theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Fabian Hamilton:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 31 March 2025 to Question 41000 on Energy Supplies: Radio Frequencies, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of evidence gathered from (a) Germany, (b) Ireland, (c) Spain and (d) Brazil, who have already adopted radio spectrum access for the energy system. \p Michael Shanks: Ofcom is responsible for allocating and authorising radio spectrum in the United Kingdom. As part of its ongoing work, Ofcom has undertaken preparatory steps to explore the potential need for spectrum to support private communications networks in the energy sector. This included publishing a Call for Input (CFI) to help identify suitable spectrum bands, should such a solution be required in the UK.

In assessing the options, Ofcom considered international spectrum harmonisation efforts as well as approaches taken by other national administrations. A brief evaluation of each identified spectrum band was also provided within the CFI.
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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether Ofgem has offered apprenticeships in each year since 2010. \p Michael Shanks: The Civil Service is committed to using apprenticeships to break down barriers to opportunity, support skills development and deliver more effective public services.

Ofgem gives access to the apprenticeship levy for professional qualifications, and this has been available for existing employees since the levy was introduced.

Ofgem has made use of the apprenticeship levy in its workforce since 2017 and recruitment data, where available, has been provided below in Ofgem’s annual reports and accounts: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/about-us/ofgem-annual-reports.
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Chris Law:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department's target in the 2021 North Sea Transition Deal to support 40,000 direct and indirect supply chain jobs has been met. \p Michael Shanks: The Deal agreed in 2021 did not include a target to support 40,000 direct and indirect supply chain jobs. This figure was an estimate of the total number of jobs which could be supported, if several commitments in the Deal are met.

Government and industry continue to make progress, working together to deliver on the commitments in this long-term Deal. Government is determined to support workers and the supply chain to build on the opportunities the transition presents, to create high quality, well-paying jobs in existing and future energy industries, with no community left behind.
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Steve Witherden:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to hold Ofgem accountable for (a) achieving net zero and (b) supporting growth in renewables as part of its remit. \p Michael Shanks: The industry regulator Ofgem is directly accountable to Parliament. However, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State and DESNZ Ministers have regular meetings with Ofgem on a range of issues.

In December, the Government launched its first comprehensive review of Ofgem. The review will establish Ofgem as a strong consumer champion, driving up standards for household and business consumers both now, and as energy use evolves with smarter and greener technology. It will also consider Ofgem’s duties and mandate, including how it delivers on its existing set of duties such as net zero.

The path to Net Zero and supporting growth in the renewable energy sector are both at the heart of this Government’s mission to deliver clean power by 2030.
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Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, who approves new oil and gas fields. \p Michael Shanks: The Oil & Gas Authority (operating as the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA)) are the licensing authority for offshore oil & gas. The NSTA are also responsible for granting consents and authorisations for subsequent activities (including development consents) under the Petroleum Act 1998. The NSTA requires Secretary of State’s agreement under relevant environmental regulations prior to granting any licence, consent or authorisation.
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Steve Witherden:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of the P441 modification to the Balancing and Settlement Code. \p Michael Shanks: The Government recognises that local energy will play an important role in achieving our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030, and some suppliers are already working with community energy groups to support local supply.

