Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Pursuant to the answer of 12 December 2025, to Question 97383, on Proof of Identity: Digital Technology, how an individual who declines to have a Digital ID Card will be able to complete the mandatory right to work check in the absence of a digital credential for the employee; and whether the employee will be able to continue to present analogue or hard copy documentation.

Answered by Josh Simons

As the Prime Minister has stated in the House of Commons, there will be checks. They will be digital and they will be mandatory.

We will consult on the technical detail of how this will be implemented.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Digital ID on Right to Work checks.

Answered by Josh Simons

As the Prime Minister has recently stated in the House of Commons, there will be checks. They will be digital and they will be mandatory.

We will consult on the technical detail of how this will be implemented.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 27 November 2025 to Question 92613 on Digital Technology: Identity Cards, whether Digital ID will be required for Digital Right to Work checks.

Answered by Josh Simons

As the Prime Minister has recently stated in the House of Commons, there will be checks. They will be digital and they will be mandatory.

We will consult on the technical details of how this will be implemented.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment his Department has made of the trends in the level of excess mortality above pre-2020 trends in the 50- to 64-year-old age group.

Answered by Josh Simons

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon lady’s Parliamentary Question of 5th February is attached.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to ensure modelled increases in expected deaths are not used to retroactively redefine excess mortality as normal.

Answered by Josh Simons

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Hon lady’s Parliamentary Question of 5th February is attached.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the number of vacancies in the automotive manufacturing sector in (a) January 2024 and (b) each subsequent month up to and including the most recent month for which data is available.

Answered by Josh Simons

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response to the Rt Hon. gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 4th February is attached.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to help ensure that bereaved families are treated equitably within the compensation scheme and retain a route to seek recognition of the full extent of injuries suffered by their relatives.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Infected Blood Compensation Scheme provides compensation to affected people, who have suffered the impacts of infected blood through their relationship with an infected person. This includes partners, parents, children and siblings.

All eligible affected people receive the Injury, Autonomy, and Social Impact awards. The Injury award compensates for both physical and mental injury, including the death of an infected person or the likely death of a loved one in the future. The Injury award is higher in circumstances where it is likely that the infection had caused or could cause death.

A supplementary route is also available to compensate financial dependents where the infected person has sadly died. Financial dependents include bereaved partners, and children who were under 18 at the time of death.

In its Additional Report, the Inquiry asked the Government to give consideration to there being a supplementary route for affected people, suggesting that this include opening the supplemental award for severe psychological harm to affected people.

The Government has consulted on whether, and how, an expanded supplementary route for affected people could be constructed whilst continuing to allow for timely delivery of compensation within a tariff-based scheme. The Government is considering each response to the consultation with the seriousness the issue deserves, and will publish its response within 12 weeks of the consultation’s closing date.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Direct Ministerial Appointments have to declare political activity prior to appointment; what requirements they have to declare political activity whilst in post; and whether they are subject to restrictions on political campaigning and activity.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Direct Ministerial Appointments are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. This requires consideration of all political activity where that is an actual or perceived conflict to their role. The Code of Conduct also outlines the processes to be followed to consult with an appointing body or a sponsor department before significant political activity is undertaken by an appointee. The scope of acceptable political activity, including exemptions for those appointees who already hold elected office, are set out within the Code’s guidance. These processes are administered by the appointing body.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will place in the Library a copy of the election purdah guidance distributed to Whitehall departments for the Gorton and Denton Parliamentary by-election.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The rules governing the conduct of UK Government civil servants during a by-election are an extension of those that apply at all times as set out in the Civil Service Code and as described in the published guidance on general elections, which is published on gov.uk and can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/election-guidance-for-civil-servants. A reminder of these rules was provided to departments following the calling of the Gorton and Denton by-election.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to reassess compensation amounts under the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

In line with recommendations of the Infected Blood Inquiry, the Government has publicly consulted on proposed changes to the compensation scheme. The consultation closed on 22nd January, and we will publish our response within 12 weeks of the consultation’s closing date. The Government is keen to prioritise amendments to the compensation scheme as recommended, while continuing to focus on the swift delivery of compensation to all victims of this scandal.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he will set out the evidential routes through which the estates of deceased infected individuals will be able to seek compensation for psychological injuries experienced before death, including in cases involving significant mental health deterioration or attempted suicide.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Estates of deceased infected people are eligible to receive compensation under the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, regardless of whether the infected person was registered with the Infected Blood Support Schemes (IBSS) at any time. Whether an infected person was registered with the IBSS at the time of their death has no bearing on the calculation of their compensation package and they are compensated under the same awards (Injury, Social Impact, Autonomy, Financial Loss and Care) as an infected person who was registered with the IBSS.

