theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Brian Leishman:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the UK Hydrogen Strategy will consider the strategic potential of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers. \p Michael Shanks: Government continues to consider a range of potential hydrogen carriers, including Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs), and their role in the transport, storage and trade of hydrogen. While we cannot comment on the contents of the Hydrogen Strategy ahead of its publication, we welcome further evidence and engagement from stakeholders on the strategic potential of LOHCs.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Charlotte Cane:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 31 October 2025 to Question 84891 on Fuel Poverty: Ely and East Cambridgeshire, when he plans to publish regional fuel poverty figures for Ely and East Cambridgeshire constituency for 2024. \p Martin McCluskey: Subregional fuel poverty statistics are normally published annually in April. The date for the next publication in 2026 will be pre-announced in line with the standards for official statistics. These statistics will provide data for 2024 for regions, local authorities, parliamentary constituencies, and Lower Super Output Areas.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much (a) their Department and (b) its arm’s length bodies have spent on (i) installing electric vehicle charging facilities and (ii) purchasing electric vehicles since 4 July 2024; and what estimate their Department has made of the difference in capital cost between (A) the electric vehicles purchased by their Department and (B) comparable (1) petrol and (2) diesel models. \p Michael Shanks: The Department occupies GPA and HMRC estate and therefore has not purchased any electric vehicle charging points at its sites or purchased any electric vehicles. Data for arms-length-bodies is not held centrally.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Charlotte Cane:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when his Department last made an assessment of the effectiveness of the (a) planning practice guidance and (b) other aspects of the safety framework for grid-scale batteries. \p Michael Shanks: In August 2023, the government updated its Planning Practice Guidance to encourage battery storage developers to consult Local Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) before submitting applications and for planning authorities to involve FRSs during public consultation. The guidance also advises authorities to refer to National Fire Chiefs Council recommendations. The government has committed to updating planning practice guidance on renewable and low carbon energy development.

The government monitors the safety framework for grid-scale batteries closely. In October, I hosted a roundtable discussion with regulators including the Health and Safety Executive and Environment Agency on the safety framework. My department works closely with regulators through the industry-led Health and Safety Governance Group to ensure that the framework remains robust and future proofed.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Helen Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he expects to publish the results of the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme Round 10. \p Martin McCluskey: Applications for Round 10 of the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme closed on 19 September 2025 and are currently being assessed and scored against the scheme’s standard criteria. Details of the outcome of the funding round are expected to be published in Spring 2026.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Brian Leishman:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what comparative assessment his Department has made of the costs of (a) Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers and (b) geological storage for hydrogen in the UK. \p Michael Shanks: Government continues to develop its evidence base on the costs of hydrogen storage and consider the potential role of using hydrogen storage across the hydrogen value chain. The previous Government’s Hydrogen Transport and Storage Cost Report (2023) includes a comparative assessment of the expected levelised cost of above ground and geological storage. The International Energy Agency’s Global Hydrogen Review (2023) includes an assessment of the potential levelised cost of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers used for international trade.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Brian Leishman:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if his Department plans to amend its Hydrogen Storage Business Model to include Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier storage. \p Michael Shanks: Whilst chemical storage technologies such as liquid organic hydrogen carriers may have a role to play, such as for users with limited access to large-scale storage, there are no plans to include this type of storage in the initial allocation of the storage business model.

The business model focus on large-scale geological storage is because we consider this type of storage essential to establishing the UK’s first regional hydrogen network as it can provide greater storage capacity and best support energy security. This type of storage is unlikely to be built without government support.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Damien Egan:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department plans to take to support the expansion of residential solar panel installations. \p Michael Shanks: The Government continues to support the installation of rooftop solar PV in various ways, for example through the Smart Export Guarantee, which enables households with solar panels to receive payment for excess electricity that is sold back to the grid.

We are investing £13.2bn in the Warm Homes Plan to help households take up measures like solar panels, heat pumps, batteries and insulation.