The Secretary of State recently commissioned Ofgem to explore some of the policy and regulatory barriers to local supply, including route to market challenges. An industry working group is currently considering proposals to make a code modification (P441) to Balancing and Settlement Code, which may be beneficial for certain community energy projects. A final decision on modification will be made by Ofgem.
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Kit Malthouse:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answers of 12 March 2025 to Questions (a) 35320, (b) 35322 and (c) 35324, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of working with UK-based manufacturers of ammonia cracking technologies. \p Sarah Jones: Ammonia cracking is a nascent technology that the Government has supported through the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, which aims to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative, low-carbon technologies. As the sector develops, government will work with UK companies developing ammonia cracking technologies to understand its potential applications.
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Kit Malthouse:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 12 March 2025 to Question 35323 on Alternative Fuels: Ammonia, whether he has considered using imported ammonia to expand the domestic production of hydrogen (a) through Hydrogen Allocation Round 3 and (b) more broadly in the development of the hydrogen market in the period to 2030. \p Sarah Jones: The Government’s immediate priority is supporting primary hydrogen production methods in the UK, which will help us to develop supply chains and bring down the costs of hydrogen production in the UK. Utilising ammonia cracking to import hydrogen does not meet these criteria and so ammonia cracking will not be eligible for HAR3. We will continue to consider the potential future role for ammonia cracking in the UK hydrogen economy as we recognise that, in the longer term, imported hydrogen could play a role as part of a diverse supply mix.
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Kit Malthouse:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answers of 12 March 2025 Questions (a) 35320 and (b) 35322 on Alternative Fuels: Ammonia, whether he has considered domestic ammonia storage for on-demand ammonia cracking and deployment, in the context of (i) his Department’s assessment of the potential role of low carbon ammonia in a diversified energy mix and (ii) UK energy security. \p Sarah Jones: Ammonia cracking is a nascent technology that the Government has previously supported through the Net Zero Innovation Portfolio. As set out in the Market Engagement document, the early focus of the Hydrogen Storage Business Model will be geological storage. The use of ammonia as a form of chemical storage for cracking to hydrogen was assessed to have low technology readiness. Government continues to review technological developments and may make changes to HSBM eligibility when appropriate to do so.
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Kit Malthouse:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answers of 12 March 2025 to Questions (a) 35320, (b) 35322 and (c) 35324, what was the date of the most recent official meeting between ministers from his Department and ministers from (a) the Department for Transport and (b) the Department for Business and Trade to discuss policies for developing the UK ammonia market. \p Sarah Jones: There is regular engagement between DESNZ, DfT and DBT to discuss a range of policy issues. Officials are working closely with other departments to understand the potential role of ammonia in the UK’s future low carbon economy and how it should be considered within our policy frameworks.

Ministers from DESNZ are in regular communication with ministers from DfT & DBT on all issues.
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Dame Caroline Dinenage:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to hold discussions with Cabinet colleagues on his proposed changes to energy performance certificates; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of (a) this policy and (b) his other energy policies on the viability of the short-term rental sector in (i) rural and (ii) coastal communities. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: On the 4th December 2024, the Government published the consultation on Energy Performance Certificate Reform. Alongside the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, my Department is currently considering all the responses and the Government will publish a response in due course.

The Government is also consulting on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector, including whether short-term lets should be included in the scope of our changes. We encourage stakeholders to feed in their views and evidence on the potential impact of these proposals. Following the consultation process, a government response and full impact assessment will be published.
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Tracy Gilbert:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 5 September 2024 to Question 2198 on District Heating, when his Department plans to bring forward regulations to implement the Heat Network Market Framework. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The first part of the Heat Networks (Market Framework) (Great Britain) Regulations 2025 was signed into law on the 2nd of March 2025. The remaining parts of this regulatory framework will be laid in Parliament later this year, and Ofgem will assume its role as heat network market regulator on the 27th of January 2026.

On the 1st of April, the redress, advice and advocacy functions of the Heat Networks Market Framework came into force. Under these schemes, the Energy Ombudsman, Citizens Advice, and Consumer Scotland will monitor the market and have powers to take enforcement action against operators that break the rules on metering and billing.
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Margaret Mullane:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential contribution of heat batteries to balancing grid demand during peak energy usage periods. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Heat batteries are a promising low-carbon heating technology because they utilise time-of-use tariffs and do not require outside space. However, they are less efficient than heat pumps and therefore use more energy to meet the same heating demand. Although they can be charged at off-peak times, if not sized or used correctly, heat batteries could add to peak demand on the electricity network and increase bills for property owners. The Department is exploring, through studies like the Homes for Net Zero Trial, the role heat batteries could play in the future.
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Lizzi Collinge:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when he plans to implement the second phase of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for non-domestic private rented buildings. \p Sarah Jones: We have analysed the responses to our consultation on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards in the non-domestic private rented sector and we are reviewing the policy design to ensure it remains fair and appropriate for landlords and tenants, and plan to publish our response in the first half of 2025.
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Sir John Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an estimate of the projected carbon emissions resulting from steel imports in the next three years. \p Kerry McCarthy: The Department estimates future greenhouse gas emissions (including carbon dioxide) on a territorial basis, meaning emissions that occur within UK borders. This is the approach required by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the UK’s Climate Change Act 2008. The latest estimate is published here: Energy and emissions projections - GOV.UK.

