theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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Satvir Kaur:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to increase awareness of sepsis prevention (a) nationally and (b) in each local NHS trust. \p Andrew Gwynne: Sepsis has no specific diagnostic test and presentation can vary, making it difficult to diagnose. Early intervention can prevent further deterioration of acutely unwell patients, to help mitigate negative outcomes.

Recent evidence suggests that there is high awareness of sepsis among the general public. The Government and its Arm’s Length Bodies are therefore focused on improving the clinical awareness and recognition of sepsis by healthcare professionals, so that unwell and deteriorating patients are identified promptly and started on life-saving treatment. NHS England has launched several training programmes aimed at improving the diagnosis and early management of sepsis. These programmes are regularly reviewed and revised with support from subject matter experts, as new national sepsis guidance is implemented.

Individual National Health Service trusts may also choose to implement additional initiatives on sepsis locally. NHS England is leading the rollout of Martha’s Rule within 143 hospital sites by March 2025. Martha’s Rule will give staff, patients, and families the ability to initiate a rapid review for acute physiological deterioration, which will inform whether further actions are required to give the patient the most appropriate and safe care.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he has made an assessment of the potential merits of standardising the GP appointment application process in Surrey. \p Stephen Kinnock: The GP Contract requires all practices to offer patients an assessment of need, or signposting to an appropriate service, on the day they contact the practice, or the next day if they contact the practice in the afternoon. They will not be asked to phone back another day.

As independent businesses, practices have autonomy in the way that they function operationally, including the implementation of digital services and how they manage appointments and related processes. Therefore, each practice will have its own approach to managing appointment bookings in order to best meet the needs of the local population.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make it his policy to set a target of reducing overall cancer mortality in the UK by 15% by 2040. \p Andrew Gwynne: Professor Lord Darzi’s report set out that the United Kingdom has higher mortality from cancer than neighbouring countries, the Nordic countries, and other English-speaking countries, using data published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The Government’s Health Mission sets the objective of building a National Health Service fit for the future and reducing lives lost to the biggest killers, including cancer. We have launched a 10-Year Health Plan to reform the NHS and make it fit for the future. The plan will set out a bold agenda to deliver on the three big shifts needed to move healthcare from hospital to the community, analogue to digital, sickness to prevention and will be co-designed with the public, staff, and patients.

My rt. Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has been clear that there should be a National Cancer Plan. The National Cancer Plan will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, by speeding up diagnosis and treatment and ensuring patients have access to the latest treatments and technology. We are now in discussions about what form that Plan should take, what the overarching goal should be, and what its relationship to the 10-Year Health Plan and the Government’s wider Health Mission should be.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the new additional funding for new radiotherapy machines aligns with the (a) NHS Long-Term Plan and (b) the upcoming 10-year cancer strategy. \p Andrew Gwynne: The £70 million investment in new radiotherapy machines will ensure that the most advanced treatment is available to patients. Following publication of the 10-Year Health Plan, we will publish the new national cancer plan, which will include further details on how we will improve outcomes for cancer patients, including improving waiting times for patients.

The funding will be spent in 2025/26, with the exact timetable and allocation of machines still to be determined. The funding will be used to replace outdated machines, and allocated to trusts using criteria that NHS England is currently developing. These criteria will be shared with providers in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to begin rolling out measures to deliver the 700,000 additional urgent dental appointments this financial year; and how many such appointments he plans to deliver within the same period. \p Stephen Kinnock: The Government is committed to tackling the challenges for patients trying to access National Health Service dental care. We are working to ensure that patients can start to access 700,000 additional urgent dental appointments as soon as possible, targeting areas that need them most. We will set out further information on this commitment, including how this will be measured, in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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Mary Glindon:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to hold a separate consultation on the NHS workforce plan in addition to the consultation on the 10-Year Health Plan. \p Karin Smyth: The refreshed Long Term Workforce Plan will deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade, and will ensure that patients get the treatment they need, when and where they need it.

