theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_591
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_591

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will set out the (a) remit and (b) responsibilities of each Deputy National Security Adviser, including how they differ from those of the National Security Adviser. \p Dan Jarvis: There are currently three Deputy National Security Advisers (DNSAs), one for International Affairs, one for International Economics and Global Issues, and one for Defence, Intelligence and Security.

The National Security Adviser (NSA) is the most senior figure that provides advice to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on national security matters. The NSA attends the National Security Council and oversees cross-government delivery of the National Security Strategy 2025. The DNSAs also provide advice to the Prime Minister on issues within their portfolios, and coordinate relevant policy and operational issues across government at Director-General level.

The DNSAs have additional responsibilities as Civil Servant leaders which the NSA does not undertake. They act as secretaries to the National Security Council and chair the National Security Council (Official-level) meetings. The Executive DNSA, who currently also holds the post of Defence, Intelligence, and Security DNSA, is also responsible for managing the National Security Secretariat’s corporate responsibilities such as headcount, finances, and compliance, as well as being a member for the Cabinet Office Executive Committee.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_592
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 5 of the Fifty First Report of the Committee of Public Accounts of Session 2024-26 on The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability, HC 1232, published on 31 October 2025, for what reason the out of service date was extended from 2048 to 2069. \p Luke Pollard: The decision to extend the out-of-service date for the UK F-35B fleet to 2069 was made by the previous Government.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_593
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 23 of the Fifty First Report of the Committee of Public Accounts of Session 2024-26 on The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability, HC 1232, published on 31 October 2025, what progress has he made on delivering new infrastructure for 809 Naval Air Squadron by 2029. \p Luke Pollard: The Department is considering the PAC report in detail and will respond to its findings in detail through the Treasury Minute process.

New infrastructure for the Naval Air Programme continues to be progressed with a current completion target of the first quarter of 2030.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_594
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_594

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate has he made of the additional whole-life costs of operating the F-35A as a Dual-Capable Aircraft. \p Luke Pollard: The whole-life cost estimate includes procurement and sustainment of 138 F-35 aircraft to 2069, including technical infrastructure, weapons integration, and aircraft upgrades.

Within the development of the Defence Investment Plan, F-35A Dual Capable Aircraft costs are calculated in accordance with departmental policy.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_595
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_595

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he will set out a timetable for the purchase of the remaining 90 F-35 aircraft his Department committed to purchasing. \p Luke Pollard: The recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review are being taken forward in the Defence Investment Plan.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_596
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_596

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the timeline is for completion of new service accommodation at RAF Marham. \p Luke Pollard: Four new Single Living Accommodation blocks are under construction at RAF Marham. The first block is scheduled for completion and handover for occupation on 4 December 2025, with two further blocks due for completion by February 2026. The final block is planned for completion in April 2027.

There are no plans for the construction of new Service Family Accommodation at RAF Marham.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_597
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_597

Damien Egan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the value for money of the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft contract since its commencement in 2008. \p Luke Pollard: The RAF Voyager fleet provides value for money by serving as a versatile asset for air-to-air refuelling, strategic airlift, and VIP transport.

Under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract, Air Tanker is required to provide the Department with their performance data.

This gives the Department complete transparency, ensuring regular monitoring and compliance with the terms of the agreement.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_598
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_598

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 3 of the Fifty First Report of the Committee of Public Accounts of Session 2024-26 on The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability, HC 1232, published on 31 October 2025, (a) what steps and (b) how long will it take to address the shortage of engineers in the F-35 programme. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to page 15, paragraphs 15-17 of the Fifty First Report of the Committee of Public Accounts of Session 2024-26 on The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability, HC 1232, published on 31 October 2025.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has increased its recruitment of engineers significantly in the last two years; offering joining bonuses and increasing the capacity of its technical training skills to enable more recruits to be trained more quickly. To improve retention the RAF has implemented a Financial Retention Incentive for engineers.

