theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 19 May 2025 to Question 52196 on Prostate Cancer: Preventive Medicine, when he expects to receive the outcome of UK NSCs comprehensive evidence review. \p Ashley Dalton: The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) has commissioned work to update its recommendation on population screening for prostate cancer screening last made in 2020. The review this time round however has been expanded in response to calls to consider evidence that looks at targeted screening using prostate-specific antigen testing and other high-risk factors, as well as screening specifically Black men of a set age group and looking at other screening tests. To do this comprehensive review, the UK NSC has commissioned a cost effectiveness model to explore these various screening strategies.

It is expected that the model will report back to the UK NSC in early autumn 2025. The committee is in contact with the reviewers and stands ready to review this and consider next steps before opening a public consultation on this.
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Kit Malthouse:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the (a) voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing, access and growth and (b) statutory scheme payment rates on attracting pharmaceutical companies to invest in (i) clinical trials, (ii) research and development and (iii) manufacturing. \p Ashley Dalton: Life sciences is a key growth-driving sector and is a core part of our modern Industrial Strategy. The 2024 Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAG) introduced, for the first time, an approximately £400 million industry-funded VPAG Investment Programme. Funding from the VPAG Investment Programme is used to accelerate work across the United Kingdom on clinical trials, manufacturing, and health technology assessments. This is encouraging the United Kingdom’s economic growth, collaboration, and innovation in the health and life sciences sector.

In recognition of the concerns raised by industry regarding the higher than expected headline payment percentage rates in the VPAG this year, the Department brought forward an expedited scheme review. The conclusion to this review will be communicated in due course.

Any company that chooses not to be part of the VPAG will automatically be subject to the statutory scheme, which was recently subject to amendments, which will come into force on 1 July 2025. The purpose of these amendments is to restore broad commercial equivalence with the VPAG, to ensure that the schemes can continue to work together to meet our objectives of acting in the best interests of industry, patients, the National Health Service, and the broader economy. An impact assessment was conducted and published alongside the amending statutory instrument for this most recent update, which included consideration of the impact on clinical trials and manufacturing.

Additionally, the Government is developing the Life Sciences Sector Plan and 10-Year Health Plan to make the UK the premier destination for life sciences investment, by fostering an environment where innovation thrives.
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Dr Ben Spencer:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the prevalence of the use of large language models in the preparation of (a) GCSE and (b) A-Level course work; and whether she has made an assessment of the adequacy of coursework as an effective and fair means of assessing candidates’ attainment. \p Catherine McKinnell: Ofqual is the independent regulator of qualifications and assessments for England and is responsible for setting relevant rules and guidance, including in relation to malpractice. Ofqual published its approach to regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the qualifications sector in 2024, including its approach to managing malpractice risks associated with coursework. The policy document is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ofquals-approach-to-regulating-the-use-of-artificial-intelligence-in-the-qualifications-sector/ofquals-approach-to-regulating-the-use-of-artificial-intelligence-in-the-qualifications-sector.

The Joint Council for Qualifications has also published guidance to give clarity to schools and colleges about the role they play in securing the authenticity of students’ work. This guidance, last updated in April 2025, provides schools and colleges with recommendations for both secure delivery of assessments and approaches for detection of where AI may have been inappropriately used.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many state sixth form places are available within (a) five, (b) 10 and (c) 15 miles of Escrick. \p Catherine McKinnell: School level data on state-funded schools with capacity in any of the year groups from reception to year 11 is published in the annual ‘School capacity’ statistical publication. The most recent publication is available here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-capacity/2023-24. This publication contains the latest available data as at 1 May 2024.

School level data on secondary school capacity and unfilled places can be found in the ‘capacity_school_200910-202324.csv’ data file. Data on secondary school capacity and unfilled places is inclusive of sixth form places. School level data on sixth form places and sixth form pupils is published in the ‘sixth-form-capacity_school_201718-202324.csv’.

The ‘School capacity’ data can be combined with information from ‘Get Information about Schools’, which has the functionality to download data on the schools and colleges within the stated distances from Escrick.

