theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_114
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_114

Helen Whately:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what is the total cost to his Department of the annual mailshot run on behalf of Motability to eligible claimants; and how much Motability contributes to the Department for this mailshot. \p Sir Stephen Timms: DWP does not undertake an annual mailshot run on behalf of Motability to eligible customers. There is no cost to DWP in this regard.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_115

Helen Whately:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much his Department has (a) invoiced Motability for and (b) received from Motability under the Social Security (Expenses of Paying Sums in Relation to Vehicle Hire) Regulations 2016, in each of the years since these regulations were introduced. \p Sir Stephen Timms: (a) The DWP invoiced the Motability scheme for the following amounts under the Social Security (Expenses of Paying Sums in Relation to Vehicle Hire) Regulations 2016.

Year

Total

16/17

£0.8m

17/18

£1.1m

18/19

£0.9m

19/20

£1.0m

20/21

£0.8m

21/22

£0.6m

22/23

£0.9m

23/24

£1.1m

24/25

£1.4m

Figures rounded to nearest £0.1m.

(b) DWP were fully reimbursed for the amounts above.
wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_116
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_116

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will remove the two-child benefit cap in the Autumn Budget. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Government is committed to tackling child poverty. The Child Poverty Taskforce is developing an ambitious Child Poverty Strategy which we will publish in the autumn.

Commitments made at the 2025 spending review, and since then, are the latest steps in our Plan for Change to put extra pounds in people’s pockets – a downpayment on our Child Poverty Strategy, building on expansion of free breakfast clubs, the national minimum wage boost and the cap on Universal Credit deductions through the Fair Repayment Rate.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_117

Steve Darling:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the average savings per claimant to his Department from passing costs previously covered by Access to Work to employers. \p Sir Stephen Timms: No such transfer has been made. No changes have been made to Access to Work policy, and we will announce any changes prior to them being implemented. We will be reviewing all aspects of the Scheme now that the consultation on the Pathways to Work Green Paper has closed.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_118

Sir Ashley Fox:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support cross-border businesses with the potential impacts of the inclusion of glass in the deposit return scheme in Wales. \p Chris Bryant: The Government demonstrated in our recent review of the UK Internal Market Act our commitment to work with devolved governments to manage effectively the UK internal market for the benefit of business and citizens across the country. The UK government’s regulations for a Deposit Return Scheme enable the Deposit Management Organisation to work in an interoperable way with other deposit return schemes in the UK.

We continue to engage with industry and the Welsh Government to consider how the proposed Welsh deposit return scheme may impact on businesses across the UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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Robin Swann:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has had discussions with the Minister for the Economy in Northern Ireland on the inclusion of businesses in Northern Ireland in UK Government trade talks with Israel. \p Chris Bryant: The UK Government is responsible for negotiating international trade agreements on behalf of all the nations and regions in the UK. DBT understands that the devolved governments have a significant interest in international trade policy and works closely with them to deliver policy that reflects the interests of all parts of the UK.

The UK Government, however, suspended trade negotiations with Israel on 20th May, owing to the actions of this Israeli Government in Gaza and the West Bank. It will take a sustained shift in the positions of this Israeli government for the UK to consider restarting the FTA negotiations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_120

Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has exempted the company Instro Precision UK from applying for arms export licences for the sale of targeting equipment. \p Chris Bryant: The basis on which export licences are required for different military and dual-use goods is set out in the Export Control Order 2008. Export licence applications for all controlled goods are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against strict assessment criteria, the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.

The Export Control Joint Unit does not issue exemptions from requirements for export licences except those specifically prescribed in law. Where individual licence applications include items that are not covered by the 2008 Order, exporters can be informed that no licence is required.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has had recent discussions with Surrey Heath Borough Council on support for pubs in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Kate Dearden: The Government recognises the vital role of pubs and hospitality businesses in our communities and economy, including those in Surrey Heath, and that’s why we’re taking targeted action to support them with the pressures they face.

