theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_272
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_272

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what purposes the Pension Protection Fund has used artificial intelligence in the last 12 months. \p Torsten Bell: The PPF has used AI over the past 12 months as a support tool to boost productivity and enable faster decision making.

The PPF has put restrictions in place to control the use of AI, such as only using tools that don’t hold or store data. It continues to look at AI capabilities and what is appropriate and proportionate for the organisation.

The PPF has drafted an AI acceptable use standard which aligns to the NCSC guidelines for secure AI system development.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_273
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_273

Mr Will Forster:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help tackle (a) discrepancies between contribution amounts on pension statements and payslips, (b) lack of online access to manage pensions and (c) other common issues with workplace pensions. \p Torsten Bell: The independent Pensions Regulator (TPR) is responsible for providing detailed guidance to employers on how to meet their automatic enrolment duties. This includes guidance on avoiding common errors, such as incorrect pension contributions, failing to enrol employees correctly and missing or late payments. Pension scheme managers and trustees also have a responsibility to ensure the correct management of schemes including monitoring the payment of contributions.

If an employee has concerns regarding their workplace pension such as unpaid contributions, they should raise this with their employer in the first instance. An individual can report their employer to TPR if it is not complying with the law and/or make a complaint to The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) who can investigate the complaint and provide a remedy if the employer is found to be at fault. TPO, in collaboration with MoneyHelper and TPR, has published a factsheet for customers about this: Workplace pensions – unpaid pension contributions | The Pensions Ombudsman.

Accessible information and good communications are important in enabling savers to better understand their pensions. Some schemes already offer online access to help members easily and securely view their pension details. The government is also supporting the delivery of pensions dashboards, which will allow people to view their whole pensions picture, including their State Pension, securely and in one place. This will help reunite people with their lost pension pots and support better engagement – empowering individuals to better prepare for retirement.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_274
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_274

Bradley Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an estimate of the number of eligible pensioners who were not claiming Pension Credit in Bromsgrove constituency on 31 January 2025. \p Torsten Bell: In published DWP Pension Credit Take-up statistics, it is estimated that up to 760,000 households who were entitled to receive Pension Credit did not claim the benefit. These statistics are only available at Great Britain level and cannot be broken down to smaller geographical areas. The latest available Pension Credit take-up statistics for Great Britain cover the financial year 2022 to 2023 and are available at: Income-related benefits: estimates of take-up: financial year ending 2023 - GOV.UK

Latest caseload statistics show that at May 2024, there were 1,354,446 people in receipt of Pension Credit in Great Britain, of which 1,443 were in Bromsgrove constituency. This data is available via DWP Stat-xplore.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_275
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_275

Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many households in Edinburgh South West constituency claimed the Winter Fuel Payment in (a) 2023-24 and (b) 2024-25; and how many of those were new claimants in each of those years. \p Torsten Bell: The vast majority of Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically without the need to claim. Linking Winter Fuel eligibility to Pension Credit and other means tested benefits for pensioners ensures the least well-off pensioners still receive the help they need.

In winter 2023-24, there were around 11,500 pensioner households in the Edinburgh South West constituency receiving the Winter Fuel Payment. This is based on Winter Fuel Payment statistics for winter 2023 to 2024.

We do not yet hold data on the number of Winter Fuel Payment recipients through winter 2024-25. These figures will be released as part of the Winter Fuel Payment statistics for Winter 2024 to 2025.

Powers to pay winter heating assistance in Scotland have been devolved to the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Government have replaced Winter Fuel Payment with Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from 2024/25. It is up to the Scottish Government how it operates these payments.