The majority of victims of the infected blood scandal have suffered psychological harm. The Infected Blood Compensation Scheme currently provides compensation for psychological harm through both the core and supplementary route, depending on the type and severity of harm. In the supplementary route, the Severe Health Condition award offers additional compensation where someone has been diagnosed with a severe psychiatric disorder that has caused suffering beyond what is recognised and compensated for as part of their core award. The estates of deceased infected people are eligible to receive both of these awards.

The Government has consulted on a proposal that severe mental health issues not covered in the core route are compensated for by the expansion of eligibility for a Severe Health Condition award because they meet the criteria for the Special Category Mechanism (SCM) or equivalent payments. The Government has not proposed that estates of deceased infected people who were not receiving SCM or equivalent payments at the time of death are eligible to receive this award, as the infected person is not able to be assessed by the Infected Blood Compensation Authority against the same criteria. The Government is carefully considering all consultation responses, and will publish its response within 12 weeks of the consultation’s closing date.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the corrected Answer of 7 January 2026 to Question 98100 on Cabinet Office: Public Appointments and with reference to his Department's document entitled Guidance on Making Direct Ministerial Appointments, published in October 2025, if he will provide a hyperlink to the information in that answer on gov.uk, including time commitment and appointment end date.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Information related to Direct Ministerial Appointments is available on the Direct Ministerial Appointments page on the HMG Public Appointments website.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the compensation proposals for the estates of infected individuals who died before the establishment of Infected Blood Support Schemes in 2017; and whether those estates will have equivalent routes to seek recognition of injuries, including psychological injury, to those available to estates whose claims were taken over by the schemes.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Estates of deceased infected people are eligible to receive compensation under the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, regardless of whether the infected person was registered with the Infected Blood Support Schemes (IBSS) at any time. Whether an infected person was registered with the IBSS at the time of their death has no bearing on the calculation of their compensation package and they are compensated under the same awards (Injury, Social Impact, Autonomy, Financial Loss and Care) as an infected person who was registered with the IBSS.

The majority of victims of the infected blood scandal have suffered psychological harm. The Infected Blood Compensation Scheme currently provides compensation for psychological harm through both the core and supplementary route, depending on the type and severity of harm. In the supplementary route, the Severe Health Condition award offers additional compensation where someone has been diagnosed with a severe psychiatric disorder that has caused suffering beyond what is recognised and compensated for as part of their core award. The estates of deceased infected people are eligible to receive both of these awards.

The Government has consulted on a proposal that severe mental health issues not covered in the core route are compensated for by the expansion of eligibility for a Severe Health Condition award because they meet the criteria for the Special Category Mechanism (SCM) or equivalent payments. The Government has not proposed that estates of deceased infected people who were not receiving SCM or equivalent payments at the time of death are eligible to receive this award, as the infected person is not able to be assessed by the Infected Blood Compensation Authority against the same criteria. The Government is carefully considering all consultation responses, and will publish its response within 12 weeks of the consultation’s closing date.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what commemorations are being planned to mark the 100th anniversary of the passing of the Representation of the People Act 1928.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We are very much aware of this significant milestone and the opportunity it represents; both for celebrating women being granted equal voting rights, and inspiring women and girls to get involved in politics.

We are working with other Departments and with women’s organisations to determine the best ways to mark the occasion.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the No10 press release entitled Appointment of Victoria Buhler as the Prime Minister’s Deputy Adviser on Business, Investment, and Trade and Hannah Bronwin as the Prime Minister’s Expert Adviser on Energy and Net Zero, of 2 February 2026, whether Hannah Bronwin is a (a) special adviser, (b) direct ministerial appointment, (c) civil servant appointed by exception and (d) civil servant appointed by open and fair competition.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Both appointments are Direct Ministerial Appointments. Further details are available on the Public Appointments webpage on gov.uk.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 21 January 2026, to Question 105789, on Ministers and Public Consultation: Evidence, whether the Government accepts evidence in written consultations from organisations subject to the policy of non-engagement.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Rt. Honourable Member to the answer on 21 January 2026, PQ 105789.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to the UK-EU Summit - Common Understanding, 22 December 2025, what his policy is on the negotiation and adoption of penalty clauses that would impose financial payments if the UK were to (a) amend or (b) withdraw from the new arrangements in a future Parliament, or otherwise restrict or prohibit a future government from changing the policy on engagement with the EU.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The details of any agreements, including specific clauses, are subject to ongoing negotiations with the EU. We will not provide a running commentary on the progress of those negotiations, although I would note termination provisions are routine in international agreements.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 19 January (HL13419), what the specific issue was that limited the available political activity data and prevented the inclusion of that data in the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25, published on 2 December 2025; whether that issue has been resolved; and whether they will retrospectively publish that data.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Political activity information is collected from candidates as part of the public appointments digital service’s online application process. Political activity data was not included in the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25 due to a data collection issue which meant it could not be extracted in a usable format for reporting. The data collection issue has now been rectified, and political activity data will be considered for inclusion in the 2025-26 data report.

