theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_82
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_82

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department has spent on (a) social media promotions, (b) influencer marketing and (c) online advertising in the last 12 months. \p Al Carns: A full Departmental response could only be provided at disproportionate cost. The majority of Departmental advertising expenditure is undertaken by the three branches of the Armed Forces to aid recruitment. Generic advertising expenditure outside of this remit is not held centrally. The most recent available information on tri Service recruitment advertising can be found here: Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament and here Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many of the proposed F-35A fleet will be designated as Operational Conversion Units. \p Maria Eagle: The number of F-35A aircraft allocated to the F-35 Operational Conversion Unit within 207 Squadron will vary and remain subject to ongoing operational planning.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

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Sarah Bool:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 12 June 2025 to Question 57928 on Armed Force: Deployment, what steps his Department is taking to monitor the impact of overseas postings on retention rates among service personnel; and whether financial incentives are being reviewed as part of that analysis. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence continuously analyses retention data through the use of tools such as staff surveys and exit interviews, to better understand the reasons why personnel leave Service. With this information we seek to improve the offer made to new and existing personnel to make a career in the Armed Forces the first choice for high performing candidates. Retention payments remain under constant review and are targeted where they provide the best value for recruitment, retention and the taxpayer.

Service personnel posted overseas may be eligible for a number of financial measures including Local Overseas Allowance designed to offset differences in the cost of living, X-Factor pay which compensates for the conditions faced by Service personnel, including the impact of isolation and separation from families and Unpleasant Living or Unpleasant Work Allowances for those deployed to particularly remote or operationally demanding locations.

The Ministry of Defence continually reviews and monitors the allowance package to ensure it remains appropriate for varying local economic circumstances through feedback from deployed Service personnel.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

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Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he plans to take ensure that independent oversight is provided for the activities of the VALOUR Team; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of that oversight on tackling regional variations in support for veterans. \p Al Carns: The structures and processes that will underpin VALOUR are currently being developed and will also be informed by lessons learned during the Northern pilot announced last week.

It will not be a service that is a blueprint for everyone, but we will take the geographical differences into account and ensure that it is fit for purpose so that our veterans are given the deal that they deserve. This will be an institutionally resilient system that will reform the system at the local, the regional, and the national level, ensuring that support is available across the country, and that it is tailored to the needs of veterans in the communities where they live.

As a Minister, I am accountable to Parliament for relevant veterans' issues including those led by the Ministry of Defence such as the delivery of VALOUR.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

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Sarah Bool:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 12 June 2025 to Question 57928 on Armed Force: Deployment, whether he considered introducing a specific financial incentive or hardship allowance for service personnel deployed to operationally demanding or remote overseas postings in the Strategic Defence Review. \p Al Carns: To account for the differences in the cost-of-living in overseas locations, eligible Service personnel are entitled to Local Overseas Allowance (LOA). LOA recognises the amount by which average essential day-to-day expenditure in an overseas location differs from that in the UK. LOA is calculated with regard to the difference in living costs, locally lived experience, and locally specific costs such as legally required items or banking charges.

LOA transitioned to a new, more accurate methodology in October 2024 which uses both Office for National Statistics and commercially available data to make it more responsive to prices faced by Service personnel. The Ministry of Defence continually reviews and monitors the allowance package to ensure it remains appropriate for varying local economic circumstances through feedback from deployed Service personnel.

The overall remuneration package for Service personnel deployed overseas recognises the unique demands of Service life and includes X-Factor pay which compensates for the conditions faced by Service personnel, including the impact of isolation and separation from families. Those deployed to particularly remote or operationally demanding locations, may also be entitled to Unpleasant Living or Unpleasant Work Allowances.

Although overseas location specific financial incentives were not considered during the Strategic Defence Review process, the importance of overall pay and other related measures were explored.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

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Alicia Kearns:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many LGBT veterans have received financial reparation. \p Al Carns: As of 23 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme had made payments totalling £3.4 million to 69 applicants with life-limiting conditions or serious health concerns. We are now processing applications based on date received.

