theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to ensure the continuation of UK research in the higher education sector. \p Feryal Clark: The government is protecting record levels R&D investment, allocating £20.4bn across departments in 2025/26. DSIT’s overall R&D budget will be £13.9bn in 2025/26, including £8.8bn for UKRI to support talent, infrastructure, and innovation. This funding ensures the continuation of research in higher education and supports key priorities such as building R&I talent, fostering student startups, and maintaining Quality-Related (QR) funding, which was around £2bn in 2024/25.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

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Chi Onwurah:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to ensure that the right to object to targeted online advertising is upheld under consent-or-pay models; and whether his Department plans to provide updated guidance on this issue in the context of the Information Commissioner’s Office’s guidance on consent-or-pay. \p Chris Bryant: The Information Commissioner’s Office’s (ICO) guidance on this matter states that pay and consent models can be implemented in accordance with the data protection legislation, so long as websites ensure that consent to targeted advertising is fully informed and freely given. The guidance sets out a framework of factors that are important to consider when assessing whether a “consent or pay” model meets the required standard of consent.

The Government will continue to engage with businesses, the ICO and other stakeholders to monitor operation of these models.
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Gideon Amos:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he plans to take steps (a) with Building Digital UK to support the timely delivery of full fibre broadband to rural communities under the Phase 2 Superfast Broadband Programme in (i) west Somerset and (ii) Devon and (b) to encourage improved communication between Airband and affected (A) residents and (B) local stakeholders in the parishes of (1) West Hatch, (2) Hatch Beauchamp, (3) Bickenhall, (4) Curland, (5) Staple Fitzpaine, (6) Corfe, (7) Orchard Portman, (8) Stoke St Mary and (9) Pitminster. \p Chris Bryant: Building Digital UK (BDUK) is working with Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) and Airband to identify premises which will no longer be connected via its Superfast contracts. Premises that have been descoped from the Airband contracts and are not in any suppliers’ commercial plans will be eligible for support through Project Gigabit.

Officials will continue to work closely with suppliers, residents and local stakeholders across west Somerset and Devon to improve broadband connectivity across the region.
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Samantha Niblett:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2025 to Question 55786 on Public Sector: Digital Technology, whether his Department’s digital transformation strategy will include the (a) financial impact of software assets on departmental budgets and (b) impact of identified dependencies on those assets on cost efficiencies. \p Feryal Clark: The State of Digital Government review, A blueprint for modern digital government and the Performance Review of Digital Spend, all published this year, have highlighted the need to reform digital purchasing.

The Government has launched a Digital Commercial Centre of Excellence, containing experts from the Digital and Commercial Functions, within the Government Digital Service (GDS) in my department. It is pursuing multiple strategies to improve value for money and outcomes including central buying of commodity services, development of a digital sourcing strategy, creation of technical enablers and joined-up management of strategic digital suppliers.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

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Samantha Niblett:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2025 to Question 55785 on Public Sector: Digital Technology, what discussions his Department has had with the Digital Commercial Centre of Excellence on the impact of software licensing for Government software procurement on the digital transformation strategy. \p Feryal Clark: The State of Digital Government review, A blueprint for modern digital government and the Performance Review of Digital Spend, all published this year, have highlighted the need to reform digital purchasing.

The Government has launched a Digital Commercial Centre of Excellence, containing experts from the Digital and Commercial Functions, within the Government Digital Service (GDS) in my department. It is pursuing multiple strategies to improve value for money and outcomes including central buying of commodity services, development of a digital sourcing strategy, creation of technical enablers and joined-up management of strategic digital suppliers.
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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 23 April 2025 to Question 44962 on Government Departments: Cost Effectiveness, whether the 2025-26 baseline for the 15% saving in administration budgets includes departmental efficiency savings announced in July 2024. \p Darren Jones: The savings and efficiencies announced in July 2024 helped to address spending pressures identified through the public spending audit. These included a 2% savings against government administration budgets.