Defra publishes consumption-based emissions statistics, calculated by the University of Leeds, which include emissions associated with imported goods and services. This can be found here: Carbon footprint for the UK and England to 2021 - GOV.UK.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he discussed the constitutional position of Northern Ireland with his Irish counterpart during the UK-Ireland Summit 2025. \p Hilary Benn: The 2025 UK-Ireland Summit strengthened cooperation between the UK and Ireland, as set out in the UK-Ireland 2030 Joint Statement. The constitutional position of Northern Ireland was not discussed at the Summit.

In accordance with the Good Friday Agreement and the principle of consent upon which it rests, Northern Ireland will remain a part of the United Kingdom for as long as its people wish it to be.
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Gregory Stafford:To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, whether she has had recent discussions with (a) the Welsh government, (b) Natural Resources Wales and (c) the Canal and River Trust on the extraction of water during drier periods to supply the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal. \p Jo Stevens: I have regular discussions with Welsh Government Ministers and stakeholder organisations in Wales on a wide range of matters, including the environment. Whilst water management is devolved to the Welsh Government, the UK Government recognises the environmental and economic value of canals in Wales and is investing £13.9m in restoring the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal.
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Valerie Vaz:To ask the Solicitor General, whether he has produced legal advice on the compatibility of (a) Article 2 of the European Commission on Human Rights, (b) probate law and (c) civil procedure rules with the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. \p Lucy Rigby: The Law Officers’ Convention applies to advice which may or may not have been given by, or requested of, the Law Officers, and it applies to your question.

The Convention can be found at paragraph 21.27 of Erskine May:

“By long-standing convention, observed by successive Governments, the fact of, and substance of advice from, the law officers of the Crown is not disclosed outside government. This convention is referred to in paragraph [5.14] of the Ministerial Code [updated on 6 November 2024]. The purpose of this convention is to enable the Government to obtain frank and full legal advice in confidence.”
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Valerie Vaz:To ask the Solicitor General, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of making her advice to Cabinet colleagues on the legal implications of bills available to the police. \p Lucy Rigby: The fact that the Law Officers advise on Bills through the government collective agreement process before they are introduced to Parliament is public knowledge. However, on specific matters, the fact that the Law Officers have advised or have not advised, and the content of their advice, must not be disclosed outside government without their authority. Such authority is rarely given. This principle is known as the Law Officers’ Convention and can be found at paragraphs 21.27 of Erskine May and 5.14 of the Ministerial Code.
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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has considered introducing targeted funding or grants to help increase the facilities of charities that are experiencing significant demand for their services. \p Stephanie Peacock: This Government recognises the vital role that charities play up and down the country, by providing crucial targeted support to different groups and communities.

DCMS is promoting the availability of funding for smaller charities in several ways. This includes delivery of a number of grant schemes, such as the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund and the £25.5 million Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Energy Efficiency Scheme, which is supporting frontline organisations across England to improve their energy efficiency and sustainability.

The Youth Investment Fund is also funding over £300 million to over 250 projects in targeted areas to build, renovate and expand youth facilities in less advantaged areas of England. Alongside this, the £30.5 million Better Youth Spaces fund recently launched for smaller capital projects in youth facilities.
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Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the organisers of the Women's Rugby World Cup on the organisation of that event. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government is committed to delivering international events with pride, building upon the UK’s global reputation for excellence in staging major sporting events.