Information on new recipients of Winter Fuel Payments in 2023-24 is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_276
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_276

Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many (a) male and (b) female pensioners in Edinburgh South West will receive the 2025 increase in the state pension. \p Torsten Bell: All State Pension recipients in Edinburgh South West will receive an increase in their State Pension from April 2025. At the quarter ending May 2024, the latest published State Pension caseload data, there were (a) 7,040 Male and (b) 8,501 Female State Pension recipients in Edinburgh South West. Source: DWP Stat-Xplore.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_277
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_277

Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the cost of increasing the State Pension for people in Edinburgh South West constituency in 2025. \p Torsten Bell: No such estimate has been made for Edinburgh South West. In April 2025, the basic and new State Pension will increase by 4.1% as confirmed in the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2025. In 25/26, it is estimated the total State Pension expenditure, covering Great Britain and including State Pension paid outside UK, will increase by around £9bn. This estimation is available in the latest Benefit Expenditure and Caseload tables published at Autumn Statement 2024. Geographical breakdowns are not available.

Source: Benefit expenditure and caseload tables 2024 - GOV.UK
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_278
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_278

Helen Whately:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the recommendations of the independent report entitled Our Future Homes: Housing that promotes wellbeing and community for an ageing population, published on 26 November 2024. \p Sir Stephen Timms: DWP works closely with the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government to ensure housing needs of those on low incomes, including pensioners, are considered as part of the Government’s Strategy. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has not met with her counterparts in the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Health and Social Care to discuss the report specifically.

There are cross-government ministerial meetings to shape the strategy which will set out a long-term vision for a housing market that works for communities. The Government aims to build 1.5m high-quality homes, delivering the biggest increase in affordable housing for a generation. The strategy will also include the actions we will take to provide long-term certainty for the market.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_279
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_279

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy the Environment Agency's guidance entitled New national flood and coastal erosion risk information, updated on 28 January 2025, in the context of flood risk in Bedfordshire. \p Emma Hardy: The new National Flood Risk Assessment (NaFRA) data published on 28 January 2025 was accompanied by online guidance. The new NaFRA uses the best currently available data, both from EA local teams and Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) in Bedfordshire and elsewhere. The EA is committed to a rolling programme of further data improvements starting from summer 2025.

LLFAs are the lead organisations responsible for managing surface water flood risk. The EA anticipate that LLFAs will review data on surface water flooding, and properties flooded in 2024-25, as part of any ‘Section 19’ reporting they carry out (a requirement on LLFAs under the Floods and Water Management Act 2010).

The EA does not have direct access to insurance claims information related to flooding, so have not undertaken any assessment of insurance claims information related to the data on surface water flood risk.

The Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has regular discussions with the EA on a number of matters, including those relating to the new NaFRA. On 25 March 2025 the EA aims to publish the new NaFRA flood zone data on ‘Flood map for planning’ and on data.gov.uk.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_280
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_280

Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department holds information on the number of injuries caused by dangerous dogs to (a) postal workers and (b) courier workers broken down at (i) national, (ii) local authority and (iii) Parliamentary constituency level. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra does not hold data on the total number of dog attacks or on the number of injuries caused by dangerous dogs on postal or courier workers as enforcement authorities and healthcare services are not required to report this information to Defra. This information may be collected by the NHS, individual police forces and local authorities.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_281
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_281

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 4 February 2025 to Question 26765 on Soil: Conservation, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of thresholds for Sustainable Farming Incentive schemes; and what plans his Department has to review those thresholds to ensure they can be accessed by small family farms. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government continues to roll out ELM schemes, including Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) and the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), to support farmers in actions including improving soil health and supporting flood and drought resilience. CSHT is in its pre-application phase with applications opening in summer, and the SFI is open for applications.

There is no size or income threshold below which a farm would not be eligible to apply for either scheme. For SFI, the requirement that farmers must have been eligible for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in either 2022 or 2023 no longer applies to the expanded SFI offer. This means that groups that were not eligible for BPS are now eligible to apply for the expanded SFI offer. This includes groups such as new entrants, non-farming land managers and smallholders.

