theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Andrew Griffith:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department offers paternity leave to its staff from their first working day. \p Mike Kane: The Department for Transport follows the legislation on Statutory Ordinary Paternity/Partner Support Leave, which requires employees to have at least 26 weeks’ qualifying service to be entitled to such leave. The Department exceeds statutory requirements by providing full pay for such leave.

As with any changes to employment legislation, internal policies and processes will be updated as appropriate in preparation for when the Employment Rights Bill 2024 comes into effect.
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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking with relevant authorities to help tackle dangerous driving in (a) South Holland and The Deepings constituency and (b) other rural areas. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Government takes road safety seriously, and we are committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. Since the general election, the Department has begun work on a new Road Safety Strategy, the first in over a decade. The Department will share more details in due course.

The Government’s THINK! road safety campaign, aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads. THINK! launched a major new drink driving campaign in November, highlighting the risks of drinking even a little before driving. The campaign targeted men aged 17-24, who are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured on the road than drivers aged 25 and over, and who are over-represented in drink drive casualties. Paid advertising ran across social media, online video and gaming sites, radio and podcasts. The campaign also featured roadside advertising near to pubs and bars and posters and beermats in venues across England and Wales.

THINK! also joined forces with industry to launch THINK! 0%, encouraging drivers to always opt for alcohol-free options when getting behind the wheel via timely reminders at the point of purchase, and worked with police forces to support national drink and drug driving enforcement activity in the lead up to Christmas.

The enforcement of road traffic law and how available resources are deployed in South Holland and The Deepings constituency, and other rural areas, is the responsibility of individual Chief Officers and Police and Crime Commissioners, taking into account the specific local problems and demands with which they are faced.
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Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether their Department offers its staff shared parental leave from their first working day. \p Mike Kane: The Department for Transport follows the legislation on Shared Parental Leave, which requires employees to have at least 26 weeks’ qualifying service to be entitled to such leave. The Department exceeds statutory requirements by providing enhanced pay for such leave.

As with any changes to employment legislation, internal policies and processes will be updated as appropriate in preparation for when the Employment Rights Bill 2024 comes into effect.
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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of driving test waiting times on young people’s ability to access employment and education opportunities. \p Lilian Greenwood: As acknowledged in the statement made on 18 December 2024 about car practical driving test waiting times, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) understands the potential impact high waiting times have on learner drivers, including younger drivers.

In the same statement, DVSA set out further plans to reduce driving test waiting times across the country. These steps include recruiting 450 driving examiners and improving rules for booking driving tests.

For practical driving test candidates, DVSA is still offering the Mobile Emergency Worker (MEW) process for those in critical roles. The process, which was implemented during the coronavirus pandemic, is only for candidates who are a critical worker in England or Wales and work for one of the following:

They must also:

DVSA has shared the MEW application process with all applicable emergency organisations. Candidates who meet this eligibility criteria and want a test, should talk to their employer, who will need to apply on their employee’s behalf.

DVSA is committed to providing customers with the best service possible and continually reviews its estate, including in rural areas, to ensure it represents good value for money and is efficient.
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Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the AI Opportunities Action Plan, published on 13 January 2025, whether the plan will help support the introduction of regulations on UK-based self-driving vehicle companies. \p Lilian Greenwood: The 2025 AI Opportunities Action Plan (the Plan) supports the introduction of regulations on UK-based self-driving vehicle companies. The Plan notes the role self-driving vehicles play in contributing to the UK’s position as an AI superpower, including UK AI company Wayve securing over $1 billion investment to develop the next generation of AI-powered self-driving vehicles in 2024.

Following Royal Assent of the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act, our world-leading work on the safe implementation of automated vehicles on our roads presses ahead with a suite of consultations to enable implementation of the AV regulatory framework in 2027. The AV implementation timeline is designed to prioritise the development of a regulatory framework that maximises innovation, public safety and strengthens public confidence. Alongside developing our domestic regulations, we are playing a leading role in work to harmonise international rules on self-driving, which will enable our companies to export globally. This work is anticipated to complete in early 2027.