In the development of the plan, we will engage with a range of stakeholders to ensure the needs of staff and patients are considered.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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Mrs Sharon Hodgson:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to resolve the data challenges encountered in the NHS audit from 2006-2011 of the retrospective audit of pelvic mesh. \p Karin Smyth: The Department accepted the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review’s recommendation to undertake a selective retrospective audit of a defined cohort of women who have undergone mesh procedures. NHS Digital, now NHS England, has audited all pelvic floor surgeries completed between 2006 and 2011 to generate a historical baseline of outcomes by procedure type, and to support further research and analysis. This audit was conducted using initial procedures, and re-operations and follow up procedures recorded within Hospital Episode Statistics data.

The results are currently undergoing peer review and will be published by NHS England at the earliest opportunity. NHS England expects to be able to notify users of a date for the publication via their publications calendar. Subject to peer review, the publication is expected to include information around data quality.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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Ian Byrne:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of supplies of (a) epilepsy and (b) Parkinson's medication. \p Karin Smyth: The Department is working hard with industry to help resolve intermittent supply issues with some epilepsy medications. As a result of ongoing activity and intensive work, including directing suppliers to expedite deliveries, some issues, including with some carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and oxcarbazepine presentations, have been resolved.

We are aware of an ongoing supply issue with all strengths of topiramate tablets with the resupply date to be confirmed. Other manufacturers of topiramate tablets can meet the increased demand during this time.

The Department is aware of supply constraints with one supplier of amantadine 100 milligram capsules used in the management of Parkinson’s disease, however stocks remain available from alternative suppliers to cover this demand.

The Department continues to work closely with industry, the National Health Service and others to help ensure patients continue to have access to an alternative treatment until their usual product is back in stock.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 17 December to Question 19728 on National Security Adviser: Pay, whether the contract for the National Security Advise differs from the Model Contract for Special Advisers. \p Georgia Gould: All special advisers, including the National Security Adviser, are employed under the terms of the Model Contract for Special Advisers, available on GOV.UK.
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James Cartlidge:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 17 December to Question 19728 on National Security Adviser: Pay, whether if the pension package will differ to that offered to the previous NSA. \p Georgia Gould: As are all special advisers, the National Security Adviser is entitled to membership of the Civil Service Pension Scheme.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 17 December to Question 19728 on National Security Adviser: Pay, whether the current NSA salary will be more than that paid to the previous NSA. \p Georgia Gould: As a special adviser, the National Security Adviser’s salary is determined by the Special Adviser People Board, in line with the special adviser pay framework. Information on Special Adviser pay will be published in the Annual Report on Special Advisers as per the requirements of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, as was the case under the previous Administration.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 17 December to Question 19728 on National Security Adviser: Pay, whether the remuneration package for the National Security Adviser has been approved yet by HM Treasury. \p Georgia Gould: Special advisers’ salaries are determined by the Special Adviser People Board, in line with the special adviser pay framework.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Prime Minister has had discussions with Philippe Sands KC on Diego Garcia since 4 July 2024. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: Details of ministerial meetings with external organisations are published on gov.uk as part of the government’s transparency agenda.
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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many infringement proceedings the EU is pursuing against the Government; and whether the Government plans to propose remediation to prevent further infringement proceedings. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The EU is pursuing 8 infringement cases against the Government, as provided for under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement. We are committed to full and faithful implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Answer of 3 December 2024 to Question HL2999 on Ministers: Official Cars, to which Department each of the (a) electric and (b) hybrid cars was allocated. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: Departments are allocated a combination of electric and hybrid vehicles based on operational and security requirements. However, details of the specific vehicles allocated to individual Ministers or departments are not disclosed. Sharing this information, particularly when combined with other publicly available details, could compromise the security of Ministers and their transport arrangements.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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Alex Burghart:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the press release entitled New partnership between statistical authorities of the UK and the EU, published by the Office for National Statistics on 9 October 2024, if he will publish the agreement between the Office for National Statistics and Eurostat. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: On 9 October 2024, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Eurostat signed an agreement on statistical cooperation. This arrangement is provided for under Article 730 of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The publication of the text is a matter for the UK Statistics Authority, which operates independently as a Non Ministerial Department. I refer the honourable gentleman to Parliamentary Question 13803.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to Question 70 of the oral evidence to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee on 4 December 2024 on The work of the Cabinet Office, HC 463, what the (a) current and (b) target size is for the number of staff in the EU Relations Secretariat. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: On 24 July 2024, the Prime Minister announced via a Written Ministerial Statement that responsibility for the UK’s relationship with the EU, including co-chairing the ministerial structures under the UK’s treaties with the EU, would move to the Cabinet Office.

