theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_111
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_111

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact on future VCT fundraising by reducing upfront VCT Income Tax relief from 30% to 20% from April 2026; and when her Department will publish that impact assessment. \p Dan Tomlinson: At Budget, the government announced a comprehensive package of entrepreneurship tax measures designed to provide substantially enhanced support for scaling businesses across the UK. This includes doubling the maximum amount that a company can raise through the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme. These increases will lead to around £100 million per year of extra investment into the most successful scaling companies, supporting their further growth and development.

The Government recognises that there may be other ways we could support companies to scale in the UK. We have therefore launched a Call for Evidence on tax policy support for investment in high-growth UK companies to gather views and evidence from founders, entrepreneurs, scaling companies and investors. This will assess the impact, accessibility, and generosity of existing schemes, and explore potential policy options to go-further.

A Tax Information and Impact Note published at Budget outlines the policy rationale and impacts of these measures. It can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/enterprise-investment-scheme-eis-and-venture-capital-trusts-vct-changes/venture-capital-trusts-enterprise-investment-scheme-investment-limit-increase-and-restructure

The Policy Costings document contains further information on the costing methodology. This can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/692872fd2a37784b16ecf676/Budget_2025-Policy_Costings.pdf
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_112
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_112

Mr Louie French:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 13 October to Question 77717 on Betting: Excise Duties, if she will list relevant engagements with ministers. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Chancellor discusses a variety of issues with Ministers from other government departments throughout the year.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_113
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_113

Liam Byrne:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the policy papers entitled Spending Review 2025, published on 30 June 2025, and Budget 2025, published on 28 November 2025, what their Department’s capital Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) will be in each year of the Spending Review period; how much capital funding has been allocated to each of their Department’s programmes; and how much and what proportion of the capital DEL allocation remains unallocated in each year. \p James Murray: The capital DEL budget is as published in the Spending Review 2025 documentation. The detailed allocation of the capital DEL budget is still to be finalised in the annual business planning process.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_114
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_114

James Wild:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of of 7 May 2025 to question 48538, what the timetable is for the Crown Estate negotiating a Partnership Agreement with GB Energy. \p James Murray: Great British Energy's Strategic plan, published on 4 December 2025, sets out detail regarding arrangements between the two organisations.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_115
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_115

Simon Hoare:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many staff have been employed by the OBR in each year since it was established. \p James Murray: The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) was established by the Budget Responsibility and National Audit Act 2011. Its annual report and accounts, which are laid before Parliament and published on its website, set out detail on the number of staff employed at the end of March in each year.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_116
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_116

Simon Hoare:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much the OBR has cost the public purse for each year since it was established. \p James Murray: The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) was established by the Budget Responsibility and National Audit Act 2011. Its annual report and accounts, which are laid before Parliament and published on its website, set out in detail the OBR’s expenditure and funding for each year since its establishment.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_117
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_117

Wendy Morton:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the Budget 2025 on areas with lower average incomes in each region. \p James Murray: HM Treasury’s ‘Impact on households’ publication, produced alongside Budget 2025, shows that the impact of government tax, welfare and public service spending decisions from Autumn Budget 2024 onwards are benefit households in the lowest income deciles the most, on average HM Treasury does not produce a distributional assessment of policy decisions at a subnational level.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_118
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_118

Kenneth Stevenson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has considered publishing separate figures for the amount raised in each nation and region, including Scotland, from the apprenticeship levy collected via HMRC. \p James Murray: HMRC does not require or collect data on where in the UK the economic activities occurs in order to collect the Apprenticeship Levy.

Receipts data based on company registered addresses do not necessarily reflect where liabilities are accrued.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_119
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_119

Jim McMahon:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment has been made of the potential impact of coordinating place-based (a) Government funding and (b) philanthropic, institutional and private sector investment on regional growth. \p James Murray: Following a review of the Green Book, the government has announced the introduction of place-based business cases. This new approach will highlight the reinforcing effects of different investments within an area and better coordinate both public sector funding decisions and non-public sector investments in specific places to support growth. Liverpool, Plymouth, Port Talbot and Birmingham will be the first adopters of place-based business cases. The government will set out plans to rollout place-based business cases further in due course.