Additionally, the Government will publish the Future Homes Standard in the coming months which will ensure solar panels are installed on the vast majority of new build homes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Brian Leishman:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to help support businesses to invest in (a) Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers and (b) other chemical hydrogen storage, including revenue certainty. \p Michael Shanks: Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers, and other chemical hydrogen storage, is a nascent technology that the Government has previously supported through the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio.

As the Government considers geological storage to be the most strategic value to the hydrogen economy in the near-term, this will be the focus of the Hydrogen Storage Business Model. The Government will however continue to review technological developments and in the long-term, a mix of storage technologies with complementary characteristics may be required to support the development of the hydrogen economy.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Brian Leishman:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier conversion projects being eligible for Net Zero Hydrogen Fund grant funding. \p Michael Shanks: The Net Zero Hydrogen Fund was designed to bring forward the first UK low carbon hydrogen production projects, and was not intended to support other parts of the hydrogen value chain, such as hydrogen carriers. It made its final funding allocations in 2023.
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John McDonnell:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the level of funding that her Department provides to the British Library, in the context of its industrial dispute with the Public and Commercial Services Union. \p Ian Murray: As an arms-length body of the department, the British Library’s funding is considered in the round as part of Spending Review arrangements and departmental business planning.

The British Library is operationally independent of government and the day to day management of the Library - including staff pay - is a matter for organisation to determine. DCMS is aware negotiations are taking place on this dispute and hopes for a speedy response.
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Apsana Begum:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the British Library on resolving the industrial action by the Public and Commercial Services Union. \p Ian Murray: The British Library is an arms-length body, sponsored by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. It is under the control and management of the British Library Board, whose responsibilities and functions are laid out in the British Library Act 1972.

The British Library is operationally independent of government and the day to day management of the Library - including staff pay - is a matter for the organisation to determine. DCMS is aware negotiations are taking place on this dispute and hopes for a speedy response.
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Joe Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions her Department has had with relevant stakeholders on the role of a freelance champion in the North East. \p Ian Murray: We committed in the Creative Industries Sector Plan to appoint a Freelance Champion in 2025, who will work across the UK to advocate for the creative sector’s freelancers within government and be a member of the Creative Industries Council.

We have been working closely with industry through a working group of the Creative Industries Council to inform the role's remit, including organisations who work nationally, such as Bectu and Creative UK. This group developed a draft Terms of Reference, which outlines what industry would like to see from the role including commissioning and/or informing data and evidence gathering on creative industries freelancers; establishing mechanisms to give creative freelancers voice within government policy discussions; and working with a representative cross-section of creative industries stakeholders. We will use this work to inform the role specification prior to appointment.
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Jo Platt:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to support the continued inclusion of UK (a) film and (b) television content within the definition of European works in the forthcoming revision of the EU’s Audio-visual Media Services Directive. \p Ian Murray: As the UK is no longer an EU Member State, it is not formally involved in the review of the EU’s Audiovisual & Media Services Directive. However, the Government routinely engages with European partners (EU institutions, EU Member States and non-EU countries) – for example, through DCMS Minister of State Ian Murray’s attendance at an EU Informal Council in Copenhagen of culture and media ministers on 3 and 4 November.

It is clear from this engagement that there is a solid understanding in Europe of the valuable contribution that the UK makes to the European audiovisual ecosystem and the benefits of working together. Through this engagement, we collaborate with our partners on shared policy challenges, celebrate our cultural diversity, drive growth in our respective sectors, and make the case for continued European works status for UK content.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how much (a) their Department and (b) its arm’s length bodies have spent on (i) installing electric vehicle charging facilities and (ii) purchasing electric vehicles since 4 July 2024; and what estimate their Department has made of the difference in capital cost between (A) the electric vehicles purchased by their Department and (B) comparable (1) petrol and (2) diesel models. \p Ian Murray: The Department has not incurred any expenditure on the installation of electric vehicle charging facilities since 4 July 2024. The Department has also not purchased any electric vehicles since 4 July 2024.

We are unable to provide data relating to the expenditure of arm’s length bodies on the installation of electric vehicle charging facilities or the purchase of electric vehicles as we do not collect such data centrally.