The first payments were issued within 15 weeks of the scheme going live. The Ministry of Defence remains committed to ensuring all eligible veterans receive the recognition they deserve.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

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Gavin Robinson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has for his Department's site at Dunmore in Belfast. \p Al Carns: The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association Estate Optimisation Programme is an ongoing joint programme to optimise and improve the defence volunteer estate. This includes the Reserve Estate in Northern Ireland and the use of Army Reserve Centre Dunmore. No decisions have yet been taken.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

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Sarah Bool:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 13 June 2025 to Question 57936 on Strategic Defence Review, whether the findings from the internal survey and call for evidence were published or summarised. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was informed by an unprecedented level of consultation. The findings from the internal survey and call for evidence informed the 'Review and Challenge' phase of the SDR; during which 27 panels, comprised of more than 150 experts, tested propositions relating to UK Defence between October and November 2024. The testing of findings continued throughout the 'decision-making and finalisation' phase between December 2024 and May 2025.

The output from the challenge and review rounds were included in the SDR published in June 2025.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_91

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the date by which (a) doctrine and (b) training will need to have changed by in order to reflect the option of an air-launched tactical nuclear weapon. \p Luke Pollard: Joining the NATO nuclear mission does not change the UK's Nuclear doctrine. Both the UK and NATO view the fundamental purposes of nuclear weapons to preserve peace, deter aggression, and prevent coercion.

UK training plans will also be informed by our NATO Allies already contributing to the mission. Further work is underway.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_92

Sarah Bool:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 12 June 2025 to Question 57929 on Armed Forces: Recruitment, whether the Department plans to set out (a) specific targets and (b) timelines for improving recruitment and retention in each of the Armed Forces branches. \p Luke Pollard: The current Government inherited a crisis in recruitment and retention from the last administration. We have made a series of announcements to improve Armed Forces recruitment and retention.

We are committed to maintaining the high standards of recruitment needed to build and maintain battle winning Armed Forces while still accelerating the recruitment process. The Services are improving training to recruitment personnel to maintain rigorous standards and ensure recruits become operationally effective quickly. Additionally, they are improving the digital exchange of medical information with civilian GPs. While specific numerical targets and timelines have not yet been formally published, we have initiated a series of reforms aimed at addressing challenges in these areas.

In addition, from 2027 the new Armed Forces Recruiting Service will provide a streamlined, single-entry point for prospective recruits, with the aim of recruiting from the broadest spectrum of society to attract the best talent into the Armed Forces. It will replace individual Service schemes and will modernise and improve how people join the Armed Forces. It will be a key enabler in building the future force, ensuring that the British Armed Forces remain equipped with skilled, motivated, and capable personnel ready to meet evolving global challenges.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_93

Sarah Bool:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 12 June 2025 to Question 57929 on Armed Force: Recruitment, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the new gap year schemes in attracting recruits from underrepresented backgrounds; and how success will be measured. \p Luke Pollard: The Gap Year scheme is intended to provide a novel means of entry into the Armed Forces. This is an attractive voluntary employment scheme for school leavers, whatever their background. It will provide excellent military basic training that promotes teamwork, problem solving, and values. The training and experience gained will set up the individuals for life whether they decide to join the Armed Forces on completion or leave and have a civilian career. We will regularly assess the contribution the Gap Year makes to recruitment, including the background of those who engage, and the impacts on operational design. Full plans will be announced in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_94

Sarah Bool:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 13 June 2025 to Question 57936 on Strategic Defence Review, what steps his Department has taken to ensure that the views of junior ranks and underrepresented groups within the armed forces were captured during the consultation process for the Strategic Defence Review 2025. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review was informed by an unprecedented level of consultation. The call for evidence phase explicitly invited responses from serving military personnel. They were invited to respond to both the public call for evidence and an internal Departmental survey, which saw 800 responses.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_95

Sarah Bool:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 13 June 2025 to Question 57936 on Strategic Defence Review, what proportion of the 1,700 people who responded to the call for evidence were (a) serving personnel and (b) veterans. \p Luke Pollard: I am unable to provide an exact proportion. However, during the call for evidence phase of the Strategic Defence Review serving personnel and veterans were encouraged to submit a response, of which approximately 800 responses came from within the Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces, and veteran community.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

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James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of force protection at (a) RAF Brize Norton and (b) all other UK military bases (i) on the UK mainland and (ii) overseas. \p Luke Pollard: As per my statement on 23 June 2025, an investigation is underway into the incident. The Strategic Defence Review identified Brize Norton as needing investment. After many years of under-investment and hollowing out under the previous administration, we have identified this as an area requiring greater focus.