The EU Relations Secretariat was established in the Cabinet Office to give effect to the Government's manifesto commitments to reset the relationship with the EU, deliver on our commitments in the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement and Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and implement the Windsor Framework in good faith and protect the UK's internal market.

The EU Relations Secretariat brings together civil servants who were already working on EU relations from across the government. The data on this headcount will be published in the usual way.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to page 14 of his Department's report entitled Security and Intelligence Agencies Financial Statement 2023-24, published on 2 December 2024, if he will publish the (a) reasons for and (b) nature of the 870 losses and special payments; and what steps he is taking to help prevent such losses. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: As has been the policy of successive governments, the government does not comment on matters relating to the intelligence agencies. The Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament scrutinises the policies, expenditure, administration and operations of the intelligence agencies on behalf of Parliament.
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support rural businesses. \p Gareth Thomas: Rural businesses offer significant potential for growth and are central to our economy. As with all places, fulfilling the needs of people and businesses in rural areas is at the heart of our policymaking.

The Government has just launched the Business Growth Service (BGS), a national service with local delivery at its heart. It will bring a range of existing core services under the BGS banner, working hand in glove with local and devolved governments and the Growth Hubs network.

All businesses can access their Local Growth Hubs, which provide advice and support throughout the business journey, shaping their offer around the unique needs, whether town or country.
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Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what underspends are projected in (a) his Department and (b) each of its arms length bodies in this financial year. \p Justin Madders: Final 2024-25 budgets for the Department and its arm’s length bodies will be confirmed through the Supplementary Estimate process.

The Department has requested budgets at Supplementary Estimate that minimise underspends whilst enabling it to manage risks and the inherent volatility in its Annually Managed Expenditure and Financial Transactions budgets.

Any underspends this financial year will be confirmed once the 2024-25 Annual Report and Accounts are finalised and published.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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Colum Eastwood:To ask the Secretary of State for Business  and Trade, whether he has held discussions with trade unions on the potential impact of (a) artificial intelligence and (b) automation on workers. \p Justin Madders: New technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation have the potential to transform businesses of all sizes, supporting productivity and growth.

The government's approach is to protect good jobs, enable good future jobs, ensure rights and protections keep pace with technological change and to safeguard against discrimination.

As the Plan to Make Work Pay makes clear, workers' interests will need to inform the digital transformation that is taking place in the workplace.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) ministers continue to engage positively with all relevant stakeholders in relation to the potential impacts of new technologies on the workplace, including trade unions and business.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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Sarah Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will take steps to ensure that local authorities consult local communities on authorising the opening of shops operating for 24 hours a day. \p Justin Madders: There are no general restrictions on shop opening hours aside from Sunday trading restrictions on large shops, which the Government has no plans to change. However, for new properties or those selling alcohol, additional restrictions may apply subject to the planning system and the licensing regime.
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Sarah Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what guidance her Department issues for local authorities on authorising the opening of shops for 24 hours a day. \p Justin Madders: There are no general restrictions on shop opening hours aside from Sunday trading restrictions on large shops, which the Government has no plans to change. However, for new properties or those selling alcohol, additional restrictions may apply subject to the planning system and the licensing regime.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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Gavin Robinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the press release of 14 November 2024 entitled PM boosts UK aerospace industry with £975 million to drive growth and jobs, how much of that funding will be spent in each of the devolved administrations. \p Sarah Jones: The Budget confirmed £975m over 5 years to the Aerospace sector, which will be delivered through the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme. UK based industry applications for R&D co-investment from the Programme enter a competitive process. Competition for funding is fierce and only the best projects are selected: those that offer real innovation, reduced emissions, and tangible UK economic benefits. As the Programme is industry led and competitive the budget is not pre-allocated to regions or devolved administrations.
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Jo Platt:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made implications for his policies of the risks to companion animals in England posed by the use of snare traps. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 prohibits the setting of snares in England where they are likely to catch non-target species such as companion animals. Anyone using snares also has a responsibility under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to ensure that their activities do not cause any unnecessary suffering. Defra is aware however that snares can capture a wide range of non-target species including companion animals such as pet cats and pet dogs. Many instances have been reported by the RSPCA for example.