The last government did not publish a data report after 2021-22, but under this administration, the government has restarted publishing these reports in order to provide transparency.

I also refer the Noble Baroness back to PQ HL13974 and PQ HL13979:

Questions:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 19 January (HL13419), what was the title and grade of the most senior official who approved the removal or omission of political impartiality data from the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25, published on 2 December 2025.

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Swansea on 19 January (HL13419), whether Ministers were informed or consulted on the decision not to include political activity data in the Cabinet Office Public Appointments Data Report 2024–25; and for what reason the headline political activity data published in the Commissioner for Public Appointment’s Annual Report of 17 December was not included in the Cabinet Office report of 2 December.

Combined answer:

As was the case under previous governments, and in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, the political activity of successful candidates is published by government departments as part of the public announcement regarding the appointment.

The last government did not publish a data report after 2021-22, but under this administration, the government has restarted publishing these reports in order to provide transparency.

Political activity data was not included in the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25 due to a data collection issue which limited the data that was available. The data collection issue has now been rectified, and this information will be considered for inclusion in the 2025-26 data report.

The Commissioner for Public Appointments, as the independent regulator, decided to include the limited data for 2024-25 in his own reporting.

The Cabinet Office did not publish a data report in either 2022-23 or 2023-24, so political activity data was also not published in a collated form for these years.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 19 January (HL13919), whether the Cabinet Office appointments database holds information on the individual political affiliation of the public appointees who declared political activity in (1) 2024-25, and (2) 2025-26.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Political activity information is collected from candidates as part of the public appointments digital service’s online application process. Political activity data was not included in the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25 due to a data collection issue which meant it could not be extracted in a usable format for reporting. The data collection issue has now been rectified, and political activity data will be considered for inclusion in the 2025-26 data report.

The last government did not publish a data report after 2021-22, but under this administration, the government has restarted publishing these reports in order to provide transparency.

I also refer the Noble Baroness back to PQ HL13974 and PQ HL13979:

Questions:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 19 January (HL13419), what was the title and grade of the most senior official who approved the removal or omission of political impartiality data from the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25, published on 2 December 2025.

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Swansea on 19 January (HL13419), whether Ministers were informed or consulted on the decision not to include political activity data in the Cabinet Office Public Appointments Data Report 2024–25; and for what reason the headline political activity data published in the Commissioner for Public Appointment’s Annual Report of 17 December was not included in the Cabinet Office report of 2 December.

Combined answer:

As was the case under previous governments, and in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, the political activity of successful candidates is published by government departments as part of the public announcement regarding the appointment.

The last government did not publish a data report after 2021-22, but under this administration, the government has restarted publishing these reports in order to provide transparency.

Political activity data was not included in the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25 due to a data collection issue which limited the data that was available. The data collection issue has now been rectified, and this information will be considered for inclusion in the 2025-26 data report.

The Commissioner for Public Appointments, as the independent regulator, decided to include the limited data for 2024-25 in his own reporting.

The Cabinet Office did not publish a data report in either 2022-23 or 2023-24, so political activity data was also not published in a collated form for these years.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to incorporate self-assessment income tax data into the inter-departmental business register; if so, when they expect that data to be incorporated; and what assessment they have made of the impact of including that data on the representation of sole traders and businesses operating below the VAT threshold in official economic statistics.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

Please see the letter below from the Permanent Secretary at the Office for National Statistics (ONS):

Lord Freyberg

House of Lords

London

SW1A 0PW

09 February 2026

Dear Lord Freyberg,

As Permanent Secretary of the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I am responding to your Parliamentary Question asking whether there is a plan to incorporate self-assessment income tax data into the Inter-Departmental Business Register; if so, when to expect that data to be incorporated; and what assessment has been made of the impact of including that data on the representation of sole traders and businesses operating below the VAT threshold in official economic statistics (HL14179).

