theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_3

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 56193 on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, whether sanctions would be placed on Mauritius should the confidentiality of notifications be breached. \p Stephen Doughty: There is no notification requirement for UK or US access, basing or over-flights around the base. Agreement to inform a host nation about military action from their territory is standard practice in basing arrangements. Any notification will take place after the event and will not require the UK to divulge sensitive information. Article 3(2) of the treaty clearly states that Mauritius cannot undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base on Diego Garcia, and that Mauritius shall cooperate to that end.

Article 14 of the Treaty sets out the role of the Joint Commission in resolving disputes. It is expected that the majority of security concerns that arise during the implementation of the Agreement will be resolved via the Joint Commission. If an issue arises that relates to the essential security interests of either the United Kingdom or Mauritius, which cannot be settled through the Joint Commission, Clause 3 of Article 14 provides the ability for direct Prime Ministerial consultation.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 4 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), which international court has jurisdiction on whether UK/US operations in Diego Garcia are in accordance with Mauritius’ membership of the Treaty of Pelindaba. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer the Hon Member to the answer given to his PQ 54633.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Annex IV of the UK-Mauritius agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, what estimate he has made of the average annual cost to the public purse of legal cases heard through the arbitration mechanism; and whether he has had discussions with (a) UK and (b) other lawyers on joining the tribunal. \p Stephen Doughty: Details of the arbitration mechanism, including the identities of arbitrators, will be agreed with Mauritius through the Joint Commission.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of a complaint against Mauritius under the Treaty of Pelindaba on the storage of nuclear weapons on Diego Garcia; and whether the UK would cooperate with inspections of the base under that treaty. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer the Hon Member to the reply given to his PQs 18902 and 54633.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 5 June 2025 to Question 54676 on Diego Garcia: Military Bases and with reference to Article 4 of the UK/Mauritius agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, whether the UK will ensure (a) its storage of nuclear weapons at the base and (b) all other operations on Diego Garcia comply with Mauritius’ (i) current and (ii) future international law obligations under the (A) Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, (B) Treaty of Pelindaba and (C) Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan 2025-2027. \p Stephen Doughty: I refer the Hon Member to the reply given to his PQs 18902 and 54633.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will have discussions at the United Nations with his international counterparts on the potential impact of international sanctions related to the invasion of Ukraine on the Russian economy. \p Stephen Doughty: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers and officials regularly engage with international counterparts bilaterally and at key multilateral fora, such as at the United Nations, to discuss a range of sanctions issues including the potential impact of sanctions related to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Such discussions cover the effect of our collective sanctions, which have deprived Russia of at least $450 billion since February 2022. They cover the global impact of Russia's war on Ukraine and challenge false and damaging narratives on impact. We use sanctions to deter and disrupt malign behaviour and demonstrate our defence of international norms. Our sanctions are designed to reduce the flow of arms and funding. They are used to support peace processes and to respond to threats to international security.

We will continue to coordinate and cooperate with our international counterparts on sanctions issues at the United Nations and in a range of other fora, particularly the G7.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the design of the Chagos Islands flag will change following the ratification of the Chagos treaty. \p Stephen Doughty: A British flag will continue to be flown at the UK-US Base on Diego Garcia as it has always done.

The British Indian Ocean Territory will cease to exist as a British Overseas Territory upon ratification of the treaty agreed between the UK and Mauritius.

No decision has yet been taken on any future use or adaptation of the current BIOT flag.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Nadia Whittome:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with the UN in relation to comments by the special procedures of the UN Human Rights Council on 22 May 2025 on the (a) Supreme Court judgement in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers and (b) interim guidance issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission on the practical implications of the UK Supreme Court judgment, published on 25 April 2025. \p Stephen Doughty: There have been no discussions with the UN in relation to the Human Rights Council Special Procedures news release on 22 May 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment has his Department made of the effect of the Hong Kong National Security Law on the (a) safety and (b) rights of (i) British Nationals (Overseas) passport holders and (ii) their families in (A) cases of transnational repression targeting relatives of exiled activists and (B) other matters. \p Catherine West: China's imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong has seen opposition stifled and dissent criminalised. It has significantly eroded the rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers. This government has consistently called on Beijing to repeal the National Security Law, including its extraterritorial reach. The UK is clear that any attempts by foreign Governments to coerce, intimidate or harm critics overseas, are unacceptable. In June, myself and the Security Minister met those recently targeted by Hong Kong police with arrest warrants.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in countries with tropical forests on steps to prevent forest fires since 5 July 2024. \p Catherine West: The UK is determined to ensure action to protect and restore tropical forests is an international priority ahead of COP30 in Brazil in November 2025. Wildfires are a focus of the Canadian G7 Presidency in 2025 and the UK supports regional and international efforts to deepen collaboration to prevent forest fires.

