theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps the the Fair Work Agency is taking with the Equality and Human Rights Commission to ensure the effective enforcement of young women’s rights at work. \p Justin Madders: The Fair Work Agency will deliver a much-needed upgrade to the enforcement of workers’ rights. It will ensure better enforcement of rights at work for all workers, including young women.

The Agency will work closely with the Equality and Human Rights Commission, including to share information relevant to the Commission’s role. We have provided for that by including the Commission in the list of bodies that the Fair Work Agency can share information with, at Schedule 9 of the Bill.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of breed-specific legislation in relation to dogs on levels of public safety. \p Daniel Zeichner: We are working with the police, local authorities and animal welfare groups to explore measures to reduce dog attacks and promote responsible dog ownership across all breeds of dog. We have reconvened the Responsible Dog Ownership taskforce and look forward to receiving their findings and recommendations in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he plans to take to introduce standardised (a) recording and (b) reporting for dog (i) bites and (ii) strikes. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government has reconvened the Responsible Dog Ownership Taskforce to explore measures to promote responsible dog ownership across all breeds of dog. As part of this work, the taskforce is considering improvements in data collection and reporting. We look forward to receiving its findings and recommendations in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Mr Joshua Reynolds:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the reinstatement of UK-issued pet passports for travel to EU member states; and what his planned timeline is for implementation of those passports. \p Daniel Zeichner: As announced at the UK-EU Leaders' Summit on 19 May 2025, the UK and EU have agreed to work towards a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area. This will mean taking pets on holiday into the EU will be easier and cheaper. Instead of needing an animal health certificate each time you travel, you will be able to get a multiuse pet passport valid for travel to the EU.

With the principles and framework of a deal agreed, the Government will now need to negotiate the detail of an agreement. Our aim is to start the detailed negotiations as soon as possible, and Defra will provide more information on pet passports valid for travel to the EU in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Sarah Bool:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he is taking steps to reduce regulation on the plant breeding sector. \p Daniel Zeichner: The secondary legislation needed to implement The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 for plants in England was passed into law on 13 May 2025. Following a six-month implementation period, the new regulatory framework is due to commence on 14 November 2025.

This will unlock the potential benefits for British farmers and consumers, enabling the development of crops that are more nutritious, resistant to pests and disease, resilient to climate change and more beneficial to the environment.

Furthermore, through consultation across the relevant industries, the development of the first UK Plant Varieties and Seeds Strategy will look to support the UK plant breeding sector in meeting the challenges and opportunities of a changing world, and to maintain and enhance the UK’s global reputation in plant breeding.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Neil Duncan-Jordan:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what research his Department has commissioned on whether breed is a precursor for aggressive behaviour in dogs. \p Daniel Zeichner: The Government has reconvened the Responsible Dog Ownership Taskforce to explore measures to promote responsible dog ownership across all breeds of dog. We look forward to receiving its findings and recommendations in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Vikki Slade:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing price caps for basic foodstuffs. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra regularly engages with supermarkets and producers on a range of food supply matters.

It is not for the Government to set retail food prices nor to comment on day-to-day commercial decisions taken by businesses. Nonetheless, we appreciate concerns about how these dynamics may affect the most vulnerable consumers and will continue to engage with industry stakeholders on these important issues.

The Government’s Food Strategy, announced in December, is focused on creating a food system that delivers healthy, sustainable, and affordable food for all. We are working across the Government and with the food supply chain to help achieve better outcomes for consumers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to publish a publicly accessible register of biodiversity net gain credit schemes with information on (a) location, (b) pricing and (c) habitat type to support market functionality and planning decisions. \p Mary Creagh: Statutory credits are a last resort way of achieving BNG. They are different from biodiversity units, which are sold in the offsite market. If developers buy statutory credits, this is because it is not possible to restore habitats on-site or units are not available for purchase in the offsite market.

Defra does not intend to maintain a register of schemes in receipt of income from the sale of statutory credits; however the department is required to publish an annual report detailing income received from the sale of Statutory Biodiversity Credits, how that income was spent and (if applicable) the projected biodiversity value of the measures funded by that expenditure. The first annual report is publicly available on gov.uk.