The ONS is currently developing a new Statistical Business Register (SBR), which will replace the Inter-Departmental Business Register. We are planning to incorporate self-assessment income tax into the new SBR and are working closely with HM Revenue and Customs with the current expectation that they will be able to share the data later this year. We will then assess the data with a plan to incorporate into the SBR and assess the impact of the self-assessment data on economic statistics of businesses operating below the VAT threshold.

Yours sincerely,

Darren Tierney

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what training and guidance Ministers and civil servants receive to ensure that answers to written questions comply with the requirements of the Ministerial Code, particularly the requirement for answers to be "full and timely" under paragraph 9.8.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Parliamentary Questions training is the responsibility of individual Departments. There is a published Guide to Parliamentary Work for civil servants available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-parliamentary-work) which sets out expectations in managing Parliamentary Questions.

The Parliamentary Capability Team within Government Skills also offers training on Parliamentary Questions to civil servants of all departments, grades and roles.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to seek a redesign of the Lesser Arms used in government communications; and if so, what discussions they plan to have with (1) the Royal Household, and (2) the College of Arms, about the matter.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government Communication Service routinely reviews its branding guidance to ensure it remains effective, accessible and fit for purpose across all channels, including digital platforms.

Any costs associated with routine updates to branding guidance are covered by existing operational budgets. We continue to engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Royal Household, in accordance with standard protocols.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to seek a redesign of the Lesser Arms used in government communications; and if so, what is the maximum budget they have allocated for those plans.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government Communication Service routinely reviews its branding guidance to ensure it remains effective, accessible and fit for purpose across all channels, including digital platforms.

Any costs associated with routine updates to branding guidance are covered by existing operational budgets. We continue to engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Royal Household, in accordance with standard protocols.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to seek a redesign of the Lesser Arms used in government communications; and if so, whether they plan to hold a public consultation about the matter.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government Communication Service routinely reviews its branding guidance to ensure it remains effective, accessible and fit for purpose across all channels, including digital platforms.

Any costs associated with routine updates to branding guidance are covered by existing operational budgets. We continue to engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Royal Household, in accordance with standard protocols.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 19 January (HL13419), whether Ministers were informed or consulted on the decision not to include political activity data in the Cabinet Office Public Appointments Data Report 2024–25; and for what reason the headline political activity data published in the Commissioner for Public Appointment’s Annual Report of 17 December was not included in the Cabinet Office report of 2 December.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

As was the case under previous governments, and in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, the political activity of successful candidates is published by government departments as part of the public announcement regarding the appointment.

The last government did not publish a data report after 2021-22, but under this administration, the government has restarted publishing these reports in order to provide transparency.

Political activity data was not included in the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25 due to a data collection issue which limited the data that was available. The data collection issue has now been rectified, and this information will be considered for inclusion in the 2025-26 data report.

The Commissioner for Public Appointments, as the independent regulator, decided to include the limited data for 2024-25 in his own reporting.

The Cabinet Office did not publish a data report in either 2022-23 or 2023-24, so political activity data was also not published in a collated form for these years.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 19 January (HL13419), what was the title and grade of the most senior official who approved the removal or omission of political impartiality data from the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25, published on 2 December 2025.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

As was the case under previous governments, and in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, the political activity of successful candidates is published by government departments as part of the public announcement regarding the appointment.

The last government did not publish a data report after 2021-22, but under this administration, the government has restarted publishing these reports in order to provide transparency.

Political activity data was not included in the Public Appointments Data Report 2024-25 due to a data collection issue which limited the data that was available. The data collection issue has now been rectified, and this information will be considered for inclusion in the 2025-26 data report.

The Commissioner for Public Appointments, as the independent regulator, decided to include the limited data for 2024-25 in his own reporting.

The Cabinet Office did not publish a data report in either 2022-23 or 2023-24, so political activity data was also not published in a collated form for these years.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish Tim Allan's declaration of interests.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer of 5 February 2026, Official Report, PQ 110814.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how they plan to apportion responsibility for the management of another global pandemic between the central and devolved governments.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

There is detailed guidance and processes in place which set out the arrangements whereby the UK Government will work with the devolved governments to plan for and manage the response to a pandemic. These are underpinned by the principles for responding to crises agreed with the devolved governments set out in the Amber Book - Managing Crisis in Central Government; and which is available for download from the gov.uk website.

