theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to p.22 of the Plan for Change, CP 1210, published on 5 December 2024, what progress he has made on capturing the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution through the Artificial Intelligence Opportunities Action Plan. \p Feryal Clark: AI offers the most powerful lever we have for national renewal; it underpins the Government’s plan to drive economic growth, transform public services, and boost living standards for working people across the country.

The Government has welcomed the Action Plan and accepted all 50 recommendations to deliver these benefits.

Progress has been made across a range of actions, including holding the first AI Energy Council meeting, signing an MOU with Anthropic, and opening the formal AI Growth Zone application process. We will continue to work on all recommendations, such as bringing the AI Research Resource online; this includes the Isambard-AI and Dawn supercomputers and is expected to increase the UK's AI compute capacity by 20 times.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what plans the Government has to appoint a permanent Chief Executive Officer of the Government Digital Service (GDS); and whether this appointment will be made following an open competition. \p Feryal Clark: The Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) leads the Government Digital Service (GDS), within DSIT. GDS is the digital centre of government. The current GCDO is in post on an interim basis. We will be appointing a permanent GCDO through an open competition to ensure transparency and attract diverse talent.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Andrew Ranger:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle the sale of (a) unlicensed band merchandise and (b) other counterfeit goods on (i) TikTok and (ii) other social media platforms. \p Feryal Clark: The Government is committed to protecting IP rights for our businesses and protecting unsuspecting consumers from those who seek to profit from all forms of intellectual property infringement. Trading Standards are primarily responsible for enforcing Intellectual Property Rights and are working with platforms of all sizes to remove counterfeits from their online stores. The Intellectual Property Office also regularly meets many of the major social media and e-commerce trading platforms in the UK and overseas to help ensure they have policies in place to remove goods identified as counterfeit, advertisements of counterfeit goods, and persistent sellers of counterfeit goods.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to ensure the affordability of gigabit-capable broadband for (a) residents and (b) businesses in Fylde constituency. \p Chris Bryant: The affordability of gigabit-capable broadband depends on access to fibre, the costs of connection and the price of suitable devices. The government works closely with industry and Ofcom, the independent regulator of telecommunications, to ensure the highly competitive market works in the interests of consumers. The government continues to subsidise the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband. In addition, the government published the Digital Inclusion Action Plan in February 2025, which sets out the first steps we are taking towards our ambition of delivering digital inclusion for everyone across the UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Manuela Perteghella:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will (a) grant libraries the right to archive eBooks and (b) ensure perpetual access to licensed works. \p Feryal Clark: The Government has no plans to alter the copyright framework in relation to archiving at the present time. However, the Government keeps the UK copyright framework under constant review. This includes the archiving and preservation exception to copyright outlined in section 42 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

The Government welcomes continued developments from the public library sector on e-licensing and e-book lending. Arts Council England funded Libraries Connected to deliver a pilot project to explore mutual benefits of increasing the affordability and availability of eBooks in public libraries. A project summary report was published in February 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what environmental impact assessments are required prior to the installation of 6G infrastructure. \p Chris Bryant: The Government has not yet made any formal decision on what environmental impact assessments may be needed prior to the installation of 6G infrastructure. 6G technology will not be deployed until the 2030s based on current development and standardisation cycles. Were a specialised impact assessment needed for 6G infrastructure specifically, it would need to reflect the known characteristics, architectures and design aspects of 6G technologies, which will not be known until the industry-led standardisation process is complete.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to ensure the (a) security and (b) resilience of 6G infrastructure against potential (i) cyber threats and (ii) foreign interference. \p Chris Bryant: The Government is committed to ensuring the security and resilience of the UK's telecommunications infrastructure. The Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 introduced a robust security framework throughout the United Kingdom and requires public telecoms providers to identify, reduce, and prepare for security and resilience risks, including from cyber threats and foreign interference.

The development of 6G technology is still in its early stages, but Government is actively working with industry to ensure that cybersecurity and resilience requirements are addressed from the outset. Government is directly participating in the development of technical standards for 6G, working with industry to understand emerging security and resilience challenges, and actively supporting innovative solutions to cybersecurity challenges through our R&D programmes on advanced connectivity.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions his Department has had with (a) local authorities and (b) people living in areas in which 6G masts are proposed on the (i) location and (ii) visual impact of those masts. \p Chris Bryant: The Government has not yet had discussions with local authorities or residents on the location of any 6G infrastructure to date. 6G technology will not be deployed in the UK or elsewhere until the 2030s based on current industry development and standardisation cycles.

