theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_337
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_337

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what estimate his Department has made of the cost to the public purse of restoring the Loughgall inquest. \p Hilary Benn: The Government is committed to repeal and replace the almost universally opposed - and in many respects, unlawful - Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy & Reconciliation) Act 2023 (the Act). As part of this commitment, the Government has been consistently clear that we will propose measures to allow inquests previously halted by the Legacy Act to proceed, as set out in my written ministerial statements of 29 July 2024 and 7 October 2024, and in my oral statement of 4 December 2024.

Funding for coronial inquests, as a policing and justice matter, falls within the devolved competence of the Northern Ireland Executive. While there are also associated costs for Government departments, including in terms of resourcing our responses to disclosure requests from a coroner, it is important to note that such requirements also apply to cases that are investigated by the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

Through the Stormont House Agreement and New Decade, New Approach, £250 million has been allocated in order to deliver legacy mechanisms.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_338
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_338

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 19 March 2025 to Question 37365 on Photovoltaics: Import Controls, what steps he has taken with Cabinet colleagues to tackle forced labour in global supply chains in the manufacture of solar panels. \p Michael Shanks: Through the reconvened Solar Taskforce, we have been working closely across Government and industry stakeholders to take forward the actions needed to develop supply chains that are resilient, sustainable, innovative and free from forced labour.

The Government is considering how Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 can be strengthened, including possible penalties for non-compliance, and is working to update statutory guidance. The Procurement Act 2023, which came into force on 24 February, enables public sector contracting authorities to reject bids and terminate contracts with suppliers which are known to use forced labour themselves or anywhere in their supply chain.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_339
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_339

Jamie Stone:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions his Department has had with the Scottish government on (a) reforms to Energy Performance Certificates and (b) how Energy Performance Certificates measure the performance of traditionally constructed buildings. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Ministers engage regularly with Scottish Government counterparts across a range of policy areas, including through the Net Zero, Energy and Climate Change Interministerial Group (IMG). Departmental officials meet Scottish Government counterparts regularly, most recently in February 2025, on matters including Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) reforms. HM Government and Scottish Government will make independent decisions on what the EPC will measure but it is intended that both will use a common calculation framework, the Home Energy Model (HEM). It will support options for building types that are especially prevalent in Scotland including for traditional dwellings.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_340
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_340

Sir Julian Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to ensure households in (a) Skipton and Ripon constituency and (b) northern England can access reliable smart meter signal. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Data Communications Company (DCC) is obligated under its licence conditions to provide Wide Area Network (WAN) coverage to at least 99.25% of premises across Great Britain and 99.5% in the ‘North’ region, which includes the Skipton and Ripon constituency.

The DCC is required by licence conditions to assess opportunities to increase the overall level of smart meter Wide Area Network coverage and is examining several options to reach homes not currently able to get coverage as part of its Future Connectivity strategy, which includes consideration of a full range of technical solutions.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_341
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_341

Rebecca Paul:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of extending eligibility for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to include property developers seeking to install air source heat pumps into new builds. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Boiler Upgrade Scheme is primarily designed to support property owners to replace fossil fuel heating systems in existing properties (retrofits). New builds (with the exception of self-builds) are therefore excluded from the scheme.

However, new standards will be brought in that ensure new homes and buildings are fit for a net zero future. Gas boilers will not meet the proposed standard for new homes, meaning low-carbon heating like heat pumps will become the new default. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will publish specifications in due course.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_342
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_342

Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the cost was of redesigning GB Energy's (a) branding and (b) logo. \p Michael Shanks: Great British Energy’s branding and logo were developed in-house with government resources.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_343
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_343

Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many graphic designers work in his Department. \p Michael Shanks: The Department employs two graphic designers who sit within the Communications directorate. There are no other graphic designers in the Department.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_344
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_344

Nick Timothy:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the design of (a) branding and (b) logos for (i) his Department and (ii) arms-length bodies is outsourced to third parties. \p Michael Shanks: All branding for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is completed in-house by government designers.