Immediate measures were put in place following the incident to enhance existing security arrangements at RAF Brize Norton, with increased vigilance at all other sites. You will appreciate that we will not comment on the specifics of those arrangements. We have also directed a full review of security arrangements across all Defence sites.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_97

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps has he taken to ensure RAF Wyton force protection elements are equipped with an effective C-UAS capability. \p Luke Pollard: Base security at RAF Wyton consists of professionally trained personnel from the Military Provost Guard Service, Ministry of Defence Guards and RAF Police, responsible for maintaining physical security across the site, and the Station works to reduce security risk to as low as reasonably possible. Service personnel are also held at readiness should the threat level be heightened, or a major incident declared. In addition to the sites well-guarded posture, it is encircled by a metal, razor wire topped, fence line which is patrolled. We also work closely with the local Cambridgeshire Constabulary and their Counter Terrorism Policing network. As the local MP, I know the team at RAF Wyton would welcome further visits from the hon. Gentleman.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_98

Carla Denyer:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 June 2025 to Question 59473 on Israel: Military Aid, how many IDF personnel are (a) currently enrolled in (b) have been enrolled on UK run combat courses in each of the last three years. \p Luke Pollard: No IDF personnel have enrolled on UK run combat courses in the last three years.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_99

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reasons the recruitment of new members to the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees has been paused; and what plans he has to restart that process. \p Al Carns: Ministry of Defence officials are currently working through the latest advice that the Veterans Advisory and Pension Committees have provided, for which I am most grateful. We are currently considering their functions and activity against wider Departmental priorities around veterans, which include the new VALOUR initiative, and recruitment remains paused for the present.

Regarding support for veterans residing in Northern Ireland, we continue to build on the effective collaborative between the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, Veterans Welfare Service Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner’s Office, including enhancing partnerships with the wider veteran support system, such as the Thrive Together programme led by Brooke House.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of adding Lancashire to the pilot of the VALOUR veteran support centres. \p Al Carns: On 26 June 2025 I launched the VALOUR pilot in partnership with Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire.

There are a number of excellent support services available for veterans across this region, and across the UK. Through the enhanced coordination facilitated by VALOUR, the programme will promote a holistic approach to care by helping veterans access the full range of support services available to them.

The pilot will serve as an opportunity to develop a comprehensive blueprint for the VALOUR network. While it is recognised that regional variations will be necessary to ensure the network meets the specific needs of local communities, the lessons learned from the pilot will form the basis for VALOUR across the country.

We continue to move at pace, and VALOUR will be rolled out across the UK in 2026, so I am grateful for Lancashire's engagement and looking forward to working in the area soon.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

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Jess Brown-Fuller:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many and what proportion of appeal Tribunals in relation to (a) PIP, (b) DLA and (c) ESA has the Department not contested in the last 12 months. \p Sir Stephen Timms: DWP does not contest appeals. Claimants have a legal right to dispute decisions made by the Secretary of State in relation to aspects of their Social Security entitlement. They do so by lodging appeals against those decisions with His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), in most cases following a Mandatory Reconsideration.

There are no cases in the First-tier Tribunal where DWP would bring an appeal against a claimant. DWP acts as a respondent to the appeal, and will provide a written response in all cases clarifying the current decision and the legal and evidential basis on which it was made. HMCTS considers the available evidence, including evidence provided in the hearing by the appellant, and will determine whether to overturn or uphold the decision.