Taken together, these arrangements reinforce the commitment to partnership working, recognising health is a devolved matter but seeking alignment of approaches to ensure consistent outcomes.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has made an assessment of the risks of a) hon. Members and b) Ministers travelling in London Electric Vehicle Company taxis owned by the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

Whilst the Government does not comment on specific security assessments, we maintain a robust, cross-departmental approach to ensure that official travel is conducted securely.

The licensing of taxis in London is a matter for Transport for London (TfL). Any vehicle licensed to operate must meet stringent safety and regulatory requirements as set out in TfL’s Conditions of Fitness.

The security of Members is a matter for the Parliamentary Security Department. For Ministers and officials handling sensitive data, the Cabinet Office and individual departments provide comprehensive information security policies and guidance.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what representations the National Cyber Security Centre received from Labour Together in relation to foreign cyber-attacks on its organisation.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The NCSC does not comment on operational matters. Any reports they receive are treated in confidence.

The NCSC has published guidance on cyber security for political organisations at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/defending-democracy/political-organisations.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions his Department has had with German counterparts concerning lessons from the January Berlin power outage for the UK's civil preparedness.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office has not directly engaged with German counterparts regarding the January power outage in Berlin. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is the Lead Government Department for energy resilience.

DESNZ officials have closely engaged with the British Embassy Berlin regarding this incident to understand what happened and what lessons can be learnt.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what policy reason the Government has decided not to use the HM Government identity; and if he will publish the revised guidance held by the Government Digital Service and Government Communications Service.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

There are no plans to discontinue the use of “HM Government”.

"UK Government" has long been the term used for the government in public-facing communications. Communications teams are advised to use "UK Government" rather than departmental names and logos for announcements, to provide clarity to the public. This does not affect the use of "His Majesty's Government", which continues on relevant official communications and records.

This guidance was developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders and in accordance with standard protocols in Summer 2025.

Please refer to https://www.communications.gov.uk/guidance/marketing/branding-guidelines/ for guidance on logo use. There are no plans to publish the revised guidance held by the Government Digital Service and the Government Communication Service.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, further to his oral statement of 9 February 2026, on Updates on Standards in Public Life, and with reference to the Non-corporate communication channels for government business, of March 2023, in what specific respects is the 2023 Cabinet Office guidance not clear.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The current guidance was issued under the previous government. As part of this government’s commitment to raise information security standards, we plan to review the way that non-corporate communication channels are used in Government and to update the accompanying guidance to reflect the changes in the ways we use technology.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Prime Minister, as the King's principal adviser, (a) was consulted on and (b) approved the decision to change the HM Government identity to the UK Government; and whether the Prime Minister was advised by Tim Allan in this regard when Mr Allan was Executive Director of Communications.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

There are no plans to discontinue the use of “HM Government”.

"UK Government" has long been the term used for the government in public-facing communications. Communications teams are advised to use "UK Government" rather than departmental names and logos for announcements, to provide clarity to the public. This does not affect the use of "His Majesty's Government", which continues on relevant official communications and records.

This guidance was developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders and in accordance with standard protocols in Summer 2025.

Please refer to https://www.communications.gov.uk/guidance/marketing/branding-guidelines/ for guidance on logo use. There are no plans to publish the revised guidance held by the Government Digital Service and the Government Communication Service.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has issued guidance to departments on how private corporations wholly-owned by HM Government should exercise their accountability to Parliament, including answering Parliamentary Questions.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon. member to PQ 57252.

Detail on arrangements for Parliamentary accountability and governance of government companies and public corporations are set out in Annex 7.3 of Managing Public Money.

While there is no specific guidance aimed at how private corporations wholly-owned by HM Government should exercise their accountability to Parliament. The Guide to Parliamentary Work sets out the wider Government's guidance on Parliamentary Questions.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish a list of engagements for the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement Protocol Specialised Committee in 2025 and 2026.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement established six Specialised Committees to supervise the implementation of distinct elements of the agreement. Each committee is co-chaired by officials from the UK Government and the European Commission.

The list of meetings, agendas and joint statements of the Specialised Committees can be found on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/withdrawal-agreement-joint-committee#meetings-of-the-withdrawal-agreement-joint-committee.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether there is a list of extant desk notes held by his Department.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Cabinet Office does not collect a list of extant desk notes.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many directors with responsibility for human resources are employed across government departments and their executive agencies; and how many of those directors hold professional HR qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and equivalent professional bodies.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

We are unable to answer this question as this data is not centrally held by the Cabinet Office.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what comparative assessment he has made of levels of long term sickness absence in the Civil Service between (a) 2020 and (b) 2025.