The Department has not made an estimate of the difference in capital cost between the electric vehicles purchased and comparable petrol or diesel models.
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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to create a Young Futures Hub for young people in Poole constituency. \p Stephanie Peacock: As set out by the Prime Minister, on 15th July, the Government will open 50 Young Futures Hubs over the next four years. 8 Early Adopter Local Authorities, in areas of high knife crime and/or antisocial behaviour, will establish the first Young Futures Hubs. The 8 locations will be announced shortly. Locations for wider rollout have not yet been confirmed.
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Dame Caroline Dinenage:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what plans she has to ensure that music and dance education remains central to the creative industries. \p Ian Murray: Our Creative Industries Sector Plan, published in June 2025, sets out our approach to developing a high quality, responsive, inclusive and targeted education, skills and training offer, meeting the workforce requirements of the creative industries.

This includes refining and developing the growth and skills offer to deliver apprenticeships and skills training that recognise the particular needs of the sector, supporting existing schemes like flexi-job apprenticeships, and introducing new flexibilities such as short courses. The Government introduced new creative Higher Technical Qualifications in September, and will continue to expand the quantity of creative training pathways more broadly, including through further regional creative skills bootcamps.

Access to a high-quality arts education supports the pipeline into the creative industries and cultural sectors. Under this government, access will not be the preserve of the privileged few, but the entitlement of every child. The Curriculum and Assessment Review and the government's response has been published. We are committing to revitalising arts education, putting it back at the heart of a rich and broad curriculum through high-quality support for teachers of creative subjects and the new National Centre for Arts and Music Education.

The National Centre for Arts and Music Education will launch in September 2026, improving access and opportunity for children and young people and strengthening collaboration between schools and industry. It will promote high quality arts education, provide continuous professional development to teachers, and boost partnerships between schools and creative organisations.

We are also supporting music and dance through Arts Council England which provides £450,000 per annum to the National Youth Dance Company, which offers high-quality training and performance opportunities; and £420,000 per annum to the National Youth Music Organisations who help develop talented young musicians across all kinds of music styles.
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Cameron Thomas:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of financial support for parish choristers. \p Ian Murray: The Government supports the arts sector, including choirs and singing, through its arm’s-length body, Arts Council England (ACE). For the 2024/25 financial year, ACE has allocated £1.83 million in National Lottery Project Grants to projects classified under 'Choral,' which includes support for parish choirs.

Furthermore, while not exclusively for choirs, the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme offers financial assistance for essential maintenance or works to listed church buildings that may affect the music programme (e.g. repairing an organ). This scheme helps cover the costs and associated VAT for such works.

Additional funding opportunities are available from charities such as the Cathedral Music Trust, The Royal School of Church Music, and The Ouseley Church Music Trust.
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Warinder Juss:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department is taking steps to help ensure that funding provided through the National Portfolio is distributed equally between (a) charities and (b) for-profit companies in (i) Wolverhampton, (ii) the West Midlands and (iii) England. \p Ian Murray: Arts Council England (ACE) makes decisions about which organisations and projects to fund in the National Portfolio independently of government and Ministers, which means there is no political involvement in arts funding decisions.

However, ACE ensures fair distribution of the National Portfolio, by using a place-based approach. It analyses data on regional cultural engagement, local needs, and economic conditions to address historic funding imbalances. Initiatives like Priority Places support underrepresented areas. The assessment process considers geographic diversity alongside artistic quality and public benefit. Funding also includes support for charities and non-profit organisations that deliver cultural, educational, and community outcomes. Regular monitoring and reporting ensure accountability, transparency, and that investment benefits audiences and artists nationwide, not just in major urban or historically well-funded regions. The current Portfolio delivers activity in every corner of England, with over £1 million going to Wolverhampton this year, and £88m going to the West Midlands more broadly each year.
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Sir Oliver Dowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of removing the requirement to advertise new premises licences or variations to existing ones in local newspapers on local transparency in Hertfordshire. \p Ian Murray: Following the Licensing taskforce report, the Government published a Call for Evidence on reforming the licensing system on 7 October, which closed on 6 November. The Call for Evidence invited views on the impact of licensing reforms, including in relation to Recommendation 4 of the taskforce on ending the requirement for printed statutory notices in local newspapers for alcohol licences. The reforms collectively aim to create a modern, proportionate, and enabling system that supports economic growth, revitalises high streets and fosters vibrant communities.