For CSHT, farmers, foresters or land managers wishing to apply must have management control of the land they want to enter into CSHT actions for the duration of those actions, and cannot be paid twice for the same activity included in other agreements. We have published information that sets out what you can do now to prepare to apply for CSHT. We will publish more details on the timing and approach to widening applications further in 2025. We will also provide more details in February about how other farm and land managers who are not initially invited, but who are interested in applying for CSHT, can contact RPA.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_282
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_282

Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 5973 on Lead: Paint, whether his Department is taking steps to prepare new guidance. \p Emma Hardy: Defra does not currently plan to issue new guidance on lead paint.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_283
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_283

Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress he has made on the review of the Devon and Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority funding formula; and if he will set a timeline for completion. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra is aware of the complex funding challenges in Devon and Severn IFCA and is working with all local authorities within its membership to review the funding formula and how the IFCA can operate on a more sustainable basis. Engagement with local authorities is concluding and we expect to receive advice on the proposed way forward later this year. Any changes will require consultation and an amendment to the Devon and Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Order (2010). We have recently published the third IFCA Conduct and Operations Report (covering the period 2018 to 2022) from which we have requested a wider look at the IFCA funding model.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_284
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_284

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help the UK meet its commitments on climate change adaptation. \p Emma Hardy: Defra is the lead department for domestic adaptation to climate change, responsible for coordinating requirements set out in the UK Climate Change Act 2008. This includes preparing a UK Climate Change Risk Assessment every five years, followed by a National Adaptation Programme. Defra works closely with the Cabinet Office in delivering this function.

Defra has responsibility for around half of the 61 risks and opportunities identified in the third Climate Change Risk Assessment, with a further eleven government departments having responsibility for the remainder.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_285
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_285

David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 January 2025 to Question 23346 on Property Development: Air Pollution, for what reason a Regulatory Impact Assessment is not required for that guidance. \p Emma Hardy: Applicants are advised to consider the interim planning guidance as part of their planning application, but the interim guidance is not statutory. Therefore, it is not a regulatory provision and as such a Regulatory Impact Assessment is not currently required.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_286
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_286

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to monitor companies responsibilities and duties to the environment. \p Emma Hardy: The Government makes full use of the comprehensive and wide ranging environmental regulatory framework in England.

There are many regulators involved in delivering Government environmental objectives, and the Environment Agency (EA) is the largest environmental regulator for England.

The EA regulates a wide range of industries and activities, in diverse fields such as nuclear power, waste and resources, the water industry, climate change, flood protection. Its regulation brings about significant improvements in protection of the environment, adapts to emerging challenges and supports sustainable growth.

The Government also supports voluntary environmental due diligence approaches adopted by UK businesses across their operations and supply chain relationships, in line with the OECD’s Guidelines for Responsible Business Conduct. DBT also oversees the UK’s National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct, an independent unit tasked with promoting the OECD Guidelines and managing a non-judicial grievance mechanism to resolve complaints through mediation.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_287
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_287

David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 January 2025 to Question 23346 on Property Development: Air Pollution, how many new developments and dwellings currently undertake air quality assessments; and when such are assessments required. \p Emma Hardy: All developments subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment are required to undertake air quality assessments. Air quality assessments may also be required for developments where national assessment indicates that relevant limit values for air pollutants have been exceeded or are near the limit, or where the need for emissions reductions has been identified.

The information regarding how many new developments and dwellings currently undertake air quality assessments is not collated centrally.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_288
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_288

Sir Ashley Fox:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the use of neonicotinoids in spot pet treatments on the environment. \p Emma Hardy: Parasiticides play an important role in the protecting of animal health from fleas, ticks, and vector-borne diseases, and in protecting human health from zoonotic transfer of disease. Therefore, their regulation requires a careful balance between effective parasite control for animal health and welfare and human health whilst minimising potential risks to the environment.

To address environmental safety, every veterinary pharmaceutical undergoes an environmental exposure assessment, with products for companion animals usually ending in a phase 1 assessment. If exposure is deemed high, a more detailed Phase II risk assessment is conducted, evaluating potential environmental impact based on expected exposure and toxicity. The findings from these assessments are considered as part of the final benefit/risk assessment during the approval process. There are also warnings that accompany products advising on use and to mitigate against dogs entering water courses directly after treatment. Environmental assessments are conducted in accordance with international guidelines and data standards.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is conducting a number of research activities to provide further evidence on environmental impacts and causes. Furthermore, the VMD supports a review of the international environmental risk assessment guidelines for companion animal parasiticides, which has been proposed and is currently under consideration by the body for International Cooperation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Veterinary Medicinal Products (VICH).
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_289
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_289

Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to strengthen the National Adaptation Programme. \p Emma Hardy: Alongside delivering a new National Adaptation Programme we are committed to strengthening the nation’s resilience, and we are considering a range of options to better embed climate adaptation across the whole of Government. This includes:

We will have more to say on this strengthened approach to climate change adaptation in due course.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_290
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_290

Samantha Niblett:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to provide grants to farmers for rainwater harvesting. \p Daniel Zeichner: We are committed to supporting all farming sectors to increase levels of productivity whilst increasing their sustainability and resilience. We are looking carefully at how to position further investment and support to enable the delivery of this Government's objectives, including on water security.

We plan to simplify and rationalise our grant funding, ensuring that grants deliver the most benefit for food security and nature. We will confirm any future grant rounds in due course.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_291
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_291

Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to (a) monitor and (b) stop lead contamination in waterways. \p Emma Hardy: The Environment Agency identifies and prioritises sources of metal pollution, including waterways contaminated by lead, and conducts regular and routine water quality inspections, in line with their regulatory duties. The results are published on the Environment Agency’s public water quality archive website.

The Government has set a long-term statutory target under the Environment Act to reduce by half the 1,500km of English rivers polluted by target metals (including lead) from abandoned metal mines by 31 December 2038. To achieve this target, the Government is building mine water treatment schemes and diffuse interventions under the Water & Abandoned Metal Mines Programme - a partnership between Defra, the Environment Agency and the Mining Remediation Authority - to prevent metals from abandoned metal mines, including lead, from polluting rivers.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_292
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_292

Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to (a) assess and (b) help mitigate the risk of lead contamination in agricultural land in (i) England, (ii) East Anglia and (iii) South West Norfolk constituency. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra monitors concentrations of ten heavy metals, including lead, in naturally-growing mosses as part of the European Moss Survey, which takes place every five years. The moss data provide a cost-effective measure of pollution deposition from the atmosphere which complements conventional precipitation analysis.

The latest report for the 2020-2022 survey is publicly available here. It shows that lead deposition has declined since 1990.

The UK Heavy Metals Network forms the basis of the UK’s compliance monitoring for the Air Quality Standards Regulations (2010), which covers lead, arsenic, cadmium, nickel and mercury. Lead in the PM10 fraction of air (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter of 10 µm or less) is measured at 26 sites. The UK has been compliant with applicable limit values in legislation for ambient lead in air for over 20 years.

Further details are publicly available here: Air Pollution in the UK report – Defra, UK.

Treated sewage sludge (commonly called biosolids) can be beneficially spread to agricultural land under the Sludge (Use in Agriculture) Regulations (SUiAR).

Details are publicly available here.

In England the Environment Agency is responsible for enforcing the SUiAR, which are supported by a sewage sludge in agriculture code of practice.

Details are publicly available here.

The SUiAR provides controls that protect the environment and human health when these organic materials are spread to agricultural land. Provided the use of sewage sludge is carried out in accordance with the relevant regulatory controls and good practice guidance is followed, the recycling of sewage sludge to land is an allowable activity.

The SUiAR require that sludge shall be used in such a way that the quality of the soil and of the surface and ground water is not impaired. A person using sludge has to ensure they can meet this requirement of the SUiAR. The requirement is applicable to all relevant contaminants which could, when sludge is used, cause the quality of the soil and of surface and ground water to be impaired. Lead is a contaminant that can be present in sludge and which is specifically listed in both the SUiAR and its supporting sewage sludge in agriculture code of practice.

Emissions of lead from industrial installations in England are subject to stringent emission limits and monitoring requirements under The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_293
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_293

Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with water companies on the replacement of water pipes to households in which lead has been found in the water supply in (a) England, (b) East Anglia and (c) South West Norfolk constituency. \p Emma Hardy: Lead pipes have not been permitted since 1970, but they may be present in older properties.

To reduce the risk of lead leaching into water, water companies treat the water with orthophosphate which reduces the problem significantly. Any failure of the lead standard of 10 micrograms per litre is investigated thoroughly by water companies with resamples being taken. Failures of the standard are generally caused by internal lead pipework and fittings which are the responsibility of the owner.