In April, we launched a Taskforce to consider ways to create a more balanced premises licensing system that not only safeguards communities but also supports responsible businesses. On 7 October the Government issued a Call for Evidence on Reforming the licensing system - GOV.UK (deadline: midday, 6 November 2025). These reforms are part of the Small Business Strategy, which also tackles late payments, improves access to finance, and cuts red tape. We want planning and licensing systems to work fairly for businesses and residents.

Additionally, we’re creating a fairer business rates system, including permanently lower rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties under £500,000 rateable value and continue to work closely with the sector, including through the Hospitality Sector Council to boost productivity and resilience by working together to address the challenges facing businesses.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2025 to Question 73349, on Unite: Conference Centres and Hotels, if he will publish a copy of the report that the Certification Officer received in the Library. \p Kate Dearden: The Certification Officer has no plans at present to publish the report authored by BDO auditors due to ongoing work. The report was provided to him in order to assist him in delivering his statutory obligations.

The Certification Officer has appointed an inspector to investigate the financial affairs of Unite the Union, including in respect of certain matters raised in the report referred to. Upon conclusion of the inspection, the Certification Officer will publish the inspector's report on his website.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_123

Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what guidance has been issued to employers by (a) his Department and (b) the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service on whether staff who are on strike are permitted to work for other employers during periods of industrial action. \p Kate Dearden: No specific guidance has been issued to employers by the Department for Business and Trade or the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service on whether staff who are on strike are permitted to work for other employers during periods of industrial action.

The liability of a worker taking industrial action and working for another employer is likely to depend on their contract with their first employer and on how its terms apply to the circumstances.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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Suella Braverman:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has considered extending the remit of the Groceries Code Adjudicator to cover (a) farmers and (b) other indirect suppliers. \p Kate Dearden: The government is currently undertaking the fourth statutory review of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA). The review considers the GCA’s effectiveness in enforcing the Groceries Code between 31 March 2022 and 1 April 2025.

The public consultation to the review additionally asked if there are unfair contractual practices in parts of the supply chain not covered by either the GCA or the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA). The ASCA enforces the Fair Dealing Regulations under the Agriculture Act 2020 which the government introduced to deal with the production end of the supply chain in specific sectors.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Freedom of Information Act disclosure reference FOI2025/09531 of 16 September 2025, whether payments have been made to Mr Money Jar for social media activity since July 2024, other than for the Living Wage campaign. \p Kate Dearden: Since July 2024, no payments have been made by the Department for Business and Trade to Mr Money Jar for social media activity, other than the National Minimum and Living Wage campaign.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what guidance his Department issues to local authorities on parental eligibility for Neonatal Care Pay and Leave. \p Kate Dearden: The department is committed to supporting employers to implement the range of parental leave entitlements available, and enabling employees to access them. This includes Neonatal Care Leave and Pay. Local authorities are not involved in determining parental eligibility for Neonatal Care Leave and Pay. Employers can refer to publicly available guidance on GOV.UK to help them understand which employees are eligible for Neonatal Care Leave and Pay. The guidance was created with employers and parents in mind, and government worked closely with HR professionals to make sure it is fit for purpose.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2025 to Question 74315 on DBT: Social Media, how much has been spent since 4 July 2025; on what campaigns; and through what influencers. \p Kate Dearden: Since 4 July 2025, no money has been spent on influencers by the Department for Business and Trade.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many officials were investigated under his Department's disciplinary processes in each of the last 5 years. \p Kate Dearden: On 1st July 2023 due to a Machinery of Government Change, the Department of International Trade (DIT) became the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), alongside parts of the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). We therefore only hold information from DBT from 1st July 2023, and information from DIT before this date, and all information shared will be within these parameters.