The statutory duty to provide sufficient school places sits with local authorities.
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Sir Mark Hendrick:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department has taken to increase the number of school places for children with special educational needs in (a) mainstream and (b) maintained special schools. \p Catherine McKinnell: The department knows that many children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) struggle to find a suitable school placement that is close to their home and meets their needs.

We want more children and young people to receive the support they need to thrive in their local mainstream school, reducing the need for pupils to travel a long way to access a specialist placement. Many mainstream settings are already committed to delivering specialist provision locally, including through resourced provision and special educational needs units. We also recognise the vital role that special schools play in catering to children and young people with the most complex needs.

The department has published allocations for £740 million high needs capital in 2025/26 to support children and young people with SEND or who require alternative provision. Local authorities can use this funding to adapt classrooms to be more accessible for children with SEND, create specialist facilities within mainstream schools that can deliver more intensive support adapted to suit pupils’ needs, alongside continuing to provide places to support pupils in special schools with the most complex needs.
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Jess Brown-Fuller:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department plans to ensure that local authorities that do not reach the 20-week deadline for education, health and care plans have effective improvement plans in place. \p Catherine McKinnell: The department wants to ensure that, where required, education, health and care (EHC) plan assessments are progressed promptly and, if needed, plans are issued as quickly as possible so that children and young people can access the support they need.

Local authorities have a statutory responsibility to assess whether children and young people have special educational needs that require an EHC plan. Plans must be issued within twenty weeks of the needs assessment commencing so that children and young people can access the support they need.

The department continues to monitor and work closely with local authorities that have issues with EHC plan timeliness. Where there are concerns about a local authority’s capacity to make the required improvements, we help them to identify the barriers to this and put in place an effective recovery plan. This includes, where needed, securing a specialist special educational needs adviser.

In the 2023 calendar year, 50.3% of new EHC plans were issued within twenty weeks. This is a slight increase compared to 2022, when the figure was 49.2%.
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Mrs Sharon Hodgson:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many and what proportion of schools have administered adrenaline auto-injector devices to pupils experiencing anaphylaxis at school in each year since 2017. \p Catherine McKinnell: The department does not hold this data.
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Damian Hinds:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Spending Review 2025, published on 11 June 2025, at what price level the cost of school uniforms will be capped. \p Catherine McKinnell: The reference to school uniform in my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Spending Review announcement on 11 June, relates to the government’s existing proposals in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to cut the cost of school uniforms by capping the number of compulsory branded uniform items.

School uniforms play an important role in establishing a common sense of identity and school belonging which can be supported by a small number of branded items. However, too many schools require high numbers of branded uniform items. This is why the department has introduced legislation to bring down costs for parents by limiting the amount of branded uniform items schools can require. This will give parents more choice in where to purchase uniform and allow them greater flexibility to make the spending decisions that suit their circumstances.

There are no plans to introduce a financial cap on the cost of school uniform.
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what progress she has made on teaching the importance of cyber safety in schools. \p Catherine McKinnell: Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

As part of statutory relationships, sex and health education (RSHE), pupils are taught about online safety and harms, including the implications of sharing private or personal data (including images) online, harmful content and contact, cyberbullying, and the risks associated with over-reliance on social media. Cyber safety is also embedded across all key stages of the computing curriculum, with progression in content to reflect the different and escalating risks that young people may encounter.

The department is currently reviewing the RSHE curriculum. We are looking carefully at the consultation responses, considering the evidence, and talking to key stakeholders before issuing revised guidance.

The government has established an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, which seeks to deliver a rich, broad, inclusive and innovative curriculum that readies young people for life and work. The Review’s interim report notes the rise of artificial intelligence and trends in digital information, and that it is necessary that the curriculum keeps pace with these changes. The Review’s final report and recommendations will be published in autumn with the government’s response.
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John Milne:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans her Department has to cover costs to schools for Sports and PE funding between July 2025 and October 2025. \p Catherine McKinnell: The physical education (PE) and sport premium helps all eligible primary schools to make additional and sustainable improvements to the PE, sport and physical activity they provide. Schools can decide how to use it, in line with the conditions of the grant. It does not fund specific provision.