More widely, Government is giving local leaders and communtiies the power and resources to make decisions for their places.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_120
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_120

Lewis Cocking:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Autumn Budget 2025, published on 26 November, HC 1492, on what evidential basis she estimated the saving arising from the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners and re-organising local government structures. \p James Murray: The Government is committed to cutting the cost of politics.

The figures were calculated based on estimated savings from the potential reduction in local councillors through local government reorganisation and from the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners.

These estimates are built from a range of sources including Local Government Boundary Commission data; salaries; office costs; election costs; sampling of councillor expenditure data from current authorities.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_121
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_121

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of including oil refining within the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. \p Dan Tomlinson: The government recognises that refineries play a role in energy security and the UK’s industrial base, and will publish a call for evidence on the fuel sector. The government is also considering the feasibility and impacts of including refined products in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in future.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_122
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_122

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the online Self Assessment Time to Pay system in reducing the number of late payment penalties. \p Dan Tomlinson: HMRC’s Time to Pay (TTP) arrangements help taxpayers to pay their liabilities in affordable and sustainable instalments. Late payment penalties do not apply provided the plan is agreed before penalty trigger dates and instalments are paid on time.

HMRC’s online TTP service for Self Assessment offers taxpayers the option to set up their own payment plans for Self Assessment debts up to £30,000. HMRC publishes data on TTP arrangements as part of its quarterly performance updates and in its Annual Report and Accounts. Over 90% of TTP arrangements are completed successfully, demonstrating their effectiveness in supporting compliance and reducing penalties.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_123
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_123

Callum Anderson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the regulatory approach on investor adoption of pound sterling based stablecoins. \p Lucy Rigby: The government is committed to making the UK a global hub for digital assets. It recognises the huge potential posed by tokenised asset innovation, and for stablecoins to support innovation in both retail payments and wholesale settlement.

That is why the government is bringing in legislation to establish a new financial services regulatory regime for cryptoassets, including stablecoin, and maintaining a close and ongoing dialogue with the financial regulators as they develop detailed rules and guidance.

This legislation complements other measures being taken forward by the government on digital assets, including: the Digital Securities Sandbox, which supports settlement using distributed ledger technology; the Digital Gilt Instrument pilot issuance; and the publication of the Wholesale Financial Markets Digital Strategy.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_124
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_124

Wendy Morton:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the Budget on self-employed workers, including freelancers and contractors. \p Lucy Rigby: The Government is committed to a fair tax system that supports small firms and the self-employed, while ensuring the ongoing funding of essential public services and economic stability. The Budget raises revenue in a fair and progressive way, and the Government is sticking to its manifesto pledge not to increase the headline rates of income tax, National Insurance and VAT and its commitments in the Corporate Tax Roadmap.

We are providing support for small businesses and the self-employed in a number of areas. We are introducing the toughest late payment laws in the G7. Through the new Business Growth Service, small businesses will be able to access support with skills training, recruitment, or accessing Start Up Loans and Export Finance.

We are taking wider measures to ensure the wider economic environment is conducive to growth. We are cutting borrowing and debt, and supporting the Bank of England by tackling the persistent high inflation that dampens investment in the UK and slows economic growth. Government took measures at Budget to reduce consumer price inflation by 0.4pp in 2026/27.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_125
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_125

Wendy Morton:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the Budget 2025 on (a) investment and (b) hiring decisions by small and medium-sized enterprises. \p Lucy Rigby: We are cutting borrowing and debt, and supporting the Bank of England by tackling the persistent high inflation that dampens investment in the UK and slows economic growth. The Government set out its overall approach for supporting SMEs in the Small Business Strategy published in July 2025 and built on this with targeted reforms to support small businesses at Autumn Budget 2025. We are supporting employment and skills by changing the rules to fully fund SME apprenticeships training costs for eligible people under the age of 25. At the Budget we announced an Entrepreneurship which includes the largest ever injection of capital into the British Business Bank. Over the next five years, the British Business Bank will enable up to an additional £10 billion in small business lending through guarantees. We are also doubling the eligibility of our enterprise tax incentives to boost scale-ups and consulting on plans to reduce business energy prices.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_126
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_126