The Government holds regular discussions with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and World Rugby, as joint venture partners, to ensure the successful delivery of the Women's Rugby World Cup (Women’s RWC) 2025. The Secretary of State and I attended the Women’s Rugby World Cup 100 ‘Days to go’ launch event in May 2025, where we discussed tournament delivery with senior RFU figures and other stakeholders.

I also met with senior RFU figures while supporting England at the opening fixture and semi final of the Women's Rugby World Cup and discussed the delivery of the tournament.

We are confident that the great collaboration which has taken place across all delivery partners will result in a landmark moment not just for women’s rugby but for women’s sport.
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Mr James Frith:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department attaches provisions on paternity and parental leave when allocating grants to organisations. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Department does not include clauses within grant offer letters requiring organisations to adopt specific policies related to paternity or other forms of parental leave as such a requirement would likely go beyond the obligations which can be enforced by the terms and conditions of a grant. Grants are an investment in a specific project which is being run by the grant recipient rather than for the wider operation of an organisation.

The Department also does not require organisations to have specific paternity or other forms of parental leave policies in place when bidding for grants.

In the event that it became apparent that a grant recipient was not operating within its legal obligations in regard to paternity or other forms of leave then the Department could consider terminating the relevant grant agreement under clause 54 of the standard grant agreement which includes illegal activity as an event of default and therefore a reason for grant termination.
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Andrew Rosindell:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department is taking steps to support to the charitable work of the Church of England. \p Stephanie Peacock: For millions of people in this country, their faith and belief identity is a crucial part of their lives, and our nation is enriched by our diverse tapestry of faiths and beliefs. This government celebrates the central role of faith, including the Christian faith, in our national life. Churches, such as the Church of England, contain many Christians whose faith guides their moral outlook and inspires them to public service and helping those in need.

This government is committed to harnessing the power of faith for national renewal, helping us to make progress against our missions. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is funding a number of cohesion and interfaith projects this financial year, including the Near Neighbours programme delivered by the Church Urban Fund, a charity affiliated with the Church of England.

Over the last year, my own department has been delivering the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Energy Efficiency Scheme, which is a £25.5 million fund to support VCSE organisations across England to save money on energy bills. The fund was designed to help groups with rising energy costs and was targeted at those delivering key frontline services. Recipients of the fund have included over 40 churches and faith-based organisations.
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Iqbal Mohamed:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to help support small and medium-sized charities, in the context of increased competition for limited grant funding. \p Stephanie Peacock: This government recognises the vital role that charities play in providing crucial support to different groups and communities. The Civil Society Covenant sets out the terms of a new relationship between government and civil society, and is a clear statement that government sees civil society as an indispensable partner in building a better Britain.

DCMS is promoting the availability of funding for smaller charities in several ways. This includes delivery of a number of grant schemes, such as the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund and the £25.5 million Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Energy Efficiency Scheme, which is supporting frontline organisations across England to improve their energy efficiency and sustainability.

Support for charities is also available through social investment which provides a range of tools – from grants to investments – to help charities and social enterprises grow their trading income, strengthen their resilience, and access financial support that works for them. The Dormant Assets Scheme Strategy, published in June 2025, announced that the Scheme is expected to release £440 million for England over 2024-28, with £87.5 million of this funding allocated towards social investment.
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Connor Naismith:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has had discussions with British Paralympic Association on the selection process for Paralympians. \p Stephanie Peacock: The Government has not had discussions with the British Paralympic Association on the selection process for Paralympians.

ParalympicsGB selections are made by the British Paralympic Association, working in collaboration with the relevant National Governing Bodies (NGBs) who know their athletes best. These processes remain fully independent from the Government.
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Terry Jermy:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many people with disabilities were employed in her Department on 2 September 2025. \p Ian Murray: Information on the number of people declaring a disability by each government department are published annually as part of Civil Service Statistics 2025, an accredited official statistics publication. Latest published data are as at 31 March 2025 and can be found at Table 29 of the statistical tables at the following web address:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/civil-service-statistics-2025.