Demand for Statutory Biodiversity Credits has been low, suggesting that the offsite units market is working as intended.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will increase levels of funding for local authorities for enforcing the prevention of illegal waste dumping. \p Mary Creagh: The recent Spending Review provides over £5 billion of new grant funding over the next three years for local services that communities rely on. This results in an average overall real terms increase in local authority core spending power of 2.6% per year. The majority of this new funding is unringfenced, recognising that local leaders are best placed to identify local priorities, which could include fly-tipping enforcement.

Defra has no current plans to provide funding to local authorities specifically for enforcing the prevention of illegal waste dumping. We are looking to support local authorities to tackle fly-tipping in other ways. Indeed, we are taking steps to develop new fly-tipping enforcement guidance and have commenced a review of their vehicle seizure powers to identify and remove barriers where we can.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of changes to the water regulation budget on Ofwat’s regulatory capacity. \p Emma Hardy: Ofwat is the independent economic regulator for the water and sewerage industry in England and Wales. Ofwat is directly accountable to Parliament, and its duties are set out in the Water Industry Act 1991.

Ofwat is primarily a levy funded regulator raising our income from water companies through licence fees. As a result of Ofwat's increase in funding as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review, it will be able to respond to the pace of change required now and in the future. Ofwat has, and will continue to, recruit additional capacity and capability to support the government’s longer-term plans for reforming the sector and to continue to improve the way it regulates to improve outcomes for customers, society and the environment.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to his Department's policy paper entitled Flood and coastal erosion risk management: an investment plan for 2021 to 2027, published on 29 July 2021, what estimate his Department has made of the number of flood defence schemes funded under the plan that affect communities in Buckingham and Bletchley constituency. \p Emma Hardy: In the Buckingham and Bletchley Constituency, four projects have received, or have had funding allocated, within the current FCRM investment-plan period which is now due to end in March 2026. Projects include delivery of Natural Flood Management (NFM) in Leckhampstead, an NFM catchment opportunity study, investigation into Sustainable-Urban-Drainage measures in Tingewick and works to Thornborough Sluice.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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David Burton-Sampson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans his Department has to review the adequacy of the current dog control legislation. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra is working with the police, local authorities and animal welfare groups to explore measures to reduce dog attacks and promote responsible dog ownership. We have reconvened the Responsible Dog Ownership taskforce and look forward to receiving their findings and recommendations in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Callum Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the Environment Agency on the prioritisation of flood resilience measures under the national investment programme in Buckingham and Bletchley constituency. \p Emma Hardy: We are investing a record £2.65 billion in 2024/25 and 2025/26 to improve flood resilience by maintaining, repairing and building flood defences. The full list of over 700 schemes to benefit from fresh funding this year was announced on 31 March 2024 and can be found here.

Property Flood Resilience measures can be effective in managing the risk of flooding. This option will always be considered and assessed alongside a range of other Flood Risk Management solutions to determine which is the most suitable for the community at risk. In 2011, 96 properties in Buckingham were provided with Property Flood Resilience, with an expected benefits period of 20 years.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with Ofwat on (a) odour in tap water and (b) rising household water costs in Surrey Heath constituency; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of service provided by water companies. \p Emma Hardy: This Government works closely with the regulators to hold water companies to account on poor performance and drive improvements which benefit customers and the environment.

Ofwat sets specific performance targets for companies in the five-yearly price review. Where companies fail to meet these targets, they must reimburse customers through lower water bills in the following financial year.

The Secretary of State meets with stakeholders regularly such as Ofwat to discuss a range of issues.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to protect water supply during summer months in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Emma Hardy: The Surrey Heath constituency sits in the Environment Agency (EA) Thames Area. The Area has moved into 'Prolonged Dry Weather' status following significantly below average rainfall. As a result, EA and water company drought plans have been activated to secure water supplies. Defra and the EA are working closely with water companies and EA is managing water abstraction licences in the area to ensure existing water users and the environment remain protected.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with Ofwat on mitigating clean water loss from households in Surrey Heath constituency. \p Emma Hardy: This Government works closely with the regulators to hold water companies to account on poor performance and drive improvements which benefit customers and the environment.

