theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Great British Energy on household energy bills in (a) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (b) Lincolnshire. \p Michael Shanks: In an unstable world, the only way to guarantee energy security and protect billpayers is to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. That is why government has a mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower.

We have a sustainable, long-term plan to protect all UK billpayers, including households in South Hollands and the Deepings, and in Lincolnshire more widely, from volatile international gas markets. Backed by £8.3 billion, Great British Energy is part of this plan, driving the deployment of the clean, homegrown energy we need to boost our energy independence. As a publicly-owned company, Great British Energy will ensure UK taxpayers, billpayers, and communities reap the benefits of this.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many households used the radio teleswitch service for their energy meter connections in Lincolnshire in the latest period for which data is available. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Department does not hold unitary authority or county level data on the number of remaining RTS meters. However, we are regularly engaging with energy suppliers, Ofgem and the industry body Energy UK to review local plans for the switch-off.

Energy suppliers have contacted all premises with RTS meters and Ofgem is encouraging customers to book an appointment to ensure they are provided with a replacement meter ahead of the switch-off.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if (a) his Department and (b) Ofgem will make an estimate of the cost of the construction of (i) National Grid's proposed Grimsby to Walpole pylon scheme and (ii) alternative schemes to transmitting electricity on the route including underground cabling. \p Michael Shanks: The Department cannot comment on specific projects which will come before the Secretary of State for a final planning decision. It is the responsibility of the developers of electricity network projects – in this case National Grid Electricity Transmission - to propose a route and obtain planning permission for that route. Ofgem reviews proposed project costs and ensures that network companies spend efficiently, protecting consumers from unduly high costs.

In general, undergrounding costs an estimated 5 to 10 times more than overhead lines. The cost of building this infrastructure is borne by electricity bill payers so it is key we keep costs down.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Jon Trickett:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many of his Department's officials have been seconded from (a) the Institute for Economic Affairs, (b) the Policy Exchange, (c) the Adam Smith Institute and (d) Labour Together since July 2024. \p Michael Shanks: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has not seconded any staff from (a) the Institute for Economic Affairs (b) the Policy Exchange, (c) the Adam Smith Institute, (d) Labour Together since July 2024.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to engage with landlords to (a) raise awareness of heat pumps and (b) reassure them on (i) installation, (ii) cost and (iii) tenant disruption. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Government has launched the ‘Warm and Fuzzy’ campaign to promote the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. The campaign seeks to build consumer awareness and understanding of heat pumps, as well as publicising the £7,500 government grant which is available to homeowners, including landlords.

The Government continues to provide advice and support for home upgrades, including the GOV.UK webpage ‘Find Ways to Save Energy in Your Home’ (https://www.gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency) and the GOV.UK Heat Pump Suitability tool (https://www.gov.uk/check-heat-pump) which landlords can access.

All heat pump installations are expected to comply with Building Regulations. Heat Pumps installed under Government schemes are required to be installed by a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified installer.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing locational pricing in the electricity grid. \p Michael Shanks: As part of the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements or ‘REMA’ we are continuing to assess reforms for sending more efficient locational signals in the electricity market. This includes robustly assessing the costs and benefits of both locational (or zonal) pricing against improvements to locational signals in a reformed national pricing market. This will feed into the cost-benefit assessment of REMA reforms.

We have not made any decisions yet and aim to take a decision by around mid-2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will develop a national framework for developing local area energy plans. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Department has been undertaking work to explore how the future role of local energy planning might support net zero, clean power 2030 and efficient network planning. This includes engaging with Ofgem on Regional Energy Strategic Plans, as well as working closely with Innovate UK and the Local Net Zero Hubs.