Currently, ground-based radio masts up to 30 metres in non-protected areas, and up to 25 metres in protected areas benefit from permitted development rights. Prior approval from the local planning authority is needed on certain matters, including siting and appearance of any masts up to this height.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of adopting the Guest Beer Agreement scheme introduced in Scotland. \p Gareth Thomas: Hospitality businesses, including pubs and independent breweries, are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth across the UK.

The government wishes to see small brewers retain and expand their access to UK pubs, maximising drinkers’ choice and supporting local economies. The Government is currently assessing the beer market to determine whether there are any structural barriers preventing small brewers'
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a guest beer provision as part of the third statutory review and post-implementation review of the Pubs Code and Pubs Code Adjudicator. \p Justin Madders: The Pubs Code (the Code) applies to large pub-owning businesses with 500 or more tied pubs in England and Wales, covering around 8,000 pubs. The statutory review will consider the operation of the Code and performance of the Pubs Code Adjudicator over the review period and interested parties can submit their views to the call for inputs until 14 August 2025.

The government is also currently completing a separate exercise to understand whether there are any barriers to market for small brewers. Interested parties can contact xxx@xxx.xx.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership on Northern Ireland in its first year of operation. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: The UK acceded to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on 15 December 2024.

This comprehensive agreement will support businesses by making it easier for them to trade with CPTPP, and all nations of the UK are expected to benefit.

It will reduce tariffs on some of Northern Ireland’s most-exported products to CPTPP countries, with tariffs of up to 30% eliminated on UK exports of machinery to Malaysia within five years.

Government analysis estimates that the UK’s accession could boost Northern Ireland’s economy by around £70 million annually when compared to 2019 levels, in the long run.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Olivia Bailey:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to improve the regulatory environment for businesses in Reading West and Mid Berkshire constituency. \p Justin Madders: On 17 March 2025 this Government published the Action Plan for Regulation, outlining reforms to streamline regulation and support growth. As part of this we are cutting regulatory administrative costs to business by 25%, strengthening accountability for regulators and simplifying their duties to ensure the regulatory environment is focusing on growth, investment, and transparency. This will include finding ways to reduce costs for the manufacturing sector, which I know is important to businesses such as New Holland who have been making tractors in my honourable friend for Reading West and Mid Berkshire's constituency for over 60 years.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will provide indemnities to automotive companies for the period following the announcement of the UK-US trade deal but prior to the implementation of lower tariff rates. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: The deal agreed on 8 May will protect jobs in the automotive and steel industries. Talks with the US are ongoing to progress implementation of the General Terms of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal and ensure that UK businesses feel the benefits as soon as possible.

The US has committed to removing Section 232 tariffs on steel. In addition, it has pledged to reduce tariffs on automotives faced by UK exporters by developing a quota system – which will save thousands of jobs in the UK.

We remain committed to working in close partnership with industry to support their needs and ensure that the interests of British businesses are at the forefront of our engagement with the US.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Andrew George:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will increase the powers of the Grocery Code Adjudicator. \p Justin Madders: We had a Westminster Hall Debate last week, where a number of issues were raised, he will know that we are undertaking our fourth review of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA). I would encourage him and other members to contribute to that. We are considering the other points that have been made in that debate, and we welcome comments in the review as well.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the UK-US trade agreement, what steps he plans to take to manage the allocation of the 100,000 vehicle quota. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: UK imports to the US will now face a lower tariff of 10% for a quota of 100,000 vehicles. The UK exports around 100,000 cars a year to the US - so this quota will ensure most cars entering the US will do so at the preferential rate.