Year

No. of officials investigated

2025

19

2024

9

2023

11

2022

11

2021

<5

Here are the figures for UK Export Finance:

Year

No. of officials investigated

2025

<5

2024

<5

2023

<5

2022

<5

2021

<5
wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_129
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Darren Paffey:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing further recourse in situations where an employment tribunal award (a) relating to (i) wages, (ii) holiday pay, (iii) compensatory notice pay and (iv) compensation for unfair dismissal and (b) otherwise not relating to redundancy has been made but cannot be enforced because the company is no longer trading but has not gone into formal insolvency. \p Kate Dearden: The Government is not planning such an assessment; however, we are committed to our ambitious agenda to deliver our Plan for Change by ensuring employment rights are fit for a modern economy, empowering working people and contributing to economic growth and will continue to keep wider enforcement of employment rights under review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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Graeme Downie:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what information his Department holds on (a) which local authorities provide their staff with (i) statutory paternity leave and pay and (i) enhanced paternity leave and pay and (b) levels of take up of these across local government. \p Kate Dearden: All employers, including local authorities, are legally required to provide eligible employees with Statutory Paternity Leave and Pay, if they meet the eligibility criteria. The department does not hold data on which local authorities offer enhanced Paternity Leave and Pay or the take up of these across local government.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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Dame Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of requiring Israeli exporters to demonstrate their goods are not produced in illegal settlements before being imported into the UK. \p Chris Bryant: Israeli settlements in Palestine are illegal under international law. The UK Government encourages accurate labelling of goods in order to avoid misleading consumers and promote transparency, including those goods produced in illegal settlements in Palestine. Goods produced in these settlements are not entitled to benefit from preferential tariff treatment under the UK’s current trade agreements with the Palestinian Authority and Israel. Where there are doubts about the declared origin of goods, HMRC undertakes checks to verify the origin and ensure fiscal compliance.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the UK remains competitive for (a) pharmaceutical and (b) life sciences inward investment. \p Chris Bryant: The Life Sciences Sector Plan sets out the Government’s 10-year plan to grow the UK’s life sciences sector, including pharmaceuticals, and drive inward investment. It includes 33 actions with clear milestones and metrics to support delivery — from setting up the Health Data Research Service alongside Wellcome; to committing to reduce clinical trial set-up times to under 150 days; to streamlining regulation and market access.

Delivery is already underway: recruitment is advancing for the Chair and CEO of the new Health Data Research Service; we have launched Europe’s first Biofoundry for mRNA manufacturing; and announced the £85 million Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme with Eli Lilly.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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Mrs Sharon Hodgson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she made of the role of wholesalers in maintaining supply chain resilience when determining eligibility for business rates reliefs. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government currently provides a 40 per cent business rates relief for eligible retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties, up to a cash cap of £110,0000 per business, in 2025-26. Eligibility for the RHL relief scheme is outlined in guidance published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, and is focused on RHL properties that are wholly or mainly open to visiting members of the public. This is to ensure that support is targeted at in-person RHL, thereby helping to rebalance the burden between online and high-street retailers. There are no plans to expand the scope of this relief.

From 2026/27, the Government is introducing permanently lower business rates multipliers for RHL properties with rateable values (RVs) below £500,000. Details on which RHL properties will qualify for these lower multipliers can be found online here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/business-rates-multipliers-qualifying-retail-hospitality-or-leisure.

To fund these lower RHL multipliers sustainably, from 2026/27, the Government is also introducing a higher multiplier on properties with RVs of £500,000 and above.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of abolishing business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in (a) Fylde constituency and (b) Lancashire. \p Dan Tomlinson: Business rates are a vital source of revenue for Local Government. The Government is creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century.  As announced at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will introduce permanently lower multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties with ratable values below £500,000 from 2026-27. This permanent tax cut will ensure they benefit from much-needed certainty and support.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to increase business rates on (a) airports and (b) airport operators; and if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of such an increase on regional airport (i) viability and (ii) connectivity. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) conducts analysis of changes in rateable value to prepare for regular revaluations. The VOA is currently working on a revaluation of all non-domestic properties, which will come into effect on 1 April 2026. For the upcoming 2026 revaluation, as with other revaluations, the VOA is receiving ongoing representations from the airport sector.