Answered by Satvir Kaur - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

Civil Service sickness absence data was published on 16 December 2025 and includes trends in long term absences in the Civil Service between 2020 and 2025.

(Source: Civil Service sickness absence data published on 16 December 2025)

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 and the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations 2025, to what extent his Department considered the duties and rights of the (a) Administration of Estates Act 1925, (b) Fatal Accidents Act 1976, and (c) Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934 in the development of the infected blood compensation scheme for infected and affected people.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Compensation tariffs for infected and affected people under the Scheme have been informed, but not limited, by current practice in UK courts and tribunals.

The Infected Blood Inquiry Response Expert Group Final Report provides detail on how the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 was considered when developing the tariffs under the Scheme. This can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/infected-blood-inquiry-response-expert-group-summary-report/infected-blood-inquiry-response-expert-group-final-report#foreword-by-the-minister-for-the-cabinet-office.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which Government departments, agencies, non‑departmental public bodies and other public authorities have been instructed to implement the new “UK Government” brand identity; and if he will publish any guidance issued on timelines for implementation, exemptions permitted, and arrangements for oversight or enforcement.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

For information relating to the UK Government branding update, I refer the Hon. Member to Questions HL14450, HL14451 and HL14452.

For information relating to stakeholder engagement, I refer the Hon. Member to Question 112168.

Government communications use “UK Government” as the primary identity for public-facing communications. This is not an introduction of a new UK Government brand identity. The Government Communication Service routinely reviews its branding to ensure it remains effective, accessible and fit for purpose across all channels, including digital platforms.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department has conducted any evaluations, stakeholder reviews or assessments of the public understanding, effectiveness or impact of the new UK Government brand identity since its introduction; and if he will publish any related correspondence or internal assessments.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

For information relating to the UK Government branding update, I refer the Hon. Member to Questions HL14450, HL14451 and HL14452.

For information relating to stakeholder engagement, I refer the Hon. Member to Question 112168.

Government communications use “UK Government” as the primary identity for public-facing communications. This is not an introduction of a new UK Government brand identity. The Government Communication Service routinely reviews its branding to ensure it remains effective, accessible and fit for purpose across all channels, including digital platforms.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether No10 special advisers have auto-delete functionality turned on for (a) corporate and (b) non-corporate communication devices when discussing government business.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Corporate communications channels have auto-delete functionality enabled. Any government business that needs to be recorded must be copied onto the official systems. The policy covering non-corporate communication channels is published on gov.uk, available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/non-corporate-communication-channels-for-government-business/using-non-corporate-communication-channels-eg-whatsapp-private-email-sms-for-government-business-html

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026 to Question 110416 on Government Departments: Publicity, if he will publish the revised branding guidance.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

There are currently no plans to publish this guidance.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to reported spending of £532,000 on the GOV.UK brand refresh, of which £421,750 was attributed to the Cabinet Office and £110,250 to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether any additional costs have been incurred or authorised in relation to the wider “UK Government” branding programme.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

For information relating to the UK Government branding update, I refer the Hon. Member to Questions HL14450, HL14451 and HL14452.

For information relating to stakeholder engagement, I refer the Hon. Member to Question 112168.

Government communications use “UK Government” as the primary identity for public-facing communications. This is not an introduction of a new UK Government brand identity. The Government Communication Service routinely reviews its branding to ensure it remains effective, accessible and fit for purpose across all channels, including digital platforms.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether external consultants were hired as part of the process of rebranding from HM Government to UK Government.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

For information relating to the UK Government branding update, I refer the Hon. Member to Questions HL14450, HL14451 and HL14452.

For information relating to stakeholder engagement, I refer the Hon. Member to Question 112168.

Government communications use “UK Government” as the primary identity for public-facing communications. This is not an introduction of a new UK Government brand identity. The Government Communication Service routinely reviews its branding to ensure it remains effective, accessible and fit for purpose across all channels, including digital platforms.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department has taken to respond to breaches of the Supplier Code of Conduct v3.0 Ethical Behaviour provisions.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Government is determined to ensure the £400 billion of public money spent on public procurement annually delivers economic growth and supports British businesses.

The Procurement Act 2023 allows contracting authorities to require that suppliers meet specific standards by, where appropriate, setting them as conditions of participation in a procurement. Contracting authorities must be satisfied that any such conditions of participation have been met before awarding a public contract, including when a supplier proposes to meet them via a subcontractor. The Procurement Specific Questionnaire template, published on the Procurement Pathway, helps contracting authorities collect relevant subcontractor information.