Ofwat sets specific performance targets for companies in the five-yearly price review, including for leakage and unplanned outage. Where companies fail to meet these targets, they must reimburse customers through lower water bills in the following financial year.

The Secretary of State meets with stakeholders regularly such as Ofwat to discuss a range of issues.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Tim Farron:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 45552 on Nitrogen Dioxide: Pollution Control, whether he has had discussions with the Office for Environmental Protection on exceedances of nitrogen dioxide limit values. \p Emma Hardy: Defra has regular discussions with the Office for Environmental Protection on a range of issues.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Tim Farron:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department publishes information on the (a) Joint Air Quality Unit, (b) nitrogen dioxide programme and (c) nitrogen dioxide programme’s Central Evaluation. \p Emma Hardy: The Joint Air Quality Unit has been established to deliver the actions set out in the published Air quality plan for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in UK (2017) and the Supplement to the UK plan for tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations (2018). The Clean Air Zone Framework sets out the principles for the operation of clean air zones in England, one of the air quality measures used in seven local authorities. These publications set out how local authorities with the worst air pollution concentrations must take robust action to improve air quality.

The NO2 programme’s accounting officer assessment is also published and shows assessments of regularity, propriety, value for money, feasibility and affordability.

The Evaluation of Local NO2 Plans is publicly available on the DEFRA website at the following link: Evaluation of Local NO2 Plans - AQ0851 (defra.gov.uk).
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Adam Jogee:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of aligning the UK's PM2.5 air quality targets with the World Health Organisation’s 2021 guidelines. \p Emma Hardy: The revised Environmental Improvement Plan is due to include further details on the PM2.5 air quality targets set under the Environment Act 2021. The World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guidelines will continue to inform our evidence when considering future targets.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help support the long-term financial security of farmers, in the context of changes made to the Sustainable Farming Incentive. \p Daniel Zeichner: We have allocated a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament. We are investing more than £2.7 billion a year in farming and nature recovery, the largest budget for sustainable food production in our country’s history to put healthy, nutritious food on our tables. We are working closely with farmers and industry stakeholders to design a future SFI offer that fairly and responsibly directs funding. Further details about the reformed SFI offer will be announced in summer 2025.

That is only part of our commitment to farmers.

We have also protected farmers in trade deals and provided a five-year extension to the Seasonal Worker route, giving farms certainty to grow their businesses.

We have appointed former NFU president Minette Batters to recommend new reforms to boost farmers’ profits.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Tim Farron:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department will comply with the National Emission Ceiling Regulations emission reduction commitments for (a) NH3, (b) NOx, (c) SO2, (d) NMVOCs and (e) PM2.5 in each year until 2030. \p Emma Hardy: The UK is projected to meet the emission reduction commitments for NH3, NOx, SO2, NMVOCs and PM2.5 for each year to 2029 and to meet tighter commitments for 2030 and beyond for NOx, SO2, NMVOCs and PM2.5. Projections published in March 2025 show a risk to the 2030 target for NH3. UK Governments are considering further policies and measures to tackle NH3 emissions that will help to reduce that risk.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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James MacCleary:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to encourage farmers to ensure that (a) rivers, (b) streams and (c) lakes are protected from pollution. \p Emma Hardy: We are taking action to address agricultural pollution and support farm businesses. We are, as a priority, working with farmers and environmental groups to improve farm pollution regulations to ensure they are simple and effective. We are also doubling funding for Environment Agency farm inspections to work with farmers to raise standards and have issued amended Statutory Guidance on the Farming Rules for Water to set clearer expectations on enforcing the rules. We continue to invest in our farmers through Environmental Land Management schemes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Ben Maguire:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of creating a Clean Waters Forum including (a) charities, (b) NGOs and (c) representatives from (i) his Department and (ii) the Environment Agency to lay out a cohesive strategy to tackle sewage pollution. \p Emma Hardy: Following a public call for evidence with over 50,000 responses, the Independent Water Commission (IWC), led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, will make recommendations to shape further action to transform how our water system works and clean up our waterways for good. The IWC published its interim findings on 03 June 2025; the report's findings can be found at Independent Water Commission publishes interim findings - GOV.UK.