Information for 31 March 2026 is due for publication in July 2026.
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Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many days were lost to sickness absence by civil servants in their Department (a) in total and (b) on average per employee between 5 July 2024 and 4 July 2025. \p Ian Murray: Sickness absence data for the Civil Service, including departmental breakdowns is published annually, and is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/sickness-absence.

The next update will be for the year ending 31st March 2025.
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Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of (a) retaining, (b) reforming and (c) removing the requirement for (i) applicants to councils and (ii) councils to place statutory notices in local newspapers. \p Ian Murray: The Government is concerned about the sustainability of local journalism and DCMS is developing a Local Media Strategy, in recognition of the importance of this vital sector. We also recognise that local press continues to play a vital role in informing local communities, and that statutory notices can play an important role in helping inform the public of decisions made by their council which may affect their quality of life, local services or amenities, or their property.

However, we are also aware of concerns from some sectors about the audience reach of these notices and the desire for greater digitalisation. In this context, the sector’s Public Notice Portal is a welcome innovation, taking advantage of print publishers’ growing digital audiences and providing a centralised resource for all types of statutory notice. We also welcome the Portal's current expansion to include archive and consultation functions to help public bodies and commercial entities engage with the public more effectively.

DCMS is monitoring the progress of the Portal, and the effect that it has on the audience reach of statutory notices. This type of industry innovation and collaboration is integral to securing the sector’s future. It will be taken into account in our planned review of statutory notices as part of the Local Media Strategy, which will more broadly consider the merits of making changes to existing requirements to place statutory notices in print local newspapers. More will be announced on the Strategy in the coming months.
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Dr Scott Arthur:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the introduction of an annual cap on grants to individual places of worship under the Listed Places of Worship Scheme on those places of worship. \p Ian Murray: DCMS Ministers received advice on changes to the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, including consideration of the potential impact on introducing an annual cap of £25,000 per place of worship for the 2025/26 financial year.

The changes to the scheme were necessary given the level of fiscal challenges we inherited and the pressures on other parts of the heritage and cultural sectors. Based on the Department’s analysis of previous data, 94% of applications will be unaffected by the change, as most claims are under £5,000.
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Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, for what purposes their Department has used artificial intelligence in the last year. \p Ian Murray: DCMS follows the UK Government’s AI Playbook principles on safe, effective and responsible adoption of AI, and works closely with DSIT as the “Digital centre of government”.

Any use of third party AI tooling is subject to multidisciplinary assurance prior to any use, including Cyber security, Data Protection, Knowledge and Information Management, and Technology assurance.

DCMS is in its early days in terms of AI usage and measuring benefits to productivity. In the past year the Department has used AI for the following:

Summarising large documents and emails

Analysis of large documents, drawing out key information and drafting reports

Drafting meeting notes

Generating draft content

Enhancing our departmental data science capability

Proof of concept of using AI large language models (LLMs) to analyse free text responses to a public consultation

AI produced data or drafts are manually reviewed. No decisions are made by the Department based on AI outputs, without manual checks and manual intervention.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with which (a) external processors and (b) IT suppliers are (i) special category data and (ii) other personal data shared under the College for National Security Privacy Notice, published on 19 June 2025; and whether any data is stored outside the UK. \p Anna Turley: No identifiable information is currently collected or stored by or with external processors or IT suppliers. Basic information required to allow courses to operate is stored on Cabinet Office systems and in line with information management best practice. As the College for National Security develops, personal data will need to be collected, managed and stored, and the College is currently considering how best to do that.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 4 September 2025, to Question 70499, on Public Bodies: Unpaid Work, whether the parental occupations of a (a) tool-maker and (b) factory owner are deemed to be eligible working class socio-economic background for applicants to the Fast Stream Summer Internship Programme. \p Anna Turley: As we set out in August, we will be opening our Fast Stream Summer Internship Programme exclusively for undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds for 2026. We will determine eligibility based on parental occupation at age 14 in line with guidance from the Social Mobility Commission and the Office for National Statistics definition.
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Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the document entitled Statistical bulletin - Civil Service Statistics: 2025, published on 30 July 2025, for what reason the proportion of staff in his Department who have self-reported a disability have risen from 8.9% in 2015 to 16.9% in 2024; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his Department's recruitment policies on the number of staff self-reporting a disabilitiy in this time period. \p Anna Turley: The figures referenced are Civil Service wide, rather than Cabinet Office departmental statistics. The correct 2025 figure is 17.9%. This increase is most likely due to a range of activity conducted by departments to increase self-reporting rates as well as any recent recruitment activity.