The Public Procurement Review Service (PPRS) also helps to protect UK subcontractors working with government suppliers by providing a free, anonymous, and confidential way to report poor public sector procurement practices, including contract management issues and unfair, late payment issues.

The UK Government Supplier Code of Conduct v3.0 (published May 2023) outlines the ethical standards expected of suppliers working with the government. Although the Code is not legally enforceable, it encourages transparent dialogue where standards are not met and, in extreme unresolved cases, escalation to the Government Chief Commercial Officer.

We will set out further reforms to procurement rules, including the response to the recent public procurement consultation, in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how he plans to measure progress on increasing public sector insourcing.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

This Government is committed to delivering the largest wave of insourcing in a generation. As part of this, we will introduce a ‘Public Interest Test’. This will be a game-changer - ending the culture of ‘outsourcing by default’. This will ensure contracting authorities are undertaking a holistic assessment of their services and identifying opportunities to insource contracts as they expire.

Application of the Public Interest Test will be assessed through the usual contracting authority governance processes and, where applicable, Cabinet Office controls.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the correction and original Written Answer by the Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office on 7 January (HC98100), and with reference to paragraph 21 of Guidance on Making Direct Ministerial Appointments, published October 2025, what is (1) the annual remuneration, and (2) the expected end dates, of each of the direct ministerial appointments in the Cabinet Office; and whether they will provide relevant hyperlinks to that information in line with paragraph 234 of the Guide to Parliamentary Work, updated November 2024.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Cabinet Office holds information on 21 incumbents who were appointed under a direct ministerial appointments process and are recorded on the Cabinet Office's departmental list as of the 30 January 2026. A full list of current appointments is provided below. Information relating to their terms of reference, remuneration and end dates are updated regularly on the Public Appointments webpage.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps her Department is taking to facilitate public sector access to Artificial Intelligence expertise through procurement; and how the Government Commercial Agency will (a) identify, (b) accredit and (c) engage individuals and organisations that supply Artificial Intelligence expertise.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) facilitates public sector access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) expertise primarily through the AI Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). This agreement provides a flexible route for the public sector to procure AI services from a range of specialist suppliers.

CCS manages flexible commercial agreements that regularly engage the market and encourage new suppliers to join. To be admitted, all providers must demonstrate that they meet the required standards and assessment criteria, ensuring high-quality expertise is available across the public sector.

Until the Government Commercial Agency is established, these functions will continue to be led by CCS.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many nights were spent in hotels by Departmental staff in financial year 2024-25 by the star rating of the hotel.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Cabinet Office does not record individual hotel star ratings.

This is because the Cabinet Office’s travel policy prioritises specific amenities, like a workspace, and safety requirements within fixed nightly rate ceilings rather than subjective commercial gradings.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 13 November 2025, to Question 87332, on Lord Mandelson, whether Lord Mandelson during his (a) due diligence and (b) developed vetting processes, was asked about (i) payments made by Jeffery Epstein to him and his partner and (ii) his dealings with Jeffery Epstein relating to official government business when Lord Mandelson was previously a Minister of the Crown; and what consideration was otherwise made of such matters.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer you to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12th February, and the Written Ministerial Statement, and the Oral Statement on 23 February, in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what reason he has made it his policy to re-join the Erasmus scheme.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The UK and European Commission have reached an agreement in principle for the UK’s association to Erasmus+ in 2027. This builds on the foundations of the UK and EU’s new strategic partnership agreed at the UK-EU Summit in May 2025.

The benefits of our association are clear. It opens up world class opportunities for students, teachers, youth workers, sport-sector professionals, and communities of all ages in our education, training, sport and youth sectors.

It is an investment in opportunity for our young people, our workforce and our future, opening doors for tens of thousands across the UK.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish Government Communication Service guidelines for influencer and content creator marketing.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave to questions 103788, 103791 and 103792.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he plans to make reductions to the size of the Government Communication Service.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

To ensure we deliver value for money for the taxpayer, the Government Communication Service continuously assesses the size of its communication teams, to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026 to Question 109158, if he will publish a breakdown of political activity data of public appointments made in 2024-25.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I refer the Hon. Gentleman to PQ 103784.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 26 November 2025 to Question 91382 on Prime Minister: Aviation, if he will publish those calculations for G-GBNI for 2024-25.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

I refer the Hon Member back to the answer given in UIN 73729.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of adjusting lump-sum compensation payments under the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme to reflect inflation where payments are delayed for several years.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Individuals applying for compensation from IBCA have the choice between receiving their award as a single lump sum payment, or as a series of periodical payments over a 5, 10, or 25 year period. The compensation scheme indexes all future periodical payments to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to ensure that these payments hold value against inflation and provide parity between applicants that choose a lump sum or periodical payments.