If the decision of the First-tier Tribunal contains a potential error in law, either party to the appeal may seek leave to challenge the tribunal’s decision. The decision may be set aside by a District Judge of the First-tier Tribunal, or go on to be considered by the Upper Tribunal.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she has had discussions with her international counterparts in countries that have trialled Universal Basic Income on (a) their experiences and (b) key challenges. \p Alison McGovern: Universal Basic Income is not being considered as an alternative social security system by the Department for Work and Pensions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to (a) review and (b) incorporate international best practices from Universal Basic Income trials into domestic policy considerations. \p Alison McGovern: Universal Basic Income is not being considered as an alternative social security system by the Department for Work and Pensions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_104

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many PIP claimants in Huntingdon constituency will no longer qualify for the PIP daily living component under proposed changes to the qualifying criteria. \p Sir Stephen Timms: As I made clear in my statement to the House, Hansard, 1 July, col 219, any changes to PIP eligibility will come after a comprehensive review of the benefit, which I am leading, and which will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, MPs and other stakeholders, so a wide range of views and voices are heard. This review aims to ensure that the PIP assessment is fair and fit for the future. The review is expected to conclude in autumn 2026.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_105

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed changes to PIP eligibility on LGBTQ+ people. \p Sir Stephen Timms: As I made clear in my statement to the House, Hansard, 1 July, col 219, any changes to PIP eligibility will come after a comprehensive review of the benefit, which I am leading, and which will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, MPs and other stakeholders, so a wide range of views and voices are heard. This review aims to ensure that the PIP assessment is fair and fit for the future. The review is expected to conclude in autumn 2026.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_106

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed changes to PIP eligibility on disabled people in the Newton Abbot constituency. \p Sir Stephen Timms: As I made clear in my statement to the House, Hansard, 1 July, col 219, any changes to PIP eligibility will come after a comprehensive review of the benefit, which I am leading, and which will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, MPs and other stakeholders, so a wide range of views and voices are heard. This review aims to ensure that the PIP assessment is fair and fit for the future. The review is expected to conclude in autumn 2026.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_107

Sarah Olney:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of proposed welfare reforms on people with bipolar disorder. \p Sir Stephen Timms: As I made clear in my statement to the House, Hansard, 1 July, col 219, any changes to PIP eligibility will come after a comprehensive review of the benefit, which I am leading, and which will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, MPs and other stakeholders, so a wide range of views and voices are heard. This review aims to ensure that the PIP assessment is fair and fit for the future. The review is expected to conclude in autumn 2026.

In relation to Universal Credit changes, existing claimants at the point of change in April 2026 will continue to receive at least the same amount of benefit as under the current rules, if there are no changes in their circumstances. For future claimants we are not able to assess the impact of the changes at this level as the readily available data on health conditions is not sufficiently detailed.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

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Bell Ribeiro-Addy:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the potential impact of international trials of universal basic income on (a) employment rates and (b) poverty levels. \p Alison McGovern: Universal Basic Income is not being considered as an alternative social security system by the Department for Work and Pensions.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_109

Will Stone:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent estimate her Department has made of the proportion of disability benefit claimants who are on a waiting list for NHS treatment. \p Sir Stephen Timms: o 2.8 million people were economically inactive due to long-term sickness

o the number claiming health related benefits with no requirement to work has increased by 800,000 since 2019/2020.

DWP and DHSC work closely, for example through the Joint Work and Health Directorate, to deliver better work outcomes and work experiences for disabled people and people with health conditions. This includes working across the whole of the customer journey to help disabled people and people with long term health conditions who want to work to be in the best position possible to do so.

The Joint Work and Health Directorate is collaborating with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to improve the evidence on the relationship between health and labour market outcomes. The ONS plans to link NHS waiting times data (that they recently acquired access to) to Census, DWP Benefits and HMRC PAYE records to analyse the relationship between waiting time duration (for various health conditions and procedures) and labour market outcomes (such as employment status, gross pay and benefit receipt) in England. This may shed light on the role of extended waiting times witnessed during and after the COVID-19 pandemic on benefit receipt, including sickness related benefit receipt. Due to many dependencies and unknowns, ONS is not able to confirm when the analysis will be available.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

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Shaun Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 22 June 2025 to Question 60172 on Motability: Telford, if she will publish the number of Motability Scheme claims in Telford constituency by medical condition. \p Sir Stephen Timms: We estimate that in 2024, payments totalling £600 million were sent by the department to the Motability Scheme. We are unable to provide volumes of all people benefitting from the scheme. We can, however, provide the number of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants in a contract with the Motability Scheme to receive a vehicle. In April 2025, this was 589,550 claimants. A breakdown of these claimants by primary medical condition can be found attached in Table 1. Table 2 contains the same breakdown for Telford constituency only.

