theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_308
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_308

Sir Ashley Fox:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what proportion of staff in his Department have flexible working arrangements; and how many of those work compressed hours. \p Kanishka Narayan: The Department’s flexible working policy sets out the types of formal and informal flexible working available to our employees.

All eligible employees have a statutory right to request flexible working arrangements, including, for example, part time working and compressed hours.

In addition, some informal flexible working arrangements within the parameters of the policy are managed locally. Central information on the proportion of Departmental employees with flexible working arrangements is therefore not held.

Currently, there are 289 employees formally working compressed hours.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_309
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_309

Anna Gelderd:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that data collected by third party providers who verify age under the Online Safety Act 2023 is stored securely. \p Kanishka Narayan: The Online Safety Act requires providers to protect users’ right to privacy when implementing age assurance. UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act requires data to be processed fairly, lawfully, and transparently. Where Ofcom is concerned that a provider has not complied it may refer the matter to the ICO.

Under the Act, regulated services that are likely to be accessed by children must implement highly effective age assurance to prevent exposure to harmful content. There are cost-effective compliant methods available.

Highly effective age assurance must be robust, and services must take appropriate steps to mitigate against circumvention.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_310
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_310

Sarah Owen:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent progress has been made on cross-departmental plans to phase-out animal testing in the UK. \p Kanishka Narayan: I refer the hon. Member for Luton North to the answer of 9th June 2025 to Question 54862.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_311
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_311

Wendy Chamberlain:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what data the Government holds on levels of digital exclusion among people aged 65 and over. \p Ian Murray: Tackling digital exclusion, which disproportionately impacts certain demographics including older people, is a priority for Government. That is why we published the Digital Inclusion Action Plan – First Steps in February 2025 which outlines the first five actions we are taking over the next year on digital inclusion.

In 2025, Ofcom reported that 13% of UK households with respondents aged 65+ had no internet access, 45% did not own a laptop, and 18% did not own a smartphone. In 2024, its Online Nation Report found that 15% of UK adults aged 65-74 were not confident in their ability to stay safe online. We estimate that only 4-16% of those aged 65 or over took part in training in digital or online skills.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_312
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_312

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what information they hold on the number of workdays that were completed remotely in their Department in (a) 2024 and (b) 2025 to date. \p Kanishka Narayan: Hybrid working is an informal, discretionary, non-contractual arrangement that enables employees to work partly in the workplace and partly at home. Employees are expected to spend a minimum of 40% of their working hours in the office. Office attendance requirements are managed locally to ensure the minimum requirement is met, and no central data is held on this.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_313
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_313

Julia Lopez:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether Public Digital provided advice on the transfer of the Government’s digital and data function to his Department. \p Kanishka Narayan: Public Digital did not provide any advice to DSIT on the merits of the Machinery of Government (MoG) change.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_314
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_314

Julia Lopez:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will amend the gov.uk biography page for the Director General, Digital Centre Design to include previous employment by the (a) Labour Party and (b) Rt hon. Member for Hove and Portslade. \p Kanishka Narayan: The biography is in line with GDS guidance and contains an appropriate level of detail, similar to others in similar roles in government. Emily’s appointment is well documented and in the public domain.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_315
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_315

Julia Lopez:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 21 October 2024 to Question 6107 on Emily Middleton, what the business need was for appointing the Director General, Digital Centre Design under recruitment principles Exemption 1. \p Kanishka Narayan: Ms Middleton was appointed under Exemption 1 of the recruitment principles on the basis of immediate need and with the required specialist skills to meet government priorities. The priority role was required off the back of Machinery of Government changes, with a key requirement to develop the scope and design of the new digital centre of government, including its overall strategy and blueprint for delivering a modern digital government. This case for exceptional appointment was set out in the request for Civil Service Commission approval, which was released on 24 September 2024 (FOI 2024/00289) as Annex A and agreement for this to be pursued under exception 1 can be found in annex C.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_316
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_316

Julia Lopez:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether individual contracts to Public Digital have been awarded through open competition since July 2024 . \p Kanishka Narayan: Details of central government contracts above £12,000 for procurements commenced before 24 February 2025 are published on Contracts Finder (https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder).