We are considering options as to possible routes to enabling advanced trialling and early commercial pilots to be deployed in advance of full implementation of the AV Act, working with industry to explore what they need and how to deliver this within existing legislation. We've established an industry working group to help facilitate this.
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Alison Griffiths:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department offers protection to staff from unfair dismissal from their first working day. \p Mike Kane: The Department for Transport employs robust policies to ensure that the dismissal of any employee, including new employees serving a period of probation, is fair and legally compliant.
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Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the report entitled The cycling opportunity by Sustrans, published in September 2024. \p Simon Lightwood: The Department welcomes the findings of this research and will consider its recommendations carefully as we develop our future plans for active travel.
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Rebecca Paul:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many road lighting schemes on (a) motorways and (b) all-purpose trunk roads were renewed at the end of their service life following completion of the TA 501 appraisal process in each of the last five years. \p Lilian Greenwood: The answer could only be provided at a disproportionate cost.
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Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has received a response from the DVLA to the Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death of Xander Irvine. \p Lilian Greenwood: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has responded to the Determination following the Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death of Xander Irvine. This response can be viewed in full at www.scotcourts.gov.uk/fatal-accident-inquiries/fatal-accident-inquiries-and-determinations/fai-alexander-irvine-response/.
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Connor Naismith:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has plans to mandate a standard platform height for train stations. \p Simon Lightwood: Ensuring accessibility for all passengers is at the heart of the Government’s passenger-focused approach and we will work to deliver a more reliable and consistent customer experience for everyone with accessibility needs.

Level boarding is an important factor, and the procurement of new trains will need to take account of allowing passengers to board and alight with ease.

At present, new, renewed or upgraded platforms at train stations in Great Britain are required to meet a nominal height of 915mm, as mandated by the National Technical Specification Notices and National Technical Rules for the interoperability of the GB railway.

There is no current plan to change these mandatory platform heights requirements for stations on the conventional mainline railway, but the Department keeps all rail interoperability requirements under review.
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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she plans to review the policy paper entitled Airports National Policy Statement, published on 5 June 2018. \p Mike Kane: As required by the Planning Act 2008, the Secretary of State will review the Airports National Policy Statement when she considers it appropriate to do so.
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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to review the air traffic movement cap at Heathrow. \p Mike Kane: Any proposal for change to the existing planning cap on air traffic movements at Heathrow airport would need to form part of a relevant planning application.

There is currently no live Development Consent Order application from Heathrow Airport.
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Dr Roz Savage:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure the (a) affordability and (b) transparency of train fares; and whether she plans to regulate dynamic pricing models for commuter routes. \p Simon Lightwood: Whilst it is our ambition through public ownership to deliver a more affordable railway, any long-term changes or concessions made to rail fares policy require balancing against the potential impacts on passengers, taxpayers and the railway.

We are committed to reforming the overcomplicated fares and ticketing system to deliver simpler, easier and more flexible ways to travel and will expand ticketing innovations such as Pay As You Go in urban areas across the country.
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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing a direct train link between Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station and Manchester Airport. \p Simon Lightwood: No assessment has been made. However, the Manchester Taskforce has identified a number of infrastructure constraints impacting on the operational deliverability of additional direct services to Manchester Airport, including services that previously operated.