The IWC will submit its final report to the UK and Welsh governments later in summer 2025 with recommendations on how to reset the sector for the future. Both Governments will then respond and consult on proposals, including potential legislation.

Ministers and officials have regular discussions with a range of stakeholders, including charities and NGOs, on many issues related to the water sector including on sewage pollution.

As part of Price Review 2024 (PR24), which runs from 2025–2030, water companies will be delivering record of over £11 billion of investment to improve nearly 3,000 storm overflows across England and Wales. This investment will be targeted at those affecting the most sensitive sites for ecological and human health.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Tim Farron:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which (a) local authorities and (b) metro mayors have not published local plans to achieve compliance with legal limits for nitrogen dioxide. \p Emma Hardy: Responsibility for developing plans to address nitrogen dioxide exceedances rests with local authorities, rather than metro mayors. We have agreed plans with the following local authorities:

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

Basildon Borough Council, Essex County Council and Rochford District Council (joint plan)

Bath and North East Somerset Council

Birmingham City Council

Blackwater Valley (joint plan by Surrey Heath Borough Council, Guildford Borough Council, Rushmoor District Council and Hampshire County Council)

Bolsover District Council

Bradford Metropolitan District Council

Bristol City Council

Broxbourne Borough Council

Coventry City Council

Derby City Council

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

Fareham Borough Council and Hampshire County Council (joint plan)

Greater Manchester (joint plan by Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council, Bury Metropolitan Borough Council, Manchester City Council, Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, Rochdale Borough Council, Salford City Council, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council, and Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council)

Leeds City Council

Leicester City Council

Liverpool City Council

Nottingham City Council

Portsmouth City Council

Reading Borough Council

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Southampton City Council

Sheffield City Council and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (joint plan)

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

Tyneside (joint plan by Newcastle City Council, South Tyneside Council and Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council)

City of Wolverhampton Council
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Tim Farron:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Questions 45557, 45558 and 45559 on Nitrogen Dioxide: Pollution Control, whether Stoke on Trent is the only (a) city and (b) town in The Potteries reporting zone delaying compliance until 2032. \p Emma Hardy: Stoke on Trent is the only city in the Potteries delaying compliance with the NO2 limit value.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate his Department has made of the annual cost to local authorities of clearing fly-tipped waste. \p Mary Creagh: According to Defra official statistics, in 2023/24, around 4% of fly-tipping incidents dealt with by local authorities in England were of ‘tipper lorry load’ size or larger. For these incidents, the cost of clearance to local authorities was £13.1 million. Local authorities do not report clearance costs for smaller incidents. These statistics are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fly-tipping-in-england

According to independent research published by the Environmental Services Association in 2021, the estimated national cost of fly-tipping to the economy has increased from £209 million in 2015 to £392 million in 2018/19. A more recent assessment has not been made.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Kim Johnson:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of mandatory food waste reporting on levels of surplus food redistribution in Liverpool. \p Mary Creagh: No assessment of the potential impact of mandatory food waste reporting on levels of surplus food redistribution in Liverpool has been made. Evidence in the 2022 consultation stage Impact Assessment showed that requiring food businesses to publicly measure and report their food surplus and waste can incentivise food waste reduction, including through surplus redistribution. As with all policies, if the policy were to be taken forward, a further assessment of costs and benefits would be published as part of the legislative process.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support local authorities seeking to prosecute repeat fly-tipping offenders. \p Mary Creagh: The Government encourages councils to make good use of their enforcement powers, including prosecution, and we are taking steps to help them do so. We intend to develop new fly-tipping enforcement guidance and are also reviewing their powers to seize and crush vehicles of fly-tippers to understand how we could help them make better use of this tool.