The government has provided £320 million of funding for the primary PE and sport premium in this academic year and has recently committed to continuing this level of funding for the 2025/26 academic year. As in previous years, the funding will be provided in two payments, in the autumn and spring terms.
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Jess Brown-Fuller:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department plans to ensure improved access to schooling for children with (a) visual and (b) hearing impairments in Chichester constituency. \p Catherine McKinnell: All education settings have duties under the Equality Act 2010 towards individual disabled children and young people. Part 6 of the Equality Act outlines that schools must make reasonable adjustments, including the provision of auxiliary aids and services for disabled children, to prevent them being put at a substantial disadvantage.

The government announced £740 million of high needs capital for the 2025/26 financial year to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and/or who are in alternative provision. This funding can be used to adapt classrooms to better meet the needs of all children, including the provision of sensory equipment within mainstream schools, alongside continuing to provide and adapt spaces to support pupils with the most complex needs in special schools. Local authorities may additionally wish to consider using this funding to invest in assistive technology interventions as a means of supporting pupils in mainstream schools.

The last local area SEND inspection by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission for West Sussex was in November 2023, which found inconsistent experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND. The department’s regional team has put in place systems to track outcomes against the five areas for improvement highlighted by the report, including one area specific to the sufficiency of high quality provision, and the progress made by children and young people with SEND.
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Damian Hinds:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether (a) history, (b) physical education, (c) Classics, (d) drama and (e) religious education are included in the set of subjects defined as key subjects for the purposes of the commitment to recruit 6,500 new expert teachers in key subjects. \p Catherine McKinnell: High quality teaching is the in-school factor that has the biggest positive impact on a child or young person’s outcomes in schools and colleges. This is why the government’s Plan for Change is committed to recruiting an additional 6,500 new expert teachers across secondary and special schools, and in our colleges, over the course of this Parliament.

We recognise that workforce shortages are more acute in some subjects and we have put in place a range of measures to boost recruitment and retention in these areas. We announced a £233 million initial teacher training (ITT) financial incentives package for 2025/26, which includes bursaries worth £29,000 tax-free and scholarships worth £31,000 tax-free, to encourage talented trainees to subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and computing, where there is a particular need to boost recruitment. The complete list can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/funding-initial-teacher-training-itt/funding-initial-teacher-training-itt-academic-year-2025-to-2026#postgraduate-bursaries-and-scholarships.

To support retention in key subjects, in 2025/26, the department is offering a targeted retention incentive worth up to £6,000 after tax for mathematics, physics, chemistry and computing teachers in the first five years of their careers who choose to work in disadvantaged schools or teach technical subjects in further education colleges.

The department undertakes regular reviews to ensure we are prioritising the subjects where teachers are needed most, for example through our ITT bursaries, which are reviewed annually to reflect teacher supply need in each subject.
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Anna Dixon:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that multi academy trust executives are paid appropriately; and what action was taken by the 37 trusts her Department issued with outlier pay challenge letters in October 2024. \p Catherine McKinnell: The 37 academy trusts listed in the October 2024 publication on GOV.UK were engaged with on executive pay to ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook.

The Academy Trust Handbook requires that:

Following provision of evidence from the academy trusts, all 37 were found to be compliant with the Academy Trust Handbook.
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Helen Morgan:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of reductions to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund's fair access limit on the financial stability of adoptive families. \p Janet Daby: The adoption and special guardianship support fund (ASGSF) is continuing to play an important role in the overall stability of adoptive families, alongside other forms of support. This government is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity. The ASGSF is an important part of this, but other sources of support are available to adoptive children and families. For example, this year, we are making £500 million available to local authorities to roll out Family Help and Child Protection nationally to transform services and transition towards earlier intervention.
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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many and what proportion of state-funded schools currently permit the wearing of the (a) niqab and (b) burqa by (i) students and (ii) staff; and whether her Department has issued any guidance on uniform policies and face coverings. \p Catherine McKinnell: The department has published non-statutory guidance on developing a school uniform policy, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-uniform/school-uniforms. The guidance sets out that it is for the governing body of a school to decide rules about appearance and the design of any uniform they choose to have. Schools must have regard to their obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010 and need to consider the impact of their policy on pupils who share a protected characteristic.