The UK participated in a meeting of the Food and Agriculture Organization's Global Fire Management Hub in mid-June to discuss research findings and practical areas of cooperation to prevent forest fires. The UK is also co-chairing the Forests and Climate Leaders' Partnership with Guyana, where wildfires were discussed at a meeting in May, ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2025 to Question 50066 on Venezuela: Human Rights and Politics and Government, whether he plans to meet UK-based civil society organisations supporting democracy in Venezuela. \p Catherine West: The UK remains gravely concerned about Venezuela's democratic future. The UK has been clear that Nicolas Maduro's claim to power is fraudulent and that the outcome of the presidential elections on 28 July 2024 was neither free nor fair. The UK Government will continue to support the restoration of democracy to Venezuela, which is essential for the well-being of the country and its people. We are in regular contact with international partners, civil society and political figures towards this end. The UK continues to pay testament to the millions of Venezuelans who turned out to vote on 28 July 2024.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Andrew Gwynne:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what (a) support and (b) workplace protections are available to civil servants within the Department who have voiced concerns on Israel's conduct in Gaza. \p Catherine West: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to ensuring high standards of conduct in all that it does. It is the job of civil servants to deliver on the policies of the government of the day and to provide professional, impartial advice as set out in the Civil Service Code. We are proud of the work they do.

There are dedicated policies and processes in place which allow them to raise concerns if they have them without fear of victimisation, subsequent discrimination, disadvantage or dismissal. The FCDO also offers a range of pastoral care and support to staff including an Employee Assistance Programme for staff experiencing any personal or work-related issues.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Richard Burgon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2025 to Question 53578 on Genocide Convention, whether his Department made an assessment of the merits that Israel was in breach of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in July 2024. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK's long-standing policy is that any formal determination as to whether genocide has occurred is a matter for a competent national or international court, rather than for governments or non-judicial bodies. It should be decided after consideration of all the evidence available in the context of a credible judicial process.

In the context of export licensing, Criterion 1 of the UK's Strategic Export Licensing Criteria requires respect for the UK's international obligations and commitments. We have carefully collated, reviewed and assessed relevant evidence concerning the Gaza conflict. In September, we took decisive action, stopping exports to the Israeli Defence Forces that might be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of international humanitarian law in the Gaza conflict. The action we have taken, as announced to Parliament, is consistent with all our legal obligations, including those under the Arms Trade Treaty and Genocide Convention, and we remain wholly committed to international law.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has taken recent steps with international partners to enable (a) the UN and (b) other humanitarian organisations to distribute aid in Gaza. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK has taken recent steps with international partners to support humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza. On 19 May, we issued a joint statement with 27 partners calling for the immediate resumption of aid, reaffirming support for the UN and other humanitarian organisations to deliver it independently and impartially. The statement also noted we could not support the new model approved by the Israeli cabinet for delivering aid, which has since been associated with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. I have consistently called for safe, unhindered access for humanitarian actors and backed the UN's aid proposal, which is grounded in humanitarian principles and includes safeguards against aid diversion. We continue diplomatic efforts to secure sustained access.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to improve the condition of sites of special scientific interest in Lincolnshire. \p Mary Creagh: Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) continue to be one of the most effective tools for protecting and enhancing biodiversity and deliver a wide range of health and socio-economic benefits.

Natural England has an ongoing programme to assess the condition of SSSI features and implement the actions needed to restore and maintain the condition of SSSIs, such as the Bardney Limewoods SSSI in Lincolnshire.

In the autumn budget we also allocated £13 million to Protected Site Strategies which will develop and implement spatial restoration plans for priority sites, such as The Wash, an internationally important coastal and marine protected site. These strategies will put in place action to restore protected sites and manage the impact of environmental harm.