In Defra’s Strategic Policy Statement to Ofwat, we supported action by the water industry to trial approaches to reduce exposure to lead which have been agreed in water companies’ business plans for 2025-2030. Two Green Recovery projects, approved by Ofwat, are also trialling replacement of customer supply pipes made of lead.

On public drinking water – the Drinking Water Inspectorate are the body who provide the independent assurance that public drinking water supplies are safe.

Drinking water for the human consumer remains safe as it is tested and appropriately treated before distribution to the tap, so the human health risk from drinking water remains very low.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_294
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_294

Helen Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to tackle underperforming wastewater treatment plants. \p Emma Hardy: The Government has taken immediate and substantial action to address the performance of water companies who are not delivering for the environment or their customers.

The Water (Special Measures) Bill will provide the most significant increase in enforcement powers for the regulators in a decade, giving them the teeth they need to take tougher action against water companies in the next investment period. The Bill will drive meaningful improvements in the performance and culture of the water industry as a first important step in enabling wider, transformative change across the water sector.

Separately, the regulators have also launched the largest criminal and civil investigations into water company sewage discharges ever They will take action if any illegality is identified. As part of their investigation, Ofwat has proposed fines of £168 million against the first three companies. This investigation is a priority for Ofwat, and it will continue to work as quickly as possible on all remaining companies.

Additionally, through the next investment period, which runs from 2025 – 2030, there will be improvements at wastewater treatment works protecting rivers across England and Wales.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_295
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_295

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, with reference to the guidance entitled Public Sector Equality Duty: guidance for public authorities, published on 18 December 2023, and pursuant to the letter from the Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary of State for Business and Trade to economic regulators referenced in the Answer of 24 January 2024 to Question 24447 on Economic Growth: Regulation, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that regulators do not try to impose the public sector equality duty on private companies. \p Anneliese Dodds: The Public Sector Equality Duty (the PSED) requires organisations in scope to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between different people.

The scope of the PSED is set out in the Equality Act 2010 (the Act). It extends to all public authorities listed in Schedule 19 of the Act and all parties carrying out public functions. This includes private sector and voluntary organisations when carrying out public functions.

The government expects regulators to ensure organisations comply with their legal requirements. It is not the role of regulators to intervene where legal requirements do not apply and we have no evidence that this is occurring.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_296
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_296

Alex Mayer:To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many and what proportion of cleaning products used on the parliamentary estate are cruelty free certified. \p Nick Smith: We currently use 40 products on site; 31 products are confirmed as not tested on animals.

The remaining nine products are not cruelty free certified or we do not hold the relevant information as they are used by a contractor.

We are committed to supporting cruelty free alternatives and, where possible, we will be working with our suppliers to find cruelty free alternatives for these items.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_297
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_297

Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of using procurement to support open source software development in the UK. \p Feryal Clark: The UK has a strong open-source ecosystem, which has helped drive innovation and distribute the benefits of technology widely.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan outlines how the government will maximise the potential for AI, including its support for open-source development. This includes the government's agreement to support open-source solutions when procuring AI models and other software for public sector use where appropriate. As a result, we are working closely with and engaging the open-source community to benefit from open-source innovation through appropriately sourced models and other technical solutions.

The principles of being open and using open source has been part of the Government's Technology Code of Practice for some time, and continues to be one of our core principles.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_298
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_298

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the NSPCC report entitled Viewing Generative AI and Children’s Safety in the Round, published in January 2025. \p Feryal Clark: Creating a safer online world is a priority for government. The strongest protections in the Online Safety Act are for children - in-scope services must remove illegal content and prevent children from encountering harmful content, including where it is AI generated.

We are also committed to tackling the atrocious harm of Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and will bring in legislation to criminalise possessing, creating or distributing AI tools designed to generate this material.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_299
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_299

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions the Government has had with Generative AI technology companies to tackle risks to children. \p Feryal Clark: Protecting children online is a key priority for the government, including through the protections in the Online Safety Act. The Act will require in-scope services to remove illegal content and prevent children from encountering harmful content, including where it is AI generated.