Whilst longer term plans are being developed, work continues on improving the passenger experience for those having to change trains.
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Clive Lewis:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has received representations from Macquarie Group on increasing the number of flights (a) to and (b) from UK airports. \p Mike Kane: The Secretary of State for Transport has not received representations from Macquarie Group relating to increasing the number of flights to and from UK airports.
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Nadia Whittome:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will make it her policy to establish a commission that includes (a) trade unions, (b) campaign organisations and (c) community groups to help implement the socio-economic duty. \p Anneliese Dodds: The Government is committed to commencing the socio-economic duty in the Equality Act 2010. The duty will require specified public bodies, when making strategic decisions, to consider actively how their decisions might help to reduce the inequalities associated with socio-economic disadvantage.   We know that the duty will only succeed if central Government works in partnership with public sector leaders, communities and other partners up and down the country. We will therefore work closely with relevant organisations to ensure that implementation of the duty is as effective as possible. We will update further on our work to commence the socio-economic duty in due course.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help (a) support women in the workplace and (b) help tackle (i) pregnancy and (ii) maternity discrimination. \p Anneliese Dodds: Women’s equality is at the core of this Government's missions. As part of the Employment Rights Bill, we are introducing robust measures to support and safeguard working women. This includes strengthening protections against workplace sexual harassment and requiring employers to develop gender pay gap and menopause action plans.

The Employment Rights Bill will also make it unlawful to dismiss pregnant women, mothers on Maternity Leave, and mothers who return to work for a six-month period after they return – except in specific circumstances.

The Bill will also make Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave ‘day one’ rights and ensure flexible working is the default, except where it is not reasonably feasible. These changes will provide further support for both men and women balancing work and care.
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Dr Rupa Huq:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking to ensure that businesses comply with the Equality Act 2010 in granting access to disabled individuals accompanied by guide dogs. \p Anneliese Dodds: The Equality Act 2010 is clear that disabled people should not be refused access to businesses or services because they have a guide dog. Any such refusals are likely to be unlawful.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published a range of guidance on this matter to ensure that businesses and service providers are aware of their legal responsibilities towards customers with guide dogs and are equipped with the knowledge to ensure the Equality Act 2010 is complied with.
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Brendan O'Hara:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many meetings his Department has had with Israel Defense Forces personnel since 5 July 2024; who participated in those meetings; and when those meetings took place. \p Luke Pollard: Israel is an important regional partner for the UK and we have a broad relationship including on Defence. The Ministry of Defence routinely conducts bilateral Defence engagement with the Israel Defense Forces, the Palestinian Authority, and the US, as part of the concerted UK effort to reduce the risk of escalation in the Middle East.
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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to decolonise the (a) artwork, (b) heritage assets in (i) his Department and (ii) each of its arm’s length bodies and (iii) Armed Forces premises of the Armed Forces (A) in and (B) outside the United Kingdom. \p Maria Eagle: There are no such plans currently under consideration. As a Department, the Ministry of Defence borrows art from the Government Art Collection. There has been no change in the Cabinet Office’s management of artwork or heritage assets since the previous administration. The Ministry of Defence does not have a separate additional policy on artwork and heritage assets.
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Brian Leishman:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which officials attended meetings with Israeli Major General Oded Basyuk on 22 January 2025; and for what reason. \p Luke Pollard: As part of the concerted UK effort to reduce the risk of escalation in the Middle East and to achieve a peaceful resolution in Gaza and Lebanon, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) hosted counterparts from Israel on 22 January, led by Major General Basyuk. UK attendees included officials from the MOD, FCDO and Cabinet Office, and discussions included UK calls to implement all phases of the Gaza ceasefire deal in full and establish a pathway to lasting peace and security for the region.
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Matthew Patrick:To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for clean energy projects in Wales. \p Jo Stevens: This Government’s Contracts for Difference Scheme is supporting seven tidal, solar and onshore wind projects.

Great British Energy’s partnership with The Crown Estate will support floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.

And last week, in collaboration with the Welsh Government, we announced that Pembrokeshire will receive around £1 million under the Regional Skills Pilot to identify the skills needed to deliver Clean Power by 2030. Another example of the benefits of two Labour governments delivering for people in Wales.
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Chris Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on the potential merits of devolving the Crown Estate to Wales. \p Dame Nia Griffith: The Crown Estate is key to the £1.4 billion investment and over 5,000 jobs that this government wants to secure from floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. It works closely with the Welsh Government to ensure Wales is at the cutting edge of this growing sector.