The Nature Restoration Fund in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will also allow us to take a more strategic approach to the restoration of SSSIs and deliver improved environmental outcomes.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle environmental harm in (a) South Holland and the Deepings constituency and (b) Lincolnshire. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency (EA) plays a vital role in protecting the environment by regulating businesses in the energy, agriculture, and waste sectors, and serving as the environmental regulator for water companies. Through water permitting, it balances the needs of public water supply, agriculture, industry, and the environment. The EA enforces environmental laws, prosecutes polluters, and responds to major incidents like pollution and waste fires as a Category 1 Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.

It advises on planning applications within its statutory remit, including in South Holland, South Kesteven, and Lincolnshire County Council areas, ensuring flood risk, climate change, and water quality are considered. The EA also works with Local Planning Authorities to embed environmental priorities in Local Plans.

In Lincolnshire, the EA combines flood defence with biodiversity enhancement, tackling invasive species and restoring natural river processes in partnership with Wildlife Trusts, River Trusts, and landowners.

In South Holland and The Deepings, the EA has led sustainable initiatives such as controlling Giant Hogweed and American mink, maintaining pollinator-friendly flood banks and hedgerows, and creating fish refuges at Crowland Washes. Sensitive operations at Cowbit Washes have also protected breeding avocets during flood recovery.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many foreign-flagged vessels are licensed to fish in UK waters; and if he will take steps to ensure that UK fishermen have full access to UK fisheries. \p Daniel Zeichner: The UK Single Issuing Authority (UKSIA), overseen by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), licenses all foreign vessels fishing in UK waters. As of 2025, 1,758 foreign-flagged vessels, mainly from the EU, are licensed to operate in the UK Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The UK fleet includes over 4,500 licensed and registered vessels, all eligible to access national fishing opportunities.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what research his Department is supporting to facilitate the sustainable expansion of British (a) deep-sea species, (b) aquaculture and (c) other fisheries. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra is committed to supporting the UK fishing industry in line with our domestic and international obligations, including those in the Fisheries Act 2020 and Joint Fisheries Statement. Defra routinely supports significant scientific research to facilitate the sustainable management of fisheries, including through investments in the Seafood Innovation Fund and the Fisheries Industry Science Partnerships Scheme under the UK Seafood Fund. The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, (a Defra Executive Agency) also support a variety of innovative solutions to ensure a sustainable future for our seas, such as a recent project on the nitrogen and carbon sequestration potential of mussel and seaweed aquaculture.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the adequacy of the support provided by the Rural Payments Agency for (a) new and (b) young farmers who apply for funding under new environmental land management schemes. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) administer agreements and issue payments for Countryside Stewardship and the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). Both a) new and b) young farmers were eligible to apply for agreements under the SFI Expanded Offer, whilst the scheme was open for applications until March 2025. RPA issues a range of supporting communications including online 'how to apply' videos and regularly shares reminders and updates across their channels. Direct communications are issued to agreement holders, and the Rural Payments Helpline is available Monday - Friday.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_22
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of agri-science on (a) improving soil health and (b) reducing chemical inputs in farming in (i) Fylde constituency and (ii) Lancashire. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra has not made any assessments or carried out any research on soil health or reducing chemical inputs in farming in (i) Fylde constituency or (ii) Lancashire, specifically.

Defra understand the importance of soil health and will be developing a soil health indicator which can be applied nationwide to assess soil health. The indicator will assess soil health over time and track changes in the abilities of soils to deliver sustainable food production, carbon storage, reduction in runoff and soil biodiversity.

The Department is funding research into exploring the impact of agriculture on soil health and reducing chemical inputs to farming. However, none of these field sites are in Lancashire or the Fylde constituency.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_23
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Ruth Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans his Department has to include the (a) Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and (b) Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy in its planned review of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra is actively engaging with key stakeholders to review opportunities for reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act. It’s really important that we do this together to have the best opportunity of delivering the best reform for the future of the whole of the veterinary profession. Defra is grateful for the engagement of lots of different representatives of Allied Veterinary Professionals in this process, and plan to continue engaging a diverse group of stakeholders.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking with relevant authorities to prevent heat-related deaths of household pets in (a) Fylde constituency and (b) Lancashire. \p Daniel Zeichner: Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (the Act), owners and keepers must protect their animals from harm and provide for their welfare needs in line with best practice

The Act is supported by Codes of Practice for Dogs and Cats. The Codes include guidance on providing a suitable environment for the animal, including information on protecting the animal from extreme temperatures and weather conditions.