Contracts procured under the Procurement Act 2023 above £12,000 inc VAT are published on the Central Digital Platform Find a Tender service. This includes a note of the winning supplier. (https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Search).
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_317
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_317

Dr Neil Hudson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to hold discussions with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the potential impact of measures in the Autumn Budget 2025 on the farming sector. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Chancellor of the Exchequer holds regular discussions with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on a range of issues.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_318
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_318

Charlotte Nichols:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department plans to improve access to free debt advice; and if she will make a statement. \p Lucy Rigby: The Government is committed to ensuring that people in financial difficulty have access to free, impartial debt advice. Through the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), the Government funds a range of national and community-based services to support individuals and families across England. The Government also provides funding for debt advice services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which are delivered by the devolved governments.

Funding levels for both MaPS and the devolved governments are regularly reviewed to reflect demand, inflation, and evolving needs.

MaPS’ latest impact report shows that people accessing the debt advice services it funded in 2023/24 gained an estimated £48 million in additional income, demonstrating the value of these services in supporting financial resilience. MaPS is continuing to expand access to its services by strengthening its digital capabilities and working in partnership with local organisations, to ensure support is available to those most in need.

In addition, the Government is currently developing a Financial Inclusion Strategy which aims to improve access to financial services and support, including debt advice. The strategy will be published later this year.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_319
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_319

James McMurdock:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to bring forward proposals to reform the Lifetime ISA scheme in the Autumn Budget 2025. \p Lucy Rigby: Data from the latest UK House Price Index shows that while the average price paid by first-time buyers has increased, it is still below the Lifetime ISA (Individual Savings Accounts) property price cap in all regions of the UK except for London, where the average price paid is affected by boroughs with very high property values. Having a single property cap across the UK simplifies the Lifetime ISA for savers and account providers.

This Government is committed to helping first time buyers own their own home and will do this by building 1.5 million more homes.

The Government keeps all aspects of tax and savings policy under review.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_320
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_320

James McMurdock:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the number of Lifetime ISA holders that have paid a withdrawal penalty in each of the last five years. \p Lucy Rigby: The number of Lifetime ISA holders who have made an unauthorised withdrawal and hence, paid a withdrawal penalty for tax years 2020/21 to 2023/24 is available in the Annual Savings Statistics publication, specifically in the Lifetime Individual Savings Accounts Tables 1a.

The figures for tax year 2024/25 will be released in the 2025 Annual Savings Statistics publication on 18th September 2025.

Link:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66ed20d8c8398625c331e80c/Lifetime_Individual_Savings_Account_Tables_2024.ods

Annual savings statistics - Official statistics announcement - GOV.UK
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_321
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_321

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate she has made of the potential impact of the new Mortgage Guarantee Scheme on the number of (a) repossessions and (b) households entering negative equity. \p Lucy Rigby: The Government recognises the difficulties some prospective first-time buyers face in buying a home and is committed to helping them get on the housing ladder.

The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme is designed to support and sustain the availability of low deposit mortgage products for credit-worthy borrowers. Participating lenders must be satisfied that prospective borrowers can afford their mortgage repayments and will be assessed as part of an individual lender’s affordability assessment, as with any other mortgage product.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_322
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_322

Anna Dixon:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she has taken to support representations of developing nations in international discussions on global sovereign debt. \p Lucy Rigby: The UK government is committed to supporting and working closely with developing nations in international discussions on global sovereign debt. The UK government engages with our partners through various multilateral fora, including the G20, the Paris Club and the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable. Through the G20, we participate collaboratively in the Common Framework, helping to deliver coordinated and sustainable solutions for low-income countries facing debt vulnerabilities. We are committed to strengthening Global South voices across the Global Financial System in relation to sovereign debt. This was exemplified our support of the outcome document from the Fourth International Conference on Financing For Development (Compromiso de Sevilla) in July of this year, which called for the establishment of a platform for borrower countries with support from existing institutions.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_323
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_323

Tristan Osborne:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans her Department has to introduce (a) semi-transparent and (b) non-transparent Exchange Traded Funds. \p Lucy Rigby: The Government is committed to supporting the UK’s world-leading asset management sector.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are often domiciled outside of the UK to benefit from increased marketing access, and existing pockets of administrative expertise. However, many of these funds are still managed here - 49% of all assets managed in the UK are managed on behalf of overseas clients.