Our total focus is on taking maximum advantage of this opportunity for Wales, using levers within the existing devolution settlement.
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Tracy Gilbert:To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions she has had with the Welsh Government on electoral registration in Wales. \p Dame Nia Griffith: The UK Government is committed to strengthening our democracy, widening participation, and upholding the integrity of elections.

The Interministerial Group on Elections, which will meet next week, provides a regular forum for the UK Government and the Devolved Governments to discuss our shared ambitions.
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Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2025 to Question 34259 on Cathedrals: Conservation, whether her Department recognises cathedrals as heritage assets. \p Chris Bryant: Cathedrals are amongst some of the country’s finest heritage, with the great majority of them on the National Heritage List. There is no set definition of what constitutes a 'heritage asset'. This country has many significant heritage sites and government cannot afford to maintain them all alone.
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Mr Louie French:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how much funding her Department allocated to gambling addiction support services in the financial year 2025-26. \p Stephanie Peacock: As set out in the Government’s response to the consultation on the statutory levy, the levy will come into force in April 2025 and 50% of levy funding (up to £50 million) will be allocated to NHS services in England, and the appropriate bodies in Scotland and Wales, for support and treatment services in the financial year 2025/26.
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Steff Aquarone:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of implementing the recommendations from the Commission on Crime and Gambling Related Harms, published in April 2023 on the use of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. \p Stephanie Peacock: Under the licensing objectives of the Gambling Act 2005, the Gambling Commission requires operators to prevent gambling being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime and disorder, or being used to support crime.

The Home Office has introduced legislation in the Crime and Policing Bill to make improvements to the confiscation regime, including to ensure that a confiscation order more accurately reflects the benefit from crime. The draft bill contains no specific provisions for certain sectors, including the gambling sector. However, the Home Office will engage the gambling sector on how the legislative changes will be implemented in their sector in due course.

The introduction of a statutory levy on gambling operators will, however, represent a generational change to funding arrangements and a renewed commitment to improving efforts to further understand, tackle and treat harmful gambling. As set out in our public consultation, the prevention stream could see investment directed for projects to build capacity and expertise in frontline settings to increase responsiveness to gambling harm, including criminal justice settings.
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Andy MacNae:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State of 4 November 2024 on Olympic and Paralympic Games: Team GB, HL Deb, c1307, what her Department's timetable is for setting out its position on digital rights and listed events. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government is currently moving forward with implementation of the Media Act 2024. That Act includes several important reforms to the listed events regime. The Government will set out its position in relation to on-demand (“digital”) rights in due course.
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Mr Louie French:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to prevent ticket touts from selling tickets to the Women's Rugby World Cup at inflated prices. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government has published a consultation on introducing new consumer protections on the resale of live events tickets, including sporting events such as the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. The consultation, which closes on 4th April, includes a range of proposals, including a price cap on resales and new requirements on resale platforms.

Over 220,000 tickets have already been sold for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, double the number bought for the previous tournament in New Zealand 2022. These early ticket sales demonstrate the demand for women’s sport in this country.

World Rugby have urged fans to only buy tickets for the tournament via official channels. Fans purchasing tickets from unofficial sources risk having match tickets cancelled and being refused entry to match venues. Tickets will be issued and distributed closer to the tournament, and an official resale service will be available in the coming months.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if her Department will promote engagement with Ukrainian youth organisations. \p Stephanie Peacock: Under the ambitious 100 Year Partnership with Ukraine, signed by the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy on 16 January 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) and Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) will assist in the engagement of UK and Ukrainian young people.

DfE has launched the UK-Ukraine Schools Partnership Programme which aims to foster cross-cultural understanding, enhance English language skills, and promote collaboration and interaction between students and educators from both countries. Using digital platforms, it will create meaningful connections and facilitate knowledge exchange at a critical time in the relationship between our countries.