The departmental logo was designed with the Cabinet Office to align to Her Majesty’s Government Identity Guidelines, as with all government departments.

Data for arms-length-bodies is not held centrally. However, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has provided design support for the set-up of Great British Energy. All branding and logo design for Great British Energy was done in-house by government designers.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_345
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_345

Joe Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the cost was of redesigning the Great British Energy logo (a) in total, (b) for design, (c) for consultancy and (d) for legal fees. \p Michael Shanks: Great British Energy’s branding and logo were developed in-house and with government resources.

The only external costs were for legal advice and fees to trademark the branding. This was £10,710 plus VAT.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_346
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_346

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the capacity for solar energy generation is; and what his target capacity is in each year between 2025 and 2030. \p Michael Shanks: As at Q3 2024, solar generation capacity stood at 17.4GW.

The Clean Power Action Plan set out an ambition for a rapid increase in solar deployment to 45-47GW by 2030, with scope to exceed 47GW, subject to system need, noting the potential of rooftop solar to boost deployment.

The Government has not set a target for capacity each year to 2030. However, the Solar Roadmap will set out potential deployment pathways commensurate with the Clean Power 2030 ambition.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_347
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_347

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 38728 on Solar Power: Infrastructure, what the average size was of consented nationally significant infrastructure projects (a) between 4 July 2008 and 2024, (b) since 4 July 2024 and (c) since 4 July 2008. \p Michael Shanks: The average size of consented nationally significant infrastructure projects (A) between 4 July 2008 and 2024 was:

963.71 acres

The average size of consented nationally significant infrastructure projects (B) since 4 July 2024 was:

2116.62 acres

The average size of consented nationally significant infrastructure projects (C) since 4 July 2008 was:

1732.32 acres
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_348
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_348

John Whitby:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans he has to support community-based energy projects. \p Michael Shanks: Government recognises the role community groups play in our efforts to tackle climate change. Great British Energy, through the Local Power Plan, will enhance support for local and community energy by partnering with Mayoral Strategic Authorities, community energy groups and Devolved Governments. This includes the Great British Energy Community Fund, which will provide funding and support to community energy stakeholders, helping to increase the roll out of renewable energy project.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_349
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_349

Sir Gavin Williamson:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the alleged use of slave labour within the supply chains for solar panels. \p Michael Shanks: The Government is determined to eradicate forced labour in global supply chains, including in the manufacture of solar panels.

Legislation and guidance are already in place to help businesses take action against modern slavery. However, we are working across government to see where we can go further, keeping all potential policy options under review.

We are monitoring closely the industry-led supply chain assurance scheme, the Solar Stewardship Initiative. Further information on the actions needed to develop supply chains that are resilient and free from forced labour will be set out in the Solar Roadmap, to be published in Spring 2025.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_350
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_350

Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, which city GB Energy executive staff will be based. \p Michael Shanks: Dan McGrail, the interim CEO, will work from Great British Energy’s (GBE) Aberdeen HQ, and we have recently launched the recruitment campaign for the permanent CEO, which is also advertised as Aberdeen-based.

The first recruitment campaigns for the senior team have been launched, and of the three permanent Director-level positions advertised up to this point, two will be based in Aberdeen.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_351
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_351

Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what plans his Department has for his existing departmental offices in Aberdeen. \p Michael Shanks: The plan for the Department’s offices in Aberdeen is to continue to provide value for money office space in the right location, which meets minimum standards to facilitate the activities that are located there. This includes the core Department 2nd HQ, alongside arm's-length bodies: the North Sea Transition Authority HQ and the Great British (GB) Energy HQ. (GB Energy is expected to become an arm’s-length body of the Department in the future.)
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_352
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_352

Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of pre-configured smart meters on radio teleswitch service customers who are unable to switch to a smart meter. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Ofgem and the Department have been clear that they expect suppliers to arrange a suitable replacement metering solution for their RTS customers in a timely manner ahead of the switch off.