Government meets with a range of stakeholders, including AI companies, across a range of issues.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_300
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_300

Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much public money has been allocated for the development and maintenance of the AI tools (a) Scout, (b) Connect, and (c) Humphrey; and from which departmental budgets those funds have been drawn. \p Feryal Clark: One of the functions of the new Government Digital Service is to incubate AI products and scale them into cross government services. As part of this funding for the development of Connect and Humphrey will come from the budget of the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence, which sits within DSIT's overall operating budget.

The level of funding is subject to the department’s settlement at Spending Review. Currently other departments are not charged for use of these tools, though the department will determine an appropriate operating model on finalisation of the Spending Review. Following a handover of the tool, future budgetary decisions for Scout will belong to the Infrastructure and Projects Authority.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_301
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_301

Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of open source AI on the economy. \p Feryal Clark: The UK has a strong open-source ecosystem and we recognise how open source can help support economic growth and innovation. The AI Opportunities Action Plan includes measures to help maximise this potential, including through commitments around open sourcing where possible in the development and deployment of AI tools in the public sector.

Open source can also boost transparency and support AI safety research. The UK Government will carefully balance these important benefits alongside the risks that AI can bring as it develops its regulatory approach.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_302
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_302

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Geospatial Commission on the impact of the rise of employer national insurance contributions on projects they (a) fund and (b) sponsor since July 2024. \p Feryal Clark: The Geospatial Commission is now a team inside the Government Digital Service, within the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology. There were no discussions with the Secretary of State on the impact of the rise of employer national insurance contributions on their work.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_303
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_303

Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what information his Department holds on the number of households that will have high-speed broadband installed in (a) the UK, (b) Leicestershire and (c) Mid Leicestershire constituency in each of the next five years. \p Chris Bryant: According to the independent website, Thinkbroadband.com, over 86% of UK premises can now access gigabit-capable broadband. In Leicestershire this figure is currently at 83%, and for the Mid Leicestershire constituency it is over 89%.

Our objective is for nationwide gigabit coverage across the UK by 2030, with at least 99% of premises having access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection.

The rate of delivery in each area will depend on broadband suppliers’ commercial rollout, supplemented by the delivery of Project Gigabit to address gaps in coverage. Over one million premises in the UK are currently included in Project Gigabit contracts, through which they should gain access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection in the next five years. This includes approximately 15,600 premises in the non-metropolitan county of Leicestershire and around 600 premises in the Mid Leicestershire constituency.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_304
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_304

Alison Hume:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure the safety of young people on social media. \p Feryal Clark: Our priority is the effective implementation of the Online Safety Act so that users benefit from its wide-reaching protections.

The Act requires all services in scope to take steps to protect users, including children, from illegal content and criminal behaviour. In addition, those likely to be accessed by children will also need to provide additional safety measures to protect them from harmful and age-inappropriate content.

Ofcom also has duty to promote media literacy to help the public understand the nature and impact of harmful content and online behaviour.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_305
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_305

Charlotte Cane:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that smaller platforms are adequately regulated to protect children from online harms. \p Feryal Clark: Government’s priority is the effective implementation of the Online Safety Act 2023 so that children can benefit from its wide-reaching protections. The Act’s illegal content duties and, where relevant, child safety duties, will apply to services of all sizes.

All companies in scope of the Act, regardless of their size, will have duties to prevent users from encountering illegal content and activity. Additionally, all services which are likely to be accessed by children are required to protect children from harmful content. This includes content such as pornography, or content that promote, encourages or provides instructions for self-harm, eating disorders or suicide.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_306
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_306

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will publish the total cost to the public purse for the provision of diversity, equality and inclusion courses for staff in her Department in 2024. \p Feryal Clark: Under data transparency publications, the department publishes transactions over £25,000. As EDI spend is less than this, it won’t be published.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_307
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_307

Charlotte Cane:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that workforce skills adapt to the role of AI in the economy. \p Feryal Clark: Lifelong learning and adaptability are key to ensuring everyone can prosper in an increasingly technology-driven world. The AI Opportunities Action Plan outlines the steps the UK will take to build a strong, diverse talent pipeline, realising AI benefits across the economy.