Additionally, Great British Energy will partner with, and provide funding and support to, local and combined authorities, as well as community energy groups, to roll out a pipeline of local renewable energy projects and develop up to 8GW of cleaner power.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will work with Cabinet colleagues to introduce a national register of landlords to assist local authorities with identifying landlords to help by enforcing energy efficiency standards. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Enforcement is a critical aspect of the policy and is something we are working to address. Government will be increasing our engagement with local authorities to understand the impact and burden of the proposed policy to enable us to take steps to mitigate the impact and support local authorities. The development of the PRS Database in England and Rent Smart Wales will also greatly increase availability and ease of access to information for local authorities.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Jas Athwal:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to help reduce the need for imported electricity in the UK. \p Michael Shanks: The Government’s Clean Power 2030 action plan details the Government's strategy to protect people from increased energy bills caused by volatile global gas markets and accelerate our pathway towards greater energy independence through the deployment of clean energy.

Importing cheaper electricity during peak times reduces the need to turn on carbon-intensive domestic generation and enhances security of supply by providing access to a more diverse generation pool that complements our domestic energy mix.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Claire Young:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support community energy projects. \p Kerry McCarthy: Through Great British Energy we will turbocharge community energy. Our Local Power Plan will mean communities taking back control of their energy, bringing cheap clean power and energy security.

I look forward to further details being announced as the GBE Bill goes through its final stages.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Steve Yemm:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to support people who use a pre-payment energy meter. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: We are delivering the £150 Warm Home Discount to eligible customers – including those with Pre Payment Meters – to support them with their bills.

Ofgem has introduced stringent rules for the involuntary installation of Pre Payment Meters, helping to ensure vulnerable households are protected. Through our review of Ofgem, we will make sure that the regulator is a proper consumer champion that stands up for the interests of billpayers across the country.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of how agricultural land classification is assessed in energy infrastructure project decisions. \p Michael Shanks: Both the National Planning Policy Framework and National Policy Statements were updated in 2024. They make clear that energy infrastructure should always be located in areas of poorer quality land rather that higher quality land where possible. At the end of September 2024, ground-mount solar PV panels only covered around 0.1 per cent of the total land area of the UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Chris Hinchliff:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of renewable energy projects on local communities. \p Michael Shanks: This government has a very simple principle: if you live near new clean energy infrastructure, you should benefit from it. That's why the Planning and Infrastructure Bill proposes much-needed reforms, including direct bill discounts for communities, easier access to community funds, and a streamlined, less burdensome planning process. We know that to deliver on our mission we must bring communities with us.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Sir Julian Lewis:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Defence on the potential impact of putting the UK’s shale gas wells permanently beyond use on their policies; and whether he has put contingency plans in place to replace gas imports in the event of overseas supplies being (a) reduced and (b) cut off during an international conflict. \p Michael Shanks: The UK has a secure and diverse energy system. Over the past three years the market has successfully delivered sufficient supplies amidst a period characterised by high energy prices and uncertainties caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and conflict in the Middle East. The National Emergency Plan for Downstream Gas and Electricity also sets out the arrangements for the safe and effective management of downstream gas or electricity disruption.

Decisions on whether to abandon wells are ultimately a matter for the company. Hydrocarbon wells must be safely plugged and abandoned when they are no longer in use.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her department is taking to promote apprenticeships in the hair and beauty industry. \p Janet Daby: Apprenticeships are a great way for individuals to begin, or progress in, a successful career in the hair and beauty industry. Employers in the hair and beauty sector have developed several high quality apprenticeships, including the level 2 hairdressing professional standard, to help them develop their workforce.

The department continues to promote the benefits that apprenticeships offer to students in schools and colleges through the Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge programme and through the Skills for Life campaign.

To support smaller employers to access apprenticeships, the government pays the full training costs for young apprentices aged 16 to 21, and for apprentices aged 22 to 24 who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan or have been in local authority care.

Employers can also benefit from £1,000 payments when they take on apprentices aged 16 to 18, or apprentices aged 19 to 24 who have an EHC plan or have been in local authority care. Employers can choose how they spend these payments.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the number of cyber security industry apprentices. \p Janet Daby: Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

Apprenticeship starts for individual standards are published in the apprenticeships statistics publication.

Starts on apprenticeships that are cyber-related are shown here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/97cccb00-3175-41c6-f1bf-08dd5cc661f7.

