not answered due to caller abandonment. A monthly breakdown shows February 6,696; March 16,960 and April 5,119. The percentage of calls answered over these 3 months on average shows Feb 92%, March 84% and April 94%, against an expectation of 90%. A total of 67,736 callers were on hold for more than 10 minutes with the monthly breakdown showing February 9,082, March 51,746, April 6,908. No calls were terminated by DWP.

We do not hold the data before June 2023 and therefore have based our answer on the period from 1st June 2023 to 31st January 2025. In this data, calls not answered were due to caller abandonment. No calls were terminated by DWP.

Date

Abandoned

Hold for 10 mins or more

Jun-23

336

31

Jul-23

228

15

Aug-23

922

259

Sep-23

4563

4054

Oct-23

7634

11403

Nov-23

5828

10297

Dec-23

1208

366

Date

Abandoned

Hold for 10 mins or more

Jan-24

1676

12

Feb-24

6569

4124

Mar-24

3407

163

Apr-24

15829

29090

May-24

4752

3296

Jun-24

952

363

Jul-24

1947

1798

Aug-24

2854

2544

Sep-24

3131

1678

Oct-24

3478

3830

Nov-24

3671

3884

Dec-24

2321

1557

The information provided here is based on internal management information which is not intended for publication and has not been quality assured to official statistics standards.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of PIP reforms on support for carers receiving carer's allowance. \p Sir Stephen Timms: We have committed to introduce a new requirement that, in addition to the existing eligibility criteria, claimants must score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment. Our intention is that – subject to parliamentary approval – the changes will apply to new claims and award reviews from November 2026.

This government is committed to supporting carers, who do one of the most valuable jobs in society, unpaid. As the Green Paper sets out, we are consulting on the support needed for those who may lose any entitlements as a result of not receiving PIP daily living and what this support could look like. We will also work closely with the DHSC and others on how the health and eligible care needs of those who would lose entitlement to PIP could be met outside the benefits system.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

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Mary Glindon:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Department's publication entitled Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper, published in March 2025, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of the reforms on the service capacity of (a) voluntary and (b) community sector organisations. \p Sir Stephen Timms: No estimate has been made.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 30 April 2025 to question number 47657. The answer can be found here: Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to provide financial support to families with disabled children. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department understands that families with disabled children face additional costs and needs and pays close attention to the evidence base on extra costs faced by disabled people. People who are caring for disabled or ill children can apply for several benefits including Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Carers Allowance (CA) and Universal Credit (UC).

DLA is a tax-free contribution, worth up to £187.45 a week, to help meet the extra costs that arise from a disability or long-term health condition. DLA can passport to a range of additional support such as the Motability Scheme and child disability additions within income related benefits. DLA has been consistently uprated in line with inflation and is forecast to provide over £5 billion of financial support in 2025-26.

CA provides a measure of financial support and recognition for unpaid carers who are unable to work full time due to their caring responsibilities. The DWP provides over £4 billion of financial support through CA to unpaid carers, including those caring for disabled children.

The Disabled Child Addition in UC, worth up to £495.87 per month, is intended to provide extra support to low-income families with a disabled child. Carers on a low income who provide unpaid care for at least 35 hours per week for a severely disabled person can get an additional Carer Element of £201.86 per month as part of their UC award.

Families are urged to check they are getting the support they are entitled to, which can also include help with transport, aids and appliances, prescription charges and council tax costs. Further information on what is available can be found online at: Disabled people - GOV.UK.

At present, children with continuing entitlement to benefit transition from DLA to the adult benefit, Personal Independence Payment, at age 16. The Pathways to Work Green Paper, published in March, proposed that the age of transition should in future be raised from 16 to 18. The current consultation on this proposal will be open until 30 June.
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Mary Kelly Foy:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May to Question 904060 on Personal Independence Payment: Reform, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the proposed PIP changes on people in the North East. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Estimates of the impact of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reforms are made for England and Wales only and not on region or any other geographic area.

The department does not forecast benefit receipt at a regional level, nor have estimates of the behavioural impacts of the policy been produced at a regional level.

There will be no immediate changes. Changes to PIP eligibility and rebalancing of UC aren’t coming into effect immediately. Our intention is these changes will start to come into effect from April 2026 for UC and November 2026 for PIP, subject to parliamentary approval.

No one will lose access to PIP immediately. The changes, subject to parliamentary approval, would be brought in from November 2026. After that date, no one will lose PIP without first being reassessed by a trained assessor or healthcare professional, who assesses individual needs and circumstance. Reassessments happen on average every 3 years. Someone who didn’t score 4 points in an activity in a previous assessment may well score 4 points in a future assessment – not least as many conditions tend to get worse, not better, over time.