In the Spring Statement, the Chancellor announced that all departments would be expected to make a 15% reduction in their administration budgets by 2029-30. This used 2025-26 budgets as published at Autumn Budget 24 as the baseline, which included in-year changes, for example employers’ National Insurance Contributions.
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Ben Goldsborough:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of enabling parents to be paid their childcare funding using their government tax-free childcare account. \p Darren Jones: Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) provides parents with financial support with the aim of allowing parents to work and earn more. It enables parents access funding of up to £2,000 per child for children up to 11 years-old (16 and up to £4,000 if the child is disabled). In addition to this, TFC caters to self-employed parents, and parents that work irregular hours and may be unable to access traditional childcare provisions.

Since its introduction in 2017, take-up of TFC has consistently increased. For the Financial Year 2024-25, approximately 826,000 families used TFC for 1,085,000 children. In March 2025, 580,000 families used TFC for 709,000 children, higher than any previous month since TFC began.
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Ben Lake:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential cost savings to public services resulting from investment in independent social welfare advice services. \p Darren Jones: The Government recognises the important role that independent advice services play in supporting individuals.

For example, DWP provide grant funding to Citizens Advice, who deliver Help to Claim support for customers to apply for Universal Credit. Help to Claim reduces the number of Universal Credit benefit queries DWP receive and enables work coaches to focus on work related activities.

In addition, the Money and Pensions Service, which is sponsored by DWP, continues to provide impartial, free money and pensions guidance directly to consumers.

DWP assesses the impacts from its investments, including public services efficiencies, in line with standard Treasury guidance.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 2 April 2025 to Question 41289 on Arms Length Bodies: Parliamentary Scrutiny, through which mechanisms (a) public corporations and (b) private companies owned by the Government are accountable to Parliament. \p Darren Jones: Detail on arrangements for Parliamentary accountability and governance of government companies and public corporations are set out in Annex 7.3 of Managing Public Money.

The precise arrangements will vary from body to body, but will be set out in each body’s framework document, or equivalent, which describes the governance arrangements between the body and its sponsor government department. Framework documents are published on GOV.UK, along with guidance on their use and standard templates for each type of body: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/framework-documents-collection

In general, accountability to Parliament will be via the ministers of a public corporation’s sponsor department and, if that body is subject to the rules set out in Managing Public Money, through the public corporation’s accounting officer or accountable person.

Private companies owned by the Government, where they do not meet the classification standards for a public corporation, are instead classified by the ONS as part of central government. They are financially consolidated into their sponsor department and accountable to Parliament in the same manner as any other non-departmental public body.

Ministers of a central government company’s sponsor department are responsible for the body in the house; and the most senior executive in the company as an Accounting Officer is directly accountable to Parliament via the Public Accounts Committee for the use of public funds.

Public corporation status is formally determined by the Office for National Statistics on the basis of international economic statistical standards. Public corporations are generally self-funding and do not normally receive funding voted by Parliament. This category covers a significant range of bodies with differing levels of government control and not all bodies classified as public corporations are owned by the Government. They are subject to levels of control deemed appropriate by the relevant sponsor department, agreed via their framework document, and approved by the Treasury.
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Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how local government restructuring scores on public (a) spending and (b) borrowing. \p Darren Jones: Any changes to local government spending as a result of local government reorganisation will be reflected in the OBR forecast via estimates of local authority self-financed expenditure, with associated impacts on overall fiscal metrics, including public sector net borrowing (PSNB). Any central government funding for restructuring would be allocated within departmental budgets in the usual way.
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Sorcha Eastwood:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Written Statement of 4 June 2025, HCWS682, on School Food, what estimate she has made of the potential Barnett consequentials for Northern Ireland following the expansion of free school meals to all children in households in receipt of Universal Credit. \p Darren Jones: The Barnett formula is applied when departmental budgets change – not when departments announce how they are spending their budgets.

When changes to the Department for Education’s budget were confirmed at Spending Review 2025 on 11 June, the Barnett formula was applied in the usual way.  The published Block Grant Transparency document provides a detailed breakdown of how the block grants are calculated and the next version will be published in due course.
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David Smith:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she plans to differentiate between small family businesses and major corporations for overall tax liabilities. \p James Murray: The Government provides support through the tax system to small businesses in a range of ways.