The Motability Scheme is overseen by Motability Foundation and delivered by Motability Operations Ltd.

Motability is independent of government and is wholly responsible for the terms and administration of the Scheme, including determining what types of vehicles they use.

Notes:

- The monetary value provided is rounded to the nearest £1 million. The volumes provided have been rounded to the nearest 10. Values which are above 1 and below 5 have been replaced with a dash.

- Data is provided for claimants under DWP policy ownership (England, Wales and Abroad) only.

- The monetary value provided covers the money sent to the Motability Scheme in total. The volumes provided cover claimants of PIP with an active contract for the Motability Scheme only.

62311 (xlsx, 36.0KB)

62311 (xlsx, 36.0KB)
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_111
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Shaun Davies:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will publish the (a) the cost of the Motability Scheme, (b) number of people who benefit from the scheme, (c) analysis of the medical conditions of people who benefit from the scheme, (d) age of the (i) newest and (ii) oldest vehicle in the scheme, (e) proportion of vehicles in the scheme which are (A) hybrid and (B) fully electric, (f) number and proportion of vehicles in the scheme by manufacturer, and (g) proportion of vehicles in the scheme manufactured in Britain, for each year for which data is available. \p Sir Stephen Timms: We estimate that in 2024, payments totalling £600 million were sent by the department to the Motability Scheme. We are unable to provide volumes of all people benefitting from the scheme. We can, however, provide the number of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants in a contract with the Motability Scheme to receive a vehicle. In April 2025, this was 589,550 claimants. A breakdown of these claimants by primary medical condition can be found attached in Table 1. Table 2 contains the same breakdown for Telford constituency only.

The Motability Scheme is overseen by Motability Foundation and delivered by Motability Operations Ltd.

Motability is independent of government and is wholly responsible for the terms and administration of the Scheme, including determining what types of vehicles they use.

Notes:

- The monetary value provided is rounded to the nearest £1 million. The volumes provided have been rounded to the nearest 10. Values which are above 1 and below 5 have been replaced with a dash.

- Data is provided for claimants under DWP policy ownership (England, Wales and Abroad) only.

- The monetary value provided covers the money sent to the Motability Scheme in total. The volumes provided cover claimants of PIP with an active contract for the Motability Scheme only.

62294 attachment (xlsx, 36.0KB)
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Zöe Franklin:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that timeframes imposed by the Child Maintenance Service are (a) proportionate and (b) matched by equivalent service standards within the Department. \p Andrew Western: We have interpreted your question to refer to the timescales the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) uses in progressing cases.

The CMS inform customers of expected timeframes for actions to be completed when changes are reported or require progressing. Customers can use the Track Changes function on MCMC at any time to view the expected completion date of changes.

The timescales to progress cases varies depending on the type of case action being taken and information required to progress any change. When CMS require additional information to progress a case, the customer is advised of the timeframe for providing the information required.

The CMS has four official key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure that the service acts on information and progresses cases in a timely manner once received from the customer. These KPIs include standard measures for 1) assessment accuracy, 2) application clearances, 3) change of circumstances clearances and 4) Collect and Pay compliance.

The CMS has exceeded the KPI indicators, demonstrating that it is meeting the standards set by the department. We are always working to modernise our service and how we communicate with our customers. We also work closely with the wider DWP colleagues to ensure measures and timescales are compared for consistency, where appropriate.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_113

Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to take steps to ensure support for low-income tenants provides value for money. \p Sir Stephen Timms: DWP works with Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to improve housing quality for benefit claimants and value for money for taxpayers.

The Renters' Rights Bill, currently before Parliament, includes measures to strengthen landlord accountability. These include a requirement for all landlords to sign up to the new Private Rented Sector Database; a new independent Landlord Ombudsman which will provide binding resolutions for tenant complaints; the extension of the Decent Homes Standard to the PRS; and Awaab’s law, requiring swift action where damp and mould has been reported.