While sentencing is a matter for the courts, the National Fly-tipping Prevention Group, which Defra chairs, has produced a guide on how local authorities can present robust cases to court. The guide explains that repeat offending could be an aggravating factor. This is available at https://nftpg.com/.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 12 June 2025 to Question 57661 on Water Charges, what estimate he has made of the average household water bill in each year from 2025 to 2030. \p Emma Hardy: The price controls set by Ofwat under Price Review 2024 came into effect on 1st April 2025. The average customer bill will increase by 36% over the next five years. These bill rises equate to around £3 additional per month on average, before inflation, over the next five years. This will pay to fix crumbling infrastructure, which will dramatically reduce sewage spills and lead to cleaner rivers, lakes and seas.

The Secretary of State has secured agreement with Ofwat that funding for vital infrastructure investment is ringfenced and can only be spent on upgrades benefiting customers and the environment. Ofwat will also ensure that when money for investment is not spent, companies refund customers, with money never allowed to be diverted for bonuses, dividends or salary increases.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Harpreet Uppal:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to review the (a) permitting and (b) waste exemption regime under the (i) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 and (ii) Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 in relation to small-scale textile manufacturing facilities that (A) want to recycle waste from every part of the manufacturing process and (B) require longer than 12 months to safely store material for sustainable manufacturing purposes. \p Mary Creagh: The Government recently announced plans to reform the waste permit exemptions regime. We will remove three exemptions and tighten the conditions of seven others which have long caused problems and been abused. We will also introduce greater record keeping requirements for all waste exemption holders and impose limits and controls on how exemptions can be managed at one site.

Plans to tighten up the regulation of those who transport and manage waste services were also announced, moving them from a light-touch registration system into environmental permitting. This will give the Environment Agency a greater range of powers and more resources to be able to take action against those operating illegally.

The Government believes that small scale manufacturing facilities have an important role to play as we move to a circular economy. However, activities carried out under a waste exemption should be low-risk and small-scale and it is right that the throughputs and storage limits for exemptions do not exceed those of standard rules and bespoke environmental permits. Operators who wish to carry out larger scale operations that come with a heightened risk of, for example fire, should operate under an environmental permit.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of levels of penalties for waste crime. \p Mary Creagh: Legislation relating to waste crime such as fly-tipping and illegal waste sites allows for an unlimited fine and up to five years imprisonment. We are making the regulations for the transport and management of waste tougher so that those who break the new rules will face up to five years imprisonment. For lower-level offences it is important to ensure that penalties are high enough to act as a deterrent but not too high so that offenders cannot, or choose not to, pay the penalty. The Defra chaired National Fly-tipping Prevention Group has produced a guide on how local authorities, and others, can present robust cases to court. This is available at https://nftpg.com/.

Sentencing is entirely a matter for our independent courts. When deciding what sentence to impose for unlawfully depositing waste, the court will take into account the circumstances of the offence and any aggravating and mitigating factors, in line with sentencing guidelines for environmental offences, issued by the independent Sentencing Council for England and Wales.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Dan Norris:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle high levels of sewage entering waterways. \p Emma Hardy: For too long, water companies have discharged unacceptable levels of sewage into our rivers, lakes and seas.

That is why we are placing water companies under special measures through our landmark Water (Special Measures) Act. The Act will drive meaningful improvements in the performance and culture of the water industry as a first important step in enabling wider, transformative change across the water sector.

The Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, will make recommendations to shape further action to transform how our water system works and clean up our waterways for good. The IWC will submit its final report later in summer 2025 with recommendations on how to reset the sector for the future.