In the few circumstances where a Wide Area Network (WAN) connection cannot currently be established, pre-configured smart meters can be installed in households with RTS meters. A pre-configured smart meter operates in a similar way to an analogue meter, recording energy usage accurately, and can provide a similar service to what former RTS customers are used to, including delivering electricity tariffs such as Economy 7 or Economy 10.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_353
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_353

Kirith Entwistle:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to prevent energy companies profiting from price increases. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Under the default tariff cap, Ofgem has capped the profits of energy suppliers in the retail market to ensure they do not make excessive profits. Since August 2023, the Earnings Before Interest and Tax allowance means that the percentage that energy suppliers can make in profits is capped at 2.4%.

The Government and Ofgem expect suppliers to act responsibly and pass on any reductions in energy prices to consumers. Ofgem has been clear that as prices fall and more consistent profits return, suppliers must act responsibly and pass these reductions on to customers.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_354
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_354

Andrew Bowie:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has identified suitable locations in Aberdeen in which to house the headquarters of GB Energy. \p Michael Shanks: Great British Energy will be headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland, recognising the expertise, skilled workforce, and diversity of projects already in place.

As a Government Property Agency (GPA) onboarded department, DESNZ is pursuing property options through the GPA. Due to the commercial sensitivity of any lease negotiations, specific details cannot be provided at this time.

In the interim, Great British Energy is headquartered in DESNZ’s second headquarters in Aberdeen, Crimon Place, to ensure the organisation can get to work as quickly as possible, not least hosting Great British Energy’s first board meeting on 17 March 2025.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_355
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_355

Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with BP on the company's new strategy to prioritise oil and gas production over investment in renewable energy; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of this decision on the Government's green strategy. \p Michael Shanks: We have noted the changes bp is making to its strategy. Such decisions are a commercial matter for the company.

The Government is unable to assess the potential future impact of the new strategy on the UK as it relates to the company’s global business rather than being focused on activities in this country. However we welcome the significant investment bp is continuing to plan to make in low carbon projects in the UK, including in the East Coast Cluster.

Existing regulation of emissions from bp’s activities in the UK remain unchanged.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_356
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_356

Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of BPs decision to scale back investment in renewable energy and increase investment in oil and gas on their ability to be a credible partner in the transition to renewable energy. \p Michael Shanks: The Department has made no such assessment.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_357
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_357

Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of BP’s plan to scale back renewable energy investment on achieving the UK’s 2030 target to reduce emissions by 68% compared to 1990 levels. \p Michael Shanks: The Department has made no such assessment.

Delivering the Government’s climate goals requires us to work with many different organisations.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_358
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_358

Satvir Kaur:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has considered extending the funding of the Community Energy Fund. \p Michael Shanks: The Government recognises the role community groups play in our efforts to tackle climate change. On 21 March, Government announced the Great British Energy Community Fund, which will continue the work of the Community Energy Fund to provide funding and support, from planning to strategic advice, to community energy stakeholders, helping to increase the roll-out of renewable energy projects.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_359
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_359

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 19 March to Question 37365 on Photovoltaics: Import Controls, what steps he is taking to monitor the Solar Stewardship Initiative. \p Michael Shanks: The Government keeps its level of engagement with the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) under close review, maintaining regular contact with Solar Energy UK and Solar Power Europe, who jointly developed the scheme.

We are following the results of the SSI’s first round of traceability audits. These are being analysed thoroughly to assess the extent to which the scheme enables and supports the Government’s goal of securing a resilient, sustainable and just solar supply chain that is free from forced labour.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_360
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_360

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer 19 March 2025 to Question 37370 on Infrastructure, what the evidential basis is for his decision to raise the solar threshold for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects from 50MW to 100MW. \p Michael Shanks: Last year, the Government held an 8-week consultation which included a proposal to increase the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects threshold for solar. Consultation responses, sector engagement, and internal analysis contributed to the decision to increase the threshold to 100 megawatts.