Semi-transparent and non-transparent ETFs which are domiciled in Europe can list in the UK and market to retail investors, following the UK’s recognition of certain retail funds from the EEA states, under the Overseas Funds Regime.

At present no non-transparent or semi-transparent ETFs have sought to be established in the UK. The Financial Conduct Authority, as the relevant regulator, would deal with any such applications on a case-by-case basis.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_324
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_324

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions she has had with the Financial Conduct Authority on the adequacy of the regulation of peer-to-peer banking. \p Lucy Rigby: Treasury Ministers and officials meet with their counterparts at the Financial Conduct Authority often, as part of their regular engagement on various topics. This includes peer-to-peer lending, which the FCA is responsible for regulating.

Peer-to-peer investments are a higher risk investment where customers put their own capital at stake, without recourse to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

The FCA has investigative and enforcement powers and has commenced investigations into particular peer-to-peer collapses, certain of which are ongoing. This is also an area in which the Financial Regulators Complaints Commissioner has taken an interest and that work is ongoing.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_325
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_325

Anna Dixon:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which organisations will be represented at The London Coalition on Sustainable Sovereign Debt. \p Lucy Rigby: The Steering Committee includes representatives from the banking sector, asset managers and legal experts, alongside members of the official sector from institutions such as the World Bank, IMF and African Union. The Committee is co-chaired by the UK Economic Secretary to the Treasury, who leads on the UK’s financial services policy, reform and regulation, and José Vinals, former Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank, who serves in his personal capacity bringing vast experience from both the public and private sectors.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_326
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_326

Manuela Perteghella:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will take steps to ensure consumers have access to redress where firms fail to comply with decisions of the Financial Ombudsman Service by (a) creating a compensation fund and (b) strengthening enforcement powers. \p Lucy Rigby: Businesses that are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are required by its rules to co-operate with the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), including by complying with any determination that it may make, if that determination is accepted by the complainant. If a regulated firm fails to comply with a FOS determination, the FOS may refer the firm to the FCA. This may result in the FCA taking further action against firms who fail to comply with the FCA’s rules.

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 provides the FCA with a range of powers to ensure relevant firms comply with its rules, and to act where firms fail to comply. The government is content that this legislative framework is appropriate and that the FCA has the right tools available to enable it to take action when firms do not comply with regulations.

The FOS does not have powers to directly enforce its determinations through legal proceedings, as its role is to act as an alternative to the courts. However, once the FOS’s determination is accepted by the complainant, it becomes binding on the firm. If a firm fails to comply with a determination, a complainant can enforce it through the courts. This does not require the merits of the case to be considered again by the court.

In cases where a firm fails to comply with a decision due to it failing, affected complainants may be eligible to claim compensation through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_327
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_327

Paul Davies:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Financial Inclusion Strategy will introduce auto-enrolment for savings. \p Lucy Rigby: The Financial Inclusion Strategy will be published later this year and will seek to tackle a range of barriers which prevent individuals from accessing the financial services and products they need.

The Government has convened a Financial Inclusion Committee to inform the development of the strategy. The Committee has met three times, and a summary of those meetings is available on GOV.UK.

Savings has been one of the areas of focus for the Committee. As part of this work the FCA have recently published a statement on payroll savings, which gives employers and savings providers the clarity and reassurance that workplace savings schemes can be successfully set up and implemented to comply with current rules and legislation.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_328
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_328

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussion he has had with the Mineral Products Association on landfill tax reforms. \p Dan Tomlinson: The government consulted on proposals for reform of landfill tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses.