Employers in the cyber security industry can also benefit from additional apprenticeship standards, including others in the digital sector.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Mrs Sharon Hodgson:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what support she plans to provide to the Office for Students to (a) allow more providers to complete the registration process for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement and (b) support additional applications from small specialist providers who receive educational oversight from Ofsted for eligible Level 5 and 6 provision. \p Janet Daby: ​The government is committed to delivering the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) as set out in the Autumn Budget statement in October 2024. From the LLE’s launch in January 2027, the Office for Students (OfS) will regulate all providers offering LLE-funded provision.

​The OfS has made clear that it expects to restart work on registrations, degree awarding powers and university titles in August 2025, although the changes will remain under review until then. The department understands the OfS will keep providers updated throughout this period about its plans, including confirming application arrangements from August onwards. The government supports the reasons for the temporary pause so that the OfS can refocus its efforts on provider financial sustainability. As the independent regulator, it is for the OfS to process registrations in the manner it deems most appropriate.

​The government will continue to engage closely with the OfS and providers to support timely transition arrangements for the launch of the LLE. The government, together with the OfS, will provide further information on the regulation of providers under the LLE in spring 2025.​
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Mrs Elsie Blundell:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to help retain skilled and experienced foster carers. \p Janet Daby: Currently, there are ten fostering regional programmes active across England, collaborating with 64% of all local authorities to recruit and retain foster carers who will provide loving homes, local to the children who need them. An additional £15 million was announced to support this programme in the budget, and the department intends to move towards full national roll-out in the next financial year.

As part of this model, the department is supporting foster carers, and the children they care for, by expanding ‘The Mockingbird Family Model’. This innovative evidence-based approach, where relationships are central to the design of the programme, involves six to ten satellite families grouped into a constellation around a hub home carer. Research shows that carers who participate in Mockingbird are 82% less likely to de-register than households that do not participate.

In addition, the department funds ‘Fosterlink’, a diagnostic support service for local authority fostering services, which will review current processes to identify areas for service and practice improvements, as well as creating a national network in which to share best practice. Finally, the department is continuing to fund ‘Fosterline’, a free helpline service for current and prospective foster carers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of expanding youth schemes to reduce anti-social behaviour in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Janet Daby: Too many children and young people do not have access to the same enrichment opportunities as their peers, suffer from poor mental health and, in some cases, end up being drawn into crime rather than going on to achieve and thrive.

The government has committed to the creation of the new Young Futures programme, which will establish a network of Young Futures Hubs and Young Futures Prevention Partnerships, to intervene earlier to ensure this cohort is identified and offered support in a more systematic way.

Young Futures Hubs will bring together services to improve access to opportunities and support for children and young people at community level, promoting positive outcomes and enabling them to thrive. Prevention Partnerships will identify children and young people who are vulnerable to being drawn into crime, including anti-social behaviour, and divert them by offering them suitable support in a more systematic way.

The Young Futures programme is one part of delivering support within a much wider youth landscape. They will be designed to complement core services and wider initiatives spanning youth, education, employment, social care, mental health, youth justice and policing.

Tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority for this government and is a key part of our Safer Streets Mission. Anti-social behaviour causes great harm and misery to communities and, if left unchecked, can lead to more serious offending. Effective youth anti-social behaviour intervention is crucial in disrupting this pipeline. In many cases, informal and early intervention can be successful in changing behaviour and protecting communities.

As part of the wider youth landscape, this government has launched the co-production of an ambitious National Youth Strategy to set out a new vision for young people and an action plan for delivering this.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Cameron Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that teachers have access to accompaniment by professionally trained companions during (a) disciplinary and (b) grievance hearings. \p Catherine McKinnell: The Employment Relations Act (ERA) 1999 states that teachers, like any other workers, are entitled to be accompanied by a colleague, a trade union employee or an official accredited by a trade union if called to a disciplinary or grievance meeting by their employer. Individuals may also ask to be accompanied by someone else, but the employer does not have to agree. The government has no plans to change that position for teachers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to provide additional funding to expand enhanced resource bases. \p Catherine McKinnell: In December, the department announced £740 million of capital for high needs funding in 2025/26. This can be used to deliver new places in mainstream and special schools, as well as other specialist settings, including resourced provision. It can also be used to improve the suitability and accessibility of existing buildings.