Evidence suggests the current threshold is no longer reflective of improvements in panel efficiency, with contemporary solar projects covering less area per megawatt yield. Increasing the threshold ensures mid-sized projects have access to a more proportionate planning route, while also addressing the market distortion of projects capped at 49.9 megawatts, allowing sites and grid connections to be used more efficiently.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_361
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_361

Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the potential merits of introducing a climate mitigation duty on mayoral strategic authorities. \p Kerry McCarthy: My Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State and I have regular discussions with Ministerial Colleagues on a number of issues. We also both engage with Mayoral Strategic Authority leaders on the delivery of net zero regularly, including through roundtables.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_362
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_362

Pippa Heylings:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is planning to take to provide support to (a) low-income and (b) vulnerable households through the Warm Homes Plan. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: As part of the Warm Homes Plan, the Government has committed an initial £3.4 billion over the next 3 years towards heat decarbonisation and household energy efficiency, including £1.8 billion to support fuel poverty schemes.

There are multiple targeted schemes in place to deliver energy efficiency measures to low income and fuel poor households. Current schemes include the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). The Government recently announced Wave 3 of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund to support social housing providers and tenants, and the new Warm Homes: Local Grant to help low-income homeowners and private tenants with energy performance upgrades and cleaner heating. Both schemes are expected to deliver in 2025.

Support is also available through the Warm Home Discount schemes which provide eligible low-income households across Great Britain with a £150 rebate off their winter energy bill.

Further details on the Warm Homes Plan will be set out in due course.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_363
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_363

Afzal Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department plans to take to ensure the Warm Homes Plan reaches low-income households. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: As part of the Warm Homes Plan, the Government has committed an initial £3.4 billion over the next 3 years towards heat decarbonisation and household energy efficiency, including £1.8 billion to support fuel poverty schemes.

There are multiple targeted schemes in place to deliver energy efficiency measures to low income and fuel poor households. Current schemes include the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS). The Government recently announced Wave 3 of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund to support social housing providers and tenants, and the new Warm Homes: Local Grant to help low-income homeowners and private tenants with energy performance upgrades and cleaner heating. Both schemes are expected to deliver in 2025.

Support is also available through the Warm Home Discount schemes which provide eligible low-income households across Great Britain with a £150 rebate off their winter energy bill.

Further details on the Warm Homes Plan will be set out in due course.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_364
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_364

Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in Brazil on the four-lane highway through protected Amazon rainforest being built for the COP30 climate summit in the Brazilian city of Belém. \p Kerry McCarthy: Planning decisions in Brazil are a matter for the Brazilian government.

Brazil has commitment to achieve zero deforestation by 2030 and we welcome the focus on forests set out by the incoming COP30 President in his letter of 10 March. We will continue to work closely with the COP President and others to drive forward efforts to halt and reverse deforestation globally by 2030, and to support their preparations for the important COP30 conference in Belem.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_365
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_365

Dr Simon Opher:To ask the Leader of the House, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on bringing forward legislative proposals to tighten eligibility for Personal Independence Payments. \p Lucy Powell: As Leader of the House of Commons (and Chair of the Parliamentary Business and Legislation Committee), I meet regularly with Cabinet colleagues to discuss legislation and other matters. Recently announced changes to PIP eligibility will be brought forward in primary legislation in due course.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_366
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_366

Ayoub Khan:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department plans to exempt trade with the Occupied Palestinian Territories from the free trade agreement being negotiated with Israel. \p Mr Douglas Alexander: The government’s position is clear that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law

Goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements are not entitled to tariff and trade preferences under either the existing agreement between the UK and Israel or in our agreement with the Palestinian Authority. This will not change in an upgraded free trade agreement with Israel.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_367
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_367

Mr Gregory Campbell:To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many times the Export Finance Manager responsible for Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland visited Northern Ireland in 2024. \p Gareth Thomas: UK Export Finance (UKEF) has a dedicated Export Finance Manager (EFM) based in, and visiting businesses all around, Northern Ireland since 2012, along with Regional Heads who oversee the work of clusters of EFMs.