The MOD has acknowledged that the F35 programme suffers from a shortage of engineers and that it is crucial that the Department addresses this issue, with significant steps already having been taken to improve the situation. However, training time required for engineers means that it is expected to take three or four years before the programme has the required numbers.

The MOD has noted the Public Accounts Committee’s recommendations related to personnel and will be responding through the Treasury Minute Process in due course. The recruitment and retention of personnel remains one of the top two priorities for the Chief of the Defence Staff.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_599
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Damien Egan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan will specify future air-to-air refuelling requirements. \p Luke Pollard: The future requirement for all military capabilities is being considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan, which is due to be published this year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_600

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what was the availability of the F-35 fleet in (a) 2023, (b) 2024 and (c) 2025. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not release availability data for operational security reasons; the National Audit Office (NAO) reporting of this metric was also appropriately redacted for this reason. The standard availability metric used by the NAO assumes that the assets are available 24/7; which skews the metric when calculating MOD capability usage, particularly Combat Air, as we do not keep the assets airborne 24/7.

There were a range of factors in the reported October 2024-January 2025 period including Force regeneration as part of standard Force Readiness cycles, and periods of planned personnel leave. This included a period when both Squadrons were deployed to a Carrier for an Exercise, routine post exercise regeneration with personnel leave and scheduled aircraft maintenance for many of the aircraft, and the Christmas and New Year leave period.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_601
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on including a UK weapon in the F-35 Joint Programme Office digital accelerator. \p Luke Pollard: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of The House.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 79617 on Military Bases, what disused bases are earmarked for disposal in this Parliament. \p Luke Pollard: The list of sites that have been identified for disposal are published on Gov.uk and can be found via the following link: Disposal database: House of Commons report - GOV.UK
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how the stealth characteristics of the UK's F-35 aircraft are measured. \p Luke Pollard: A revised Business Case for a Sovereign Low Observable Verification Facility will be submitted in 2027. We do not comment on the stealth characteristics of individual aircraft for very obvious operational reasons.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_604
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_604

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Fifty First Report of the Committee of Public Accounts of Session 2024-26 on The UK’s F-35 stealth fighter capability, HC 1232, published on 31 October 2025, what steps is he taking to address the lack of a standoff weapon to attack ground-based targets from a safe distance. \p Luke Pollard: The F-35B Lightning's fifth-generation capabilities are transforming its operational effectiveness. The Lightning uses advanced stealth low observable capabilities and unparalleled sensor fusion and threat detection. When combined with the Lightning Electronic Warfare, Jamming and Electronic Attack capabilities, it provides the capability to dominate a highly contested battlespace.

In parallel, its sensor fusion and advanced secure datalinks enable it to share threat and advanced targeting information with other UK offensive assets and those of Allies in real time to coordinate with a wide range of other stand-off weapon systems across maritime, land and air-based systems to achieve a wider decisive Joint Fires effect.

The future F-35B munitions strategy is being addressed through the Defence Investment Plan.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_605
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_605

James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what information his Department holds on the average time taken to complete call-outs for urgent repairs to standard family accommodation for military personnel since 11 October 2025. \p Luke Pollard: The table below provides the number of callouts for urgent repairs to standard family accommodation for Military Personnel, as well as the average time taken to complete callouts for urgent repairs to standard family accommodation by our Industry Partners, Amey and VIVO, since 11 October 2025.

Regional Accommodation Maintenance Services Supplier (RAMS)

Number of Urgent Repairs Since 11 October 2025

Average Time Taken to complete urgent repairs (hours)

Amey

1136

40.79

VIVO

2154

41.88

Under the Regional Maintenance Services (RAMS) contracts, the required Acceptable Level of Performance for completing urgent repairs raised for Service Family Accommodation (SFA) is within 48 hours.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_606
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_606

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 29 October 2025 to Question 79538 on NHS: Defence Medical Services, when was the process of digitally extracting redacted patient notes from general practice surgeries introduced. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The British Army introduced the use of the Intelligent General Practice Supporting (iGPR) software for the secure and efficient processing of sensitive medical reports in January 2025 following an initial pilot. The Royal Navy adopted Medi2data to digitally access candidate medical reports from 9 April 2025, noting the wider benefits of using this service.