After taking account of behavioural changes, OBR predicts that 370,000 people who will be receiving PIP at the point of implementation of the four point requirement in November 2026, will have lost their PIP Daily Living entitlement by 2029/30. Of all PIP recipients at the point of implementation, 9 in 10 will not lose PIP during the subsequent 3 years from this change.

The number of people currently on PIP and did not score 4 points in one category in their last assessment should not be equated with the number who are likely to lose PIP. It’s important to make a clear distinction between the two, not least because we don’t want constituents to be unnecessarily fearful about their situation, when we understand many are already anxious.

We are consulting on how best to support those who are affected by the new eligibility changes, including how to make sure health and eligible care needs are met. PIP is not based on condition diagnosis but on functional disability as the result of one or more conditions, and is awarded as a contribution to the additional costs which result.

We have also announced a wider review of the PIP assessment which I will lead, and we will bring together a range of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience to consider how best to do this and to start the process as part of preparing for a review. We will provide further details as plans progress.

Even with these reforms, the overall number of people on PIP and DLA is expected to rise by 750,000 by the end of this parliament and spending will rise from £23bn in 24/25 to £31bn in 29/30.
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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of US meat imports on trends in the level of UK farmers (a) lowering animal welfare standards or (b) ceasing trading. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: We have agreed new reciprocal market access on beef – with UK farmers given a guaranteed quota for 13,000 metric tonnes of beef exports at a very low tariff rate.

The deal does not change Britain’s high animal welfare and environmental standards. Imports of hormone treated beef or chlorinated chicken remain illegal. Our approach to this trade deal has ensured that agricultural imports coming into the UK meet the highest food standards.

This is a major opportunity for British farmers to increase their exports to the world's largest consumer market, helping them to grow their businesses.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

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Sorcha Eastwood:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether trade negotiations with the US on (a) digital trade provisions and (b) non-tariff barriers will include online safety regulation. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: On 8 May the UK government announced a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to reach an agreement with President Trump.

We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at increasing digital trade, increasing access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains.

Protecting people online has never been up for negotiation in these talks. The Online Safety Act is already law and being implemented.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_79
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate on employment in the automotive industry in (a) Bedfordshire and (b) the UK. \p Sarah Jones: In 2024, 132,000 people were employed in automotive manufacturing in the UK, and 3,570 businesses were operating across the sector. While the government does not hold data on how the Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate has affected automotive employment in Bedfordshire or the UK more widely, we speak regularly to all the major UK automotive stakeholders to understand the health of the sector and factors impacting competitiveness. Government is committed to ensuring the transition to zero emissions works for industry. That is why we introduced significant changes to the Mandate, allowing for greater flexibility in meeting ZEV targets and extending the sale of hybrid vehicles.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 50961 on Trade Agreements: USA, whether he requested that the United States reduce the applied tariff of 41% for the Falkland Islands. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: We have concluded a landmark economic deal with the US on 8 May, making the UK the first country to reach an agreement with President Trump. We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal.

The US has confirmed, as part of the deal, that it will consider UK requests to reduce the applied tariff for a UK territory such as the Falkland Islands on a preferential basis. Talks between the UK and the US are ongoing.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

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Layla Moran:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) implementing a defined standard for asbestos testing for cosmetics and (b) banning talc in (i) personal care and (ii) cosmetic products. \p Justin Madders: Regulation is clear that cosmetics must be safe. To demonstrate compliance, a safety assessment must be completed by a qualified safety assessor.

Government intends to perform sector reviews of product regulation that will consider hazards that may impact consumer safety. To ensure that regulations reflects modern supply chains we recently introduced the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill enabling government to create a proportionate regulatory framework that will protect UK consumers from risk.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 29 April 2025 to Question 45682 on Unite: Annual Report, what the auditing issues are that have led to the delays in providing full returns. \p Justin Madders: The Certification Officer included an explanatory note alongside her publication of Unite the Union's partial annual returns for 2021, 2022, and 2023. The explanatory note records the Certification Officer's understanding that the issues identified during the auditing process are currently under investigation by other authorities. As such, it would not be appropriate for the Government to comment further on those matters.
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Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he plans to include food and drinks manufacturers in the development of the forthcoming industrial strategy. \p Sarah Jones: Growth is the number one mission of the government. The UK's food and drink manufacturing sector plays a significant role in the UK economy, contributing £35.1bn to GVA in 2022. The UK presents many opportunities for investment right across the food and drink supply chain stages of product development.