UKEF does not provide information about individual officials who are not senior civil servants.
wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_368
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-03-28)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-03-28 conversation_368

Mr Peter Bedford:To ask the hon. Member for Warrington North, representing the Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, pursuant to the Answer of 17 March 2025 to Question 38862 on Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority: Equality, whether she has made an estimate of the potential savings to the public purse of abolishing roles with diversity, equality and inclusion elements. \p Charlotte Nichols: I refer the hon. Member to the answer of 17 March 2025 to Question 38862.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_1
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_1

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 24 November 2025, to Question 90709, on Shops: Planning Permission, and the Answer of 7 November 2025, to Question 86776, on Retail Trade: Urban Areas, what are the new specific powers for local authorities to block unwanted (a) hairdressers and (b) barbers that would apply to shops that are not otherwise long-term empty, separate to the Companies House changes. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: As we have set out, there are a range of measures to tackle this issue. This government has since announced further action to crack down on illegal high street activity in premises such as mini-marts, barbershops, vape shops, nail bars and car washes. The Autumn Budget has provided £15 million per year to fund enhanced enforcement activity and establish a cross-government policy taskforce to better understand and disrupt organised crime, money laundering and related criminality on our high streets.

This is in addition to wider measures, which support stronger action against those who break the rules, including amending the Company Directors Disqualification Act to extend the circumstances in which directors who break the law can be disqualified.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_2
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_2

Gideon Amos:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department plans to allocate funding to support the Great South West Partnership from April 2026. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Following a four-week public consultation, in March 2025 the Government announced its intention to end funding for Pan-Regional Partnerships, with an exceptional, time-limited award of £281,250 for the Great South West Pan-Regional Partnership for the 2025/26 financial year.

Pan-Regional Partnerships, including the Great South West, have made a valuable contribution, supporting collaboration between local authorities and government and taking forward a breadth of work on shared growth opportunities. However, as our English Devolution White Paper sets out, we are now moving to a different model of regional collaboration, where we are keen to support new models driven by local leaders.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_3
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_3

Rachel Blake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what governance arrangements his Department has considered for the future Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in Victoria Tower Gardens. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: We are considering a range of operating models for the Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre and will ensure that there are robust governance arrangements in place which are appropriate to the chosen model.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_4
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_4

Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 19 November 2025 to Question 88283 on Simon Case, what his remuneration is; and whether it includes pension contributions. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Lord Simon Case was directly appointed Chair of the Barrow Delivery Board by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in February 2025.

In line with Cabinet Office guidance around direct ministerial appointments, published in October 2025, Lord Case is renumerated at a daily rate of £725.00 with a time commitment of 3 to 4 days per month. Renumeration does not include pension contributions.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_5
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_5

Kevin Hollinrake:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Pursuant to the answer of 3 November 2025, to Question 84947, on Public Spaces: Access, if he will make it his policy for his department to issue guidance to local authorities to advise that political parties, elected representatives and candidates for office should not be levied fees for authorised street stalls in public spaces. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The provision and administration of street trading and highways licences, including fees charged are the responsibility of Local Authorities under either the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 or the London Local Authorities Act 1990, depending on their location. Local authorities may decide when it is necessary to recover the costs of these services.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_6
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_6

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department has issued guidance on the application of pavement licence caps in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 across highways maintainable at public expense regardless of the owning authority. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Pavement Licence (Fees) Regulations 2023, made under the Business and Planning Act 2020, set national fee caps of £500 for new pavement licences and £350 for renewals. The guidance (Pavement licences: guidance - GOV.UK) sets out that licences can only be granted in respect of highways listed in section 115A(1) of the Highways Act 1980, that section does not refer to ownership. Generally, these are footpaths restricted to pedestrians or roads and places to which vehicle access is restricted or prohibited. Highways maintained by Network Rail or over the Crown land are exempt (so a licence cannot be granted).
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_7
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_7