In addition, DWP is currently testing how sharing UC data can support local authorities with the Rent Repayment Order (RRO) process, aiming to change landlord behaviours and achieve better quality homes where housing support has been in payment.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed changes to PIP eligibility on Disabled pensioners. \p Sir Stephen Timms: No one over state pension age at the time any changes come in will be affected.

Information on the impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper has been published here: Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill publications - Parliamentary Bills - UK Parliament.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_115

Josh Fenton-Glynn:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many PIP claimants in each subgroup of neurological disease recorded as the main disabling condition who were awarded more than 12 points in the living component but fewer than four points in a single daily living category were awarded a score of at least two in (a) six, (b) seven, (c) eight, (d) nine and (e) ten of the daily living categories in 2024. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The information requested is provided in the excel workbook attached. A content of the tables provided in the attached workbook is below:

The number of PIP claimants awarded Enhanced Daily Living who scored fewer than 4 point in all Daily Living activities and scored at least 2 points in six, seven, eight, nine or ten Daily Living activities in 2024 by primary medical condition:

The number of people currently on PIP who did not score 4 points in one category in their last assessment should not be equated with the number who are likely to not to be awarded the daily living component of PIP in future. Our intention is that changes will start to come into effect from November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. After that date, people already in receipt of PIP will continue to be treated under the current rules, with only new claimants having the new criterion applied. As a result of behavioural responses to the change, we expect that a higher proportion of new claimants will score 4 points against at least one activity than happens currently.

We are consulting on how best to support those who are affected by the new eligibility changes, including ensuring health and care needs are met. We have also announced a wider review of the PIP assessment to make it fair and fit for purpose, which I am leading. We are bringing together a range of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience to consider how best to do this. We will provide further details as plans progress.

Source: DWP Administrative Data

Notes:

Attachment (xlsx, 39.4KB)
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_116

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much her Department has spent on (a) social media promotions, (b) influencer marketing and (c) online advertising in the last 12 months. \p Andrew Western: Commercial sensitivities exist around aspects of this spend which could prejudice commercial interests. All spend in these areas are subject to the standard value for money assessments.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_117
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_117

Dr Danny Chambers:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to support victims of economic abuse when applying for monies that they are entitled to through the Child Maintenance Service. \p Andrew Western: The Child Maintenance Service (CMS) takes the issue of domestic abuse extremely seriously and recognises that domestic abuse can take many forms including physical, emotional, or financial abuse, violent or threatening behaviour and coercive control.

The CMS has procedures in place to ensure victims and survivors of domestic abuse can use its services safely. CMS caseworkers will also signpost, where needed, to suitable domestic abuse organisations, if domestic abuse is raised or suspected.

All CMS caseworkers have extensive training, equipping them to be able to comprehensively act on a range of scenarios. For our most challenging and complex case groups, caseworkers complete and receive regular refresher training on specific aspects of customer service situations such as domestic abuse, advanced customer support and supporting vulnerable customers.

Specialist Case Team is one of the measures CMS have introduced to manage cases with the most challenging or complex domestic abuse concerns. This has minimised the need for parents to recount their history of domestic abuse and caseworkers to deliver support to some of the most vulnerable customers.

For parents using the Direct Pay service, the CMS can act as an intermediary to facilitate the exchange of bank details to help ensure there is no unwanted contact between parents and can provide information on how to set up bank accounts with a centralised sort code, which reduces the risk of a parent’s location being traced.

The Government has announced plans to reform the Child Maintenance service, replacing the existing Direct Pay Service and moving to a service where the CMS collects and transfers all payments. This will remove any requirement for victims and survivors to provide evidence of domestic abuse, which we know can be difficult and traumatising. It will also remove any need for contact between parents and remove the need for receiving parents to report missed or late payments. The CMS will monitor all payments and take swift action as soon as payments break down.