The Armed Forces Recruiting Service (AFRS) will provide a streamlined, single-entry point for prospective recruits. The service will launch in 2027, replacing the individual schemes run by the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. The Defence Medical Services is engaged in this work.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what workshops the Defence Medical Services have participated in with the NHS to explore the United Kingdom’s ability to deal with various combat scenarios and the treatment of casualties. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Defence Medical Services and NHS have participated in a series of exercises to explore the UK’s ability to deal with various combat scenarios and the treatment of casualties in February and July 2025. Further exercises are planned for the end of November 2025 and in 2026. The health services for Devolved Administrations, NATO partners and voluntary sector organisations are engaged in this work.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_608
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 27 October to Question 83095 on Armed Forces: Training, what the five key recommendations for improvement for the University Officer Training Corps were. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The five recommendations made by Ofsted after its inspection in February 2024 were as follows:

The University Officer Training Corps aims to continually improve across all safeguarding and safe training aspects, and in doing so, has made significant progress against the recommendations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment his Department has made of the level of (a) recruitment and (b) retention of Armed Forces personnel stationed in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Data held in the annually published location statistics for UK Regular Armed Forces report indicates increased recruitment from within the Surrey Heath constituency, in the 12 months to 31 March 2025 compared to the preceding 12-month period. Whilst we have not made similar geographical assessments for retention, given that Surrey Heath is an area with proximity to Army establishments, reduction in the Army's rate of voluntary outflow in the 12 months to 30 June 2025, compared to preceding 12 months serves to highlight likely improvement.

We are committed to improving recruitment and retention through a range of targets, initiatives and measures and have already made a positive impact; although outflow currently remains greater than intake, inflow has increased and outflow has decreased, with the gap between reducing. In the 12 months preceding 1 July 2025 there was an increase of 13% in people joining the Armed Forces compared to the previous 12 month period. At the same time there was a decrease of 11% in people leaving the Armed Forces.

Further information can be found at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/location-statistics-for-uk-regular-armed-forces-and-civilians-2025
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to support the wellbeing of service families living in Armed Forces accommodation in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: In April 2025 we announced the new Consumer Charter, part of the Defence Housing Strategy, designed to deliver tangible improvement for Defence housing and improve the lived experience for our Service personnel and families across the UK, including those in Surrey Heath. Progress against the seven Charter Commitments is well underway, with many already completed, and all due to complete by the end of December 2025 - the one-year anniversary of the Annington Deal. As commitments are met, we are communicating progress to Service families.

We have also made progress on welfare provisions. In January 2025, our Armed Forces Welfare Support Policy was fully reviewed and updated to ensure welfare structures meet the needs of Service personnel and their families. Each Service has tailored its policies to address unique requirements, supported by the new Welfare HARDFACTS Annex, which provides comprehensive guidance on addressing emotional, medical, housing, financial, and legal concerns. The Tri-Service Welfare Support Agreement ensures collaboration across the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force to deliver consistent and specialist support, including for those living in the Surrey Heath constituency.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Luke Murphy:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to take steps to ensure that families of staff seconded to his Department's non-departmental public bodies receive the same recognition of ordinary residence as direct employees of his Department. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Ministry of Defence has no such plans as Non-Departmental Public Bodies have delegated authority over their HR policies, including the management of secondees.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Gareth Snell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how veterans can obtain replacement medals when originals have been (a) lost and (b) stolen in cases where ill health has delayed the submission of (i) police and (ii) insurance reports. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) maintains a long-established policy whereby, upon receipt of proof of loss, due to fire or flood (a successful insurance claim), or theft (a police report), our Medal Office will provide replacement medals.