David Simmonds:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 11 November 2025 to Question 87322 on Community Relations: Expenditure, if he will place the monitoring and evaluation guidance in the Library; and if he will publish the (a) outputs and (b) outcomes that had to be reported. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The monitoring and evaluation guidance was intended solely for the local authorities in receipt of funding from the Community Cohesion and Resilience Programme, these were set out in Question UIN 85786 on 5 November 2025.

More detail on what has been delivered through Fund is set out in Question UIN 78216 on 21 October 2025.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_8
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_8

Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment has been made of the adequacy of the compliance of private parking companies using contract breach terms to apply a penalty when there is no option for the driver to decline to enter into the contact, for instance where signage setting out contract terms is only placed within an area where charges are automatically applied on entry. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: Private parking operators are regulated through their membership of the two main trade associations. These are the British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC). The BPA and IPC have launched a single industry Code of Practice which their members must follow. The industry Code of Practice requires private parking operators to provide a consideration period to allow a motorist the time to read the terms and conditions and decide whether to accept or reject them before a parking charge can be issued. The industry consideration periods vary from 1 minute to 10 minutes depending on the size of car park. The trade associations currently monitor compliance with its Code of Practice.

The Government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector. The Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019 places a duty on the Government to prepare a code of practice containing guidance about the operation and management of private parking facilities. My department recently ran a consultation outlining its proposals to raise standards across the private parking sector (available from gov.uk here). The consultation included proposals for a minimum consideration period of 5 minutes to be included in the new Government Code of Practice. All responses are now being analysed and the Government will publish a response, together with the new code, in due course.

Our consultation proposed that compliance with the Government Code of Practice would be monitored by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies, who would report compliance figures to the Government.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_9
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_9

Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to devolve the District Council power to evict travellers and illegal encampments from council-owned land to Town and Parish councils. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The Government currently has no such plans. Policy announcements will be made in the usual way.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_10
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_10

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make an estimate of the savings to local authorities in the Wessex area from a devolution deal. \p Miatta Fahnbulleh: The evidence is clear that to drive improved economic outcomes, we must devolve core levers over growth – like transport, skills, employment support and strategic planning – and align these across functional economic areas in which people live and work. Decisions on future devolution, including for Wessex, will be confirmed in due course, subject to further ministerial review and local conversations.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_11
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_11

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to his proposal to determine certain called-in applications by written representations rather than inquiry, what assessment he has made of the implications for the level of scrutiny applied to large or complex applications on Green Belt land; and if he will issue criteria ensuring that proposals with significant Green Belt or environmental impacts will continue to receive a full inquiry where appropriate. \p Matthew Pennycook: The Written Ministerial Statement of 2012 sets out the circumstances in which the Secretary of State will use his powers to intervene.

All called in planning applications and appeals will continue to be considered against adopted local plans, in line with s38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, taking into account material planning considerations, which may include emerging Local Plans.

Proposals to determine the appropriate procedure for called-in applications would be introduced by commencing existing provisions in the Planning Act 2008.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_12
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_12

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, further to the Chief Planner newsletter of 24 November 2025, whether an (a) Impact Assessment, (b) Equality Impact Assessment and (c) Environmental Principles Assessment was undertaken in relation to the decision to revoke the Letter from Nick Boles to the Planning Inspectorate of 11 March 2014 on Green Belt reviews. \p Matthew Pennycook: The letter in question has already been superseded by changes to national planning policy, including the changes made to Green Belt policy as set out in the revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024.

The relevant impact assessments (including Equality Impact Assessment and Environmental Principles Assessment) were taken in relation to these policy changes.

As such, no separate Impact Assessment, Equality Impact Assessment or Environmental Principles Assessment consideration was undertaken in respect of the revocation of the letter.