We will publish local authorities’ allocation of the £740 million funding later in the spring.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Gareth Snell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if his Department will convene a ceramics taskforce, chaired by a Minister. \p Sarah Jones: The Department for Business and Trade works closely with the ceramics sector through Ceramics UK and directly with businesses to understand its challenges and provide support to help its global competitiveness. If we take a view that a ceramics taskforce is required, we will convene it.

Our engagement includes the Energy Intensive Users Group which includes representation from the ceramics sector. I recently held a roundtable with members of EIUG and met with a ceramics sector delegation today.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Gareth Snell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if his Department will make an assessment of the adequacy of the long-term viability of the UK ceramics sector. \p Sarah Jones: The Department for Business and Trade has a close and productive relationship with the UK ceramics sector, particularly its leading Trade Association, Ceramics UK, who meet regularly with officials and Ministers.

As part of our ongoing dialogue, we will continue to engage with ceramics business on the challenges they face now and in the future.

I will continue to work to ensure that long-term viability of the UK ceramics sector.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he plans to take to support businesses exporting goods. \p Gareth Thomas: The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is committed to supporting small businesses grow and export. UK businesses can access DBT’s wealth of export support via Great.gov.uk. This comprises an online support offer and a wider network of support including the Export Academy, UK Export Finance, the International Markets network and one-to-one support from International Trade Advisers.

DBT is also piloting an enhanced partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority, taking a targeted place-based approach to accelerate small business growth through exporting across the region. This will be rolled out to other regions across England over the next 12 months.

We will bring forward further measures in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of increasing British exports of (a) e-bikes and (b) pedal cycles. \p Gareth Thomas: Growing the economy is a key mission for the Government, and we recognise the importance of boosting UK exports in achieving this. We are working hard to ensure that UK businesses, including those that sell e-bikes and pedal cycles, have the support they need to sell to the world and grow.

As part of our work on a new trade strategy and a small business strategy, we are looking at further proposals to help UK businesses, including those that sell e-bikes and pedal cycles, export more.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Gareth Snell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 13 March 2025 to Question 36726 on Energy Intensive Industries: Ceramics, whether he has undertaken a sectoral assessment. \p Sarah Jones: The Department for Business and Trade has a close and productive relationship with the UK ceramics sector, particularly its leading Trade Association Ceramics UK who meet regularly with officials and Ministers.

As part of our ongoing dialogue, we will continue to engage with ceramics business on the challenges they face now and in the future.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Gareth Snell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 13 March 2025 to Question 36726, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the eligibility criteria for accessing the British Energy Supercharge scheme for sectors that already qualify. \p Sarah Jones: Sectors have been assessed against their electricity and trade intensity. As part of our review of eligibility in 2026, we will assess whether these data sets and the thresholds we have previously used remain the best approach to judging eligibility for the Supercharger.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Gareth Snell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of removing the business-level test from the Energy Intensive industry scheme eligibility requirements for UK ceramic manufacturers. \p Sarah Jones: The business level test was introduced to focus support under the British Industry Supercharger at those individual businesses most at risk of carbon leakage and to balance the cost of the scheme to other electricity users with the benefits to Energy Intensive Industries. There are currently no plans to amend that business level test and any proposed amendments to the scheme criteria would be subject to consultation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he has taken to support young entrepreneurs in (a) creating and (b) sustaining small businesses in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Gareth Thomas: We will publish our Small Business Strategy later this year with a clear ambition to promote startups and encourage entrepreneurship in Surrey Heath and across the UK including amongst young people, built around the new Business Growth Service.

There is a range of existing support offers available via the Business Support Service, Gov.uk, the network of local Growth Hubs across England, and The Help to Grow: Management scheme to help improve leadership, performance and management capabilities.