The Government is to introduce the most ambitious programme for animal welfare in a generation and as outlined in our manifesto, we will bring an end to the use of snare traps. We are considering the most effective way to deliver this commitment and will be setting out next steps in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many and what proportion of officials in his Department were hired via positive action schemes in the last financial year. \p Daniel Zeichner: The core department complies with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, as regulated by the Civil Service Commission, to recruit using a fair and open process and appoint on merit.

The Government and Civil Service is committed to a diverse workforce and culture of openness and inclusivity as a way of reflecting the experiences of the citizens we serve and delivering better outcomes for them in turn.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

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Helen Whately:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the changes to inheritance tax on the financial viability of small family farms in (a) Kent and (b) Faversham and Mid Kent constituency. \p Daniel Zeichner: Assessing the impact of the new Inheritance Tax policy, which comes into force from 6 April 2026, relies on a number of factors such as ownership structure and debt levels. Without such information, which the Government does not hold at that level, area level assessments cannot be made.

This Government is aware that each farm is different, and so we encourage farmers to speak to their tax advisors and agents to understand how these changes may impact their specific situation and how to plan for the future.

As an outcome of the recent Spending Review, we have also committed £5 billion in the agricultural budget over the next two years – the biggest ever budget for sustainable food production and nature recovery in this country’s history. This enables us to keep momentum on the path to a more resilient and sustainable farming sector.
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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to ensure that the Summer Development Internship Programme 2025 is open to all applicants. \p Emma Hardy: As a public body, the Environment Agency (EA) is committed to meeting the obligations set out in the Equality Act 2010 and Public Sector Equality Duty. These require public bodies to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between people with different protected characteristics. The EA recruits using a fair and open process and appoints on merit, and will only limit a campaign to a specific group as a form of positive action as a proportionate response to achieve a legitimate aim as defined in section 159 of the Equality Act 2010.

The EA is focused on addressing known gaps in its workforce, and its Summer Development Internship Programme aims to widen access to careers and attract talented individuals from underrepresented ethnic groups. The latest data (Q2 2024-2025) from the EA shows that 6.4% of Agency staff are from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, against a representation goal of 7.6% this year and a 2021 Census representation of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic respondents in England and Wales of 18.3%. The EA also offers various different career entry programmes which are open to all and is committed to supporting other underrepresented communities, including those from poorer socio-economic backgrounds.
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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to tackle water poverty among older people. \p Emma Hardy: The Government is committed to taking action to address water poverty and help vulnerable customers including older people.

All water companies have measures in place for people who struggle to pay for their water and wastewater services, including measures such as WaterSure, social tariffs, payment breaks and holidays, and debt management support. We expect all companies to make sure households are aware of the measures available to them and do everything they can to support all customers who are vulnerable, including having regard to the interests of individuals of pensionable age.

Government is also improving protections for customers, including introducing new compensations payments for failing to provide additional support for vulnerable customers on the Priority Services Register.

As the independent economic regulator, Ofwat independently scrutinises water company business plans and ensure the prices water companies charge their customers are fair and proportionate. Ofwat published their final determinations for Price Review 2024 on 19 December, which sets company expenditure and customer bills for 2025-2030. We support the action Ofwat is taking to clamp down on poor performance in the water sector to ensure they are delivering for customers.