The department does not collect data on individual schools’ uniform policies.
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Alison Bennett:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of sitting year 6 SATs on children with both anxiety and special educational needs. \p Catherine McKinnell: Statutory tests and assessments at primary school are an important part of ensuring that all pupils master the basics of reading, writing and mathematics to prepare them to achieve and thrive at secondary school. They are subject to robust test development processes, which include reviews involving teachers and experts in special educational needs (SEN). Schools can utilise a range of access arrangements where appropriate, and pupils should only take tests if, in the view of the head teacher, they are in a fit physical and mental state to do so.

Although it is important that schools encourage their pupils to do their best in the tests, the department does not recommend that pupils in primary school devote excessive preparation time to assessments, and not at the expense of pupils’ mental health and wellbeing. Schools should support a culture of wellbeing amongst staff and pupils, including for pupils with anxiety and SEN.
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Sir Mark Hendrick:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what his planned timetable is for the rollout of solar panels for schools in (a) Preston, (b) Lancashire and (c) the North West. \p Stephen Morgan: ​​Work is progressing on finalising the short lists of projects to participate in this first year of the Great British Energy Solar Partnership programme. We hope to have finalised the selection before the summer break with installs to complete in 2025/26. ​

​In the interim, we are providing support for all schools and colleges to start on their journey towards net zero via our new online sustainability support for education platform and our climate ambassador programme. More information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sustainability-leadership-and-climate-action-plans-in-education.

Where schools are considering the purchase of solar panels or other sustainable systems, our ‘Get help for buying’ service provides support to ensure that schemes procured are of high quality and value to the sector. More information can be found here: https://gethelpbuyingforschools.campaign.gov.uk/.

​Details of other government funding available to public bodies for sustainability can also be found at this website, prepared by the Crown Commercial Service: https://www.crowncommercial.gov.uk/social-value/carbon-net-zero/funding-and-grants.
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Sir Geoffrey Cox:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, when her Department plans to provide funding to Tavistock College under the school rebuilding programme. \p Stephen Morgan: School buildings are integral to high and rising standards and need to be fit for the future. That is why we remain committed to improving the condition of the school estate, and the School Rebuilding Programme (SRP) continues as part of that.

The department wrote to Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust in July 2023, to inform them that Tavistock College has been placed in Group 2 of the SRP. Projects have been prioritised according to the condition of their buildings and other relevant criteria. We anticipate that Tavistock College will commence with planning and feasibility work early in 2026. SRP projects typically take between two and five years to deliver.

Specific start dates will be communicated to the school and responsible body at least a month in advance of project start and, where possible, we will bring projects forward if we are able to do so. The scope of the works will be discussed with the school and responsible body once the project enters delivery.
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department funds (a) research and (b) pilot programmes on the use of (i) artificial intelligence and (ii) digital technologies to encourage reading among children and young people. \p Stephen Morgan: Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education has announced investment into two programmes of research this year, the EdTech Evidence Board pilot and the EdTech Impact Testbed. These will look at the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to gather comprehensive evidence on EdTech.

The EdTech Evidence Board pilot will explore how we effectively build evidence of EdTech products, helping education settings feel confident that they are choosing products that work well for them and for their classrooms. We want to incentivise more evidence generation from EdTech companies by setting product quality standards and piloting how to assess products.

The EdTech Impact Testbed will test products and practice in schools and colleges to generate evidence of impact in priority areas. In partnership with the Open Innovation Team, the department will be engaging the sector to understand what works, looking at how tools, including AI, can improve staff workload, pupil outcomes and inclusivity. To help address current gaps in evidence on the impact and scalability of promising technologies, we have committed £1 million in funding to this pilot. This will build on our work to improve evidence quality for EdTech by providing a structured environment for testing and evaluating technologies.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 16 June 2025 to Question 59074 on Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme: Lancashire, which three projects received funding from the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme in Fylde constituency in the 2023-25 financial year. \p Stephanie Peacock: The three projects in the constituency of Fylde that have benefited from Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme investment during the 2024/25 financial year are:

Park View Road Playing Fields,

William Pickles Sport Ground

Roseacre Road Playing Fields

The two projects in the constituency of Fylde that have benefited from Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme investment during the 2023/34 financial year are:

Staining Village Hall

Cottam Hall

All projects received grant awards for new goalposts.