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many visas a) her Department, b) the Government Actuary's Department, c) the UK Debt Management Office, d) the National Wealth Fund, e) the Crown Estate, f) the Financial Conduct Authority, g) UK Government Investments, and h) HM Revenue & Customs have sponsored since 4 July 2024. \p Lucy Rigby: We do not disclose the exact number of visas sponsored due to GDPR, but can confirm that fewer than five visas have been sponsored since 4 July 2024. Information requested on arm’s length bodies is not held centrally.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_127
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_127

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of strengthening safety requirements for diesel generators located near residential buildings in (a) Surrey and (b) Surrey Heath constituency. \p Michael Shanks: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are the regulator responsible for health and safety, including relevant safety requirements relating to electrical equipment. Government will continue to work closely with HSE to ensure that the highest safety standards are maintained.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_128
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_128

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will publish a full impact assessment for ending the Energy Company Obligation scheme. \p Martin McCluskey: To bring energy bills down for all, the decision has been made not to continue the Energy Company Obligation when the current scheme ends.

The government does not intend to publish a new impact assessment for ending the scheme. An assessment of their impacts was produced when both the ECO4 and Great British Insulation Scheme were laid.

The government has committed £1.5 billion in additional grant funding to support low-income households and those in fuel poverty. Details of this will be set out in the Warm Homes Plan, which will be published soon.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_129
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_129

Liam Byrne:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the policy papers entitled Spending Review 2025, published on 30 June 2025, and Budget 2025, published on 28 November 2025, what their Department’s capital Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) will be in each year of the Spending Review period; how much capital funding has been allocated to each of their Department’s programmes; and how much and what proportion of the capital DEL allocation remains unallocated in each year. \p Michael Shanks: The Capital DEL budgets for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) were published as part of HM Treasury’s Spending Review 2025 on 11th June and revised at the Autumn Budget 2025 on 26th November. These documents provide the settlement delegation in each year of the spending review period, 2025-26 to 29-30. Detailed information on how much capital funding has been committed to DESNZ’ programmes is included within these documents.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_130
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_130

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to expand the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to cover international shipping. \p Chris McDonald: The UK ETS Authority has published a consultation on expanding the UK ETS to international maritime voyages from 2028. We propose that 50% of emissions from international maritime voyages are covered by the scheme. The consultation runs until 20th January 2026.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_131
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_131

Charlie Maynard:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of changes to requirements for EPC certificates on properties used as short term holiday lets. \p Michael Shanks: The recent consultation on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector sought views on whether short-term lets should be included in the scope of our proposals for rented homes to achieve Energy Performance Certificate C or equivalent by 2030, to help ensure a consistent standard across all private rented properties.

No final decisions have been made, and the government has proposed to maintain a range of exemptions available to landlords to ensure that required investment is fair and proportionate. Government remains committed to taking an evidence-based approach and will consider the balance between supporting tourism and reaching our net zero goals.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_132
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_132

Charlie Maynard:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he plans to publish the findings of the consultation on Improving the energy performance of privately rented homes. \p Martin McCluskey: The consultation on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector closed on 2nd May and a government response will be published in due course.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_133
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_133

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has had discussions with Exxon Mobil Corp on the potential impact of rising carbon costs on the viability of UK refineries since its evidence to Parliament in October 2025. \p Michael Shanks: Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_134
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_134

Wera Hobhouse:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when the Nuclear Liabilities Financing Assurance Board last met; and whether the minutes from previous meetings in the last 10 years will be published. \p Michael Shanks: The NLFAB last met on 27 November 2025. Due to commercial sensitivities the NLFAB minutes are not published. However, the full NLFAB report and supplementary Annexes which were issued to the Secretary of State to inform his decision on the Sizewell C Funded Decommissioning Programme has been published on Gov.uk - www.gov.uk/government/publications/sizewell-c-funded-decommissioning-programme-fdp
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_135
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_135

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the UK’s current regulatory framework for supporting cleaner hydrogen production for industrial sites. \p Michael Shanks: Low carbon hydrogen will play a vital role in decarbonising industry, enabling the transition to a low carbon economy while protecting jobs and driving growth across the UK’s industrial heartlands.