The Government recognises the significant economic value of the aggregates sector, particularly in operating quarries and providing construction materials to support the governments ambitious housebuilding and infrastructure construction targets. We have engaged with representatives of the aggregates sector, including the Mineral Products Association, to understand the impact of any tax changes, which will be carefully considered as part of the consultation process.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_329
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_329

Llinos Medi:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has had discussions with the Welsh Government on the potential impact of proposed reforms to Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief on the housebuilding sector in Wales. \p Dan Tomlinson: The UK Government has discussions with the Welsh Government on a range of issues and I refer the Honourable Member to the answer given to UIN 75735.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_330
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_330

Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to compensate those adversely affected by the Loan Charge scandal. \p Dan Tomlinson: At Autumn Budget 2024, the government committed to an independent review of the Loan Charge to help bring the matter to a close for those affected whilst ensuring fairness for all taxpayers. The Government will respond by Autumn Budget 2025.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_331
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_331

James Wild:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed reforms in the Consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax in England and Northern Ireland, published on 28 April 2025 on the Government’s housebuilding target. \p Dan Tomlinson: The government consulted on proposals for reform of Landfill Tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses.

The government is committed to delivering 1.5 million homes over 5 years as set out in the Plan for Change. The government are working with the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government to assess these impacts and is considering the potential impacts of proposed Landfill Tax reforms on housing delivery and government targets.

The government will respond to the consultation in due course.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_332
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_332

James Wild:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed reforms in the Consultation on Reform of Landfill Tax in England and Northern Ireland, published on 28 April 2025 on costs to the average UK infrastructure project. \p Dan Tomlinson: The government consulted on proposals for reform of Landfill Tax on 28 April following a call for evidence in 2021. The consultation closed on 28 July, and the government is currently considering responses.

As part of the consultation, the Government has received a wide range of views from stakeholders, including representatives from the construction sector. Reducing the amount of waste material sent to landfill remains a key environmental objective, supporting the transition to a circular economy. The government recently published a 10-year infrastructure strategy that set out the government’s long-term plan for economic, housing and social infrastructure to drive growth.

The Government will continue to work across government and engage with stakeholders, including the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, to assess the potential impacts on infrastructure projects. This approach will ensure that infrastructure delivery is supported while advancing circular economy objectives.

The government will respond to the consultation in due course.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_333
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_333

Mr Joshua Reynolds:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the service level target is for HM Revenue and Customs for answering telephone calls; and when that target was last reviewed. \p Dan Tomlinson: HMRC’s published historic data series includes figures for 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17. This data sets out the number of telephony contacts and the percentage of total call attempts handled by HMRC Contact Centres.

These figures, along with the length of time which callers waited before ending their call without speaking to an adviser, are set out in the table below:

Telephony

2014-15

2015-16

2016-17

Contacts

64,781,978

60,804,092

49,865,940

% of total call attempts handled by Contact Centres

71.9

71.6

91.7

Average length of time that callers to HMRC waited before ending their call without speaking to an adviser (minutes and seconds)

10:18

14:33

6:53

The percentage of total call attempts handled by contact centres includes calls handled by an adviser and calls where the query was resolved without speaking to an adviser, for example, after listening to a recorded informational message.

HMRC’s telephone service standard is to answer 85 per cent of phone calls to advisers. This has been the primary telephony target since 2022-23, and there is published performance against this metric since 2020-21, which can be found in HMRC’s historic data series on Gov.uk.

A target of 85 per cent of adviser attempts handled was reviewed and confirmed as part of HMRC's funding settlement at the Spending Review in June 2025.

HMRC has not made an assessment of the additional level of funding that would be required to enable HMRC to answer all telephone calls. The target of answering 85 per cent of calls to advisers, which was agreed at the Spending Review in June 2025, strikes the necessary balance between delivering a good service and providing value for money to taxpayers.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_334
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_334

Neil O'Brien:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate her Department has made of the potential impact of the increase in employer National Insurance contributions on receipts to the Exchequer from the charity and voluntary sector. \p Dan Tomlinson: The Government recognises the important role charities play in our society and has made it a priority to reset the relationship with civil society by developing a Civil Society Covenant.