As part of Price Review 2024 (PR24), which runs from 2025–2030, water companies will be delivering record of over £11 billion of investment to improve nearly 3,000 storm overflows across England and Wales. This investment will be targeted at those affecting the most sensitive sites for ecological and human health.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his plans are for future import of (a) animals and (b) animal meat products from Germany, in the context of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in that country. \p Daniel Zeichner: The import restrictions brought in as a result of the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in Germany were lifted on 14 May 2025. However, other import restrictions are in place linked to other disease outbreaks in the EU. These restrictions mean that live animal imports are not possible, for example, from bluetongue affected countries including Germany. Furthermore, restrictions on personal imports of many meat and dairy products are in place from the whole of the EU. A full list of restrictions on imports from the EU is available here and is kept constantly up to date to assist traders and the public: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/imports-and-exports-of-animals-and-animal-products-topical-issues.
wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_44
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_44

Aphra Brandreth:To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 26 June 2025 to Question 61476 on Agricultural Shows, which agricultural shows (a) he has and (b) his Ministers have attended since 5 July 2024. \p Daniel Zeichner: Defra Ministers have attended the following:
wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_45
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_45

Pippa Heylings:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the use of Defence Bonds for financing military expenditure; and whether her Department has had recent discussions with financial investors on their issuance. \p Darren Jones: As the Prime Minister announced in February, we are fully funding the path to 2.5% by reducing ODA spending. That is why we can announce a £10.9bn real-terms increase to the MOD budget over the Spending Review period. On top of this, we are recognising the contribution provided by our intelligence agencies on defence, in line with practice among our Allies. This means that in 2027-28 we expect to reach 2.6% of GDP

The increase in defence spending will be funded by reducing ODA from 0.5% to 0.3% of Gross National Income (GNI) by 2027, and reinvesting it into defence.

The government’s core gilt programme is the most stable and cost-effective way of raising finance to fund the day-to-day activities of the government, owing to the depth and liquidity of the market. This is, in part, down to the fungibility of the instruments issued to the market. Issuing bonds aimed at financing specific areas of spending risks fragmenting the gilt market, which would not be consistent with the government’s debt management objective of minimising the long-term cost of financing, taking into account risk.

The government keeps under regular review the introduction of new debt instruments. The government would however need to be satisfied that any new instrument would meet value-for-money criteria, enjoy strong and sustained demand in the long term, and be consistent with wider fiscal objectives.
wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_46
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_46

Neil Coyle:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether existing (a) insurance and (b) reinsurance mechanisms cover (i) subsea cabled and (ii) other off-shore assets in the event of a terrorist attack. \p Emma Reynolds: The owners or operators of subsea cables and other off-shore assets are responsible for the insurance of their assets.

There is a wide variety of insurance products available in the UK market, including from speciality insurers. The government would always recommend the companies shop around, or engage the services of a specialist broker, to ensure they can access the cover they need at the best price.
wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_47
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_47

Neil Coyle:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of the (a) insurance and (b) reinsurance market for businesses affected by cyber-attacks. \p Emma Reynolds: The government recognises that cyber insurance is an important tool for businesses' economic resilience. HM Treasury works closely with industry, regulators, other government departments and relevant stakeholders to monitor insurance markets, including cyber. Cyber insurance is widely offered in the UK insurance market and the government would encourage businesses to shop around, or employ the services of a broker, to find the most appropriate cover, at the best price.
wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_48
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_48

Sir John Hayes:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much the National Infrastructure Commission has spent on equipment to enable staff to work from home in each of the last three years. \p Darren Jones: As equipment costs to enable working from home were processed as expenses, and are approved on an individual basis, the information is not readily available and providing it would incur a disproportionate cost to the organization.
wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_49
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_49

Nick Timothy:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether contingency planning is in place for potential macroeconomic disruption resulting from prolonged national electricity blackouts. \p Darren Jones: HM Treasury has a comprehensive framework for assessing and managing potential risks to the economic outlook, including those posed by national power outages. This framework involves systematic monitoring through internal risk monitors, risk governance forums, and collaboration with other government departments such as the Cabinet Office and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

HM Treasury also engages with the Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), as the financial sector regulators, to ensure the sector is prepared to respond to a range of risks, including national power outages.
wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_50
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_50

Sorcha Eastwood:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions she has had with the Minister for Finance for Northern Ireland on the ability of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to borrow to start to build homes. \p Darren Jones: As Chief Secretary to the Treasury, I am in regular contact with the Northern Ireland Minister of Finance on matters relating to Northern Ireland Executive funding, including the request for enhanced borrowing powers for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. This issue was most recently discussed at the Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee on 26 June 2025.