On 9 June 2025, the Government published an updated list of completed MSGF projects across the UK, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/multi-sport-grassroots-facilities-programme-projects-2021-to-2025.
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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2025 to Question 52581 on Broadcasting, whether her Department is responsible for initiating changes to OFCOM's oversight role. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has overall sponsorship responsibility for Ofcom. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport retains responsibility for broadcasting policy. This includes relevant legislation that sets out Ofcom’s duties regarding broadcasting regulation.
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Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of the recommendation on Feedback on accountability and implementation on page 18 of the report by NCVO and ACEVO entitled A New Partnership: Building a Covenant for Civil Society and Government, published on 21 May 2025. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is developing a Civil Society Covenant which will be published in the Summer. The Covenant will act as a foundation for resetting the relationship between government and civil society, symbolising recognition of the sector as a trusted and independent partner. DCMS is working closely with departments across government, including the Cabinet Office, to ensure the Covenant is developed and implemented effectively. DCMS has also worked closely with civil society organisations, including NCVO and ACEVO, from the beginning of the process and has conducted a significant period of engagement across the civil society sector to inform the development of the Covenant. The feedback and recommendations in the NCVO and ACEVO report titled ‘A New Partnership’ are being carefully considered as the Covenant develops.
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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Education on promoting reading through (a) song lyrics, (b) fan fiction and (c) social media content. \p Chris Bryant: The Secretary of State has not held specific discussions with the Secretary of State for Education on the areas listed. However, the Secretary of State speaks regularly to the Secretary of State for Education and fully supports that department's ambitions for a rich and broad curriculum that values creativity.
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Esther McVey:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, for what reason the Information Commissioner's Office is being relocated from Wilmslow to Manchester. \p Chris Bryant: The Information Commissioner’s Office is independent of Government and reviewed a range of locations in deciding on its future office needs, including remaining within Wilmslow, to determine how it could best align with its strategic objectives. In particular it considered issues such as access to the necessary skills, the age and diversity of its existing workforce, and proximity to existing colleagues and transport hubs. Manchester city centre was evaluated as the top scoring location and Wilmslow was ranked second. On completion of the commercial analysis, the Circle Square Manchester option was lowest in cost on a lifecycle basis across the 10 years. This option also had better sustainability ratings than remaining in Wilmslow.

The Commissioner will retain 76 desks in Wilmslow until at least 2030 with a minimum daily footfall of 250 in Manchester. This is based on the majority of the ICO’s staff working from home more than one day a week as part of the organisation’s blended working arrangements.
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Esther McVey:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether a consultation took place on moving the Information Commissioner's Office from Wilmslow to Manchester. \p Chris Bryant: The Information Commissioner’s decision to relocate was approved by the Cabinet Office. As part of this approval process the Cabinet Office assesses any proposed lease of office space against value for money, efficiency, sustainability and increasing professional skills and expertise. It does not require consultation with local government, a separate economic assessment or an external consultation. Commercial confidentiality means we cannot reveal real estate costs without the agreement of the landlords but I can assure the Rt Hon. Member that the relocation represents value for money for the taxpayer.

The Commissioner consulted his staff and an external independent property agent. He also consulted other regulators about their experience of setting up a new office in Manchester and the Oxford Road Corridor Board about access to talent and alignment of objectives.
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Imran Hussain:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department plans to take steps to improve (a) knowledge transfer and (b) applied AI research through regional university-business partnerships. \p Feryal Clark: Government is investing up to £500 million in the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, a new programme to grow high potential innovation clusters across the UK. This will empower local partnerships of government, universities and businesses to decide how to target R&D investment in their region and unleash their full innovation potential. Alongside this, UKRI continues to support knowledge transfer and AI adoption through consortia of universities and local businesses across the UK. Investments such as the AI research hubs, AI centres for doctoral training and flagship BridgeAI programme are already catalysing local partnerships and driving local innovation and prosperity.
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Matt Bishop:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, when he plans to publish research on the impact of (a) smartphones and (b) social media on young people. \p Feryal Clark: The Government is continuing to explore how the evidence base on the impact of social media on children can be improved.