We continue to work closely with both UK manufacturers and the US administration as we work through the implementation of tariff relief. Both DBT Secretary of State and Minister Jones have met with industry representatives to discuss development of the quota system. We will provide further detail in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate on towns with large vehicle production industries. \p Sarah Jones: The government does not hold data on how the Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate has impacted on towns with large vehicle production industries specifically. However, we speak regularly to all the major UK automotive stakeholders to take the temperature of the sector and their concerns. The government is committed to ensuring the transition to zero emissions works for the industry. That is why we introduced significant changes to the Mandate in April 2025, allowing for greater flexibility in meeting ZEV targets and extending the sale of hybrid vehicles to 2035.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has issued licences to RCV Engines to export to Israel. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: RCV engines have in the past been issued licences for the export of controlled goods to Israel. The most recent licences issued were in 2021 and expired in 2023.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Rachael Maskell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what information his Department holds on which countries purchase spare parts from the F35 global spare part pool. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: Once parts are exported from the UK to the global F-35 programme, the UK does not have access to information about the movement of individual components, and does not have control over whether components in the global spares pool are used for specific customer nations or not.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what permits his Department has issued to UAV Tactical Systems Ltd for the export of (a) hardware, (b) software and (c) technical support to Israel since October 2023. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: From 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2024, the latest date covered by our most official statistics release, UAV Tactical Systems LTD have been issued 3 export licences covering exports to Israel.

Each licence has been assessed to ensure that the items were not for use by the Israeli military in military operations in Gaza, pursuant to the decision on 2 September 2024 to suspend exports of equipment to Israel that might be used by the Israeli military in operations in Gaza.

Licences for military equipment which is not for use in operations in Gaza or which relate to components for products which are ultimately for re-export to other countries were not included in the scope of the suspension.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he is planning new trade (a) agreements and (b) partnerships with countries other than (i) the US and (ii) China to help UK SMEs offset tariffs on goods manufactured in those counties. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: The UK's Trade Strategy will mark a reset in our approach to international trade and set out the future priorities for our trade policy. This strategy will also set out how trade can stimulate economic growth through delivery of targeted business benefits in a rapidly changing global landscape. We will continue to support SMEs through future agreements, including measures that will help offset tariffs and access global markets.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to improve access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses in Buckingham and Bletchley constituency. \p Gareth Thomas: The British Business Bank's finance programmes, including the Start Up Loans scheme, help SMEs in Buckingham and Bletchley to access the finance they need.

Together with the Treasury, my department launched a call for evidence on SME access to finance to assess existing policies and identify barriers. The call aims to improve access to finance and support SME growth. We are considering the responses we have received and will announce further measures in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Andy MacNae:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support small and medium-sized bicycle manufacturers. \p Gareth Thomas: Small and medium-sized bicycle manufacturers are important for our green growth ambitions. Through the Government’s Industrial and Trade Strategies, we’re backing innovation, sustainability and skills development to help businesses scale, compete globally and continue driving forward the UK’s cycling economy.

The upcoming Business Growth Service (BGS) aims 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 (2025-06-12)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2025 to Question 55194 on Import Duties: USA, what steps his Department is taking to help reduce (a) regulatory compliance, (b) customs procedures and (c) other non-tariff barriers for UK SMEs accessing the United States market. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: We are continuing talks on a wider UK-US Economic Deal which will look at enhancing access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains, including on SMEs.

The US has committed to further negotiations, including on the 10% tariffs introduced on 2nd April.

We have announced a range of measures to support SMEs, including access to additional finance through the British Business Bank and sector specific measures. We are also expanding UKEF’s capacity to support business by £20 billion, with £10 billion specifically aimed at businesses impacted by the current US tariffs. Any business which is concerned about what tariff changes mean for them can find clear guidance and support on business.gov.uk.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Housing Ombudsman press release entitled, Housing Ombudsman urges Hackney Council to avoid positivity prism as it drives performance improvement, published on 22 May 2025, what steps her Department is taking to respond to the findings of (a) maladministration and (b) failures in housing services. \p Matthew Pennycook: The Department welcomes the Housing Ombudsman’s report on Hackney Council, published on 22 May 2025, and takes its findings seriously.

Issuing such reports is part of the Housing Ombudsman Services’ role in using insights from individual cases to identify systemic issues and drive improvements in landlords’ complaint handling and service delivery.

The Ombudsman has issued orders and recommendations to Hackney Council and has committed to working with Hackney during a monitoring period to track progress against these recommendations. They also highlighted the availability of resources through the Centre for Learning to support the Council in implementing improvements.