The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in Spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review. These Sector Plans will set out the specific sub-sectors of focus, identify key barriers to growth, and describe how government and industry intend to achieve long-term growth for the sector.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support the ceramics industry in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire through his Department's trade strategy. \p Sarah Jones: I have been working closely with Ceramics UK and local MPs on the challenges facing the sector. My department will continue to consider all possible options where support may be given.

The Trade Strategy will set out the Government’s approach to maximising trade opportunities in support of the UK’s growth mission, for all sectors and regions. The United Kingdom currently has anti-dumping measures in place on ceramic tiles and ceramic tableware & kitchenware originating from China. The UK ceramics industry may apply for an investigation from the Trade Remedies Authority if it is being injured by unfair trading practices.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

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Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will review the UK Export Finance model to ensure that financial support available to overseas critical minerals projects is accessible to UK-based critical minerals producers. \p Gareth Thomas: In addition to its critical minerals supply finance facility, which guarantees a commercial loan to an overseas project which has an offtake agreement in place with a UK exporter, UK Export Finance (UKEF) can support UK-based critical minerals producers in a variety of ways. These include through its Export Development Guarantee and General Export Facility if the company is an exporter, and also in certain circumstances where the producer in question supplies UK exporters.

Through these two products, UKEF can provide guarantees to commercial loans for working capital, which can be used to pay suppliers or staffing costs, invest in research and development or support bids for higher value contracts.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on business confidence in Northern Ireland. \p Gareth Thomas: The Secretary of State for Business and Trade continues to have regular discussions with all Cabinet colleagues, including the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, on the best ways to deliver economic growth that raises living standards and puts money in people’s pockets.

This Government is driving long-term, inclusive growth through our Industrial Strategy, Trade Strategy, Small Business Strategy and Plan to Make Work Pay.

Our recent landmark economic deal with the United States and Free Trade Agreement with India will improve access to important markets for Northern Ireland businesses.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_87
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UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_87

Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on the number of public houses. \p Justin Madders: On Monday 21 October, the Government published a comprehensive package of analysis on the impact of the Employment Rights Bill [Employment Rights Bill: impact assessments - GOV.UK].

The majority of employees will benefit from new protections in the Bill. However, our assessment finds that workers in the low-paying sectors like hospitality, including public houses, will benefit the most from the Bill.

The Bill will also deliver wider benefits for the business environment by improving wellbeing, incentivising higher productivity, and creating a more level playing field for good employers. This could have a positive knock-on impact on productivity and growth.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_88
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

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Connor Naismith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 on consumer protection laws. \p Justin Madders: The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act updates existing prohibitions on unfair trading in the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (2008) and introduces new consumer protections for subscription contracts.

The impact assessment for the DMCCA can be found here: Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill - Impact Assessment Summary.docx. We will continue to monitor the impact of the measures on consumers.

DMCC Bill Impact Assessment  (pdf, 505.0KB)
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_89
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

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Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to help support SMEs in adopting digital technology in Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituency. \p Gareth Thomas: Hertfordshire Growth Hub provides SMEs in Harpenden and Berkhamsted with support and advice with adopting digital technology. The Government is working closely with the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce. The Taskforce brings industry stakeholders together to explore how the UK can supercharge digital adoption amongst SMEs to drive productivity. Its final report will be published this summer.

In addition, the Department for Business and Trade is working with DSIT on the Technology Adoption Review led by the Government Chief Scientific Advisor and the Government National Technology Advisor.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_90
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the access criteria for Post Office services for rural areas. \p Gareth Thomas: Government sets Post Office access criteria, ensuring that nationally, 99% of people live within three miles of their nearest branch, with further specific criteria for rural areas. These ensure that Post Office delivers essential services, including banking, within local reach of all citizens. Due to the Banking Framework, customers will be able to do their everyday banking at post offices across the UK until 2030. Government is working closely with banks to roll out 350 banking hubs, providing access to critical cash and banking services.

There are two Directly-Managed Branches (DMBs) located in rural areas. Post Office announced the transition to a fully franchised network. Post Office will ensure all communities currently served by a DMB will have at least one Mains branch within a 1-mile radius of the existing branch.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_91
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Perran Moon:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of including a farm education option in the Sustainable Farming Incentive. \p Daniel Zeichner: Educational access features as part of the wider Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes and we are developing it further as a new 3-year capital item; we expect this to be available later in 2025. It will be a stand-alone capital item, though applicants must have an agri-environment or woodland agreement with management actions for this capital item. In countryside stewardship, currently eligible visitor groups are school age children and care farming groups only, but in the new educational access capital item, more diverse groups of people will be able to visit and benefit from an educational experience on farms and woodland across England.