The current regulatory framework provides a strong foundation, including the framework to award Hydrogen Production Business Model support to producers to enable deployment.

The Government will continue to ensure suitable regulatory frameworks for hydrogen as the industry develops, working with Devolved Governments and regulators. For instance, the Government published a response to consultation on an economic regulatory framework for hydrogen pipelines on 3 December.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_136
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_136

Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what his planned timeline is for rolling out the Connections Accelerator Service. \p Michael Shanks: As set out in the Government’s Industrial Strategy, the Connections Accelerator Service will be operational by the end of 2025.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_137
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_137

Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what funding has been allocated to local authorities in England to lead local community energy schemes. \p Michael Shanks: Great British Energy (GBE) and the UK government will turbocharge support for local and community energy projects across the UK.

As such, Local Government has a vital role to play in the energy transition. To support this, £6.8 million has been allocated to maintain Local Net Zero Hubs located across England, which provide free expertise and resources to help local authorities deliver clear energy projects.

GBE is in the process of developing its longer-term funding offer and strategic support for working with Local Government and Community Energy Groups, as well as working with devolved governments. This includes commercial, technical and project planning assistance to increase capability and capacity to build a pipeline of successful projects in local areas. As set out in their Strategic Plan, published on 4 December 2025, GBE aims to support over 1,000 local and community projects by 2030.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_138
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_138

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has considered providing temporary relief from CO₂ compliance costs for UK refineries, in the context of two of the six UK refineries closing. \p Michael Shanks: The Government recognises the vital role UK refineries play in energy security and continues to work closely with the industry. The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), incentivises cost-effective decarbonisation, and the ETS Authority decides any changes to it. The Free Allocation Review Response published in November confirmed the sector remains eligible for free allocation, with current benchmarks maintained until 2028, allowing time to develop supportive policy. The Government is committed to mitigating carbon leakage risk and, as announced at Budget is considering the feasibility and impacts of including refined products in the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in future.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_139
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_139

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the National Security Strategy of the United States of America, published on 5 December 2025, what assessment has she made of the potential impact of the US declaration that where necessary the use of lethal force to replace the failed law enforcement-only strategy will be used to combat cartels on intelligence sharing. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer the Hon Member to the responses provided in the Urgent Question debate on 3 December.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_140
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_140

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will have discussions with her United States counterpart on the impact of US military action against drug cartels off Latin America since September 2025 on trans-Atlantic illegal drug smuggling. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer the Hon Member to the responses provided in the Urgent Question debate on 3 December.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_141
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_141

Chris Coghlan:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help rescue Melanie Watters and Janine Reid in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah. \p Seema Malhotra: My officials were in direct contact with Ms Watters and Ms Reid and worked with the local authorities in Sri Lanka who evacuated them from the affected area they were staying. They have now departed from Sri Lanka. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office works tirelessly to support British nationals in distress overseas. We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our citizens, and our consular teams are available 24/7 to provide advice and assistance.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_142
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_142

Tom Tugendhat:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what actions have been taken in response to recommendations made by the Independent Case Examiner in relation to Child Maintenance Service complaints in each of the last five years. \p Andrew Western: The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) have implemented measures in line with the Independent Case Examiner's recommendations in each of the last five years.