More generally, in August 2024, the Regulator of Social Housing issued a regulatory judgement identifying significant failings in delivery of the outcomes set by the consumer standards by Hackney Council. Since then, the Regulator has been engaging intensively with the Council to secure assurance that the necessary improvements are being made.
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Lisa Smart:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to prevent local authorities from moving agency contractors onto fixed term contracts. \p Jim McMahon: Local authorities are independent employers responsible for the management of their own workforces, including the terms and conditions offered to contractors. Ministers have little remit to intervene in employment issues within local authorities, except where specific provision has been made in legislation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 30 April 2025 to Question 47799 on Social Services: Complaints, when she plans to publish his response to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman’s recommendations. \p Jim McMahon: We are considering the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman’s Triennial Review and will respond in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of compliance of local authorities with the Public Sector Equality Duty when entering into agreements to transfer public car parks to private operators. \p Alex Norris: The forthcoming Private Parking Code of Practice does not apply to local authorities because civil parking enforcement operates under a different legislative framework. Local authorities have autonomy to decide on appropriate parking arrangements, within the framework provided by the Traffic Management Act 2004 which requires Local Authorities to ensure local parking policies are proportionate, support town centre prosperity, and ensure traffic moves freely and quickly on their roads and the roads of nearby authorities.

The current Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities in England on Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions recommends that enforcement authorities consult locally on their parking policies, including seeking the views of people and businesses with a range of different parking needs.

The Secretary of State does not audit Local Authority compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty. However, members of the public can challenge a Local Authority as to their compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty if they believe a public authority has not complied with its obligations.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what monitoring her Department undertakes of local authority decisions to transfer control of car parks to private entities; and whether those decisions are subject to central (a) oversight and (b) audit. \p Alex Norris: Local authorities are empowered by law to decide on appropriate parking arrangements, within the legal framework provided by the Traffic Management Act 2004 which requires Local Authorities to ensure local parking policies are proportionate, support town centre prosperity, and ensure traffic moves freely and quickly on their roads and the roads of nearby authorities

The Secretary of State does not monitor or audit these decisions which are best made locally.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure consistency in accessibility standards for disabled motorists across (a) privately and (b) publicly operated car parks. \p Alex Norris: Both local authorities and private parking operators who provide parking are required under legislation, such as the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Equality Act 2010, to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people and to provide them equal opportunities to access services.

Further to this, the single industry code reminds operators of the obligations placed on them by the Equality Act 2010. This is irrespective of contractual changes.
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Alex Brewer:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Building Safety Act on the (a) qualified and non-qualified status of flats, (b) the length of remediation projects and (c) the level of cost associated with the need to apply for deeds of certificates. \p Alex Norris: The Building Safety Act 2022 (the Act) provided protections for certain leaseholders from the costs of remedying certain historical safety defects which might otherwise be recovered from leaseholders via the service charge. The definition of “qualifying lease” is in Section 119 of the Act and defined protection from 14 February 2022. The department keeps under review the impact of the Act on leaseholders, regardless of the status of their leases (qualifying or non-qualifying).

The Act put in place a statutory framework to protect residents and ensure buildings were remediated. Where remediation is needed and not progressing, remediation orders, defined in Section 123 of the Act, can be applied for. They provide a route against a relevant landlord for interested persons (e.g. leaseholders) to obtain remediation of a building with a relevant defect. The leaseholder protections under the Act prevent internal defect remediation costs from falling disproportionately on leaseholders, which might otherwise slow remediation. We are confident that the Act is not delaying progress with regards to the length of time remediation takes to be completed.

Under regulations following the Act, the leaseholder deed of certificate (LDC) is used to confirm whether a leaseholder qualifies for protections under the Act. Leaseholders cannot be charged to complete the deed of certificate by the landlord. A deed of certificate can be completed by the leaseholder without professional support. There might be, however, a small charge to access the necessary HM Land Registry documents that may be required as evidence.
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure that adequate access to (a) banking and (b) postal services is considered during the planning process. \p Matthew Pennycook: The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of (a) the upfront cost to the public purse of local government restructuring and (b) the configuration of unitary restructuring necessary to deliver savings. \p Jim McMahon: We have no estimate of the upfront cost of reorganisation. As set out in my answers to Question UIN 31960 answered on 3 March 2025, and Question UIN 48973 answered on 8 May 2025, the upfront costs of local government reorganisation will be a matter for local councils to consider as they develop their proposals.

In our invitations to councils, we set out that proposals should set out how an area will seek to manage transition costs. We expect that areas will be able to meet potential costs over time from existing budgets, including the flexible use of capital receipts and invest-to-save projects, and the efficiencies from reorganisation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

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James Naish:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will instruct the DVLA to conduct an audit of car park records in instances where a pattern of disputes has been identified. \p Alex Norris: The Government recognises the need for high standards in the private parking industry and is committed to delivering a Code of Practice that promotes good practice, in accordance with The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019.