A Tax Information and Impact Note (TIIN) was published alongside the introduction of the Bill containing the changes to employer National Insurance contributions. The TIIN sets out the impact of the policy on the exchequer, the economic impacts of the policy, and the impacts on individuals, businesses, civil society organisations, as well as an overview of the equality impacts.

The Office for Budget Responsibility also published the Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO), which sets out a detailed forecast of the economy and public finances.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_335
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_335

Helen Morgan:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many and what proportion of tax calculations made through HMRC's Simple Assessment procedure were subsequently found to be incorrect in each of the last five years. \p Dan Tomlinson: Simple Assessments are based on data from customers and third parties, such as employers, pension providers, Department for Work and Pensions and financial institutions. If any of this data is incorrect, customers can raise a query by identifying the errors and providing corrected figures to HMRC. HMRC will then revise or withdraw the assessment.

HMRC does not hold data centrally on the number of Simple Assessments amended or withdrawn over the past five years
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_336
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_336

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have met Inter-Mediate since July 2024. \p Seema Malhotra: Details of the external meetings held by ministers in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are routinely published in the Department's quarterly transparency disclosures.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_337
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_337

Ruth Jones:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent diplomatic steps his Department has taken in the context of deaths among (a) political and (b) religious prisoners in Nicaragua. \p Seema Malhotra: The UK remains deeply concerned about the relentless deterioration of human rights in Nicaragua, including reports of the deaths of political and religious prisoners. We continue to raise concerns over arbitrary detentions and restrictions on freedom of religion, including at the UN Human Rights Council on 28 February, and at the Organisation of the American States General Assembly on 25 June. We will continue to urge the Nicaraguan authorities to restore democratic freedoms through our engagements in-country and with their Embassy.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_338
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_338

Steve Yemm:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to help resolve the Cambodian-Thai border conflict. \p Seema Malhotra: The clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border in July were a cause for serious concern. The Government welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached on 28 July, as well as the subsequent framework established to support its implementation. Since then, we have consistently encouraged both parties to uphold the ceasefire and to foster mutual trust and understanding.

Officials from our Embassies in Thailand and Cambodia have conducted site visits to the affected areas to assess the situation first-hand. We continue to work closely with our international partners to support efforts by both countries to de-escalate tensions, strengthen dialogue and maintain lasting peace along the border.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_339
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_339

Calum Miller:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to prioritise any bilateral relationships in her first three months in office. \p Seema Malhotra: We will maintain our engagement with all key allies and partners over the coming months in pursuit of our shared priorities and interests; and we will continue to ensure that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is fully geared up to support these activities.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_340
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_340

Stephen Gethins:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for her policies of protests in Nepal. \p Seema Malhotra: The UK and Nepal share a deep historic relationship. We are appalled at the recent violence and we continue to support fundamental freedoms and respect for human rights in Nepal, including the right to protest and peaceful assembly. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) have made public statements condemning the violence and calling for accountability and peaceful dialogue. We are closely monitoring events, alongside our international partners, and we will assess the impact fully when the situation has stabilised. The FCDO continues to support impacted British nationals.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_341
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_341

Llinos Medi:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has made a comparative assessment with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of a nuclear power station at Wylfa and large-scale solar developments on (a) food security, (b) job creation and (c) long-term sustainability in (i) Anglesey, (ii) Wales and (iii) the UK. \p Michael Shanks: In the recently published Solar Roadmap, we set out our expectation that the solar industry could support up to 35,000 UK jobs in 2030. No estimates were made for Anglesey or Wales. Our assessment is that solar will not pose a threat to food security, whilst any Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project development will be required to undergo detailed environmental and other statutory impact assessment

A new nuclear project at any location would help create skilled, high-value jobs although no decisions have yet been taken on any nuclear project to be deployed at the Wylfa site.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_342
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_342

Mr Clive Betts:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what proportion of castings and forgings for Sizewell C will be produced in the UK. \p Michael Shanks: Sizewell C plans to award 70% of construction value to British businesses, and the supply chain is expected to include 3500 British companies, from all four parts of the UK. The project has already placed more than £4bn-worth of contracts with UK companies.