Actions include strengthening enforcement processes, improving complaint handling procedures, enhancing staff training, updating guidance, and reviewing policies to ensure fairer outcomes for parents and children. These actions demonstrate CMS commitment to learning from ICE recommendations and improving the experience of CMS customers.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_143
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_143

Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many assaults on staff working in Job Centres were reported for each region for each year from 2015 to date. \p Andrew Western: The Department for Work and Pensions take any form of abuse and harassment (including violence-at-work incidents) of its staff very seriously. Robust controls are in place to mitigate the risk of unsafe interactions and eliminate violence-at-work as far as reasonably practicable, including security presence, risk assessments and training for our staff.

We review outcomes of our most serious incidents and consider any lessons learned to make improvements to our processes and training when necessary to help prevent reoccurrence.

DWP define assault as intentional physical contact which is directed at DWP or Partner employees (including Security Officers) in connection with working for DWP. Assaults range from minor to most serious. Actual assaults may include reports that resulted in no injury to those that result in major cuts and bruises.

Prior to 2025, regional breakdowns are not held centrally, to provide this information would incur disproportionate cost, however we can provide the national annual breakdown of JC assaults from 2015 to 2024 and a breakdown of JC assaults by region for 2025.

The following table provides the information requested for DWP reported assaults.

Year

Number of Assaults

Jan - Dec 2015

233

Jan - Dec 2016

137

Jan - Dec 2017

238

Jan - Dec 2018

257

Jan - Dec 2019

145

Jan - Dec 2020

65

Jan - Dec 2021

107

Jan - Dec 2022

183

Jan - Dec 2023

212

Jan - Dec 2024

314

Jan - Nov 2025

265

2025 assaults by region

Group Name

Central & West Scotland

9

Central Midlands

13

East & North Scotland

5

Eastern England

17

London

62

North East & Cumbria

20

North West

27

North York & Lincolnshire

25

South East

17

South West

23

Wales & the Marches

10

West Midlands

35

Not recorded to a Group Name

2

265
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_144
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_144

Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to reduce waiting times for child maintenance enforcement actions. \p Andrew Western: The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) will do everything it can to address the non-payment of child maintenance and ensure appropriate enforcement action is taken in a timely manner.

Enforcement action can include deductions from earnings orders, or from bank accounts. Where that is not effective, CMS can apply to Court for a liability order, which legally recognises the debt. That is currently required before other enforcement action can be taken, including removal of driving licenses, disqualification from holding a passport, and committal to prison.

We are working to introduce administrative liability orders (ALO) which will replace the current requirement for the CMS to apply to the court for a liability order. Introducing a simpler administrative process will enable the CMS to take faster action against those paying parents who actively avoid their responsibilities and will get money to children more quickly.

Once it is introduced, we expect the new liability order process in the majority of cases to take around 6 weeks. Changes will mean the CMS can use its strong enforcement powers more quickly to go after those who wilfully avoid their financial obligations to their children.

We are working with His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service and the Scottish Government to establish a process for implementing ALOs and plan to introduce regulations to Parliament as soon as possible
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_145
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_145

Liam Byrne:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the policy papers entitled Spending Review 2025, published on 30 June 2025, and Budget 2025, published on 28 November 2025, what their Department’s capital Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) will be in each year of the Spending Review period; how much capital funding has been allocated to each of their Department’s programmes; and how much and what proportion of the capital DEL allocation remains unallocated in each year. \p Andrew Western: DWP secured £1.0bn (2026/27), £0.8bn (2027/28), £0.6bn (2028/29) and £0.5bn (2029/30) in capital (CDEL) funding through the Spending Review.

The Department is currently undertaking its internal business planning process, through which it will set programme budgets ahead of the new financial year. Details on DWP budgets are to be published in the explanatory memo for the 2026/27 Main Estimate.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_146
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_146

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether Motability’s removal of luxury vehicles will result in a reduction of choice for wheelchair accessible users. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Motability Scheme is a lifeline for many disabled people and families, supporting their independence by enabling them to lease a car, wheelchair accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair in exchange for an eligible disability benefit allowance.