More broadly, the Government is concerned about the sustainability of local journalism and DCMS is developing a Local Media Strategy, in recognition of the importance of this vital sector. We also recognise that local press continues to play a central role in informing local communities, and that statutory notices can be important in helping inform the public of decisions made by their council which may affect their quality of life, local services or amenities, or their property.

Additionally, the sector’s Public Notice Portal is a welcome innovation, taking advantage of print publishers’ growing digital audiences and providing a centralised resource for all types of public notice. We also welcome the Portal's current expansion to include archive and consultation functions to help public bodies and commercial entities engage with the public more effectively.

DCMS is monitoring the progress of the Portal, and the effect that it has on the audience reach of public notices. This type of industry innovation and collaboration is integral to securing the sector’s future. It will be taken into account in our planned review of statutory notices as part of the Local Media Strategy, which will more broadly consider the merits of making changes to existing requirements to place statutory notices in print local newspapers, including the impact this has on local transparency and the newspaper industry, including in Hertfordshire. The review will also take forward final decisions on the future of alcohol licence notices. More will be announced on the Strategy and the review in due course.
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Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of co-operative public service broadcasting in the UK. \p Ian Murray: Ahead of the upcoming Charter Review, the Secretary of State has said that, to maintain the BBC as an institution, it must be accountable to those who fund it - the British people. The Government intends to keep an open mind about how the BBC can achieve that aim.

The Government has not made any wider assessment of the merits of co-operatives to the UK’s system of public service broadcasting.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make it her Department's policy to remove the legal obligation to pay the TV licence. \p Ian Murray: The Government has committed to the licence fee for the remainder of this Charter period.

Looking ahead, Charter Review will consider a range of issues, including how the BBC can continue to prosper supported by a sustainable funding model. We are keeping an open mind about the future of the licence fee, and as we consider BBC funding as part of the Charter Review, we will also look at how we can ensure that enforcement is fair and proportionate.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions her Department has had with Ofcom on the BBC's impartiality in its coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. \p Ian Murray: Ministers and officials meet with Ofcom regularly to discuss a range of issues. It is ultimately for Ofcom, the independent regulator, to ensure the BBC is fulfilling its obligations to audiences as outlined in the Charter.

The BBC has a duty to provide accurate and impartial news and information. That is particularly important when it comes to coverage of highly sensitive issues such as the conflict in Gaza.

The duty to accurately report on what is happening to people in Gaza is absolutely fundamental. That is why the Government believes that the BBC and others have a responsibility to exercise utmost care and due diligence in the way in which they report on this conflict.

This Government will not tolerate antisemitism, which has no place in our society.

The BBC itself has rightly acknowledged, where coverage, standards and enforcement of those standards has fallen short and the BBC Chair has recently set out actions to address these which we welcome. The Government does not however believe the BBC to be institutionally anti-semitic nor institutionally biased.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions her Department has had with IPSO on (a) Chinese and (b) Emirati links to The Telegraph. \p Ian Murray: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport have had no discussions with IPSO about the Telegraph sale.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department has taken to help prevent British newspapers from being subject to foreign influence. \p Ian Murray: This Government is committed to a pluralistic media landscape, and it is vital that the UK has in place strong measures to protect this. The Foreign State Influence (FSI) media merger regime is a key part of this; it prevents foreign states from being able - directly or indirectly - to control or influence the policy of UK newspapers and news periodicals.

In July 2025, DCMS passed targeted exceptions to the initial FSI newspapers regime, to allow certain state-owned investment funds - such as sovereign wealth funds or pension funds - to invest up to 15% in UK newspapers and news periodicals.