The requirement for documented proof of loss is applied without exception to all applications, even when illness or other circumstances prevent the individual from expediting their claim. This is to protect the integrity of medallic recognition, and the wider UK Honours system by ensuring, as far as possible, that duplicate copies of medals are not in circulation and to reinforce the intrinsic value of the medals themselves.

The policy and procedure for replacement medals is to be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/apply-medal-or-veterans-badge/replace-a-medal-or-badge
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing a memorial to commemorate Force 135 and all those involved in the liberation of the Channel Islands during World War Two at the National Arboretum. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: As advised in the answer I gave to Question 78038 on 18 October 2025, the Ministry of Defence maintains a longstanding policy that it does not typically establish or fund memorials. The normal expectation is that new memorials will be supported through private donations or public subscription and established with the agreement of the relevant local authority. On that basis, there are no plans to assess the potential merits of establishing a memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, to commemorate Liberation Task Force 135.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_614
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Dave Doogan:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many members of the armed forces serving in Northern Ireland who are considered not medically deployable are awaiting treatment; and how many have been waiting for longer than six months. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: As of 8 November 2025, there were 2,375 UK Armed Forces personnel graded as Medically Not Deployable (MND), awaiting an NHS or private healthcare appointment following a referral from a Defence Medical Centre in England. Of these, 930 have been waiting longer than six months.

Information on the number of UK Armed Forces personnel graded as MND awaiting an NHS or private healthcare appointment following a referral from a Defence Medical Centre in Wales or Northern Ireland is not held centrally.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_615
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 78 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, how much funding the UK provides to the Five Power Defence Arrangements. \p Al Carns: The UK provided £240,000 in financial year (FY) 2023-24 and £266,000 in the FY 2024-25.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 79460 on UK Space Command, what the (a) name and (b) scope is of the project for new detection technology. \p Al Carns: In order to maintain operational security and protect our assets, we are unable to provide detailed information on specific technical characteristics or on the scope and deployment of the project's systems. For this reason, we are also unable to provide the name of the project.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_617
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, from which date the Integrated Force Model will be fully operational. \p Luke Pollard: The Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) is the central command hub for the UK Armed Forces, led by the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS). The MSHQ has been operational since April 2025, bringing together military strategy, operations, and force development in one integrated structure. The Integrated Force Model, as per the Strategic Defence Review, has four elements: a single force design; a common set of foundational enablers; digital enablement at its core; and collaboration with other government departments in real time. All these elements are subject to ongoing work through the Defence Investment Plan which will provide the framework through which the Ministry of Defence is modernised.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_618
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 46 of the Defence Industrial Strategy: Making Defence an Engine for Growth, published on 8 September 2025, CP 1388, in what locations he plans to launch regional STEM initiatives. \p Luke Pollard: The locations have not been determined, and we will work in partnership with industry, including through the Defence Industrial Joint Council, to launch regional STEM initiatives where there is a large defence presence.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Richard Foord:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to improve (a) transparency and (b) communication in cases of alleged armed forces pension overpayments. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Armed Forces pension overpayments can occur for various reasons, most commonly following the death of a pension recipient.

When an overpayment is identified, the payment agent, Equiniti, will initially inform the pension recipient or their next of kin about the overpayment and outline the available recovery options.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has established a robust process for managing overpayments, which includes providing advice and welfare support. If repaying the debt poses financial difficulties, recipients are encouraged to contact the debt recovery team. In certain cases, following an individual assessment, the debt may be partially written off, or an affordable repayment plan can be arranged.

Members of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) have the right to raise a complaint through the Internal Disputes Resolution Procedure (IDRP) if they disagree with any decision or action taken by the scheme administrator. This single-stage process reviews all aspects of the complaint, including any additional evidence or information provided. Individuals wishing to challenge overpayment recovery decisions can do so by contacting the AFPS.