DCMS will be working with the Ukrainian Government and partners over the coming months, and will increase opportunities for young Ukrainians residing in the UK through encouraging participation in youth-focused programmes.
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Graham Leadbitter:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate her Department has made of the contribution of the Scottish video games sector to the UK economy in the last three years. \p Chris Bryant: The UK Government supports the video games sector across the UK, including in Scotland, through the video games tax relief and the Dundee-based UK Games Fund.

DCMS estimates the UK video games sector generated £3.7bn in GVA in 2021, £2.1bn in 2022, and £2bn in 2023, expressed in 2022 prices accounting for inflation. While these figures have declined since 2021, this is largely due to unprecedented demand during the Covid-19 pandemic, and represents over 300% growth in GVA since 2014. We recognise that due to existing Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code structures, this figure may not fully reflect the sector’s value.

A breakdown of these figures for Scotland is not available. Culture, including video games, is a devolved matter.
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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the increase of employer National Insurance on the (a) operational costs and (b) financial profitability of small and medium sized tourist attractions. \p Chris Bryant: The Government recognises the vital role that small and medium-sized tourist attractions play in supporting local economies and driving economic growth across all regions of Great Britain. The increase in employer National Insurance contributions will affect businesses across all sectors, which is why the Government has put in place mitigations to protect smaller businesses. The Government remains committed to supporting the tourism industry, and my department will continue working with the sector to understand cost pressures.
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Llinos Medi:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the average household income is of people who receive the Personal Independence Payment in (a) Wales and (b) the UK. \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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Dr Caroline Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people claiming benefits under special rules with a form SR1 have been claiming for (a) more than 12 months and (b) less than 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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Richard Burgon:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the average Personal Independence Payment was in the 2023-24 financial year, broken down by (a) total, (b) daily living part and (c) mobility part. \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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John Milne:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of people claiming (a) disability and (b) incapacity benefits with a mental health condition are eligible for those benefits due solely to a mental health condition. \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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Richard Burgon:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an estimate of the number and proportion of disabled households that will be in poverty by financial year (a) 2025-26, (b) 2026-27, (c) 2027-28 and (d) 2028-29. \p Alison McGovern: Making an estimate of future disability poverty rates is difficult to do robustly. It would involve both projecting forward the impact of economic conditions on every household’s income and individual circumstance, and future trends in disability prevalence and distribution.

Statistics on the number of people in families with a disabled person are published annually in the Households Below Average Income (HBAI) statistics publication, available here: Households below average income (HBAI) statistics - GOV.UK. The latest statistics show that in 2022/23 there were 6.2m (24%) people in families where someone is disabled in relative poverty after housing costs (AHC).

Data for 2023/24 will be published on 27th March 2025.
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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on the potential impact of the Employment Rights Bill on employment rates in (a) Fylde and (b) Lancashire. \p Alison McGovern: As part of the Government’s ambition to achieve an 80% employment rate, the Employment Rights Bill will make work more secure, boost wages, and help working people thrive.

In Fylde, our Jobcentre Employer and Partnership Teams work with a range of employers and partners to enhance the skills and employment support available locally. An example of this includes working closely with local employers, partners and providers to hold job fairs and events to support recruitments and supporting customers into sustainable employment.

The Jobcentre also collaborates with the Local Authority, as well as other government departments and further education providers to improve employment opportunities for the people of Lancashire.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-14)

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Bobby Dean:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of care leavers under the age of 25 receiving the higher rate of Universal Credit. \p Sir Stephen Timms: We understand the challenges care leavers face and that is why the department continues to provide additional dedicated support through a series of safeguards and easements aimed at simplifying their interaction with the benefit system.