The Government will confirm the rates for the new multipliers at Budget 2025, taking account of the outcomes of the 2026 revaluation as well as the broader economic and fiscal context.

We are fully committed to supporting the aviation industry. The sector is vital to our future as a global trading nation and will play an important role in local economies.
wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_136
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Lizzi Collinge:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she is considering changing the child benefit taper system to reflect household rather than individual income. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government understands the concerns that have been raised about basing the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) on individual rather than household incomes. However, basing the charge on household rather than individual incomes would come at a significant fiscal cost if we were to ensure that no families lose out.

By withdrawing Child Benefit from high-income parents where the higher earner earns £60,000 or more, the HICBC helps to ensure the sustainability of the public finances and protect our vital public services.
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Claire Hanna:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to retain Digital Services Tax. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Digital Services Tax is an interim solution to widely held concerns with the international corporate tax framework, and the UK remains committed to remove it once a global solution on the reallocation of taxing rights is in place.  As the Chancellor has previously said, we will continue to make sure that businesses pay their fair share of tax, including businesses in the digital sector.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to ensure that reforms to the charity tax regime do not discourage long-term endowment building by local community foundations. \p Dan Tomlinson: Charities rightly enjoy generous tax reliefs, worth over £6bn in 2024. However, a small number of charities are receiving tax relief in ways that were not intended by Parliament. Charity tax rules are being strengthened to improve HMRC’s ability to challenge abusive arrangements in an appropriate and proportionate way.  The new charity rules to be included in the forthcoming Finance Bill for legacy giving and attributable income will help ensure a charity uses its tax relieved income for its charitable purposes. The rules are well targeted and so should not deter legitimate donors from leaving a legacy to charity or prevent charities from building a long-term endowment.  The updated rule for tainted donations will replace the current purpose test with an outcome test in order to better prevent the abuse of tax reliefs through arrangements designed to give financial advantages to donors in return for their donation. They are not intended to affect genuine charitable giving or penalise honest donors.

Updated guidance will be tested with the sector and published prior to the changes taking effect. This will support charities and donors, giving clarity and reassurance around the rules and making it clear that the honest majority of donors and charities will remain unaffected by these reforms.
wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_139
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to remove the 40-year Vehicle Excise Duty exemption for historic vehicles; and whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of such a change on (a) the classic car sector and (b) the owners currently benefiting from that exemption. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government annually reviews the rates and thresholds of taxes and reliefs to ensure that they are appropriate and reflect the current state of the economy. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the public finances.
wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_140
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David Baines:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of lowering the starting threshold of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy on levels of sugar consumption. \p Dan Tomlinson: I refer the Hon. Member the answer that I gave to PQ UIN 81415.
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Peter Fortune:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what HMRC's target timeline for paying out Construction Industry Scheme tax rebates to small businesses is; and what proportion of rebates are paid within that time. \p Dan Tomlinson: HMRC recognise that repayments are important for customers. They prioritise them and work hard to ensure they are processed as quickly and securely as possible.

Individuals can check when they are likely to receive a response by using HMRC’s ‘Where’s my reply’ tool which is available here:

www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-expect-a-reply-from-hmrc

In relation to CIS repayments, HMRC are recruiting and training more colleagues to improve the service and issue CIS repayments more quickly. In cases of hardship, taxpayers can contact HMRC to look at their case and, where possible, make the repayment sooner.

HMRC’s service standard is to respond to 80% of CIS repayment claims for limited companies within 15 working days. The department has a plan in place to clear existing backlogs and return to meeting the service level agreement by January 2026.
wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_142
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Daisy Cooper:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on how many occasions a repayment of overpaid tax to a customer who has submitted a voluntary self-assessment return been delayed by longer than (a) three, (b) six and (c) 12 months in the latest period for which data is available. \p Dan Tomlinson: HMRC recognise that repayments are important for customers. They prioritise them and work hard to ensure they are processed as quickly and securely as possible.