Local authorities and the police have powers to enforce the Act and can intervene where an animal is suspected to be suffering.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Jim Dickson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what data his Department holds on the number of households whose water billing is decided by the Assessed Household Charge in Dartford. \p Emma Hardy: The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) is an independent body that represents water consumers and can provide advice and support on water-related issues, including assessed charges.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to announce a replacement to the Sustainable Farming Incentive programme by 22 July 2025. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra is working closely with farmers and industry stakeholders to design a future Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) offer that fairly and responsibly directs funding. Further details about the reformed SFI offer will be announced in summer 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Seamus Logan:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed disability benefit reforms on claimants in Scotland. \p Ian Murray: Universal Credit is a reserved matter in Scotland, so the changes to Universal Credit will apply in Scotland. Personal Independent Payment (PIP) is an extra costs disability benefit and is a devolved matter in Scotland. By the time the Personal Independence Payment changes come into effect, PIP will have been fully replaced by the Scottish Government’s Adult Disability Payment. The changes to PIP eligibility therefore will not apply in Scotland.

The interactions between the reserved and devolved systems in Scotland will need to be considered before these reforms are implemented and officials are already engaging on this.  DWP has engaged with the Scottish Government on the reforms set out in the Pathways to Work Green Paper, at both an official and Ministerial level. They will continue to work closely as they develop detailed proposals for the White Paper.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Seamus Logan:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice to ensure that changes for claimants who depend on both reserved and devolved social security are understood. \p Ian Murray: UK Government Ministers regularly meet with their Scottish government counterparts to discuss social security and claimants. Scotland Office Ministers also attend the Joint Ministerial Working Group on Welfare, alongside Ministers from the Department of Work and Pensions and Scottish Government Ministers. The most recent meeting was held on 18 June 2025.

The Pathways to Work Green Paper states that interactions between the reserved and devolved systems in Scotland will need to be considered before reforms are implemented. Officials are already engaging on this.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Seamus Logan:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what estimate he has made of the potential impact of the reduction in spend on Carers Allowance on Scotland’s Block Grant. \p Ian Murray: In Scotland, Carers Allowance is a devolved benefit.

Individual block grant adjustments linked to individual policy decisions will be published in due course.

The Spending Review set a three year envelope and guarantees that the block grant will be at least £52 billion by 2029, with an additional £9.1 billion in Barnet consequentials over that time period.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Seamus Logan:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what estimate he has made of the potential impact of proposed reductions in Personal Independence Payment on Scotland’s Block Grant. \p Ian Murray: In Scotland, Adult Disability Payment, a devolved benefit, replaced Personal Independence Payment.

Individual block grant adjustments linked to individual policy decisions will be published in due course.

The Spending Review set a three year envelope and guarantees that the block grant will be at least £52 billion by 2029, with an additional £9.1 billion in Barnet consequentials over that time period.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Esther McVey:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many staff network events took place in his Department in May 2025; and what the names of those events were. \p Ian Murray: Staff networks are collaborative volunteer networks, organised by staff themselves rather than the department. As a result, events are organised by staff themselves, not the department. We are aware of the following events that these networks organised in May 2025:

Network

Date of Meeting

Parent and Carers Network

7th May 2025

LGBT+ Network

8th May 2025
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_32
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Seamus Logan:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will issue guidance on how disabled people can maintain their national insurance contributions needed to qualify for full state pension if (a) their household income is above the Universal Credit threshold due to a partner’s income and (b) they can only claim the replacement for new style Employment and Support Allowance for 6-12 months. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Helen Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people in receipt of Personal Independent Payment in England scored (a) 8-11, (b) 12-15, (c) 15-18, (d) 18-21 and (e) more than 21 points for the daily living elements but did not score more than four in any single criteria in the most recent reporting year. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Helen Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people in receipt of Personal Independent Payments in the Dulwich and West Norwood Constituency scored more than 12 points for the daily living elements but did not score more than four in any single criteria in the most recent reporting year. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Helen Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people in receipt of Personal Independent Payments in England scored more than 12 points for the daily living elements but did not score more than four in any single criteria in the most recent reporting year. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Helen Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people in receipt of Personal Independent Payments in the Dulwich and West Norwood constituency scored in aggregate 8-11 points for the daily living elements but did not score more than four in any single criteria in the most recent reporting year. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Helen Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people in receipt of Personal Independent Payments in England scored in aggregate 8-11 points for the daily living elements but did not score more than four in any single criteria in the most recent reporting year. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many and what proportion of (a) working-age, (b) 18-24 year olds and (c) all Personal Independence Payment recipients that are in work scored less than four points in all daily living activities by (i) local authority, (ii) parliamentary constituency and (iii) region. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