The Small Profits Rate and taper rate mean almost 70% of actively trading companies are taxed at a rate of 19%, with only 10% of businesses paying the full 25%.

Within National Insurance, the Government has protected the smallest businesses by increasing the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500, which means that 865,000 employers will pay no employer NICs at all this year.

The Government also increased the Small Employer Compensation rate, which compensates small employers for the additional costs of paying National Insurance when employees receive statutory payments (e.g. Statutory Maternity Pay).

At £90,000, the UK has a higher VAT registration threshold than any EU country and the joint highest in the OECD. This keeps the majority of businesses out of the VAT regime altogether

Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) is available to businesses with a single property below a set rateable value. Eligible properties under £12,000 will receive 100 per cent relief, which means over a third of businesses in England (more than 700,000) pay no business rates at all. There is also tapered support available to properties valued between £12,000 and £15,000, which an additional c.60,000 businesses benefit from.
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Katie Lam:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the UK’s exit from the EU on levels of VAT for (a) repairs and (b) maintenance payments for places of worship. \p James Murray: VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. VAT is the UK’s second largest tax, forecast to raise £180.4 billion in 2025/26. Taxation is a vital source of revenue that helps to fund vital public services.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport administers the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. This provides grants towards VAT paid on repairs and maintenance to the nation's listed places of worship.
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Sarah Bool:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HMRC has issued tax liability demands to people who have been victims of investment fraud; and what steps she is taking to review such cases to avoid penalising victims of financial crime. \p James Murray: HMRC is responsible for managing the tax system and is required by law to collect tax due. It must apply the law correctly and individuals are responsible for their own tax affairs.

Where individuals find themselves with unexpected tax bills as a result of taking bad advice from a third party on an investments scheme, this does not mitigate any tax that is legally due.

HMRC works with individuals to understand the facts of each case and only pursues tax where there is a genuine tax liability. It tailors its approach to individual circumstances and takes a supportive and proportionate approach to recovering tax due, including offering ‘Time to Pay’ instalment arrangements where appropriate, and providing extra support for customer who need it.
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Victoria Collins:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of changes to orchestral tax relief on touring orchestras’ ability to fund UK charity concerts and community programmes. \p James Murray: The UK provides world-leading support for orchestras: at Autumn Budget 2024, the Government confirmed that from 1 April 2025, the rate of Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) will be set at the generous rate of 45%.

From April 2024, qualifying expenditure is expenditure incurred on goods or services that are ‘used or consumed in the UK’, replacing the previous rule that qualifying costs were those incurred on goods and services provided from the UK or EEA.  To ease the transition to the new rule, orchestras with concerts in train on 1 April 2024 were permitted to continue claiming relief on goods and services provided from within the EEA until 31 March 2025.

It is appropriate to refocus orchestra tax relief on UK expenditure now that the UK has left the EU. Under the new rule, the relief incentivises activity within the UK, rather than the UK and the EEA. This does not prevent qualifying productions from touring in the EEA (nor elsewhere).

As with all tax policy changes, a Tax Information and Impact Note was published in 2023 which can be found here: Administrative changes to the creative industry tax reliefs - GOV.UK.
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Chris Hinchliff:To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much was spent on (a) maternity, (b) paternity and (c) adoption leave in the most recent period for which data is available. \p James Murray: HMRC hold information on the amounts paid by employers to employees for Statutory Parental Pay, but do not hold this for additional ‘occupational’ pay offered by employers.

The table below shows the amounts paid for statutory pay in 2023/24 (the latest complete year available).

Value of Employee Claims (£Million)

Statutory Maternity Pay

3,338.3

Statutory Paternity Pay

69.0

Statutory Adoption Pay

25.1

Notes:

1) Data collected using HMRC Real Time Information (RTI) and extracted in December 2024. RTI is subject to revision or updates.