The 15% threshold is below the level which the Competition and Markets Authority considers to typically give rise to material influence when assessing jurisdiction under the Enterprise Act 2002. This approach will still limit any scope for foreign state control or influence of news organisations while giving them much-needed flexibility to seek business investment that supports their long-term sustainability.

In October 2025, DCMS laid before Parliament further changes to the Enterprise Act, proposing to apply a 15% cap on aggregate holdings of shares or voting rights in a newspaper owner by SOIs acting on behalf of foreign powers of different countries. It also introduces a requirement for SOIs acquiring more than 5% of shares or voting rights in a UK newspaper owner directly to give the Secretary of State a qualifying notification within 14 days of the acquisition being made, and publish appropriate details of that notification within the same timeframe. These Regulations will be debated when Parliamentary time allows, and subject to Parliamentary approval will come into force 31st January 2026.
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Greg Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she plans to introduce an independent complaints system for the BBC. \p Ian Murray: The principle of BBC First - where the BBC has the opportunity to try and resolve complaints about its content before consideration by Ofcom - was formalised by the current Charter. If a complainant is not satisfied by the BBC’s initial response to their complaint, they have the option to escalate it for consideration by the independent regulator, Ofcom.

The public expects and deserves the highest editorial standards from the BBC. The Secretary of State has been consistently clear that where these standards are not met, firm and transparent action must follow.

The forthcoming Charter Review will look at how the BBC can remain independent and accountable to the public it serves and continue to provide trusted and truthful news to combat an era of growing disinformation.
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Alex Easton:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions her Department has had with the BBC Board on the editing of a speech by the President of the United States on 6 January 2021 in an edition of Panorama broadcast in October 2024; and what recent discussions she has had with the BBC Board on its adherence to its editorial guidelines on (a) impartiality and (b) accuracy in political reporting. \p Ian Murray: The Secretary of State has been speaking regularly to the Chair of the Board in relation to the points raised in a letter written by Michael Prescott, a former independent adviser to the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee (EGSC). Dr Samir Shah, Chair of the BBC, has rightly apologised for editorial failings, and has committed to a number of steps including undertaking a review of each item set out in Michael Prescott’s letter and reviewing how the EGSC works and propose changes.

The public expects and deserves the highest editorial standards from the BBC. The Secretary of State has been consistently clear that where these standards are not met, firm and transparent action must follow. The Government therefore welcomes the steps set out by the Chair, and the Secretary of State will continue to seek updates on their progress.
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Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has made a recent assessment of the merits of (a) television licensing and (b) the BBC Charter. \p Ian Murray: The current BBC Royal Charter is due to expire on 31 December 2027.

As the media landscape undergoes the next generational shift, the BBC too must adapt and be supported to do so. This Charter Review is a key opportunity to set the BBC up for success long into the future. It will consider a range of issues, including how the BBC can continue to prosper supported by a sustainable funding model.
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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what information her Department holds on the total number of licence fee enforcement letters sent by the BBC in the last financial year. \p Ian Murray: The TV Licensing website states that in 2024/25, approximately 72 million items of mail for TV Licensing were sent. This information is published at https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/about/foi-administering-the-licence-fee-AB20

The BBC is responsible for the collection and enforcement of the licence fee. The Government is therefore not involved in TV Licensing operations and we do not hold exact information on the number of letters it sends to households, or how many of these would relate to enforcement.
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Alex Burghart:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department will be (a) involved in and (b) make representations to the BBC on the appointment of a Director General. \p Ian Murray: The BBC’s Royal Charter sets out that the Director General is appointed by the BBC’s Board, not the Government, and the process is led by the BBC Board’s Nominations and Governance Committee.

It will be for the BBC Board to set out its process for appointing a new DG in due course.