Recruitment is delegated to departments. The Cabinet Office would not be involved in relation to the assessment of recruitment policies within departments. However departments should continually monitor impacts in accordance with the Public Sector Equality Duty.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-26)

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Alex Burghart:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Government press release entitled Internship Scheme To Get More Working Class Students Into Civil Service, published on 1 August 2025, whether children of Hon. Members will be able to apply for the Summer Internship Programme in 2026. \p Anna Turley: As we set out in August, we will be opening our Fast Stream Summer Internship Programme exclusively for undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds for 2026. We will determine eligibility based on parental occupation at age 14 in line with guidance from the Social Mobility Commission and the Office for National Statistics definition.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_16

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Government press release entitled Internship Scheme To Get More Working Class Students Into Civil Service, published on 1 August 2025, whether children of (a) House of Commons Ministers and (b) civil servants will be eligible to apply for the Summer Internship Programme in 2026. \p Anna Turley: As we set out in August, we will be opening our Fast Stream Summer Internship Programme exclusively for undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds for 2026. We will determine eligibility based on parental occupation at age 14 in line with guidance from the Social Mobility Commission and the Office for National Statistics definition.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_17

Katie Lam:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many (a) arm’s-length bodies, (b) Government Departments, (c) agencies and (d) public bodies (i) have been assessed as redundant and (ii) are being prioritised for (A) merging and (B) closure. \p Anna Turley: The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster announced a full review of all UK government ALBs on April 6, 2025. This review is ongoing, with outcomes to be announced in due course.

The UK government announced on 21st July 2025 that Ofwat would be abolished and replaced by a new, single, more powerful regulator, combining the water-related functions of several agencies. Additionally, on 20th August 2025, the UK government announced that the UK Space Agency will be absorbed into the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology by April 2026.
wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_18

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 1 April 2025 to Question 40584 on 9 Downing Street: Media, if he will publish the (a) social value outcomes reports and (b) diversity reports from the last four quarters. \p Anna Turley: OCS will complete their own Social Value Outcome and Diversity reports. The GPA does not have any other plans or routes to publish Social Value delivery or diversity reports.
wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_19

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 4 July 2025 to Question 63007 on Government Departments: Equality, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the recruitment of a Diversity and Inclusion Manager in her Department. \p Anna Turley: Recruitment is delegated to departments and the Cabinet Office would not be involved in relation to recruitment within the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_20

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answers of 4 July 2025 to Question 63007 on Government Departments: Equality and of 12 June 2025 to Question 54833 on Department for Culture, Media and Sport: Equality, whether he considers the appointment of the Diversity and Inclusion Manager in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to be consistent with the application of the ban on standalone Equality, Diversity and Inclusion roles. \p Anna Turley: The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Expenditure Guidance requires that departments consider whether any standalone EDI related roles should be incorporated into broader HR. Recruitment is a delegated matter where departments make their own decisions to reflect their individual circumstances.
wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_21

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the cost to the public purse was of each official reception in 10 Downing Street since 4 July 2024. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: As under previous administrations, details of official receptions are published in quarterly transparency returns on gov.uk.
wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_22
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_22

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the iphones provided to No.10 staff use a Virtual Private Network. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: It is a longstanding principle that for security reasons, it would not be appropriate to comment on 10 Downing Street’s IT systems.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_23

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the name of each of the Prime Minister's (a) special representatives, (b) envoys and (c) direct ministerial appointments who were in post on 2 September 2025. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: The names of special representatives, envoys and direct ministerial appointments are published on gov.uk at the time of their appointment.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_24