Working with DSIT and the Industrial Strategy Council, Skills England will bring together businesses, training partners, and unions with national and local government to assess the country’s skills need – including AI and digital skills – and map pathways to fill them.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_308
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_308

Charlotte Cane:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department taking to promote the sustainable development of AI capacity. \p Feryal Clark: The AI Opportunities Action Plan sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for growth, driving adoption and building UK capabilities. We recognise that data centres face sustainability challenges, from energy demands to water use.

Through the AI Energy Council, we will be exploring bold, clean energy solutions from next-generation renewables to small modular reactors to ensure our AI ambitions align with the UK’s net zero goals. This builds on DSIT’s contribution to make Britain a clean energy superpower by investing in relevant research on clean energy and climate change.

Additionally, we recently signed agreements on sustainability at the French AI Action Summit and joined the Coalition for Sustainable AI.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_309
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_309

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment his Department has made of the potential for harm by small websites not included in the Online Harm Bill. \p Feryal Clark: All user-to-user services, no matter their size and regardless of whether they are categorised, will be captured by the Online Safety Act. The illegal content duties will require all user-to-user services – including small but risky services - to risk assess for illegal content, reduce the risk that users encounter illegal content, and mitigate against their service being used to facilitate or commit certain offences. The child safety duties will apply to all services likely to be accessed by children. These services must use highly effective age assurance to protect children from the most harmful content.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_310
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_310

Clive Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms in response to the hon. member for Harpenden and Berkhamsted during the urgent question on AstraZeneca of 3 February 2025, Official Report, column 554, if he will publish the requested letter. \p Feryal Clark: The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms is content to write a letter responding to the hon. Member for Harpenden and Berkhamsted on this matter in due course.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_311
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_311

Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to his Answer of 21 November to Question UIN 14700 on Broadband: advertising, whether he plans to include guidance in his forthcoming Statement of Strategic Priorities. \p Chris Bryant: The government sees the use of consistent terminology between providers as a means to support take-up of gigabit capable broadband services and we continue to engage with Ofcom on this topic.

The government is planning to consult on the draft updated Statement of Strategic Priorities (SSP) for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services in the coming weeks. As part of the consultation process, we would welcome views on content of the SSP from industry stakeholders.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_312
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_312

Bradley Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what his Department's research and development budget was in the (a) 2023-24 and (b) 2024-25 financial year. \p Feryal Clark: DSIT’s closing R&D budget for 2023-24 was £12,300m. This reflects the position post-Machinery of Government changes, comprising elements of the R&D budgets of DSIT’s predecessor departments.

DSIT’s R&D budget for 2024-25, updated at Autumn Budget 2024 is £12,500m*.

* Rounded to nearest £100m
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_313
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_313

Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking with the broadband industry to support the take-up of full fibre networks. \p Chris Bryant: The government continues to work with the broadband industry and regulatory bodies to support take-up of gigabit-capable broadband.

The government welcomes the introduction by Ofcom of new guidance to ensure consumers are told in clear terms, at point of sale, about the technology that underpins their broadband service.

We also welcome the launch of One Touch Switch (OTS) by industry. Consumers now only have to contact their new provider when they wish to switch provider. OTS should support take-up of gigabit broadband as it makes it more straightforward for consumers to upgrade and move providers.
wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_314
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-02-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-02-14 conversation_314

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the UKRI on the potential impact of the rise of employer national insurance contributions on projects they fund or sponsor since July 2024. \p Feryal Clark: In order to repair the public finances and help raise the revenue required to increase funding for public services, the Government has taken the difficult decision to increase employer National Insurance. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology continues to work with the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the sector to create a sustainable research and innovation environment and discussions are ongoing.

UKRI grants are costed on known costs at the time of application. Whilst we recognise there may be impacts for Research Organisations with the increase in employers National Insurance contributions, unfortunately, it is not feasible to respond to every adjusting economic circumstance.