Furthermore, we expect companies to hold themselves accountable for their public commitment to end water poverty by 2030 and will work with the sector to ensure appropriate measures are taken to deliver this.
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Tim Farron:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to provide top-up payments to farmers to compensate for the loss of direct payments. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government announced the reductions it intends to apply to delinked payments for 2025. The Government is accelerating the end of the era of payouts to large and wealthy landowners simply for owning land. The fastest reductions in subsidies will be to those who historically received the largest payments. Our commitment to farmers remains steadfast, with £5 billion committed to the farming budget over two years – the most ever for sustainable food production and nature’s recovery. This keeps momentum to a more sustainable farming sector, with the Sustainable Farming Incentive, Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier and Landscape Recovery all continuing.
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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support active restoration of coastal ecosystems; and if he will take steps to amend the licensing framework for that restoration. \p Emma Hardy: The Government recognises that protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing coastal and marine habitats – such as saltmarsh, seagrass and native oyster reefs – can provide biodiversity, climate adaptation and climate mitigation benefits.

Defra has funded restoration of coastal ecosystems through schemes such as the Water Environment Improvement Fund and the Environmental Land Management Countryside Stewardship scheme. Defra is also funding the development of a Saltmarsh Code to enable saltmarsh carbon to be traded as a carbon offset and help drive private finance towards nature restoration.

The Environment Agency’s Restoring Meadow, Marsh and Reef initiative is working to restore seagrass meadows, saltmarsh and native oyster reefs. It is working in partnership with environmental non-government organisations, industry, community groups, and academia to identify innovative funding opportunities, streamline regulatory processes, build capacity and share knowledge with partners to facilitate a larger programme of restoration.

Defra officials are working with arms-length bodies to understand whether improvements could be made to the marine licensing regime to ensure that it appropriately enables habitat restoration.
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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to (a) incorporate marine ecosystems into the Greenhouse Gas Inventory and (b) ensure that (i) land and (ii) sea are integrated into the carbon capture strategy. \p Emma Hardy: Defra is working in partnership with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Devolved Administrations – through the UK Blue Carbon Evidence Partnership – to address evidence gaps that currently prevent the inclusion of coastal and marine habitats in the Greenhouse Gas Inventory.

Defra Group have funded five flux towers to provide important carbon emissions data for saltmarsh habitats. Alongside investment to deliver a roadmap setting out the steps needed for potential inclusion of saltmarsh in the Greenhouse Gas Inventory. Other marine habitats will be kept in consideration as the evidence base around them develops.

Defra is committed to developing nature-based solutions to climate change on both land and sea. As demonstrated by the inclusion of both saltmarsh and seagrass as habitats in our net zero pathway, alongside a commitment of over £400 million of support for tree planting and peatland restoration in the Autumn Budget.

Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS) will be essential to meeting our climate commitments. CCUS is used for the deep decarbonisation of certain industries – such as cement and chemicals – which have no alternative to decarbonise. In developing its thinking the Government will consider options and implications for delivering CCUS on both land and sea.
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Mr Lee Dillon:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent progress has been made on Project Groundwater in Lambourn Valley. \p Emma Hardy: Project Groundwater is funded by the £150 million Flood & Coastal Resilience Innovation programme, managed by the Environment Agency (EA). The programme includes 25 local projects around the country that are testing practical ways of bolstering resilience to flooding and coastal change.

Project Groundwater has produced a new community-level, automated groundwater flood warning system, www.projectgroundwater.co.uk/floodwarning. This went live as a trial in the Lambourn Valley on 4 December and the EA are currently collating feedback for the next phase of improvements. The next key output will be new improved groundwater flood risk maps which are expected to be published in February. The project has also been gathering data via a Flood Experience Questionnaire, to target invitations for property flood resilience surveys in the new year, helping us to develop trials of community flood resilience measures. The project is also seeking to identify locations for nature-based solutions to help with groundwater flooding.

Collectively all aspects of Project Groundwater will have longer term benefits to the Lambourn Valley. These include ensuring groundwater is robustly addressed in planning applications whilst better understanding the mental health impacts of groundwater flooding.
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Mr Lee Dillon:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will hold discussions with Ofwat on the potential impact of the levels of Thames Water's (a) debt and (b) dividend payments on its customers. \p Emma Hardy: Water companies are commercial entities, and it would be inappropriate to comment further on the specific situation of any individual company.