The Government stands ready to provide support, where it is requested and necessary.
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Jayne Kirkham:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what her planned timeline is for the allocation of £400 million into new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government is committed to ensuring that communities across the UK benefit from high-quality sport facilities to help enable people to get active and build pride in place in local communities. At least £400 million is to be invested in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities over the next four years. This investment will fund projects that promote health, wellbeing and community cohesion, while removing the barriers to physical activity for under-represented groups, such as women and girls, people with disabilities, and ethnic minority communities.

The Government has allocated £5 million of this funding towards basketball and basketball-led multi-sport facilities in England in 2026/27. This dedicated funding for basketball will be matched by the NBA, who will invest £5 million through to 2028.

Funding is subject to departmental business planning processes which are ongoing. We are working with the sports sector and local leaders to develop plans for delivering this funding, prioritising the areas which need it most across the UK and ensuring that investment best serves the needs of these communities. Further details will be announced in due course.
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Charlotte Cane:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, when she plans to publish the findings from the consultation on the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill: mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting, which closed on 10 June 2025. \p Seema Malhotra: We are currently considering the responses to our recent consultation on mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting. The findings from the consultation will inform the development of measures in the draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill, and the government response to the consultation will be published in due course.
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UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_498

Carla Denyer:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, pursuant to the Answer of 5 November 2025 to Question 86020 on Business: Codes of Practice, what assessment she has made of whether her expectation was met that the Equality and Human Rights Commission (a) engaged (i) widely and (ii) broadly and (b) listened to diverse voices during its engagement on the Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations. \p Olivia Bailey: The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is independent of the government. It was for the EHRC to ensure that the consultation process on its Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations was appropriate and meaningfully engaged with varied stakeholders. The Government expected them to do this widely and broadly, listening to diverse voices.

The EHRC has revised the Code following the consultation and submitted it to the Minister for Women and Equalities. The Government is considering the updated draft Code and, if the decision is taken to approve it, the Code will be laid before Parliament for a 40 day period.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_499

Mohammad Yasin:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will hold discussions with the Equality and Human Rights Commission revise on amending its draft Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations to include guidance on the Public Sector Equality Duty. \p Olivia Bailey: The EHRC has revised its Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations following the consultation and submitted it to the Minister for Women and Equalities. The EHRC is an independent regulator, and we respect its independence and the role it plays as the equalities regulator.

The Government is considering the draft updated Code and, if the decision is taken to approve it, the Code will be laid before Parliament for a 40 day period.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_500

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking to support equality for intersex people in Devon. \p Olivia Bailey: This Government believes that intersex people deserve our support, respect and understanding. The Government is committed to furthering our understanding of intersex people and the challenges they face. The Office for Equality and Opportunity regularly engages with representatives from a range of Intersex rights based organisations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_501

Clive Lewis:To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will make a human rights impact assessment of the draft guidance by the Equality and Human Rights Commission entitled Code of practice for services, public functions and associations. \p Olivia Bailey: I refer the honourable member to the written answer to PQ 83292, dated 3 November 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_502

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an estimate of the annual cost to the public purse of the Office for Value for Money. \p James Murray: The Office for Value for Money's (OVfM) has successfully delivered on its remit, including working with departments to identify credible plans to deliver almost £14 billion of efficiencies per year by 2028-29 as well as wider reforms to improve value for money across government. Its functions will be embedded within the Treasury, leaving a legacy of value for money improvements across the public sector.

The OVfM's budget and total spend for 2024-25 is set out in HM Treasury’s 2024-25 Annual Report and Accounts (ARA). The OVfM's outturn cost for 2025-26 will be published in HM Treasury's 2025-26 ARA.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_503

Lewis Cocking:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the projected fiscal impact of net migration on public spending over the next five years. \p James Murray: The OBR is the government’s official economic and fiscal forecaster. Box 4.5 of the OBR’s published Economic and Fiscal Outlook in March 2024 sets out estimated impacts of migration on the fiscal forecast.

The OBR will produce updated economic and fiscal forecasts in its Economic and Fiscal Outlook, which will be published alongside the Budget on 26 November.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_504

Ben Lake:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 9 April 2025 to Question 43325 on Deposit Return Schemes: VAT, for what reason her Department is considering applying VAT to unredeemed deposits in the deposit return scheme in the context of HMRC expecting the impact on exchequer receipts to be negligible. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Deposit Returns Scheme (DRS) will launch in the UK in October 2027, introducing mandatory refundable deposits on drinks containers with the aim of increasing recycling.