We are protecting the taxpayer through changes to the Motability scheme, ensuring it supports disabled people whilst delivering efficient use of taxpayers’ money. This includes the removal of some luxury vehicles from the leasing scheme while maintaining a range of vehicles to support disabled people. Tax changes will not impact vehicles substantially adapted for wheelchair users, or existing leases, and Motability will continue to provide vehicles at no additional cost to the value of eligible disability benefits ensuring that people can access vehicles suited to their needs, whether that’s a larger vehicle or extra boot space to carry wheelchairs.

For customers who cannot afford essential costs or need more complex adaptations, the Motability Foundation will continue to provide means-tested grants to those most in need of financial help. In 2024/25, these grants totalled £59.3 million, supporting over 10,000 customers.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_147
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_147

Helen Whately:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what analysis his Department has done on the increase in households that off-flowed from the benefits cap as a result of the increase in unemployment over the past 13 months, in the context of the 9-month grace period exemption for newly unemployed. \p Sir Stephen Timms: No such analysis has been undertaken.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_148
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_148

Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the government has held discussions with Motability following the revision of vehicle brands supported by the scheme to prioritise British made vehicles and to report accurate data on the number of British and non-British made vehicles procured. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Motability Operations, an independent commercial company which delivers the Motability Scheme, has announced plans to support the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy. The number of British made vehicles purchased by the scheme will reach 25% by 2030, with an ambition of 50% of vehicles registered on the Scheme being made in the UK by 2035.

The Department for Work and Pensions will continue to meet regularly with Motability Foundation, the independent charity with responsibility for overseeing the Scheme, to discuss the Schemes operation.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_149
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_149

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to ensure that disabled people, including those living with multiple sclerosis, who rely on Motability vehicles do not lose their ability to live independently following changes to the Motability scheme announced in the Autumn Budget. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Motability Scheme support many disabled people and families including those living with multiple sclerosis, by enabling them to lease a car, wheelchair accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair in exchange for an eligible disability benefit allowance.

The Motability Scheme will continue to offer a choice of vehicles, to meet a range of accessibility needs. The changes announced at the budget will not apply to current leases or wheelchair adapted vehicles, and the Scheme will continue to offer vehicles which require no advance payment, meaning that people will be able to access a suitable vehicle using only their qualifying disability benefit.

Motability Foundation, the independent charity with responsibility for overseeing the Scheme, will continue to offer means-tested grants to support eligible people who would otherwise struggle to afford specialist adaptations for a vehicle leased through the Scheme.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_150
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_150

Helen Whately:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many complex case coaches (a) are currently employed and (b) have been for each month since June 2024. \p Sir Stephen Timms: There is no specific Work Coach role defined as Complex Case Coach.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_151
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_151

Naz Shah:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what support is available for workers who have been exposed to hazardous chemicals in upholstery and furniture manufacturing. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Government offers a range of financial support for individuals whose health has been adversely affected by exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is a non-contributory, non-means-tested benefit paid to those who become disabled because of a workplace accident or certain prescribed industrial diseases. The amount of benefit awarded depends on the level of disablement, which is assessed by an independent medical professional. In some cases, additional allowances may also be available, depending on individual circumstances.

Those who are unable to work due to illness or disability may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Eligibility is dependent on satisfying the basic conditions of entitlement and contribution conditions. Where appropriate, individuals may claim Universal Credit which provides financial support for people on low incomes or who are unable to work because of a health condition.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can provide help towards the extra costs arising from a long-term health condition or disability for working-aged people. Entitlement to PIP focuses on the functional impacts of a person’s health condition or disability on their daily life and is assessed on the basis of needs arising and not on the condition itself.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_152
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_152

Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate his Department has made of the current clearance times for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit claims. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Monthly statistics on Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) assessments, by assessment month and decision time, are published on Stat-Xplore . They are available for claim starts to March 2025. Users can log in or access Stat-Xplore as a guest user and, if needed, can access guidance on how to extract the information required.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_153
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_153

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, further to question 95498 if he will make an assessment of the impact for his policies of the findings of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation entitled Guarantee our Essentials: reforming Universal Credit to ensure we can all afford the essentials in hard time, published on 4 March 2025. \p Sir Stephen Timms: As I set out in the response I gave on 4 December 2025 to PQ UIN 95498, this government is taking important steps to tackle child poverty and improve the support we provide people with their living costs.