This includes, for example, single care leavers being exempt from the lower, Shared Accommodation Rate and qualifying for the more generous one-bedroom Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate until their 25th birthday; an advanced claims process where Local Authorities’ Leaving Care teams can assist care leavers to prepare their claim for Universal Credit up to 28 days before and including their 18th birthday; and for those aged 18-21, access to Universal Credit and housing support if they wish to take up full-time study in non-advanced education.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-14 conversation_16

Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to revisions to the Immigration Rules, updated on 19 February and 14 March 2024, what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the potential impact of its salary calculations on the continued employment of staff from her Department on workplace visas. \p Andrew Western: Whilst the impact of changes to the Skilled Worker Salary threshold, introduced in April 2024, is affecting a very small proportion of staff within the Department, visa expiry and potential options for obtaining a future work visa are specific to individuals’ circumstances and the Home Office legislation which applies at the time that their current visa expires.

As current employees’ Visa expiry dates span several years and not all will be impacted by the changes to the skilled worker salary thresholds, the department does not expect changes to the Skilled Worker salary threshold to negatively impact on service levels.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-14 conversation_17

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential impact on people of the planned increase in the Pension Credit qualifying age; and what steps she is taking to (a) inform and (b) support those affected. \p Torsten Bell: The qualifying age for Pension Credit is linked to State Pension age and will therefore increase to age 67 over a two-year phasing period, 2026 to 2028, as a consequence of the increase to State Pension age over the same period. The changes were legislated for by the previous Government in Pensions Act 2014, as part of which an Impact Assessment on changes to State Pension age was published in May 2014.

People due to reach State Pension age during the phasing period were sent letters informing them of the change between December 2016 and May 2018.

Entitlement to Pension Credit is based on the circumstances of people at the point they make a claim and only established once a valid claim is made, which cannot be done automatically. It is not possible to identify people who will benefit from Pension Credit in advance. Information about Pension Credit, including the qualifying age, is available on gov.uk. Since September the Department has been running a campaign to promote Pension Credit and the work to raise awareness of Pension Credit continues through this year.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-14 conversation_18

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to reduce potential barriers to accessing Pension Credit for pensioners who do not have access to digital services or face challenges with online applications. \p Torsten Bell: The Department is in the process of modernising the Pension Credit delivery and consideration of accessibility, having previously introduced online claims, in addition to telephone and paper claims. Claims for Pension Credit can be made online at: www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim. The service is available to use 24/7, and provides those who may struggle to make their claim alone the flexibility to have a friend or family member to support them when making their claim at a time that is most convenient to them. Pension Credit claims can also be made through the Freephone telephone number xx-xxxx-xxxx, and there is an option to complete a paper application form.

DWP Agents and third-party organisations are also available to support customers with the application process. For customers who are unable to complete forms themselves a home visit from a visiting officer can be arranged. For customers who are deaf and use British Sign Language a Video Relay Service (known as VRS) is available and for customers who cannot hear or speak on the phone, can use Relay UK service. Further information can be found on Gov.uk Pension Credit easy read.

DWP staff are trained to identify those who may need additional support, and Jobcentres will continue to provide face-to-face support as business as usual for those who cannot access support through telephony and digital channels. The Jobcentre will also consider whether the individual should be referred to specialist support within their geographical area.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-14 conversation_19

Helen Whately:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, which organisations have presented to the Child Poverty Taskforce ministerial advisory sessions; and on what topics. \p Alison McGovern: The Taskforce has consulted external experts seven times on the four pillars of the strategy: increasing incomes, reducing essential costs, increasing financial resilience, and better local support, especially in the early years. Experts have come from a range of organisations, including local and regional government, charities, think tanks, businesses, and the public sector. More details will be set out in the strategy publication.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-14 conversation_20

Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many single parents on maternity leave have had benefit payments capped. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The requested statistics are not available as the Department does not hold information on the maternity leave status of single parents that have had benefit payments capped.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-14 conversation_21

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the total amount paid per week is to people who have started claiming Pension Credit since the changes to the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment were announced. \p Torsten Bell: The latest available data shows that, for all Pension Credit recipients, at August 2024, the average weekly amount of Pension Credit paid was £83.01. (Source: Stat-Xplore).