We understand the financial pressures hardworking families are currently facing and we are pushing the sector to ensure support is available for vulnerable customers who are struggling to pay their bills.

We have also been clear that the payment of dividends that do not take into account performance and service delivery for customers and the environment is disgraceful, and we share the public’s anger on this.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-07 conversation_57

Sarah Champion:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress he has made in building an evidence base on the fur sector. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra is continuing to build the evidence base on the fur sector in Great Britain. This includes commissioning our expert Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) to produce a report on what constitutes responsible sourcing of fur. The AWC report will add to our understanding of the fur industry and help inform our next steps.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-07 conversation_58

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the recommendations of the review entitled The review for implementation of Schedule 3 to The Flood and Water Management Act 2010, published in January 2023, what steps his Department is taking to implement Schedule 3 to The Flood and Water Management Act 2010, published by Defra in January 2023; and what his Department's timetable is for the full implementation of that Schedule. \p Emma Hardy: The Government is strongly committed to requiring standardised Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in new developments. These should be to designs that cope with changing climatic conditions as well as delivering wider water infrastructure benefits, reduce run off and help to improve water quality, amenity and biodiversity. It is also important to ensure appropriate adoption and maintenance arrangements are in place.

We believe that these outcomes can be achieved through either improving the current planning led approach using powers now available or commencing Schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. A final decision on the way forward will be made in the coming months.

We have made some immediate changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to support increasing SuDS. The NPPF now requires all development to utilize SuDS where they could have drainage impacts. These systems should be appropriate to the nature and scale of the proposed development.

We will review the planning system holistically and consider whether further changes are required to address SuDS when we consult on further planning reform, including national policy related to decision making, in 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-07 conversation_59

Sarah Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to ensure that local communities are consulted on statutory nuisances. \p Emma Hardy: The Statutory Nuisance Regime under Section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA) is designed to provide protection from nuisances including noise, odour, smoke, fumes, artificial light, infestations and accumulations. Local authorities are responsible for investigating nuisance problems brought to their attention under the EPA.

If they agree that a statutory nuisance is happening, has happened or will happen in the future, councils must serve an abatement notice (usually on the person responsible). This could result in an unlimited fine if the recipient does not follow the rules of the abatement notice. It could also result in prosecution and an additional fine if found guilty in a Magistrates Court.

Local Authority Environmental Health Officers are qualified to make decisions on what can be considered a statutory nuisance within the local context and issue an abatement notice immediately. At this present time, there are no current plans to change the regime to include local consultation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-07 conversation_60

Carla Denyer:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 15 October 2024 to Question 7788 on Air Pollution, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the (a) legal threshold for future levels of NOx and (b) planning time required for councils with Clean Air Zones. \p Emma Hardy: The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues, and Cabinet discussions are considered confidential. The Government remains committed to meeting legal targets for air quality and continues to review the policy measures needed to achieve them. The NO2 programme is working closely with local authorities to deliver air quality measures, including Clean Air Zones, to meet legal limits for NO2 and improve the health of their residents.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-07 conversation_61

Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will (a) bring forward legislative proposals to (i) formally recognise, (ii) protect and (iii) otherwise support the management of Cornish hedges and (b) provide funding for such hedges in the form of (A)Sustainable Farming Incentives and (B) capital grants. \p Daniel Zeichner: Certain hedgerows are protected from removal under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 if they meet specific criteria. The Management of Hedgerows (England) Regulations 2024 introduced management rules into domestic legislation to protect hedgerows on land used for agriculture in England.

The Sustainable Farming Incentive was developed to recognise the large variety of locally and nationally important hedges and hedgerows we see across England. In 2023, the hedgerow offer was launched and expanded in 2024. This includes an offer to maintain earth banks or stone-faced hedge banks (BND2). Those with Cornish hedges will be eligible to apply for both offers to ensure their hedgerow is maintained. We will continue to review what additional policies may be required to protect and enhance the ecological and cultural value of hedges and hedgerows in England.