The Government continues to support entrepreneurs with funding and mentoring through the British Business Bank, via Start-up Loans.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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David Chadwick:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he is taking steps to help support British (a) defence and (b) technology companies to participate in procurement processes arising from proposed increased military production in EU countries. \p Sarah Jones: Working with industry, the government will continue focusing on markets offering the best export opportunities, and with whom stronger defence, digital and technology relationships support delivery of UK defence objectives, including across Europe. Domestically, the Cabinet Office's recent National Procurement Policy Statement sets out how public procurement can be used to kickstart economic growth, including by encouraging innovation and new technologies in line with the Industrial Strategy.

As part of a defence innovation drive, the government will also look to enhance investment in defence start-ups and scale-up technology and capability, including through the National Security Strategic Investment Fund.

More broadly, the government recognises the defence, digital and technology sector's importance to our economic growth mission which is why they were identified as two of the eight growth-driving sectors in our forthcoming Industrial Strategy, which will be published in spring 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Scottish Government's National innovation strategy 2023 to 2033 on his industrial strategy. \p Sarah Jones: Accelerating the rate of innovation and increasing the adoption and diffusion of ideas, technologies, and processes is an essential step for growing productivity of our growth-driving sectors. My officials are working with the Scottish Government on how we can drive growth in Scotland and the wider UK within the context of our Industrial Strategy. This includes the role of innovation in helping us reach our shared growth objectives. This partnership will help make the Industrial Strategy a UK-wide effort and support the considerable sectoral strengths of Scotland.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he is taking steps to support UK bicycle manufacturers. \p Sarah Jones: UK bicycle manufacturers will benefit from the Secretary of State's vision to support all businesses as outlined in the Government’s Industrial and Trade Strategies. These strategies aim to boost scale-ups, grow the co-operative economy, create thriving high streets, make it easier to access finance, open up overseas and domestic markets, build capabilities, and provide a strong business environment. Recently, the Business Secretary announced a new Business Growth Service (BGS) to streamline the process for businesses across the UK to access the support they need to grow. The Department will continue to engage with the industry on key issues moving forward.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Harrington Review of Foreign Direct Investment, published on 22 November 2023, what recent progress his Department has made on implementing (a) the recommendation on a concierge service for new investors and (b) other recommendations. \p Sarah Jones: The Government is continuing to deliver on the recommendations set out in the Harrington Review. That includes launching our new, modern Industrial Strategy, that will set out our vision for growth. In parallel, we are expanding the Office for Investment (OfI) which will continue to provide a concierge service for strategically important businesses and investors, with additional commercial capability, and will have a presence across the country, to work with Mayors and Devolved Administrations so that investors have access to the most attractive and commercially credible opportunities in our nations and regions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Luke Myer:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support the growth of the (a) electric vehicle and (b) lithium salts supply chains. \p Sarah Jones: We support the Automotive sector via the Automotive Transformation Fund to build a globally competitive electric vehicle supply chain, including gigafactories and their supply chains. The Budget committed over £2 billion of capital and R&D funding to 2030 for zero emission vehicle manufacturing and supply chains. We will set out more information on this in due course as part of the Industrial Strategy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Jas Athwal:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent steps he has taken to support high street businesses in Ilford South constituency. \p Gareth Thomas: Revitalising our high streets is a priority for this government. We are delivering across government to create better conditions for high street businesses to thrive.

We have heard businesses’ concerns about the impact of anti-social behaviour in town centres, including in Ilford South. Last month, we introduced the Crime and Policing Bill, which will scrap the effective immunity for low-value shoplifting and do more to protect retail workers from assault. We are also introducing High Street Rental Auction powers for local authorities and over 100 Banking Hubs have now opened - providing essential banking services for businesses and high street users.