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Sarah Gibson:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of PIP decisions for people with MS have been overturned on appeal in the last five years, by region. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_40
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_40

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many and what proportion of people aged (a) between 16 and 24 and (b) over 16 are unemployed in Basildon and Billericay constituency; and how many and what proportion were unemployed in June 2024. \p Alison McGovern: The latest information requested is published and available at: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/default.asp

Guidance for users can be found at: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/home/newuser.asp
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_41
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_41

Luke Myer:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of aligning Universal Credit rules with legacy social security provisions in cases where a single claimant dies, in the context of the final payment dates for those benefits. \p Sir Stephen Timms: No assessment has been made.

Universal Credit is paid for the whole month based on the circumstances on the last day of a customer’s Assessment Period (AP). In the sad circumstances where a customer dies, and the death occurs before the last day of the Assessment Period, there is no entitlement to Universal Credit in that month.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_42
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_42

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to improve pension replacement rates. \p Torsten Bell: Our system of state, private and workplace pensions provide the basis for security in retirement. The State Pension provides a foundation to support people’s individual savings for retirement. The Government has made a commitment to the Triple Lock for the entirety of this Parliament which means annual spending on people’s State Pensions is forecast to rise by over £31 billion over this Parliament. This will see pensioners’ yearly incomes being up to £1,900 higher.

Automatic Enrolment (AE) has succeeded in transforming workplace retirement saving. Over 11 million employees have been automatically enrolled into a workplace pension since 2012. However, we know we need to do more to build on the success of AE.

The government will soon be launching the next phase of the Pensions Review, which will focus on improving pensions outcomes.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_43
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_43

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what comparative assessment she has made of the adequacy of pension replacement rates in (a) the UK and (b) other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. \p Torsten Bell: The Government committed to carry out a landmark Pensions Review to deliver better outcomes for savers and the UK economy. Our focus is on building a system that supports people to save effectively throughout their working lives and provides a strong foundation for income in retirement.

Automatic Enrolment (AE) has helped over 11 million workers start saving into a pension since 2012, but we know some people still are not saving enough. In March 2023, DWP published new analysis into future pensioner incomes, showing that 38% of working age people (equivalent to 12.5 million people) are under saving for retirement when measured against Target Replacement Rates before housing costs and 12% are not saving enough to meet the Pension and Lifetime Savings Association’s minimum living standard. That is why the second phase of our Pensions Review will in the coming months look at further steps to improve pension outcomes.

OECD rankings show that the UK’s pensions system of the new State Pension and Automatic Enrolment will provide future workers with income replacement rates which are comparable to the OECD average, alongside countries such as Germany and Norway.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_44
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_44

Jas Athwal:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Sikhs are employed in her Department; and whether they are recorded as (a) an ethnic or (b) a religious group. \p Andrew Western: DWP staff are not required to disclose details of any religion, however, the information can be voluntarily provided and based on those responses, DWP as of May 2025 has 1207 employees that have declared as being Sikh (paid staff only). This level of data is recorded as ‘Religious Belief Breakdown’.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_45
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_45

Esther McVey:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many staff network events took place in her Department in May 2025; and what the names of those events were. \p Andrew Western: The information you have requested is not held centrally, as staff networks are collaborative volunteer networks, organised by staff themselves rather than the department. This would include site-specific networks. Gathering this data would incur disproportionate costs.

While some networks are organised centrally, there is no requirement for network groups across the organisation to be formally recorded or registered. Networks can be based on location, team structure and development as well as areas of diversity, health and inclusion. Some centrally organised networks may hold information but this does not provide a full picture of all network events during May 2025.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_46
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_46

Max Wilkinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what postcodes in Cheltenham her Department has identified as falling in the eligible Income Deciles 1-2 of the Indices of Multiple Deprivation. \p Alex Norris: The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published the most recent iteration of the English Indices of Deprivation in September 2019. All data tables and resources are available on gov.uk here.