2) Total value of claims rounded to nearest £100,000.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with the UK trade envoy to Israel. \p Gareth Thomas: The Secretary of State regularly meets with all his Trade Envoys.
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John Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many permanent civil servants in his Department are staff without assigned posts; and how many are placed in an equivalent (a) people action team, (b) priority movers list, (c) redeployment register, (d) talent pool and (e) skills match hub in the most recent period for which data is available. \p Justin Madders: At any point in time, there is likely to be a number of individuals who have been displaced due to restructures within business units or have returned from a loan from another department and their role no longer exists. The exact number changes on a day to day basis.
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Perran Moon:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Energy Intensive Industries support scheme to include (a) metal manufacturing, (b) mining and (c) disposal of waste. \p Sarah Jones: The British Industry Supercharger already covers manufacturers of iron, steel, aluminium and other metals, and mining companies, subject to the business-level test on electricity usage. Iron and steel manufacturers may also be eligible for compensation on indirect carbon costs stemming from electricity generation. We will conduct an eligibility review for the British Industry Supercharger in 2026 to account for changing business trends.
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Noah Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of using domestically sourced lithium in the manufacture of electric buses. \p Sarah Jones: The new Critical Minerals Strategy will set out how the government will maximise the domestic production of key critical minerals like lithium, for which the UK has significant projects underway. As part of this, the government will continue to engage with downstream manufacturers- including the transport sector - to explore how the domestic production of critical minerals can support UK manufacturers.

Additionally, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) will support the Department for Transport (DfT) broader commitment to transitioning to zero-emission buses (ZEBs), which are central to delivering cleaner, quieter journeys and supporting UK manufacturing.
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Alex Easton:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if the Government will convene a meeting between (a) Boeing, (b) Airbus, (c) Bombardier, (d) GMB, (e) Unite the Union and (f) other relevant stakeholders on the proposed sale of Spirit AeroSystems, in the context of (i) its contribution the UK aerospace sector and (ii) potential job losses; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of Government fiscal intervention in this matter. \p Sarah Jones: The Department for Business and Trade recognises the importance of Spirit AeroSystems’ Short Brothers to the Northern Ireland economy, the wider UK aerospace sector and its future potential in the global market.  Commercial negotiations are ongoing and the Department will continue to stay engaged with all parties to work for the best outcome and to support future growth.

Airbus’ decision to expand its UK operations in Belfast and Prestwick will secure high value jobs and is welcome news for the UK’s aerospace sector and a vote of confidence in Northern Ireland’s and Scotland’s world-class manufacturing expertise.
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Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will hold discussions with representatives of businesses with government contracts on ensuring that UK residents who are entitled to a UK passport following the passing of the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024 are not excluded from employment because they hold dual nationality. \p Justin Madders: None planned, as there is no DBT policy in relation to Govt contracts which differentiates treatment of UK residents who are entitled to a UK passport following the passing of the British Nationality Act 2024 from other UK residents.
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Perran Moon:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to improve postal services carried out by the Royal Mail in rural areas. \p Justin Madders: Ministers and officials have discussions with Royal Mail on a regular basis in its capacity as the universal service provider. It is for Ofcom, as the independent regulator of postal services, to set and monitor Royal Mail's service standards and decide how to use its powers to investigate and take enforcement action should Royal Mail fail to achieve its obligations without good justification.

The Government's objective in relation to postal services continues to be to secure a sustainable universal service for users throughout the UK, including those in remote and rural areas.
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Tim Roca:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of a (a) phased implementation and (b) grace period for the Equality and Human Rights Commission's revised code of practice for services, public functions and associations. \p Justin Madders: The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has opened its consultation on the draft updated statutory Code of Practice, seeking views from affected stakeholders.

The Department for Business and Trade has made no assessment at this stage of the potential merits of a (a) phased implementation and (b) grace period for the EHRC’s revised code of practice for services, public functions and associations.

We are sure the EHRC will make a concerted effort to fully explore the practical implications of the judgement and how this may be best reflected in the updated Code.
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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to improve working conditions for people who work in distribution centres. \p Justin Madders: Government cares about working conditions and employment rights, that is why we are delivering the Employment Rights Bill. The Bill will deliver significant benefits, including better working conditions, more secure work, reducing inequalities and improving industrial relations. Stronger employment rights for workers will ensure a fairer and more equal labour market. For example, over 2 million people on zero or low hours contracts could benefit from the right to guaranteed hours, and the right to payment for shifts cancelled, moved or cut at short notice.
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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to help tackle the presence of (a) pesticides and (b) other harmful chemicals in period products. \p Justin Madders: Most period products are regulated by the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, which requires all products to be safe and for consumers to be provided with information on the potential risks of a product.