Last year the Business Secretary announced a new Business Growth Service which will make it easier and quicker for businesses across the UK to get the help, support and advice they need to grow and thrive. Our Small Business Strategy, to be published later this year, will set out this Government’s plan for further supporting small businesses across key areas, including on the high street.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he plans to widen the definition of a public interest entity to include the largest companies not listed on the main London Stock Exchange. \p Justin Madders: The Government’s plans to widen the definition of a Public Interest Entity were announced in the King’s Speech.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_49

Liam Byrne:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what was the total (a) number and (b) value of financial penalties (i) levied and (ii) collected by Companies House since October 2024. \p Justin Madders: Since October 2024, 234 financial penalties have been issued. These had a total value of £58,500. The volume of penalties issued will rise once initial work to deploy the required systems and processes has been completed.

5 financial penalties have been collected, totalling £1,250. Action to collect penalties will accelerate during summer 2025. Outstanding penalties will be referred to debt collection and litigation where appropriate.

This information is unaudited and subject to change. Audited figures will be made available when Companies House’s annual accounts are laid in Parliament. This is currently expected to be delivered in July 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_50

Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what (a) oversight and (b) governance procedures will prospective US-UK trade negotiations be subject to from (i) Parliament and (ii) external stakeholders. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: Any treaty signed between the UK and the US that requires ratification will be subject to the scrutiny procedure under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010. The CRaG process requires that a treaty, along with an Explanatory Memorandum, be laid before Parliament for 21 joint sitting days before the treaty can be ratified.

The Government will engage with external stakeholders, and it will also provide comprehensive information with Parliament, including negotiating objectives, in line with our commitment to a transparent trade policy.

The Government will work with relevant select committees to ensure proper parliamentary scrutiny of any trade negotiations between the UK and the US.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_51

Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what are the criteria by which it would be determined whether any prospective trade treaty between the UK and the US that does not deal with substantially all trade would be subject to scrutiny under the Constitutional Reform and Government Act 2010. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: Part 2 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 is the statutory framework for the parliamentary scrutiny of all legally binding international agreements, regardless of the extent to which the relevant international agreement deals with trade, either substantially or in part. The criteria for an international agreement being subject to the provisions of the Act is set out in sections 23 and 25 of the Act.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_52

Chris Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will meet with representatives from the Worker Support Centre to discuss reports of alleged non-payment of wages for workers on the Seasonal Worker Visa. \p Justin Madders: We appreciate the valuable work the Worker Support Centre (WSC) does in supporting workers.

The Department acknowledges the challenges for seasonal workers published in the WSC’s Annual report.

I have asked officials to ensure that the WSC are given the opportunity to input their expertise as we move forward with the implementation of the Fair Work Agency.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_53

Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the oral contribution of the Prime Minister of 5 March 2025, column 273, how many officials from his Department have travelled to the United States to discuss a potential UK-US trade deal since 20 January 2025; and on what dates. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: The Prime Minister travelled to Washington DC to meet with President Trump on 27 February. During their meeting, they agreed to deepen the UK-US relationship and to work together on a trade deal focused on tech. The Secretary of State for Business and Trade has been engaging with the US Administration including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, to make the case for stronger UK-US trade that benefits both our countries. The Secretary of State for Business and Trade and UK government officials will be travelling to the US during the week beginning 17 March to meet with members of the US administration.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_54

Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will take steps to prohibit the import of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements under the terms of proposed UK-Israel free trade agreement. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: Goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements are not entitled to tariff and trade preferences under either the agreement between the UK and Israel, or in our agreement with the Palestinian Authority.

The UK will not compromise on any of our longstanding positions on the Middle East Peace Process through the FTA negotiation, including with respect to settlements.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_55

Saqib Bhatti:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 5 March 2025, to Question 33995, on Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Internet what proportion of spending on the First Draft podcast was allocated to its (a) production and (b) promotion. \p Stephanie Peacock: I refer the Hon Member to my answer to PQ 33995.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_56

Stuart Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to promote the availability of funding for small charities. \p Stephanie Peacock: This government recognises the vital role that charities play in providing crucial support to different groups and communities. This Government is committed to resetting the relationship with civil society and treating them as an equal, expert partner who are integral to the delivery of the Government’s vision for national renewal.