We are progressing with plans to protect and support all motorists. We will be launching a consultation in due course to help us further understand the potential impacts of the Code and its accompanying enforcement framework, including our approach to scrutiny and oversight.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to her Department's document entitled MHCLG: spending over £25,000, April 2025, published on 30 May 2025, for what services her Department paid 23 RED Limited for New Towns Event Planning; and what were the events. \p Matthew Pennycook: The New Towns Taskforce delivered a series of public engagement events in existing new towns to understand from those with lived experience the legacy of the post-war new towns.

23 RED Limited provided event management services for these events.

Findings from the public engagement events will be used in the Taskforce’s Final Report, due to be submitted to ministers this summer.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has issued guidance to local authorities on offering loans to developers at (a) less than market rate and (b) on preferential terms. \p Matthew Pennycook: It is for councils to determine their own capital strategies, as they are best placed to understand local needs and are accountable to the local electorate.

In doing so, local authorities have a duty to comply with the Prudential Framework and must have regard to statutory guidance to ensure plans are prudent, affordable, and sustainable.

Guidance for local authorities on investments was published under the previous government – a copy can be found here.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much agricultural land has been converted for solar panel use in (a) England, (b) Lancashire and (c) Fylde constituency in the last 10 years. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government places great importance upon our agricultural land and food production.

The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that planning policies and decisions should recognise the benefits of the Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land (land in grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) system).

Where significant development of agricultural land is demonstrated to be necessary, areas of poorer quality land should be preferred to those of a higher quality.

As of the end of September 2024, ground-mounted solar PV panels covered an estimated 21,200 hectares. This amounts to around 0.1% of the land area of the UK.

The government does not hold information on the number of ground-mounted solar projects that have been permitted and built on different agricultural grades, or the number of acres of grade 1 and 2 land which has been built on since 2020.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_42

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has issued guidance on the use of grampian conditions in planning permissions relating to the non-occupation of new build properties before sewage capacity is in place. \p Matthew Pennycook: The Department’s Planning Practice Guidance provides guidance on the use of negatively-worded planning conditions (often termed Grampian conditions) which restrict the occupation of a development until a certain action has occurred such as the provision of infrastructure (like sewerage upgrades) required for the development.

This is contained in the Use of Planning Conditions section which can be found on gov.uk here.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_43

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will list the (a) title and (b) topic of each environmental principles assessment that has been produced since 4 July 2024 \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 51403 on 19 May 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_44

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the press release entitled Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records, published on 19 April 2025, if she will issue guidance to local authorities on the expected quality checks they will need to put in place to ensure that data is transcribed accurately. \p Matthew Pennycook: The ‘Extract’ tool is currently being tested. When the tool is launched the department will provide guidance alongside it to support local authorities in verifying and producing accurate data. The tool has also been designed to include a human verification element in the process of extracting data, which will enable local authorities to identify if any of the data is inaccurate and amend the results.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_45

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what her Department's policy is on consulting on substantive changes to (a) practice and (b) policy in relation to the Planning practical guidance. \p Matthew Pennycook: There is no statutory duty to consult prior to making changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and/or associated planning guidance.

That said, the Secretary of State keeps the matter of consultation under active consideration ahead of making any changes to planning policy alongside any legal obligations including those under the Equality Act 2010 and the Environment Act 2021.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_46

Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle the risks of historic local authority accounts that auditors disclaim and have not fully checked. \p Jim McMahon: This government has implemented a number of measures to improve auditing arrangements for local bodies, including the introduction of statutory backstop dates for the publication of audited accounts. Two of these dates have now passed. As a result, the vast majority of local bodies have published audited accounts for financial years up to and including 2023/24.

Where disclaimed opinions are issued as a result of backstops, auditors’ statutory duties – including value for money reporting, making statutory recommendations, and issuing public interest reports – remain a high priority. The government recently announced £49 million in funding to support bodies impacted by the backstop measures.