Like any financial institution, HMRC are an attractive target for organised criminals who continually test their security and repayment controls. HMRC aim to balance ensuring prompt payments to eligible customers with effective revenue protection from fraudsters.

Voluntary returns are submitted by customers who are not required to file a Self Assessment return but choose to do so, often to reclaim overpaid tax. These cases can require additional manual checks, particularly where PAYE income is involved, to ensure repayments are not duplicated.

Because customers submitting voluntary Self Assessment returns are not required to file, these cases are not currently included separately in HMRC’s reported performance data. While these returns are worked and processed by operational teams, they fall outside the scope of published metrics and are therefore not counted in official service level reporting.

HMRC has communicated to agent communities that customers can help reduce delays by registering for Self Assessment before submitting a return. Additional staff have been deployed to reduce delays in processing voluntary Self Assessment repayment cases, particularly those requiring manual checks. Work is also underway to explore automation opportunities to improve processing times and reduce the number of customers affected by repayment delays.
wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_143
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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Mr Joshua Reynolds:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of extending the expensive car supplement to electric vehicles registered on the affordability of low-emission vehicles; and whether she plans to increase the threshold in line with inflation. \p Dan Tomlinson: As set out at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government will consider the merits of raising the threshold for zero emissions cars only at a future fiscal event. The government keeps all taxes and thresholds under review.
wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_144
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions he has had with mortgage lenders on their role in supporting home ownership in South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government is in regular contact with mortgage lenders with a view to understanding their position and current lending conditions.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury and I hosted major high street banks on 10 September and called on lenders to make first-time buyers their top priority. The press notice can be found on gov.uk here.   The pricing of mortgages is a commercial decision for lenders in which the government does not intervene.

The UK benefits from a competitive mortgage market with various first-time buyer products available.

The government has worked with the Financial Conduct Authority and the Bank of England, who have clarified and increased the flexibility of their mortgage regulations. This is helping more customers – especially first-time buyers – to borrow what they need to buy the homes they want, while retaining protections so that lending remains affordable and responsible.
wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_145
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the build-out guarantees that will be required to secure National Housing Bank funding. \p Matthew Pennycook: On 17 June, the government announced that it would establish a new National Housing Bank, a subsidiary of Homes England which will be publicly owned and backed with £16 billion of financial capacity to accelerate housebuilding in England.

My Department is currently working with Homes England and HM Treasury to establish the Bank, including developing its investment strategy and further details will be announced in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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Tom Morrison:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will take steps to help increase public awareness of the obligation of landlords to re-register tenancy deposits with each renewed or rolling tenancy agreement. \p Matthew Pennycook: Under current legislation, landlords in England and Wales must protect a tenancy deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days of receiving it for an assured shorthold tenancy and provide prescribed information to their tenants. They must ensure that the deposit remains protected for the duration of the tenancy.

There is no legislative requirement to re-protect the deposit when a tenancy is renewed or becomes periodic, provided the deposit remains in the same scheme and the parties to the tenancy have not changed. However, where a landlord utilises an insurance based scheme to protect the deposit, it may be necessary to renew their insurance when a tenancy is extended or renewed. This is determined by the scheme’s terms and conditions.

The government continues to work with the three authorised tenancy deposit schemes to ensure landlords and tenants are aware of their rights and obligations. Guidance is available on gov.uk here and through the schemes’ websites and helplines.
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Darren Paffey:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when he plans to announce new burdens funding for local authorities associated with the passage of the Renters Rights Bill. \p Matthew Pennycook: My Department will set out the funding we intend to make available to local authorities to meet new burdens arising from the Renters’ Rights Bill in due course.
wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_148
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Margaret Mullane:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what consideration his Department of providing additional resource for local authorities to enforce 12 month relet bans on landlords who do not adhere to incoming legislation within the Renters Rights Bill. \p Matthew Pennycook: In accordance with the New Burdens Doctrine, we will ensure additional net costs on local authorities created by the Renters’ Rights Bill are fully funded.
wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_149
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