The MOD works closely with the payment agent to review and improve communication regarding overpayment issues, incorporating lessons learned to enhance the process.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Sarah Bool:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to reduce the time taken to replenish UK munitions stockpiles. \p Luke Pollard: As announced in the Strategic Defence Review, we our investing £6 billion this Parliament in munitions to replenish our stockpiles. This investment includes £1.5 billion specifically to develop an “always on” munitions pipeline, building six new munitions and energetics factories to ensure we increase the capacity and resilience of our domestic munitions production.

I look forward to meeting the hon. Member to discuss her perspectives in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 21 of the Defence Industrial Strategy: Making Defence an Engine for Growth, published on 8 September 2025, CP 1388, what criteria would need to be met to define a UK-based company as part of the defence industrial base. \p Luke Pollard: To define a UK-based company as part of the defence industrial base, it must contribute to national security and align with the aim of increasing the competitiveness of the UK defence market. This includes being a UK supplier or part of priority defence sub-sectors, supporting capability collaboration, and contributing to exports. The company should also help grow and sustain the UK industrial base in line with increased defence spending.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_622
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 114 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, when sixth-generation aircraft will replace (a) Typhoon and (b) F-35. \p Luke Pollard: With regard to Typhoon out of service dates I refer the hon. Member to the response by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry on 1 September 2025 to Question 69517. The F35 aircraft will remain a cornerstone of our CA capabilities out to the 2060s. The UK’s sixth generation Combat Air Capabilities will be delivered by the Global Combat Aircraft, alongside uncrewed platforms and the current generation of aircraft.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_623
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress he has made in developing an integrated layered air defence system as part of the Land Ground Based Air Defence programme. \p Luke Pollard: Integrated Air and Missile Defence investments will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on homeland Integrated Air and Missile Defence, will be set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_624
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 117 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what progress he has made on helping to shape the UK space market to support exports to (a) Europe, (b) Asia and (c) the Middle East. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence is proactively supporting the UK space industry to access export opportunities. Since June 2025, in conjunction with other Departments, we have supported UK space sector companies to attend trade missions and export-focused events in Australia, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, and will support events in Germany and France before the end of 2025.

This work compliments our significant investment in defence space technologies and satellite communications, collaboration with UK industry and international partners, and participation in European Space Agency programmes; all of which contribute to supporting exports.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_625
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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David Mundell:To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, whether the Speaker's Committee has had discussions with the Electoral Commission on the capacity of Dumfries and Galloway Council to (a) conduct the Scottish Parliament constituency counts for the (i) Dumfriesshire and Galloway and (ii) West Dumfries constituencies and (b) administer the South of Scotland regional count at the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections. \p Sir Jeremy Wright: The Electoral Commission is supporting all local authorities that are holding elections next May, including Dumfries and Galloway Council.

To address challenges administering counts, and following consultation with Returning Officers (ROs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and the Electoral Commission, the Convener of the Electoral Management Board (EMB) for Scotland recently directed electoral administrators to count votes for the Scottish Parliament elections for the day after the polls, rather than overnight.

Election staff from Dumfries and Galloway Council were among those who recently attended a joint event with EMB and Commission aimed at supporting EROs and ROs preparing for elections.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_626
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Jim Allister:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with respect to the Windsor Framework Independent Monitory Panel Report on the first reporting period for the UK Internal Market Guarantee for 1 January to 30 June 2025, whether the 4% of movements that paid duty relates to all movements that involved the payment of duties or just those movements that involved the payment of duties and had not sought reimbursement under the duty reimbursement scheme. \p Hilary Benn: I can confirm that 96% of the value of goods moving by freight did so within the UK internal market system, as set out in my Written Ministerial Statement laid in the House on 5 November (HCWS1021) on the Independent Monitoring Panel report covering the period of 1 January-30 June 2025.

Whilst I would emphasise that it remains a matter for the Panel to determine what it reports on and recommends to the Government, I can also confirm that the facilitations relevant to the Internal Market Guarantee are in accordance with the Windsor Framework.