The next iteration of the DWP Benefit Statistics publication has a provisional release date of 13 May 2025 which will include data up to November 2024 and will be published on Stat-Xplore. DWP benefits statistics: May 2025 - Accredited official statistics announcement - GOV.UK.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-14 conversation_22

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 23 January 2025 to Question 23268 on State Retirement Pensions, what information her Department holds on the number of people who are (a) eligible for the Category D pension payment and (b) live in the UK who have not yet applied for the pension. \p Torsten Bell: DWP is responsible for the State Pension administered in Great Britain while the Department for Communities is responsible for the State Pension administered in Northern Ireland.

As of the quarter ending August 2024, there were a total of 89,360 people in receipt of the Category D pension payment. This represents 87,938 people in Great Britain and 1,418 overseas.

Source: DWP Stat-Xplore Please note that numbers do not sum due to rounding.

No estimate is available for those living in the UK who have not yet applied for the Category D pension. Those who are ordinarily resident in Great Britain on their 80th birthday and who meet the required residency conditions will receive the increase automatically without having to make a claim if their basic State Pension is less than £101.55 a week (£105.70 from April 2025). Those who are getting no State Pension at age 80 or who get Graduated Retirement Benefit only, will need to make a claim.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-14 conversation_23

Ann Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment on the potential merits of reviewing Universal Credit rates to provide a protected minimum amount of support based on the cost of essentials. \p Sir Stephen Timms: There are currently no plans to make such an assessment.

The Government recognises the critical role Universal Credit has to play in tackling poverty and making work pay and has already taken steps to help those in need.

The Fair Repayment Rate, to be introduced from April, will reduce Universal Credit overall cap on deductions from 25% to 15%. This measure will help approximately 1.2 million of the poorest households benefit by an average of £420 a year.

Benefit rates are reviewed each year, increasing by 6.7% in April 2024 and by a further 1.7% from April 2025, in line with inflation. Around 5.7 million Universal Credit families are forecast to benefit from uprating in financial year 2025 to 2026, with an average annual gain for a family estimated to be £150.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-14 conversation_24

Bobby Dean:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a single adult rate for Universal Credit. \p Sir Stephen Timms: There are currently no plans to make such an assessment.

The lower rate of Universal Credit for those aged under 25 reflects the fact that the majority of young people live in someone else’s household and are therefore likely to have lower living costs.

Younger workers also typically earn less as they are earlier in their careers, with the lower rate maintaining the incentive for younger people to find and progress in work.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-14 conversation_25

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent estimate she has made of (a) the number of contracts and (b) the value of those contracts for providing English language courses for refugees over the last three years. \p Seema Malhotra: The Government routinely publishes the details and costs of its procurement contracts on the contract finder website.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-14 conversation_26

Carla Lockhart:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how revenue generated from passport fees is allocated. \p Seema Malhotra: Revenue generated from passport fees contribute to the recovery of the costs provided for under section 86 of the Immigration Act 2016: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/19/section/86.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-14 conversation_27

Samantha Niblett:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will take steps to enter a reciprocal agreement with the EU to enable visa-free travel entry for six months to EU Member States for UK citizens. \p Seema Malhotra: Article 492 of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement already provides for the UK and the EU provide for visa-free travel for short-term visits in respect of their nationals in accordance with their domestic law.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-14)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-14 conversation_28

Luke Myer:To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to prevent the illegal use of off-road bikes. \p Dame Diana Johnson: Tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority for this Government and a key part of our Safer Streets Mission.

On 25 February 2025, the Crime and Policing Bill was introduced in Parliament. The Bill includes proposals to give the police greater powers to clamp down on off-road bikes and other vehicles involved in anti-social behaviour, with officers no longer required to issue a warning before seizing vehicles.

This will allow the police to quickly remove anti-social vehicles and send a clear message to antisocial drivers that their behaviour will not be tolerated.