Sizewell C will be a second of a kind project, as an above ground replica of Hinkley Point C. As well as the design, Sizewell C will replicate many aspects of Hinkley’s supply chain; this is expected to give greater certainty of cost and construction requirements, which will ultimately benefit UK taxpayers and consumers.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_343
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_343

Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to page 4 of his Department's publication entitled Hydrogen Allocation Round 2 (HAR2): due diligence and cost assurance, published on 7 April 2025, when his Department plans to hold that Meet the Supplier event. \p Michael Shanks: The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is looking at ways to improve the visibility of supply chains for developers and suppliers, including through a Meet the Specifier event, where developers can meet with potential suppliers prior to procurement.

As part of the HAR2 process, we will be engaging with HAR2 shortlisted project representatives with a view to holding this event as soon as projects are in a position to share their technical specifications with potential supply chain companies. We expect to announce successful HAR2 projects in the first half of 2026.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_344
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_344

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to support the scale-up of technologies needed to achieve 23 million tonnes of engineered carbon removals per year by 2035. \p Michael Shanks: Greenhouse Gas Removals (GGRs) will be important to Net Zero - balancing residual emissions from hard-to-abate sectors whilst providing economic opportunities. In August Government published details of the GGR Business Model and published the Carbon Capture and Storage HyNet Track-1 expansion Project Negotiation List, which includes two GGR projects. To support demand, Government published a response to the consultation on the integration of GGRs into the UK Emissions Trading Scheme and consulted on options to ensure integrity of the Voluntary Carbon and Nature Market. To ensure removals are measurable and verifiable, in July the British Standards Institution, commissioned by Government, published interim methodologies for Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage and Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage. The Government has also invested £100 million in research and innovation for GGRs, including the GGRs Innovation Programme.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_345
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_345

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent assessment he has made of the progress made towards delivering 5 million tonnes of engineered carbon removals by 2030. \p Michael Shanks: We remain committed to developing and deploying Greenhouse Gas Removals (GGRs) at scale in the UK, recognising the important role they play in achieving net zero. The Government will deliver an updated plan that sets out the policy package out to the end of Carbon Budget 6 in 2037 for all sectors of the economy, including GGRs, by October 2025. The Government will also set Carbon Budget 7 by June 2026, in line with our statutory duties.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_346
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_346

Sarah Dyke:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether Gypsy and Traveller sites will be included in the next round of Social and Affordable Homes Programme funding. \p Matthew Pennycook: Traveller sites fall within the scope of the new Social and Affordable Homes Programme, and we welcome bids to deliver new sites.

It is our intention to publish a full prospectus for the Programme in autumn 2025 and open it for bids in the winter.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_347
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_347

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, further to her Department's press release of 17 June 2025 entitled Over 500,000 homes to be built through new National Housing Bank, what is her planned timetable for the financial guarantees be allocated; and over what period of time will the houses be constructed. \p Matthew Pennycook: At the Spending Review, the government confirmed that it is establishing a new National Housing Bank, a subsidiary of Homes England which will be publicly owned and backed with £16 billion of financial capacity to accelerate housebuilding in England. Further detail can be found in the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 18 June 2025 (HCWS712).

My department is currently working with Homes England and HM Treasury to establish the Bank, including developing its investment strategy, and parameters for different debt interventions including financial guarantees. We we will announce further details in due course.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_348
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_348

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what information her Department holds on the number of dwellings there are with extant planning permission that have not been started. \p Matthew Pennycook: My Department does not collect data on the number of dwellings with extant planning permission that have not yet started construction.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_349
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_349

Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what her planned timetable is for bringing into force the provisions of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 that provide consumer protections for homeowners on freehold estates. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to the answer to Question UIN 74882 on 12 September 2025.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_350
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_350

Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to bring forward legislation on the treatment of flooding in the planning system before the end of the current Session. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government has no plans to bring forward primary legislation concerning the treatment of flooding in the planning system, given the strong safeguards which already exist in national planning policy.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_351
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_351