As part of the development of the new educational access capital item, funding levels were considered, and agreement holders will receive £363 per visit, up to a maximum of 25 visits per agreement year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_92

Alex Mayer:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Environment Agency is required to undertake an environmental impact assessment before cutting grass on embankments. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency regularly carries out maintenance works using its permissive powers to manage flood risk. Routine grass cutting, vegetation management and debris clearance on embankments are low-impact but essential preventative maintenance activities for our flood defences - ensuring they remain safe, and to sustain their condition.

A full assessment in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations isn’t necessary, however, we carefully assess each maintenance activity for environmental impacts through internal protocols.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_93
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_93

Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when his Department plans to respond to the letter from the hon. Member for Harpenden and Berkhamsted to the Environment Agency on Markyate Sewage Works of 28 March 2025. \p Emma Hardy: A reply to the hon. Member is being prepared by the Environment Agency and will be issued as soon as possible.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_94
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_94

Jonathan Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made a comparative assessment of the value-for-money of levels of abstraction license fees for hydropower schemes in (a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) other countries. \p Emma Hardy: Determining abstraction licences for hydropower projects is a complex activity due to the risks to the environment and water users.

Hydropower application charges are based on a scheme’s output power and its risk rating. Annual subsistence charges cover costs to protect the environment and the rights of licence holders. There is no annual fee for hydropower licences for electricity production of up to 5 megawatts.

The Environment Agency (EA) does not receive any government funding to subsidise application or annual charges. The EA charging scheme sets out the charges for hydropower schemes.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_95
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_95

Jonathan Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the average length of time was between the Environment Agency receiving a flood risk activity permit application and starting the determination process for the approval of said permit in the latest period for which data is available. \p Emma Hardy: Flood risk activity permit applications are currently being allocated for assessment a maximum of 14 weeks from receipt.

For time critical applications that pose a significant risk to people or the environment, or where required for national infrastructure projects, we prioritise the assessment of the application. Currently about 40% of applications are prioritised.

A number of initiatives are underway to reduce application processing timelines, such as additional resourcing and streamlining our regulatory approach.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_96
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_96

Victoria Collins:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the Climate and Nature Bill. \p Mary Creagh: This Government is absolutely committed to tackling the climate and nature crises and has agreed steps to take forward the spirit and substance of the Climate and Nature Bill with the Bill’s Sponsors. There is already a well-developed legislative framework that supports our actions in the areas of climate and nature including the Climate Change Act and the Environment Act. In accordance with parliamentary convention, the Government will set out its formal position on this Bill when its Second Reading debate is scheduled to resume.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_97
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_97

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what (a) regulations and (b) testing are in place to monitor environmental lead. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency routinely monitors water quality in surface waters. The legal basis for assessing whether substances are causing water pollution is set out in The Water Framework Directive (Standards and Classification) Directions (England and Wales) 2015. Lead is a priority substance. Many rivers polluted by lead are downstream of abandoned metal mines; the Government has set a statutory target to halve the 1,491kms of English rivers polluted by target metals (including lead) from these mines by 31st December 2038. The Government supports the Water & Abandoned Metal Mines Programme.

The main responsibility for dealing with terrestrial legacy lead contamination in England lies with local authorities under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Deposition from sewage sludge spreading is controlled under the Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations 1989.

Limit values for lead concentrations in ambient air are found in the Air Quality Standards Regulations (2010) and lead emissions to air are measured as part of the Heavy Metals Network and the Particle Concentrations and Numbers Network. Emissions of lead from industrial sources are also regulated under the Environmental Permitting Regime. The UK has been compliant with the Air Quality Standards Regulations (2010) limit values for lead since 2008.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_98
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_98

Steff Aquarone:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he plans to take to support communities affected by coastal erosion through the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund. \p Emma Hardy: We are unable to provide detailed information prior to 2022 due to time/cost involved. Limited landscape designation work was delivered and funding for this was from Natural England’s baseline’ settlement.

Defra provided direct funding of £1.1 million per annum for years 2022/23 - 2024/25. As well as the four National Landscape designation cases, this covered wider work on landscape designations and alternatives.