Grants have been made available to support Cornish hedges under the Capital Grants offer. In 2024 the scheme supported agreements to plant over 4,000 miles of new hedgerows across England, creating essential habitats for at-risk species of birds and mammals. In November, the Capital Grants scheme was closed to new agreements following unprecedented demand this Autumn. We are forecast to spend more on capital grants this year than ever before. We currently are reviewing the Capital Grants offer to ensure funding goes further to improve outcomes for food security and nature conservation and will provide an update in early 2025. We have allocated the largest ever budget for sustainable food production through the farming budget.
wrans/answers2025-01-07 conversation_62
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-07 conversation_62

Dr Danny Chambers:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the UK's exit from the EU on the movement of animals between the UK and the EU for breeding programmes; and what steps his Department is taking to mitigate any post-Brexit regulatory barriers between the UK and the EU affecting these movements. \p Daniel Zeichner: The UK’s departure introduced new rules and procedures for GB exporters, including compliance with EU import controls. Since being granted third country listed status by the EU on 28 December 2020, the UK has continued to export live animals for breeding purposes under these rules.

The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) provides a framework to manage sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls proportionate to biosecurity risks. Defra keeps the movement of animals for breeding programmes under review and works with stakeholders and EU Member States to identify and mitigate challenges in SPS requirements and reduce unnecessary trade barriers. This includes efforts to streamline SPS checks, ensuring efficient and safe animal movements.

EU import controls require livestock to enter via designated Border Control Posts (BCPs), which can limit capacity for live animal exports. To address this, Defra regularly engages in technical discussions with EU Member States to resolve practical issues, advocate for increased BCP capacity, and improve routes for live animal exports. These efforts aim to safeguard biosecurity while supporting GB exporters and maintaining trade flows.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-07 conversation_63

David Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Affinity Water's recent price changes on the financial security of residents in Hertfordshire. \p Emma Hardy: As the independent economic regulator, Ofwat independently scrutinises water company business plans and ensure the prices water companies charge their customers are fair and proportionate. Ofwat published their final determinations for Price Review 2024 on 19 December, which sets company expenditure and customer bills for 2025-2030.

The Government is committed to taking action to address water poverty and help vulnerable customers with their water bills. All water companies, including Affinity Water, have measures in place for customers who struggle to pay for their water and wastewater services, including measures such as WaterSure, social tariffs, payment breaks and holidays, and debt management support.

Furthermore, we expect companies to hold themselves accountable for their public commitment to end water poverty by 2030 and will work with the sector to ensure appropriate measures are taken to this end.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-07 conversation_64

Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of financial support for people paying increased water bills in the South West. \p Emma Hardy: For too long, sewage systems were allowed to deteriorate. The previous Government allowed water companies to divert customers' money to unjustified bonuses and shareholder payouts rather than fixing our water and sewage systems. Now, to fix this mess we need to invest in our aging infrastructure and deliver clean water. That has meant that bills have had to rise across the country.

Ofwat, as the independent regulator, is responsible for ensuring the prices water companies charge their customers are fair. The Water (Special Measures) Bill will deliver on the Government's commitment to deliver for customers by driving meaningful improvements in the performance and culture of the water industry as a first important step in enabling wider, transformative change across the water sector.

We will always protect the most vulnerable and this Government expects water companies to put robust support in place for customers that are struggling to pay their bills to address water poverty. All companies have measures in place for people who struggle to pay their bills, including WaterSure, social tariffs, payment breaks, and debt management support. We are also continuing to explore what more can be done to support families at risk of being unable to pay future water bills.
wrans/answers2025-01-07 conversation_65
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-01-07)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-01-07 conversation_65

Mr Clive Betts:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to provide (a) mayors and (b) councils with additional fundraising powers, in addition to the planned infrastructure levy. \p Jim McMahon: The English Devolution White Paper has provided powers for local leaders to deliver for their places and support economic growth. The government keeps all taxes under review.