In December 2024, the government set out its strategy to overhaul local audit. The strategy set out proposals to simplify and streamline the system including a clear purpose for local audit and its users, the establishment of the Local Audit Office, proposals for simplified and proportionate financial reporting, improvements to the system’s capacity and capability, and ways to build strong relationships between local bodies and auditors. The government also published a response to its consultation in April 2025, which outlined 16 further commitments to reform the system including simplifying financial reporting requirements and increasing capacity to avoid reliance on a small number of auditors.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_47

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to her Department's press release entitled, Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records, published on 19 April 2025, for how long after digitisation will local authorities be expected to retain paper records. \p Matthew Pennycook: Local planning authorities should consider several factors in the retention of their records. These include compliance with statutory requirements such as the General Data Protection Regulation, the Freedom of Information Act, the Environmental Information Regulations, the requirement to hold evidence until the threat of a legal challenge has passed under the Limitation Act 1980, operational purposes and historic interest.

In general, digital and hard copy records have the same status.

The 19 April 2025 press release is focused on the AI tool ‘Extract’ and its ability to help councils convert decades-old, handwritten planning documents and maps into data in minutes.

On the 9 June 2025, as part of London Tech Week, the Prime Minister announced the government’s intention to roll Extract out across the country by Spring 2026. As part of this long-term transition to digital ways of working the Department will consider how paper records should be dealt with.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_48

Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether local authorities are able to prevent new employees from joining the Local Government Pension Scheme. \p Jim McMahon: It is unlawful for local authorities to prevent their new employees from joining the Local Government Pension Scheme. Local authorities are scheduled bodies, as defined by part 1 of Schedule 2 of the LGPS Regulations 2013, and scheduled bodies must offer the LGPS to directly employed staff.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_49

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 8 May to Question 49985 on Planning: Appeals, when he plans to publish the guidance. \p Matthew Pennycook: Guidance on the costs that may be considered when calculating planning fees will be published at the earliest opportunity following Royal Assent of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_50

Vikki Slade:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has plans to extend Section 5 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to apply to housing associations undertaking public sector contracts; and whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of this on the (a) (i) accountability and (ii) transparency of these contracts and (ii) accessibility of information relating to social housing. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government is committed to increasing accountability and transparency in the social rented sector.

We will direct the Regulator of Social Housing (‘the regulator’) to introduce new Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs) for private providers of social housing, including housing associations, to enable residents to request information about their housing management.

All registered providers of social housing are already required to deliver the outcomes of the regulator’s Transparency, Influence and Accountability standard, which requires registered providers to ensure that communication with and information for tenants is clear, accessible, relevant, timely and appropriate to the diverse needs of tenants.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_51

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the transparency data entitled MHCLG: spending over £25,000, April 2025, published on 30 May 2025, what services were commissioned from Livewire Consultancy Limited in relation to the Devolution Priority Programme. \p Jim McMahon: Livewire Consultancy Limited were contracted by this Department to collate, analyse and report on the responses to the six consultations we led on the Devolution Priority Programme.

Government is now carefully considering the evidence collected, including these reports, in order to decide whether statutory tests have been met and proceed with the legislation required to establish mayoral institutions in each of the areas.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_52

Rachel Taylor:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent estimate she has made of the cost to local authority-run social care services of implementing the Equality and Human Rights Commission's revised code of practice for services, public functions and associations. \p Jim McMahon: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 56659 on 10 June 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_53

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 5 June 2025 to Question 56184 on Letter Boxes, if he will make the guidance relating to the height and positioning of letter boxes set out in BS EN 13724:2013 Postal Services: Apertures of Private Letter Boxes and Letter Plates a mandatory requirement for (a) new-build properties and (b) new front door replacements. \p Alex Norris: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 56988 on the 10 June 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-12)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-12 conversation_54

Sir Andrew Mitchell:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she has taken to help support the regeneration of town centres in the West Midlands. \p Alex Norris: In December 2024, the government announced that the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) will receive £46,463,600 in UKSPF funding for the 2025/26 financial year. This includes £13,727,835 in capital funding and £32,735,765 in revenue funding. The UKSPF funding will be part of the WMCA's broader Integrated Settlement award. Additionally, six areas in the West Midlands will receive £120 million towards regeneration and community support. Bedworth in Warwickshire, Bilston, Darlaston, Dudley, and Smethwick in the Black Country, and Sutton Coldfield in Birmingham will each receive £20 million over the next 10 years. The funding, available since April, comes from the government's Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, which is releasing £1.5 billion to 75 areas in the UK based on criteria such as deprivation, life expectancy, and investment needs.