Page 6 and 7 of the Panel’s report sets out the methodological basis of its reporting. Goods movements subject to tariffs are not counted toward the Guarantee, even when they are later provided with reimbursement. They are therefore counted within the 4% statistic of goods that did not move within the UK internal market system.
wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_627
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_627

Alex Burghart:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, when he plans to respond to the letter from the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar dated 27 October 2025. \p Hilary Benn: I replied to the hon. Member for Brentwood and Ongar on 13 November 2025 by email.
wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_1

Vikki Slade:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions she has had with the Electoral Commission on potential provisions for the planned elections bill. \p Rushanara Ali: The Government has engaged with, and continues to engage with, various stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission, ahead of the publication of the Government's Strategy for Elections. As the independent regulator, the Electoral Commission offers valuable insight, and its contributions are helping to inform policy development in a number of areas.
wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_2

Vikki Slade:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the planned transition period for moving from the fire door safety testing standard BS 476-22 to standard EN 1634-1 on timber fire door manufacturers. \p Alex Norris: The government recognised the potential economic impact that could result from the withdrawal of testing standard BS 476-22 and the transition to the European Standard (BS EN 13501), including on timber fire door manufacturers, through the consultation response impact analysis.

In response, an extended five-year transition period was introduced for fire resistance classifications, running from 2 September 2024 to 2 September 2029. This extended period was developed in consultation with industry to allow sufficient time for retesting and certification under the new standard.

While concerns have been raised about the timing of the transition, we remain committed to the planned timeline. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) will continue to monitor the impact of the change and support industry through the transition. BSR will keep these standards under review as part of their continuous review of Approved Document B, in line with their duty under the Building Safety Act to keep the safety and standard of building under review in England.
wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_3

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 5 June 2025 to Question 55308 on Council Tax: Second Homes, what the reference numbers are for each of the Valuation Tribunal cases relating to (a) council tax liability, (b) the second homes council tax premium and (c) other issues relating to second homes. \p Jim McMahon: The Valuation Tribunal Service offer an online search engine which the hon Member may use to search any appeals relating to council tax liability, the second homes premium or second homes more broadly. This is available on gov.uk here.
wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_4

Dr Beccy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure that new homes promote positive health outcomes for residents. \p Alex Norris: This Government is committed to delivering 1.5 million quality homes over this Parliament, to ensure people have access to the high-quality housing they need.

The Building Regulations are intended to protect people’s safety, health, and welfare. Building Regulations set minimum performance standards for new building work, including when a building is being designed, constructed, or subject to major re-design. The Building Safety Act 2022 also requires the Building Safety Regulator to keep the safety and standard of buildings under review, which includes advising government on updates on Approved Documents.

In December 2021, the previous government introduced an uplift in energy efficiency and ventilation standards for new homes and buildings, which came into force in June 2022. These changes will help to ensure that new homes and buildings are warm and comfortable, with high indoor air quality. As part of the 2021 uplift, the previous government also introduced a new overheating requirement to reduce the risk of overheating in new residential buildings.

The Government plans to publish the Future Homes Standard in autumn this year. Homes built to the Future Homes Standard will be future proofed with low carbon heating and high levels of energy efficiency. This will contribute to ensuring that new homes are both warm and comfortable.

To further reinforce standards, we remain committed to introducing a statutory New Homes Ombudsman scheme that developers will have to join, with an accompanying Code of Practice about the standards of conduct and standards of quality of work expected of members.
wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_5

Dr Beccy Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to support local authorities to improve high streets. \p Alex Norris: This Government is committed to rejuvenating our high streets. At Spending Review, it announced 25 trailblazer neighbourhoods that will each receive up to £20 million over the next decade as part of a new fund. This forms part of communities funding for up to 350 places announced at the Spending Review, including the 75 places already named in the £1.5 billion Plan for Neighbourhoods in March.