Subject to Royal Assent of the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, the Government has committed to consult on this matter to ensure that any changes to the safety provisions of these products are robust and consistent. As part of this, we are considering further research and testing in this area to complement the consultation.
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Samantha Niblett:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the new powers for the Competition and Markets Authority in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 to tackle restrictive software licensing on (a) consumers, (b) businesses and (c) the wider economy. \p Justin Madders: The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 has empowered the Competition and Markets Authority to designate firms which exert significant control in respect of digital activities with “Strategic Market Status” (SMS), following an evidence-based assessment.

The CMA can carry out investigations to determine the most appropriate remedies for a specific competition concern. Remedies will ensure designated firms treat businesses and consumers fairly, promote more dynamic markets and help new competitors enter the market. The CMA has already exercised its new powers by launching three SMS investigations into large technology firms in January this year.
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Samantha Niblett:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer on 4 June 2025 to Question 55787 on Government Departments: Software, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 on (a) software licencing and (b) the Government's procurement of software. \p Justin Madders: The Competition and Markets Authority has been awarded enhanced powers by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers (“DMCC”) Act 2024 to protect UK consumers and businesses from unfair or harmful practices by the very largest technology firms.

The DMCC Act enables the CMA to provide opportunities to encourage the benefits of investment and innovation from the largest digital firms, while ensuring a level playing-field for the many start-ups and scale-ups across the UK tech sector. This should promote greater innovation, more choice and more competitive process across the sector benefiting UK businesses, consumers and government.
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Graham Stuart:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make it her policy to transition from E10 to E15 fuel. \p Lilian Greenwood: The UK Government made E10 the standard (or ‘premium’) grade petrol in Great Britain in September 2021. Previously the grade supplied at UK forecourts contained a lower bioethanol content known as E5.

In making the decision to mandate E10 the Department carried out extensive consultation and undertook a comprehensive public information campaign. The UK did not move to E10 without assurance that vehicles on UK roads were ready to safely use higher blends of bioethanol, and that such a transition would align with industry agreed fuel standards for petrol.

The industry agreed standard for petrol, EN228, currently only permits fuel suppliers to supply petrol containing up to 10% ethanol (E10). The Department continually reviews all policies relevant to biofuels, including on E10. Any changes to fuel regulation would require alignment with industry led fuel standards for petrol and a consultation.
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Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of UK-manufactured electric vehicles exported to foreign countries on UK environmental targets. \p Lilian Greenwood: Industry data shows nearly 80% of vehicles made in the UK are exported. We do not expect this to impact the Government’s ability to meet the targets set out through the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate. A thriving zero emission vehicle export market is crucial to supporting a domestic automotive industry that will drive growth, deliver jobs, and support the UK’s environmental goals.
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Andy McDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Written Statement of 3 April 2025 on Local Government Best Value, HCWS576, what assessment her Department has made of the capacity of the Tees Valley Combined Authority to (a) manage and (b) account for the use of the Transport for City Regions funding allocation between 2027-28 and 2031-32. \p Simon Lightwood: The Chancellor announced the £15.6 billion Transport for City Regions settlements on 4 June 2025. The settlements provide long-term funding certainty, including revenue funding, ensuring city regions have the resources they need to effectively manage programmes. The Department will also work closely with Mayoral Strategic Authorities on a governance framework to monitor delivery progress and expenditure. Any relevant findings from the Best Value process will be duly considered as appropriate.
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Andy McDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Written Statement of 3 April 2025 on Local Government Best Value, HCWS576, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of Tees Valley Combined Authority's (a) management of and (b) accounting for the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement funding allocation between 2022-23 and 2026-27. \p Simon Lightwood: The City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) play a key role in improving local networks across the country. Alongside significant capital investment, CRSTS provides revenue funding to help places manage delivery effectively. Tees Valley’s programme business case was assessed by Government, and the Department works closely with Mayoral Combined Authorities to monitor delivery progress and expenditure through an agreed governance framework. Any relevant findings from the Best Value process will be duly considered as appropriate.
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Freddie van Mierlo:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what guidance Active Travel England have issued on the use of compulsory purchase order powers for active travel routes. \p Simon Lightwood: To date Active Travel England has not issued any guidance on the use of compulsory purchase order powers. A range of approaches to establishing rural active travel routes will be set out in guidance due to be published later this year, including case studies on the use of compulsory purchase orders.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