This is why in December 2024, DSIT commissioned a feasibility study on methods and data to understand the impact of smartphones and social media on children.

The Government is currently considering the findings of the feasibility study and will publish the results in due course.
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Imran Hussain:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what plans his Department has to support university-led innovation programmes that boost (a) AI capacity and (b) research and development activity activity in partnership with local businesses in (i) West Yorkshire and (ii) other regional economies. \p Feryal Clark: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) plays a crucial role incentivising collaboration and knowledge exchange between universities and other sectors and has supported numerous high-impact collaborations in artificial intelligence. For example, Higher Education Innovation Funding supports engagement with the space industry through the University of Bradford’s Bradford-Renduchintala Centre for Space AI.

UKRI also supports partnerships between universities and businesses through opportunities like Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and consortia investments such as the AI research hubs, AI centres for doctoral training and the flagship BridgeAI programme, catalysing local partnerships and driving local innovation and prosperity.

The AI Action Plan emphasises building a robust AI ecosystem that supports research, skills development, and business engagement, and at Spending Review £2 billion was allocated to implement the Action Plan.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

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Jess Brown-Fuller:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if his Department will take steps to lower the Information Commissioner's data protection fee for smaller (a) organisations and (b) charities. \p Chris Bryant: The data protection fees fund the Information Commissioner’s statutory responsibilities in relation to data protection and privacy and electronic communications. There are three tiers of fees payable, based on the size and turnover of organisations. Small organisations typically pay £52 or £78 annually (compared to £3763 for large organisations), with charities always classified in the lowest tier. A £5 discount also applies to payments made by direct debit. The Government will keep the fees under review to ascertain whether they remain fit for purpose and ensure that the income generated is proportionate and sufficient.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_236

Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of levels of broadband access on the economic development of rural communities. \p Chris Bryant: Digital infrastructure is a powerful driver of economic growth and development. The telecoms services industry contributed around 2.5% to UK real GVA in 2023, up from 0.3% in 2010.

Evidence from the Government’s Superfast programme showed that for every £1 spent on connections to premises left behind by the market, up to £4.57 was generated in economic and social benefits. We expect Project Gigabit to continue to drive local economic growth and development in areas which stand to benefit from the programme.

Building Digital UK also publishes independent evaluations of its programmes at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/building-digital-uk-research-portal
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_237

Paul Holmes:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of further delay of the implementation of reforms to the Electronic Communications Code under the Product Security and Telecommunications Act 2022 on 5G rollout. \p Chris Bryant: The Government is committed to implementing all remaining provisions of the Product Security and Telecommunications Act 2022 as soon as possible. These measures will help deliver the benefits of advanced digital connectivity.

Most provisions have been implemented. Those remaining are complex and technical. We must ensure they are implemented carefully, to create certainty and avoid post-implementation delays. The Department has policy and legal resources dedicated to deliver these. A technical consultation on draft regulations to implement sections 61 to 64, including transitional provisions, is open until 2 July.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_238

Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what definition his Department uses for sovereign AI in the AI opportunities action plan. \p Feryal Clark: The Government defines sovereign AI as the UK's ability to access, influence or control the development and deployment of critical capabilities to protect our national interests and unlock economic growth. This encompasses strengthening domestic capacity and capabilities, working in close partnership with the private sector and maintaining positive international collaboration.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_239

Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to improve digital connectivity in (a) rural and (b) coastal communities. \p Chris Bryant: We recognise that poor internet access can pose significant challenges for rural and coastal communities. The Government is committed to delivering nationwide gigabit broadband. We now expect this target to be reached by 2032. The government also wants all populated areas to have higher quality standalone 5G by 2030.

Through Project Gigabit, government is delivering fast, reliable broadband to UK premises that are not included in suppliers' commercial plans.