DCMS is promoting the availability of funding for smaller charities in several ways. This includes delivery of a number of grant schemes, such as the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund and the £25.5m Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Energy Efficiency Scheme, which is supporting frontline organisations across England to improve their energy efficiency and sustainability.

Support for charities is also available through social investment which provides access to grants, repayable finance and a blend of the two. This government is continuing to look at how dormant assets can be used to support the availability of finance to facilitate VCSEs becoming more entrepreneurial and financially resilient. An estimated £350 million will flow into the Dormant Assets Scheme between 2024-28, with details on how this money will be distributed to be provided in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_57

Mr Louie French:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to ensure that the hosting of (a) the Commonwealth Games and (b) other international sporting events results in long-term benefits to local communities. \p Stephanie Peacock: This Government recognises the significant economic and social benefits major sporting events provide to the UK. UK Sport, our expert arm’s-length body, works with those hosting major sporting events to ensure they all have a robust social impact and legacy plan, and an evaluation to help identify and quantify those socio-economic benefits.

The UK has been proud to host the Commonwealth Games twice since 2014, and the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games delivered at least £1.2bn economic value to the UK.

The Glasgow 2026 Organising Company has confirmed that delivery of the Games will include £6 million of facility investment into the city's existing sporting venues, including a new athletics track at Scotstoun Stadium and upgrades to Tollcross International Swimming Centre, which will benefit local communities. It is also anticipated that 3,000 volunteers - the vast majority of which are expected to be from Glasgow - will be recruited and trained. The Organising Company is also working with city partners on a Glasgow cultural programme. I recently met with the CEO and Chair of Glasgow 26 and attended the launch of the Kings Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace, and will continue to engage and support on plans for the successful delivery of the Games.

In 2028, the UK and Ireland will host UEFA EURO 2028. It will be the biggest sporting event the UK and Ireland have ever jointly hosted. Government and Football Partners are committing c.£45m to a central Legacy and Impact fund, which will deliver socio-economic benefits for communities across the UK and Ireland.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_58

Mr Louie French:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to ensure that charities in the United Kingdom are supported during periods of financial hardship. \p Stephanie Peacock: This Government recognises the vital role that charities play up and down the country, by providing crucial support to different groups and communities.

DCMS supports charities in several ways. This includes delivery of a number of grant schemes, such as the £25.5m Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Energy Efficiency Scheme, which is supporting frontline organisations across England to improve their energy efficiency and sustainability.

Support for charities is also available through social investment which provides access to grants, repayable finance and a blend of the two. This government is continuing to look at how dormant assets can be used to support the availability of finance to facilitate VCSEs becoming more entrepreneurial and financially resilient. An estimated £350 million will flow into the Dormant Assets Scheme between 2024-28, with details on how this money will be distributed to be provided in due course.

Within the tax system, we provide support to charities through a range of reliefs and exemptions, including reliefs for charitable giving. The tax reliefs available to charities are a vital element in supporting charitable causes across the UK, with more than £6 billion in charitable reliefs provided to charities. The biggest individual reliefs provided are Gift Aid at £1.6 billion and business rates relief at nearly £2.4 billion.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-18)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-18 conversation_59

Matt Bishop:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the University of Manchester's blog entitled Addressing the UK’s heritage skills crisis: why we must act now, published on 23 January 2025, what steps she is taking to preserve heritage buildings. \p Chris Bryant: My response to PQ 30997 sets out how we are considering heritage skills in relation to the University of Manchester's blog and associated report.

On preserving heritage buildings, there is funding and a protection regime in place. In particular, the Secretary of State announced in February £15 million of additional funding for Heritage at Risk, building on Historic England's existing Repair Grants for Heritage at Risk programme - providing grants for repairs and conservation to heritage buildings at risk, focusing on those sites with most need, and a new £4.85 million Heritage Revival Fund to enable local people to take ownership of heritage they love and bring historic buildings back into use. The National Lottery Heritage Fund also delivers project-based heritage funding. Since 1994, The National Lottery Heritage Fund has distributed £8.6bn of National Lottery funds to more than 47,000 projects.