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Perran Moon:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress her Department has made on (a) reducing insurance costs for drivers and (b) the cross-Government motor insurance taskforce. \p Lilian Greenwood: This Government is committed to tackle the high costs of motor insurance. The cross-Government motor insurance taskforce, launched in October, is comprised of ministers from relevant government departments and the Financial Conduct Authority and Competition and Markets Authority. The taskforce is supported by a separate stakeholder panel of industry experts representing the insurance, motor, and consumer sector.

This Taskforce has a strategic remit to set the direction for UK Government policy, identifying short- and long-term actions for departments that may contribute to stabilising or reducing premiums. It will look at the increased insurance costs on consumers and the insurance industry, including how this impacts different demographics, geographies, and communities.

The Government will provide updates in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_264

John Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many permanent civil servants in her Department are staff without assigned posts; and how many are placed in an equivalent (a) people action team, (b) priority movers list, (c) redeployment register, (d) talent pool and (e) skills match hub in the most recent period for which data is available. \p Mike Kane: There are no permanent civil servants within DfTc and the Agencies without assigned posts.

The Department for Transport (DfTc and the Agencies) has a priority movers list/redeployment register. Within a payroll workforce of over 16000*, the number of people currently on the register for DfTc and the Agencies as of 6th June 2025 is 61.

*Payroll staff total headcount DfT: workforce management information, April 2025 - GOV.UK
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_265

Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many permanent civil servants in his Department had their contract of employment terminated as a result of poor performance in the (a) 2022-23, (b) 2023-24 and (c) 2024-25 financial years. \p Ian Murray: No permanent civil servants working in the Scotland Office had their contract of employment terminated as a result of poor performance in the (a) 2022-23, (b) 2023-24 and (c) 2024-25 financial years.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

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Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2025 to Question 51543 on Universal Credit: Fylde, how many Universal Credit claimants have been affected by the change in the Fair Repayment Rate implemented from 30 April 2025 in Fylde constituency. \p Sir Stephen Timms: This information is not currently available.

The Fair Repayment Rate was implemented on the 30 April 2025 for Universal Credit claims with assessment periods starting on or after this date. However, the transition to the new policy will not be complete for all Universal Credit households until the end of June 2025. We estimate that once the transition to the Fair Repayment Rate is complete, it will benefit 1.2 million Universal Credit households by putting an average of £420 back into their pockets per year.

The Department regularly publishes data on Universal Credit deductions. The release scheduled for November 2025 will present deductions data up to August 2025, this is the first release that will show the effects of the Fair Repayment Rate.

The latest release of the deductions statistics can be found here:

Universal Credit deductions statistics December 2023 to November 2024 - GOV.UK
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_267

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to provide support for older people to complete online job applications. \p Alison McGovern: DWP currently offers employment support for eligible customers of all ages, through the network of Jobcentres across the UK, and through contracted employment programmes. A dedicated offer for older jobseekers provides more tailored support for those affected by additional challenges such as out of date skills or qualifications or those who need help with CVs.

Work Coaches and employers are supported by 50 plus Champions who provide a critical layer of support through Jobcentres, to ensure the needs of older jobseekers are met. Recent examples of personalised activity include 50 plus Job Fairs, Mentoring Circles, peer to peer support, digital awareness sessions and confidence building, including assisting customers with their perceived digital capabilities, from basic IT skills to more complex tasks.

Employer and Partnership Teams in Jobcentres also work with a range of employers and partners to enhance the skills and employment support available locally for customers.