For 2025/26 the direct funding for National Landscape designation work was not continued. Natural England is using baseline budget to fund a reduced programme of landscape designation work.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_99
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_99

Marie Goldman:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of reporting materials by weight in the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme on incentives for producers to use (a) soft plastics and (b) other lighter but less recyclable materials over (i) paper, (ii) glass and (iii) other more sustainable but heavier alternatives. \p Mary Creagh: Defra and PackUK have engaged extensively with waste management experts and the packaging industry across all materials, to ensure that the modelling of local authority costs underpinning the pEPR scheme fairly reflects the on-the-ground reality of waste management operations. As a result, even though packaging weight is generally a key driver of waste management costs in the model, estimated packaging volume, rather than packaging weight, is used to calculate kerbside dry recycling collections costs, to best reflect practical limitations with waste collection systems. This is especially important for heavier materials, which would otherwise incur higher base fees under a modelling of costs solely based on weight. The introduction of base fees from 2025 is designed to incentivise a reduction in the weight of packaging placed on the market in the UK.

Defra and PackUK also engaged extensively across the waste and packaging sectors to agree modulation rates that will be introduce from 2026 to incentivise the use of most recyclable materials by reducing their fees when compared to unrecyclable alternatives.

PackUK will continue monitor the impact of these financial incentives, to ensure they deliver the intended outcomes.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_100
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_100

Danny Beales:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress his Department has made on the trail hunting consultation; and if he will an assessment of the potential merits of (a) reviewing current exemptions within the Hunting Act to prevent exploitation, (b) introducing stronger deterrents to illegal hunting, and (c) enhancing protections for (i) deer and (ii) other wildlife from being hunted with dogs. \p Mary Creagh: This is a devolved matter and the information provided therefore relates to England and Wales only.

This government was elected on a mandate to introduce the most ambitious plans in a generation to improve animal welfare and that is exactly what we will do. As part of this, we are committed to banning trail hunting. Work to determine the best approach for doing so is ongoing. Further details will be set out on due course.

The Hunting Act 2004 makes it an offence to hunt a wild mammal with dogs, except where it is carried out in accordance with the exemptions in the Act.

Enforcement of the Hunting Act is an operational matter for the police.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_101
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_101

Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of funding for the National Park Authorities. \p Mary Creagh: The government is providing £45.2 million of core funding to the 10 National Park Authorities, with a capital uplift of up to £15 million to support their contribution to protecting 30% of land by 2030. In challenging financial circumstances, this uplift in capital investment is recognition of the vital importance of national parks to government priorities. We have also extended programmes such as Farming In Protected Landscapes, providing £30 million to support projects in our National Parks and Protected Landscapes, until March 2026.

In addition to investing in these important landscapes we are also working with Protected Landscapes organisations to identify additional sources of funding and foster innovation to ensure their future for generations to come.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_102

Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made a comparative assessment of the potential impact of the Extended Producer Responsibility fees for (a) glass and (b) plastic packaging on small producers of premium products. \p Mary Creagh: In October 2024, the Government published an updated assessment of the impact of introducing the pEPR scheme on packaging producers as a whole. This impact assessment did not split the assessment by sector.

The Government recognises the importance of protecting small producers from direct cost obligations. This is why the regulations include a de-minimis threshold of £2 million turnover and 50 tonnes which exempts approximately 70% of the producers supplying packaging in the UK from paying scheme fees.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_103
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_103

Daisy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his Department's (a) collection and (b) packaging reforms on levels of private sector investment in advanced recycling infrastructure. \p Mary Creagh: The Government has published updated impact assessments of each of the projects within the Collection and Packaging Reforms: pEPR in 2024, DRS in 2024, and Simpler Recycling in 2024.

These impact assessments do not specifically present private sector investment in advanced recycling infrastructure. However, The Environmental Services Association, alongside by the Chief Executives of the UK’s largest waste management companies, have stated that in response to the Collection and Packaging Reforms they will invest £10 billion over the next decade in the UK’s recycling infrastructure.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_104
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_104

Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what notifications of changes to revenue grants for financial year 2025-6 have been sent to National Park Authorities (a) on and (b) since 2 April 2025. \p Mary Creagh: Letters were issued to all National Park Authorities (including the Broads Authority) in early April confirming Defra’s intent to continue grant funding for the financial year 2025/26. The letters also set out the provisional revenue and capital grant allocation for each authority.
wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_105
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-05-22)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-05-22 conversation_105

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of implementing a mixed public-private sector ownership model for water service provision in the South West. \p Emma Hardy: The Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, will recommend reforms to reset the water sector regulatory system and is expected to form the largest review of the industry since privatisation. It is considering a wide range of areas, including different water company ownership models, as set out in the Commission’s Call for Evidence. The Commission is expected to publish its recommendations later in the summer.