Additionally, as set out in my letter of 9 October 2025 to the Planning Inspectorate (which can be found on gov.uk here), it is ultimately for the strategic policy-making authority to decide to undertake a review of Green Belt boundaries. The authority should take their decision in accordance with the tests set out in national policy. It is also their responsibility to undertake any relevant impact assessments in relation to that decision.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_13
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_13

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 24 July 2025 to Question 68405 on Housing: Construction, whether he is on course to meet the 374,000 net additions per year target by 2027. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 55284 on 10 June 2025.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_14
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_14

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 12 November 2025 to Question 87323 on Affordable Housing: Expenditure, how much funding was allocated to the Affordable Housing Programmes in (a) 2023-24 and (b) 2024-25 across his Department, Homes England, the Greater London Authority, local councils, housing associations and combined authorities. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the Rt Hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 73795 on 15 September 2025.

On 5 November, Homes England published an updated summary of their total allocations from the Affordable Homes Programme for 2021 to 2026 (AHP 2021 to 2026). It can be found on gov.uk here.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_15
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_15

Jim McMahon:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the government intends to review planning laws to increase support for farming business diversification in rural areas. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to the answer to Question UIN 95296 on 4 December 2025.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_16
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_16

Chris Bloore:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of the use of contract-based tenures in older people's housing-with-care. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 87630 on 11 November 2025.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_17
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_17

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the risk that the combination of expanded intervention powers and reduced statutory consultee involvement may incentivise speculative applications in small Green Belt communities such as Aldridge-Brownhills; and whether he will consider bespoke protections for such areas in the forthcoming revised National Planning Policy Framework. \p Matthew Pennycook: On 17 November 2025, my Department published a consultation on reforms to the statutory consultee system. That consultation closes on 13 January 2026 and can be found on gov.uk here.

A consultation will also be carried out in due course seeking views on plans to amend and expand the 2024 Consultation Direction currently in force.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_18
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_18

Dr Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when he plans to respond to the consultations on (a) ​​improving the Energy Efficiency of Socially Rented Homes and (b) reforms to the EPC regime; and whether she had discussions with representatives of social landlords on the potential impact of her timetable for responding to those consultations on decisions about investing in their homes. \p Matthew Pennycook: My Department is currently reviewing responses to both consultations and will publish government responses to both shortly.

We have engaged extensively with social landlords in respect of both consultations and are committed to providing them with clarity on the new SRS Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards and EPC reforms as soon as possible.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_19
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_19

Lee Pitcher:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department plans to review planning regulations for houses in multiple occupation. \p Matthew Pennycook: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 22786 on 17 January 2025.

The government continues to keep permitted development rights under review.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_20
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_20

Sir James Cleverly:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the written statement of 23 October 2025, HCWS991, on Housing Delivery, and pursuant to the Answer of 23 July 2025 to Question HL9484 on Green Belt: Greater London, whether the Greater London Authority's designation of Metropolitan Open Land now has a status, and is recognised, in national planning policy and planning practice guidance. \p Matthew Pennycook: Metropolitan Open Land is a local designation used by the Mayor of London in the London Plan.

Policy relating to the designation is entirely a matter for the Mayor and is not set out within the National Planning Policy Framework or Planning Practice Guidance.

Planning law requires that applications for planning permission be determined in accordance with the relevant development plan (which includes the London Plan) unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_21
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-12-05)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-12-05 conversation_21

Edward Morello:To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of proposed reforms to exit fees charged on retirement properties. \p Matthew Pennycook: The government recognises the importance of helping older people to live independently at home for as long as possible and is committed to enhancing provision and choice for older people in the housing market, including retirement or sheltered housing.

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 26 November 2024 (HCWS249), the government is giving careful consideration to the recommendations from the Older People's Housing Taskforce report, including its recommendation that the government should implement the Law Commission’s 2017 recommendations to regulate event fees.