Our Open Data Communities platform provides postcode level and decile data for each Local Authority across all Indices domains as at time of release.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_47
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_47

Manuela Perteghella:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what proportion of public assets in freeports has been acquired by private (a) companies and (b) corporations. \p Alex Norris: While the Department oversees the Freeports Programme, it does not collect data on the ownership of individual assets within Freeport areas. However, the vast majority of Freeport sites were in private ownership at the point of designation, reflecting the Programme’s aim to stimulate private investment and create jobs in parts of the country that see too little of it.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_48
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_48

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the transparency data entitled MHCLG: spending over £25,000, April 2025, published on 30 May 2025, if she will publish the research commissioned from the Greater London Authority. \p Alex Norris: This funding was to cover legal and administrative costs incurred by the Greater London Authority in setting up the Grenfell Assisted Home Ownership Scheme.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_49
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_49

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the document entitled MHCLG: spending over £25,000, March 2025, published on 28 April 2025, what consultancy services were commissioned from UBDS IT Consulting Limited. \p Alex Norris: MHCLG’s March 2025 listing of spending over £25,000 include three entries for UBDS. This spend relates to the provision of specific technical services to deliver a range of improvements to the Department’s data tools and technologies. They are augmenting internal teams.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_50
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_50

Jas Athwal:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many Sikhs are employed in her Department; and whether they are recorded as (a) an ethnic or (b) a religious group. \p Alex Norris: Sikhism is recorded as a religion or belief. Annual statistics by department, as of 31 March, are available in the 2024 Civil Service Statistics (Table A3): https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/civil-service-statistics-2024.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_51
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_51

Gideon Amos:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to bring sections (a) 143 and (b) 144 of the Building Safety Act into force in the current parliament. \p Alex Norris: Section 144 of the Building Safety Act (2022) created a power to mandate a requirement for all new build homes to be sold with a new build warranty. No decision has been made by the government on commencement of this power.

In the meantime, most new build warranties cover damages caused by structural defects for a 10-year term, while the developer is often held accountable for the first two years of this period.

In October 2024 the previous government published its response the Competition and Market's Authority's housebuilding study. This included a commitment to bring forward a new consumer code for housebuilders and a New Homes Ombudsman service which will empower homeowners to rightly challenge developers for any quality issues they face in their home which the current government is also committed to.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_52
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_52

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 54882 on Elections: Fraud, if she will take steps to improve (a) transparency and (b) accountability in local government. \p Jim McMahon: The government is taking steps to strengthen both.

I refer the Hon. member to the answer given to Question UIN 54882 on 9 June 2025. Statutory guidance on overview and scrutiny was updated in April 2024. We are also working to strengthen standards, governance, financial management, and local audit to fix the foundations of local government to ensure that it is fit, legal and decent.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_53
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_53

Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Government press release entitled Rooftop solar for new builds to save people money, published on 6 June 2025, if she will make it her policy to require rooftop solar panels installed on new homes under the Future Homes Standard to be fitted by individuals with proven competency in both (a) electrical and (b) roofing. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government will publish the Future Homes Standard (FHS) this autumn to ensure new homes are zero carbon ready, meaning they will require no future retrofit work as the electricity grid fully decarbonises.

The FHS will apply to all new homes and will ensure they have low carbon heating and high levels of energy efficiency. We will set out appropriate transitional arrangements for the FHS in due course to ensure a smooth adoption of the new standards.

To ensure the quality and safety of installations, including the requirements around structural safety, fire safety and electrical safety, works must be approved by building control or carried out by someone registered as part of the competent persons scheme.
wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_54
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-20 conversation_54

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to her Department's publication entitled Plan for Neighbourhoods: Regeneration Plan guidance, published on 9 June 2025, what estimate she has made of the (a) quantity and (b) length of the total paperwork required for participants to receive Plan for Neighbourhoods funding. \p Alex Norris: On 9th June, the government published the Plan for Neighbourhoods Regeneration Plan Guidance which re-iterates our commitment for a light touch assessment process. The Plan for Neighbourhoods represents a break from the competitive bidding process and micromanaging of previous regeneration funds. Instead, this is a model whereby Neighbourhood Boards are provided with a list of pre-approved interventions and given the autonomy such that, if that activity can be evidenced as a clear priority of the community, it can be pursued without the need to provide a lengthy business case. The activities listed range from eye-catching new developments to the bread-and-butter issues raised by people on the doorstep.

The Plan for Neighbourhoods will transform “left behind” areas to deliver meaningful change in the day-to-day lives of local people.