4G geographic coverage from at least one mobile operator has now reached over 95% of the UK landmass due to the Shared Rural Network, and we continue to work with the industry to deliver 4G mobile connectivity to places where there is limited or no coverage.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_240

Stuart Anderson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate her Department has made of the number of businesses that will no longer be eligible for Small Business Rate Relief as a result of rateable value increases at the 2026 revaluation. \p James Murray: Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) is available to businesses with a single property below a set rateable value (RV). Eligible properties under £12,000 will receive 100 per cent relief, which means over a third of businesses in England (more than 700,000) pay no business rates at all. There is also tapered support available to properties valued between £12,000 and £15,000.

The upcoming 2026 revaluation will update RVs to reflect their estimated market value at the 1 April 2024 valuation date. The VOA will publish the draft list of all RVs in the Autumn.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_241

Kevin Bonavia:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of implementing an adjusted rate of tax for army reservists that is separate to their civilian incomes. \p James Murray: The Government fully supports Reservists in volunteering for service alongside their regular employment. Accordingly, Reservists are eligible for an annual tax-free lump sum. Information on this can be found on the Army Reserves pay and benefits webpage. We keep our policies and processes under constant review, to ensure that they attract people to serve and incentivise them to stay.

Introducing a separate, adjusted rate of tax for army reservists’ income would add complexity to the tax system and be costly at a time when the Government has already had to take a number of difficult but necessary decisions on tax, welfare, and spending to restore economic stability, fix the public finances, and support public services.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_242

Sarah Gibson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to reduce the tax gap. \p James Murray: At the Budget last autumn, the Government introduced the most ambitious package ever to close the tax gap, ensuring more individuals and businesses pay the taxes they owe and raising £6.5 bn in additional tax revenue per year by 2029-2030. At the Spring Statement, the Government built on this and announced a package of measures to further close the tax gap and raise over £1 billion more.

The announcements since the start of this Government will see 5,500 more compliance officers, alongside 2400 staff in HMRC’s debt management teams to ensure those who can afford to pay their tax debts do so.

The Government is also delivering on its commitments to prosecute more tax fraudsters, to introduce a new HMRC reward scheme for informants, to tackle ‘phoenixism’, and to overhaul HMRC’s approach to offshore tax non-compliance. The Government has also set out its plans to go further in the future to make it easier for taxpayers to pay the right tax through a modern and digital tax system.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_243

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many Equitable Life members are still waiting for compensation. \p Torsten Bell: The Equitable Life Payment Scheme has been fully wound down and closed since 2016. The only remaining part of the Payment Scheme in operation is the annual payments made to eligible With-Profit-Annuitants and the Scheme is on track to distribute the remainder of the £1.5 billion originally allocated as planned.

Further guidance on the status of the Payment Scheme after closure is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equitable-life-payment-scheme#closure-of-the-scheme.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_244

Stuart Anderson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of including (a) air conditioning systems, (b) solar panels and (c) other energy-efficient installations within the scope of Improvement Relief in the context of encouraging (i) business investment and (ii) energy efficiency upgrades. \p James Murray: At the Autumn Budget, the government published the Transforming Business Rates Discussion Paper, which set out priority areas for reform. This paper invited industry to help co-design a fairer business rates system that supports investment and is fit for the 21st century.

This paper sought views on the efficacy of Improvement Relief, which was introduced in April 2024 and provides 12 months of relief for qualifying improvements to a property where this increases a property’s RV, including air conditioning systems.

In summer, the Government will publish an interim report that sets out a clear direction of travel for the business rates system, with further policy detail to follow at Autumn Budget 2025.

Eligible plant and machinery used in onsite renewable energy generation and storage, such as rooftop solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage, are exempt from business rates from 1 April 2022 until 31 March 2035.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-19)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-19 conversation_245

Dr Ben Spencer:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Prime Minister's post on X, dated 11 June 2025, whether she plans to use revenue raised from VAT on school fees for purposes other than education. \p James Murray: The Government has taken a number of decisions on tax to stabilise the public finances and support public services. Ending tax breaks for private schools will raise £1.8bn a year.

To raise school standards for every child, and break down the barriers to opportunity, the government will increase the core schools budget by £2.0bn in real terms over this Spending Review (2023-24 to 2028-29). This provides a £4.7bn cash increase per year by 2028-29 (compared to 2025-26), which ensures average real terms growth of 1.1% a year per pupil.