Lewis Cocking:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 21 March 2025 to Question 38045 on Councillors: Planning, if she will make it her policy to require the Mayor of London to undertake the same compulsory training on planning that will be required of councillors on a planning committee. \p Matthew Pennycook: As set out in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, it is the intention that mayors will be required to undertake mandatory training.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_352
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_352

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 24 July 2025 to Question 69064 on Councillors' Interests, whether the requirement to declare sponsorship towards election expenses includes raising funds for expenses which will be incurred in forthcoming local government elections. \p Alison McGovern: The response to Question UIN 69064 was clear that the guidance and law require councillors to be transparent in disclosing their pecuniary interests such as sponsorships, which includes financial benefits received towards their election expenses.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_353
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_353

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will use his powers under section 10 of the Local Government Act 1999 with Cambridge City Council in relation to its adoption of a 4 day week. \p Alison McGovern: Local authorities are independent employers responsible for the management of their own workforces. While it is not government policy to support a four-day working week in local authorities, the government will not intervene using powers under section 10 of the Local Government Act 1999 nor will it be micromanaging local authorities in relation to this working arrangement.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_354
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_354

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to page 95 of the MHCLG annual report and accounts 2024-25, published in July 2025, what the historic issue was to which additional budget cover was sought. \p Samantha Dixon: The department had identified a group of assets listed as ‘assets under construction’ where the descriptions and associated capitalisation dates indicated they may already have been in use in prior years. This meant the department may have needed to make a correction in its accounts for this missing historic depreciation. This would lead to an additional depreciation charge in the accounts.

To be cautious, we agreed additional budget cover with HMT based on the highest possible cost this might involve. However, after further work was carried out, the actual impact was much smaller than expected. As a result, we did not need to use all the extra budget that had been approved.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_355
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_355

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to page 10 of her Department's publication entitled MHCLG annual report and accounts 2024 to 2025, published on 22 July 2025, what metrics are monitored by the Ministerial Delivery Dashboard. \p Samantha Dixon: MHCLG uses a wide range of metrics and data to monitor and track delivery progress on key departmental priorities as well as support policy development and decision-making.

Metrics are drawn from sources such as national statistics from the ONS and government datasets on GOV.UK. Examples include figures on new housing starts and ONS data on permanent dwellings started; government statistics on homelessness and rough sleeping figures; expectational financial support (EFS) allocations issued to local authorities; and results from both the ‘Community Life’ and ‘Trust in Government’ surveys.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_356
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_356

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that local councils in Surrey operate on a financially sustainable basis. \p Alison McGovern: The Department works closely with local authorities and other government departments to understand specific demand and cost pressures facing local government on an ongoing basis. Any council that has concerns about its ability to set or maintain a balanced budget should approach the Department in the first instance, where we will treat all discussions in confidence and with respect.

The Government accepts that Woking Borough Council holds significant unsupported debt that cannot be managed locally in its entirety. We are committed to providing an initial tranche of financial support for debt repayment for Woking in 2026-27, ahead of the implementation of re-organisation in Surrey. Government-appointed Commissioners are in place in both Woking and Spelthorne, and have been engaged in the development of proposals for unitarisation.

The 2025 Spending Review provides over £5 billion of new grant funding over the next three years for local services that communities rely on. This includes £3.4 billion of new grant funding which will be delivered through the Local Government Finance Settlement within financial years 2026-27 to 2028-29.

We will publish the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement later this year, which will inform local authorities of their provisional multi-year allocations.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_357
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_357

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make it her policy to introduce a national find my councillor facility on gov.uk. \p Alison McGovern: The ‘Find your local councillors’ function on GOV.UK allows users to find out who their local councillors are and how to contact them.

In addition, many councils choose to publish details of their councillors on their own websites.
wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_358
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-15)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-15 conversation_358

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to review (a) accountability and (b) oversight arrangements for Section 151 officers as part of local government reorganisation in Surrey. \p Alison McGovern: There are no plans to review accountability and oversight arrangements for S151 officers as part of local government reorganisation in Surrey.