The Government is reforming Jobcentre Plus and creating a new service that will enable everyone to access support to find good, meaningful work, and support to help them progress in their careers. This includes an enhanced focus on skills and careers advice.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_268

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2025 to Question 51543 on Universal Credit: Fylde, what steps her Department is taking to monitor the impact of the new Fair Repayment Rate for Universal Credit debt deductions on households in Fylde constituency. \p Sir Stephen Timms: The Department collects detailed data on deductions from Universal Credit households and will be monitoring the effect of the Fair Repayment Rate over the coming months.

We regularly publish official statistics on deductions at the parliamentary constituency level - including the number of Universal Credit households with deductions and average amount deducted. The release scheduled for November 2025 will present deductions data up to August 2025, this is the first release that will show the effects of the Fair Repayment Rate.

The latest release of the deductions statistics can be found here:

Universal Credit deductions statistics December 2023 to November 2024 - GOV.UK
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

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Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department is able to produce statistics on PIP recipients broken down by (a) Output Areas and (b) lower layer Super Output Areas. \p Sir Stephen Timms: Information on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants by different geographic breakdowns can be found on Stat Xplore. You can use the ‘PIP Cases with Entitlement from 2019’ dataset and the ‘Geography’ filter to narrow down to the breakdowns you require.

For further guidance on how to use Stat Xplore, please see the User Guide here.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

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Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with his counterparts in Northern Ireland on waiting times for ADHD (a) medication and (b) treatment for children. \p Hilary Benn: This Government is committed to working with the Executive to transform its public services and improve outcomes for people living in Northern Ireland, including children. That is why I and other UK Government Ministers regularly engage with Executive Ministers in Northern Ireland, including the Health Minister, to discuss plans to improve public services.

However, I also recognise that health is devolved in Northern Ireland and directly tackling waiting lists is a matter for the NI Health Minister and his department. I welcome the recent steps he has taken to improve waiting times. Improving outcomes in Northern Ireland will take time and we will continue to be an active partner and work supportively with the Executive as best we can.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

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John Cooper:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many permanent civil servants in his Department are staff without assigned posts; and how many are placed in an equivalent (a) people action team, (b) priority movers list, (c) redeployment register, (d) talent pool and (e) skills match hub in the most recent period for which data is available. \p Hilary Benn: At any point in time, there is likely to be a small number of individuals who have been displaced due to restructures within their cost centres or, for example, have returned from a loan from another department and their role no longer exists. The exact number changes on a day-to-day basis.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

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Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, who the lead policy official is in 10 Downing Street. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The Director of the Policy Unit is the lead policy civil servant in the Prime Minister’s Office.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_273

David Simmonds:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Register of Ministers’ Gifts and Hospitality includes gifts that have been (a) returned and (b) reimbursed to the original donor. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The Register of Ministers’ Gifts and Hospitality is a declaration of hospitality received and gifts given and received in a ministerial capacity, in line with ministers’ obligations under the Ministerial Code.

The Cabinet Office publishes guidance setting out the process that departments should follow to complete the publication of the Register of Ministers’ Gifts and Hospitality:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministers-gifts-and-hospitality-publication-guidance/ministers-gifts-and-hospitality-publication-guidance.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_274

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Director of Policy, Delivery and Innovation is a (a) special adviser, (b) direct ministerial appointment or (c) member of the Number 10 Political Office. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The Director of Policy, Delivery and Innovation is a special adviser. A list of special advisers is published as part of the Annual Report on Special Advisers by the Cabinet Office on gov.uk. The next report will be published in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_275

Stuart Andrew:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has issued guidance on Ministerial attendance at public events that include performers whose previous public statements have raised concerns about the endorsement of violence. \p Ms Abena Oppong-Asare: The Ministerial Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of ministers. Ministers are personally responsible for deciding how to act and conduct themselves in the light of the Code and for justifying their actions and conduct to Parliament and the public.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-06-13)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-06-13 conversation_276

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the (a) transgender, (b) bisexual and (c) Windrush flag has been flown from a Government building since 4 July 2024. \p Georgia Gould: None of the listed flags have been flown from a Government Property Agency managed Government Building since 4 July 2024. We do not hold information relating to buildings not managed by the Government Property Agency.