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 37808 on Prime Minister: Recruitment, if he will list the job title of each position in the Prime Minister’s Office that was filled by exception since 4 July 2024. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: As was the case under the previous Government, where over 9,000 such exceptions were used in the year ending March 2023, exceptions are a long-established part of bringing talent and expertise into the Civil Service. A list of appointments by exception (SCS2 and above) are published and updated on the Commission’s website available here: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/publications/pb2-recruitmentexceptions/
wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_25
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_25

Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much has been spent on alcohol for the 10 Downing Street business unit via (a) the Government Wine Cellar, (b) Berry Bros and (c) other suppliers since 4 July 2024. \p Nick Thomas-Symonds: Official receptions in 10 Downing Street are hosted by Ministers across Government, with details published each quarter as part of the Government's transparency returns. The cost of hospitality in 10 Downing Street is published in the Cabinet Office Annual Report and Accounts.
wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_26
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_26

Callum Anderson:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to support the development of local strategic delivery plans for early childhood outcomes under the Test, Learn and Grow programme in (a) Buckinghamshire and (b) Milton Keynes. \p Josh Simons: The Test, Learn & Grow programme is modelling and scaling an approach to public service reform and mission delivery that closes gaps between policy, delivery and service users, and speeds up learning and improvement.

In July, the Programme announced the 10 places that it will be working with in England. These are: Barnsley, Wakefield, Manchester, Liverpool, Sandwell, Northumberland, Essex, Plymouth, Nottingham, and within London. Challenges the teams will look at will include increasing the uptake of Best Start Family Hubs to support parents and young children - and this is currently being scoped with input from the Department for Education, Cabinet Office and local partners.

The Programme is committed to spreading practice and insights to local authorities across the country and will ensure that this opportunity is available to Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_27

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much his Department spent on (a) advertising and (b) other services for the recruitment of the Director of the Government Communications Service. \p Anna Turley: The Department spent nil on advertising for the recruitment of the Director of Communications.

The competition was supported by Odgers: details of the contract award and value are available here: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/d8567b6f-e373-4d10-b258-4becc193c100
wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_28
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_28

Mike Wood:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information the Civil Service HR Secondments Unit holds on the number of secondments (a) into the Civil Service from outside organisations and (b) from the Civil Service to outside organisations. \p Anna Turley: Secondments into the Civil Service from other sectors are a key route to bring essential skills and experience into the right roles and teams, enabling talented individuals from outside the Civil Service to contribute to the work of Government by sharing critical capabilities and innovative thinking for a set period of time.

A secondments data commission was introduced in April 2023 to provide insight on inward and outward secondments taking place across government. The Cabinet Office has worked closely with departments to increase the amount, detail and quality of the data available. Responses are now received from all ministerial departments. Data captured includes the number of secondments into and out of the Civil Service by Department, organisations seconded to and from, and secondees’ grades.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_29

Mr Richard Holden:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 19 May 2025 to Question 47344 on Workplace Pensions: Inheritance Tax, whether MyCSP administers the Pension Scheme for Keir Starmer QC; and whether there is an annual (a) set of accounts and (b) report for that pension scheme. \p Anna Turley: MyCSP currently administers the pension scheme for Keir Starmer QC. Neither an annual set of accounts or a report are provided for this pension scheme.
wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_30
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-26)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-26 conversation_30

Adam Jogee:To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what consideration his Department gives to the use of British made bricks when repairs are carried out to the Government estate. \p Anna Turley: The Government Property Agency aims to utilise and support British businesses where applicable. Whilst there is no specific consideration towards bricks made in Britain, we aim to utilise our supply chain to support local business where possible.

Furthermore, this Government announced on 26 June 2025 a new 10-week consultation entitled Public Procurement - Growing British industry, jobs and skills. These reforms aim to go further to strengthen the UK’s economic resilience and support British businesses. By strategically leveraging our annual public procurement spend, we can protect our supply chains, open up new opportunities for local small businesses and social enterprises, create good local jobs, and deliver greater value for taxpayers.