Managing all CMS cases in one service will allow the CMS to tackle non-compliance faster, and better support victims and survivors of domestic abuse who use the CMS.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_118
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_118

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how much her Department has spent on (a) social media promotions, (b) influencer marketing and (c) online advertising in the last 12 months. \p Alex Davies-Jones: Commercial sensitivities exist around aspects of this spend which could prejudice commercial interests. All spend in these areas are subject to the standard value for money assessments.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_119
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_119

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 6 June 2025 to Question 56158 on Prisons: Research, when she expects the research findings process for that Ipsos MORI research project to conclude. \p Sir Nicholas Dakin: Ministry of Justice officials received research findings from Ipsos MORI in November last year (2024) and are currently considering the implications of the work.

Research findings are published in accordance with Government Social Research guidelines, following a peer review process to ensure the quality and robustness of the work. Until that has taken place findings cannot be published.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_120
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_120

Rebecca Paul:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what (a) facilities and (b) services the biological males held in HMP Downview share with women prisoners simultaneously. \p Sir Nicholas Dakin: The general female estate comprises the establishments in which female prisoners are accommodated. E Wing at HMP/YOI Downview is a special unit: it is not part of the general women's estate. Prisoners on E Wing are located separately from all other prisoners at HMP/YOI Downview. They may receive supervised access to activities in the main prison’s regime, such as visits, education, work and faith services. Such access is provided only where a local risk assessment has determined this to be appropriate.

As of 1 July, seven prisoners were being held on E Wing.

We are reviewing all relevant policy in light of the Supreme Court ruling and will set out any changes to our approach in due course.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_121
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_121

Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether she plans to review the Sentencing Council's remit on young offenders convicted of (a) murder and (b) manslaughter. \p Sir Nicholas Dakin: The Government has no current plans to ask the Council to consider reviewing the guidelines in relation to this cohort.

The law is clear that those who commit murder as children must receive a life sentence. There is no mandatory sentence for a child convicted of manslaughter, but the court may impose a life sentence, depending on the circumstances of the case.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_122
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_122

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his letter to the Foreign Affairs Committee, dated 16 June 2025, If he will publish the details of the FCDO2030 change programme. \p Catherine West: We face a generational challenge to the UK's national interests. Our FCDO2030 change programme rises to this challenge, ensuring that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) people, resources and action deliver the greatest possible international impact for the benefit of the British people. Updates on this programme will continue to be shared.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_123
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_123

Robin Swann:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his oral statement of 24 June 2025, Official Report, column 989, on China Audit, which (a) Northern Ireland Executive departments, (b) arms' length bodies in Northern Ireland and (c) Universities in Northern Ireland made a submission to that audit. \p Catherine West: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office China Audit team proactively engaged a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that the full range of interests arising from the UK's relationship with China was represented; this included Parliament, business, the academic sector, civil society and the devolved governments.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_124
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_124

James Wild:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2025 to Question 59412 on Government Departments: Reviews, if his Department will publish the line by line review of its spending conducted for the Spending Review 2025. \p Catherine West: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to meeting the 5 per cent savings and efficiency target with Spending Review funding allocations agreed on this basis, including through the FCDO2030 strategic change programme.

These funding allocations - informed by the findings of the zero-based review - are the first step in a wider plan to finalise budgets for different projects and programmes, with any necessary savings decided through that process. The savings taken forward will be subject to the normal rigorous business planning processes, and in-year financial management.
wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_125
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-02)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-02 conversation_125

Sarah Champion:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made support an independent UN investigation into the Chemmani site in Sri Lanka, which includes (a) exhumations, (b) forensic analysis, and (c) victim centred consultations. \p Catherine West: The UK Government is deeply concerned by the recent discovery of the mass grave in Chemmani. We remain committed to supporting accountability for human rights violations and we regularly meet the Government of Sri Lanka to discuss reconciliation and accountability and to press for tangible progress, particularly on cases of enforced disappearances. In January, I visited Sri Lanka and met a range of stakeholders including the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, civil society organisations, as well as political leaders in the north of Sri Lanka to discuss human rights. Officials at our High Commission in Colombo maintain close contact with families of the disappeared from across the country, working to ensure their voices are heard, and have raised this issue with the Government of Sri Lanka. We continue to lead international efforts such as at the UN Human Rights Council alongside the Core Group to ensure perpetrators are held to account.