We have introduced High Street Rental Auctions, powers for local authorities in England to auction the leases of persistently vacant commercial properties; through the English Devolution Bill we will introduce a community ‘right to buy’.
wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_6

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to her Department’s consultation on Strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England, published in December 2024, whether political parties will receive representation on the national body to consider appeals on standards matters. \p Jim McMahon: The consultation to which the Honourable Member refers sought views from across the local government sector on the appropriateness of creating a national body to consider appeals, alongside a range of other proposed measures to strengthen the local government standards framework. The Government Response will be issued in due course. After its release, we will continue to work actively with local government on developing the detailed policies for implementation.
wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_7

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will take steps to increase the impact of (a) Britain in Bloom and (b) regional in bloom contests on communities. \p Alex Norris: Britain in Bloom has a huge impact upon our local environments and communities, inspiring thousands to get involved in their community. It is one of many excellent initiatives to create better access to green spaces for all sections of society.

Whilst we are not taking direct steps to increase the scope of Britain in Bloom specifically, the government’s own Green Flag Award sets the standard for green spaces across the UK. In 2024 a record 2,227 Green Flag Awards were awarded. To increase the impact of the green flag award, we have modernised the Award, adjusting its aims and deliverables to focus on community engagement, increased access and usage of parks and to address local health and environmental priorities.
wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_8

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to protect community gardens. \p Alex Norris: Community gardens make a great contribution to the health, wellbeing and spirit of communities.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is clear that open space should not be built on unless there is clear evidence it is no longer required, or equivalent or better provision is secured in a suitable location, or development of the site is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the benefits of which clearly outweigh the loss of the current or former use.

The NPPF also provides for the designation of land as Local Green Space through local and neighbourhood plans, allowing communities to identify and protect green areas of particular importance to them.
wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_9

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many local authorities offer Level 7 Apprenticeships. \p Jim McMahon: MHCLG does not hold this data. Local authorities are independent employers and are responsible for managing the apprenticeships they offer to their workforce.
wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_10

David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of previous local government restructuring on costs from pension strain in the Local Government Pension Scheme. \p Jim McMahon: We have made no such assessment. As I stated in my answer to UIN 52862, local government reorganisation will have impacts on the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). We expect councils to work with relevant administering authorities on any implications of restructuring on the LGPS. The cost of any restructuring, including pensions, will depend on locally made decisions and the demographics and pension service of any staff leaving post.
wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_11

David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether (a) her Department and (b) local government improvement bodies financed through departmental funding centrally (i) collate and (ii) monitor the practice or frequency of local authorities operating four day weeks on full pay. \p Jim McMahon: Local authorities are independent employers responsible for the management of their own workforces. While it is not government policy to support a four-day working week in local authorities, the government will not be micromanaging them on this and does not collect data on this working practice.
wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_12

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to her Department's document entitled Remote attendance and proxy voting in local authorities: consultation results and government response, published on 5 June 2025, whether she has considered the potential merits of proxy voting of quasi-judicial committees (a) and its compatibility with the principles of non-determination on those committees and (b) in general. \p Jim McMahon: We stated in gov.uk here that we plan to require all principal councils in England to introduce proxy voting schemes for full council meetings. We also stated that for all other meetings, proxy voting may be used but will not be required, and that substitute or pairing schemes may be more appropriate. We trust councils to develop clear and sensible policies that will work for their local areas.
wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_13

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of trends in the number of people not from the UK or EU who are sleeping rough. \p Rushanara Ali: The expectation is that migrants coming into the UK should be able to maintain and accommodate themselves without recourse to public funds. This reflects the need to maintain the confidence of general public that immigration brings benefits to our country, rather than add costs to the public purse.

When individuals granted refugee status leave Home Office accommodation, they are entitled to help with finding accommodation from their local authority if homeless. If in priority need, they will be provided with temporary accommodation.

The Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant funding can be used to help anyone, as long as areas act within the law in doing so.