There is no overall agreed approach to benchmark benefit levels. Each household will always have different requirements depending on their circumstances. We will continue to consider evidence and insights from a range of organisations to ensure the social security system provides the support people need.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_154
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_154

James Wild:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to section 5.3: Tackling child poverty and reforming welfare of the Budget 2025, when he expects to bring forward legislative changes. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Our Autumn Budget emphasised our commitment to a fairer welfare system that is fit for the future and provides value for taxpayers. This includes removing the two child limit from April 2026. This will lead to a substantial reduction in child poverty, helping to break the cycle of disadvantage. Given the requirement for primary legislation, we are progressing this as quickly as possible.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_155
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_155

Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent estimate his Department has made of the average processing time for Personal Independence Payment claims in the latest three-month period. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The most recent available data on the average actual clearance times for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims can be found in Tables 1 and 2 of the latest release of the Personal Independence Payment: Clearance/outstanding times and customer journey statistics for England and Wales. The collection can be found here: Personal Independence Payment statistics - GOV.UK. Then navigate to the latest release.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_156
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_156

Helen Whately:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 24 June 2025 to Question 62284, whether his Department holds further information on the primary medical conditions of the PIP claimants with an active contract for the Motability Scheme whose primary medical condition is stated as (a) missing claim, (b) no illness or impairment claimed or identified and (c) main disability not recorded. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The information requested cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_157
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_157

Louise Haigh:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what quality assurance mechanisms are in place to ensure consistent decision-making across Access to Work caseworkers. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Access to Work has a range of quality assurance processes in place to ensure consistency in decision-making. These include:
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_158
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_158

Louise Haigh:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many applicants have reported difficulties communicating with Access to Work in each of the last five years; and what feedback mechanisms exist to improve user experience. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department does not hold data on the number of applicants who have reported communication difficulties with Access to Work over the past five years. However, we actively seek and collect user feedback through a range of channels designed to improve the customer experience, including:

In addition, we offer reasonable adjustments to ensure accessibility for all customers. These include communication by email, provision of information in alternative formats (such as large print or Braille), and other tailored support where required.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_159
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_159

Matt Vickers:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to reduce average waiting times for Access to Work applications and renewals. \p Sir Stephen Timms: We are committed to reducing waiting times for Access to Work. We have increased the number of staff processing Access to Work claims by 27% and applications from customers who are about to start a job or who are renewing are prioritised.

The Green Paper launched a consultation on the future of Access to Work which has now concluded. We are considering responses to the consultation and will set out our plans in due course.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_160
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_160

Wendy Chamberlain:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many in-person inspections were carried out by the Health and Safety Executive in Scotland in each of the last five years. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The table below shows the number of proactive inspections that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has carried out for the last 6 years in Scotland. Six years has been provided, not 5, as the period requested includes the COVID 19 pandemic where additional COVID specific visits which were carried out as a response to that situation. For that reason, we have included the year 2019/2020 for pre-COVID context.

Total Number of Proactive Inspections Undertaken by HSE since 1st April 2019 at sites in Scotland Government Office Region

2019/20

2020/21

2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

Total with COVID 19 inspections

1732

2085

1566

1570

1341

1444

Total not including COVID 19 inspections

1728

559

1295

1569

1341

1444k

To note: The figures are based on raw live data and can be subject to change due to updates to historical cases. Therefore these figures may differ to the figures published in HSE’s Annual Reports.
wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_161
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-12 conversation_161

Jo White:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what consideration he has made of bringing back the Access to Elected Office Fund for disabled candidates seeking election. \p Sir Stephen Timms: It is this government’s ambition to see more disabled people in public office. We have been clear that we will champion disabled people’s rights and work closely with them so that disabled people’s views and voices are at the heart of decision-making.

A new fund is currently being developed to assist with the additional disability-related costs of contesting elected office. More information about the fund will be announced in due course.