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Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to reduce delays in the property buying process. \p Matthew Pennycook: On 6 October 2025, the government published a consultation on proposals to improve to the home buying and selling process. It can be found on gov.uk here.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_150

Andrew Lewin:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many first time buyers there were in (a) 2023, (b) 2024 and (c) 2025; and what proportion of those bought through shared ownership schemes. \p Matthew Pennycook: My Department does not collect data on the number of first-time buyers.

The Office for National Statistics publishes data on first-time buyer mortgage sales by local authority in the UK. They can be found on its website here. Data covers the period between 2006 and 2024. Data for 2025 has not yet been published.

While it is not possible to provide information on the overall proportion of first time buyers that bought through shared ownership, my Department collects data on shared ownership sales by private registered providers of Social Housing, including whether these were to first time buyers.

This data is used to produce an estimate of the proportion of shared ownership sales by private registered providers that are to first time buyers. These estimates are published for 2022-23 and 2023-24 as part of the Social Housing Sales and Demolitions statistical release. The 2024-25 publication has been pre-announced for publication in January/February 2026. My department only collects similar data from local authorities on a voluntary basis.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_151

Perran Moon:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what guidance his Department issues to local planning authorities on anonymisation of public comments on planning applications. \p Matthew Pennycook: My Department has not issued guidance in respect of this matter.

The Planning Advisory Service has published guidance to help local planning authorities adhere to the requirements of the UK General Data Protection Regulation in exercising their planning duties. It can be found here.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_152

Andrew Lewin:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what information his Department holds on the average deposit paid by (a) all first time buyers and (b) first time buyers using shared ownership schemes in 2024. \p Matthew Pennycook: According to the English Housing Survey, the average (mean) deposit of a first-time buyer in 2023-24 was £55,372 (£32,700 median). Further information can be found in the English Housing Survey statistical publication on gov.uk here.

In 2023-24, the mean cash deposit paid by first time buyers in England using shared ownership schemes sold through via private registered providers was £20,300 and the median cash deposit was £12,900. Figures for all shared ownership schemes sold through via private registered providers is available in Live Table 697.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_153

Jo Platt:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if his Department will provide a revised target for the Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26 split between (a) total grant-funded completions and (b) completions for letting at social rents. \p Matthew Pennycook: All homes delivered through the 2021-26 Affordable Homes Programme are supported by grant. Those homes are in addition to affordable homes that developers have committed to delivering under negotiated Section 106 agreements.

My Department published an update on targets for the 2021-26 Affordable Homes Programme, including our target for delivering homes for social rent, on 30 July 2024. It can be found on gov.uk here.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_154

Afzal Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to help promote (a) private and (b) communal garden space in new housing developments; and whether he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing minimum garden density of 29.5% in all new developments. \p Matthew Pennycook: The National Planning Policy Framework emphasises the importance of a network of high quality, open spaces for the health and wellbeing of communities and the environment. This is supported by national design guidance, which explains that well designed places provide both usable private and public open green spaces, which can include private and communal gardens.

We currently have no plans to assess the merits of introducing minimum garden density in new developments.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_155

Mr Joshua Reynolds:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will take steps to (a) ensure that leaseholders whose leases are approaching the 80–85 year bracket are informed of the implications for lease extension costs and (b) collect (i) email addresses and (ii) other contact details to provide timely reminders. \p Matthew Pennycook: The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 includes provisions that will make it cheaper and easier for existing leaseholders to extend their lease or buy their freehold.

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 21 November 2024 (HCWS244), the government intends to act quickly to provide homeowners with greater rights, powers, and protections over their homes by implementing the Act’s provisions.

Leaseholders can view high level information on their lease on the title register or request an official copy of their lease from HM Land Registry (HMLR) using form OC2. A dataset of registered leases is also published by HMLR and can be accessed free of charge for personal use. This can be found on gov.uk here.