As part of the 2025 Spending Review, HM Treasury committed to begin immediate negotiations on a comprehensive Fiscal Framework for Northern Ireland. These discussions will include consideration of borrowing arrangements for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_51
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_51

Dr Rupa Huq:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to protect National Insurance numbers from repeated (a) misuse and (b) fraud. \p James Murray: A National Insurance Number (NINo) is a unique reference number used to administer the Benefits and National Insurance systems. It is not proof of identity and cannot be used on its own to access HMRC records or systems.

HMRC regularly urges customers to be alert to scams requesting personal information, including their NINo.
wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_52
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_52

Euan Stainbank:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department plans to bring forward legislative proposals on the employment status of joint or sole directors who receive their income from both dividends and a salary. \p James Murray: An individual’s employment status is determined by the facts and circumstances of the engagement between the worker and engager. This is based on case law.

HMRC takes steps to ensure individuals are correctly treated as employees, or as self-employed, where they should be. HMRC provides extensive guidance to support organisations and individuals understand and determine employment status for tax.

The Government acknowledges that differences in tax treatment between employees, the self-employed and those working through a company structure can lead to individuals paying different amounts of tax while doing very similar work.

Rates of dividend tax are lower than the main rates of income tax, partly to recognise the fact that corporation tax may have been charged on the profits that are then distributed in the form of dividends

The off-payroll working rules, also known as IR35, have been in place for 25 years. They are designed to ensure that individuals working like employees but through their own company, usually a personal service company (PSC), pay broadly the same income tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs) as those who are directly employed.
wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_53
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_53

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make it her policy to increase £500,000 threshold for the new surcharge on business rates in line with the increase in aggregate rateable values from the 2026 business rates revaluation. \p James Murray: As announced at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government intends to introduce a higher business rates multiplier for all properties with a rateable value (RV) of £500,000 or above in April 2026 to fund permanently lower multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure properties with RVs below £500,000.

The final details of the higher multiplier will be announced at Autumn Budget 2025 in light of the outcomes of the 2026 revaluation, which is currently ongoing.
wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_54
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_54

Jim Shannon:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of scrapping the High Income Child Benefit Charge. \p James Murray: While the government understands the concerns that have been raised about the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC), it is currently the best way to manage Child Benefit expenditure. By withdrawing Child Benefit from high-income families, the HICBC helps to ensure the sustainability of the public finances and protect our vital public services.
wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_55
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_55

Sir Gavin Williamson:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to continue the 40 percent relief on business rates for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure businesses into the 2026-27 financial year. \p James Murray: Retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) relief has been extended year-by-year by previous governments since the pandemic. It has been a stopgap measure, and we recognise that businesses need longer term certainty on their business rates liabilities.

Without any Government intervention, RHL relief would have ended entirely in April 2025, creating a cliff-edge for businesses. Instead, the Government is providing a 40 per cent discount to RHL properties up to a cash cap of £110,0000 per business in 2025-26, ahead of introducing permanently lower rates for RHL properties with rateable values below £500,000 from April 2026.
wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_56
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_56

Sir Jeremy Hunt:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has made a recent assessment of the potential merits of removing the customs duty on mastectomy bras. \p James Murray: The UK’s tariff schedule, known as the UK Global Tariff (UKGT), adheres to global classification standards. Those classify mastectomy bras under a commodity code that covers a range of other textiles.

We continue to monitor the UKGT to ensure our Most Favoured Nation tariff schedule functions as effectively as possible, supports domestic priorities, and provides a stable operating environment for businesses.

Businesses are able to request the partial or full liberalisation of the import duty applied to the products under this commodity code, including mastectomy bras, either through the online feedback form or the next business suspensions window.
wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_57
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-07-16)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-07-16 conversation_57

Dr Rupa Huq:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the potential merits of introducing real-time alerts for compromised National Insurance numbers. \p James Murray: The Department for Work and Pensions have processes in place to flag NINos and will monitor flagged NINos daily for inappropriate use.