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. VAT is the UK’s third largest tax, forecast to raise £180 billion in 2025/26. Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations.

The previous administration legislated for a simplification to the normal VAT rules so that VAT will only be accounted for on unredeemed deposits rather than on a deposit at the point of sale.

We remain committed to supporting the circular economy through successful implementation of the DRS, and we are keen to ensure that VAT is not a barrier to its effective operation. We are continuing to consider how best to achieve this while maintaining the integrity of the tax and will provide clarity on the VAT treatment of unreturned deposits as soon as possible.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_505

Claire Hanna:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she had made of the potential impact of inheritance tax through secondary transfer charges on beneficiaries of estates relating to compensation from the infected blood scheme. \p Dan Tomlinson: The suffering endured by all those impacted by infected blood is profound, and we remain committed to ensuring that justice is not only delivered but reflected in the way compensation is treated.

We recognise that this is a sensitive issue. We are considering whether further steps are needed in relation to IHT relief. However, it is important that we take the time to consider all aspects thoroughly to ensure any solution is both fair and effective.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_506

Sir Mel Stride:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many and what proportion of businesses currently eligible for retail, hospitality and leisure relief have a normal business rates liability of £110,000 or less. \p Dan Tomlinson: Eligible retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties benefit from 40 per cent business rates relief up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business in 2025/26.

MHCLG publish data on the number of properties benefitting from RHL relief.

As business rates are administered by individual Local Authorities on a per-property basis, the Government does not hold data on how many and what proportion of businesses currently eligible for RHL relief have a total business rates liability of £110,000 or less.

In April 2026, the Government is introducing permanently lower business rates multipliers for RHL properties with rateable values below £500,000.

Unlike the current RHL business rates relief, there will be no cash cap, meaning that all eligible RHL properties in a chain will qualify for the lower multipliers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_507

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much (a) their Department and (b) its arm’s length bodies have spent on (i) installing electric vehicle charging facilities and (ii) purchasing electric vehicles since 4 July 2024; and what estimate their Department has made of the difference in capital cost between (A) the electric vehicles purchased by their Department and (B) comparable (1) petrol and (2) diesel models. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Treasury occupy three sites: Horse Guards Road in London, Feethams House in Darlington, and Rosebery Court in Norwich. These premises are managed by the Government Property Agency, who have responsibility for the facilities management across all locations.

The Treasury does not own any vehicles.

Information relating to arms-length-bodies is not held centrally.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_508

Ben Lake:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of exempting search and rescue vehicles from Vehicle Excise Duty. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government annually reviews the rates and thresholds of taxes and reliefs to ensure that they are appropriate and reflect the current state of the economy. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the public finances.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_509

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 30 October 2025 to Question 85352 on Airports: Business Rates, whether the Valuation Office Agency has received any (a) formal challenges and (b) appeals from airports on their rateable values. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Valuation Office Agency has not received any formal challenges or appeals from airports on their rateable values for the 2026 Rating List, as it is not yet live. The VOA cannot confirm details for the 2023 list because the numbers are too small and disclosure would breach confidentiality under legislation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-17)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-17 conversation_510

Mark Pritchard:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will withdraw the planned changes to (a) Agricultural Property Relief and (b) Business Property Relief. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government believes its reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief from 6 April 2026 get the balance right between supporting farms and businesses, fixing the public finances, and funding public services. The reforms reduce the inheritance tax advantages available to owners of agricultural and business assets, but still mean those assets will be taxed at a much lower effective rate than most other assets. Despite a tough fiscal context, the Government will maintain very significant levels of relief from inheritance tax beyond what is available to others and compared to the position before 1992. Where inheritance tax is due, those liable for a charge can pay any liability on the relevant assets over 10 annual instalments, interest-free.