Specialist legal advice should be taken from a solicitor or surveyor when considering enfranchisement or extensions. Leaseholders can also get free information and advice from the Leasehold Advisory Service.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_156

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of houses in multiple occupation on levels of (a) loneliness and (b) mental health issues in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Matthew Pennycook: My Department has no plans to make such an assessment. We will keep the regulation of HMOs under review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_157

James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to reduce the average age in which people in South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency are able to purchase their first home. \p Matthew Pennycook: The affordability challenges facing prospective first-time buyers mean that too many people are now locked out of homeownership.

In addition to increasing the supply of homes of all tenures, the government is supporting people into home ownership, including through the shared ownership scheme and the Lifetime ISA.

The government has also introduced a new, permanent Mortgage Guarantee Scheme, available to support and sustain availability of low deposit mortgage products for prospective buyers.

Additionally, the Bank of England is easing the loan-to-income limit, enabling up to 36,000 additional first-time buyers in the first year.

The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) ongoing review of the mortgage market means many buyers can now borrow 10% more towards a property purchase. The government looks forward to ambitious proposals from the FCA’s paper.

First-time buyers may also benefit from home ownership initiatives offered at the local level.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_158

Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he has had recent discussions with the Environment Agency on their process for approving a planning application in the case of new development in Oxfordshire that will be connected to Oxford Sewage Treatment Works. \p Matthew Pennycook: MHCLG ministers have had no recent discussions with the Environment Agency (EA) in respect of the matter in question.

The EA has worked with Thames Water to develop a strategic approach to managing wastewater capacity challenges in Oxford. Working with local partners, it is tracking delivery of the improvements to the Oxford Sewage Treatment Works to ensure the delivery of sufficient wastewater capacity in this critical growth area.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_159

Catherine West:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to extend (a) support and (b) protection to leaseholders experiencing damp and mould problems outside of the scope of the Hazards in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2025. \p Matthew Pennycook: Individual leases set out obligations for building maintenance and failure by the landlord to take action can mean a breach of the lease, which leaseholders may seek to pursue through an application to the County Court. Leaseholders can approach the Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) for advice through that organisation’s website.

Accountable persons of high-rise buildings under the Building Safety Act 2022 must also prepare a safety case report to demonstrate that all reasonable steps have been taken to prevent building safety risks happening and reduce the seriousness if they do. This may include addressing damp and mould if it is the source of prolonged or uncontrolled water ingress. Furthermore, as part of its section 5 duties under the 2022 Act, the Building Safety Regulator must keep under review the safety of people in or about buildings in relation to risks as regards buildings, and the standard of buildings. Further information is available from the Regulator.

On 4 July, the government published a consultation on strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services. It can be found on gov.uk here. For an overview of the proposals set out in the consultation, I refer the hon. Member to the associated Written Ministerial Statement (HCWS780).
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_160

Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if his Department will respond to the correspondence of 16 July 2025 from the hon. Member for Farnham and Bordon regarding the Woolmead site in the Farnham and Bordon constituency. \p Matthew Pennycook: A response to the hon. Member was issued on 20 October 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_161

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what proportion of the new homes target his Department expects to be (a) flats and (b) family homes; and what assessment he has made of the potential merits of incentivising the construction of dwellings with (i) multiple bedrooms and (ii) gardens. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government has not made an estimate of the proportion of new homes to be delivered in this Parliament which will be flats and houses.

The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that local planning authorities should assess the size, type and tenure of housing needed for different groups in the community, and reflect this in their Local Plans. This includes considering the need for family homes, in addition to need for other forms of housing such as student housing and older persons housing.

The government believes that these matters are best determined locally, and so it is for local authorities to consider if there is a need for particular types of housing in their area.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-24)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-24 conversation_162

Ben Coleman:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that social housing meets (a) decent and (b) safe living standards. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 81035 on 20 October 2025.