The Government has consulted on proposed changes to the infected blood compensation scheme, to gather views on how the Government intends to implement the Inquiry’s recommendations. The consultation closed on 22 January. The Government is considering the responses to the consultation carefully, and we will publish our response to the consultation, which will set out our final decisions on the compensation scheme, within 12 weeks of the closing date.

The delivery of compensation is a matter for IBCA, and as of 10 February, 3,153 people have received an offer of compensation, totalling over £2.5 billion. IBCA has now opened its service to the people who are infected but not registered with an IBSS, as well as to the first claims from affected people and from estates on behalf of deceased infected people.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when Ministerial private office records are transferred to National Archives; and whether some files are retained by the Department.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Cabinet Office Records Selection Policy under the Public Records Act 1958 is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cabinet-office-records-selection-policy/cabinet-office-records-selection-policy-html#:~:text=The%20Cabinet%20Office%20Records%20Selection,selection%20of%20historic%20public%20records.

At the time of transfer to The National Archives, redactions can be made by the application of FOI exemptions that persist beyond 20 years or by provision of Section 3(4) of the Public Records Act. Any closures or retentions are made clear either within the open file or on The National Archives catalogue, which is available on line.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent progress he has made on updating the Cabinet Manual.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Government takes the function of the Cabinet Manual seriously and we will keep it under review.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 3 December 2025 to Question 94199 on Mission Boards: Cabinet Committees, whether the terms of reference for the Mission Boards have been revised.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Missions Boards, including their terms of reference, are the responsibility of each of the lead Secretaries of State:

Kickstarting Economic Growth - Chancellor of the Exchequer

An NHS Fit for the Future - Secretary of State for Health

Safer Streets - Secretary of State for the Home Department

Break Down Barriers to Opportunity - Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities

Make Britain a Clean Energy Superpower - Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that subcontractors supplying Government departments have high standards.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Government is determined to ensure the £400 billion of public money spent on public procurement annually delivers economic growth and supports British businesses.

The Procurement Act 2023 allows contracting authorities to require that suppliers meet specific standards by, where appropriate, setting them as conditions of participation in a procurement. Contracting authorities must be satisfied that any such conditions of participation have been met before awarding a public contract, including when a supplier proposes to meet them via a subcontractor. The Procurement Specific Questionnaire template, published on the Procurement Pathway, helps contracting authorities collect relevant subcontractor information.

The Public Procurement Review Service (PPRS) also helps to protect UK subcontractors working with government suppliers by providing a free, anonymous, and confidential way to report poor public sector procurement practices, including contract management issues and unfair, late payment issues.

The UK Government Supplier Code of Conduct v3.0 (published May 2023) outlines the ethical standards expected of suppliers working with the government. Although the Code is not legally enforceable, it encourages transparent dialogue where standards are not met and, in extreme unresolved cases, escalation to the Government Chief Commercial Officer.

We will set out further reforms to procurement rules, including the response to the recent public procurement consultation, in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to help protect the interests of UK subcontractors that are engaged by Government suppliers.

Answered by Chris Ward - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Government is determined to ensure the £400 billion of public money spent on public procurement annually delivers economic growth and supports British businesses.

The Procurement Act 2023 allows contracting authorities to require that suppliers meet specific standards by, where appropriate, setting them as conditions of participation in a procurement. Contracting authorities must be satisfied that any such conditions of participation have been met before awarding a public contract, including when a supplier proposes to meet them via a subcontractor. The Procurement Specific Questionnaire template, published on the Procurement Pathway, helps contracting authorities collect relevant subcontractor information.

The Public Procurement Review Service (PPRS) also helps to protect UK subcontractors working with government suppliers by providing a free, anonymous, and confidential way to report poor public sector procurement practices, including contract management issues and unfair, late payment issues.

The UK Government Supplier Code of Conduct v3.0 (published May 2023) outlines the ethical standards expected of suppliers working with the government. Although the Code is not legally enforceable, it encourages transparent dialogue where standards are not met and, in extreme unresolved cases, escalation to the Government Chief Commercial Officer.

We will set out further reforms to procurement rules, including the response to the recent public procurement consultation, in due course.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the policy paper entitled Explanatory Memorandum on a UK/EU Withdrawal Agreement or Trade And Cooperation Agreement Governance Document, COM(2025)804, published on 4 February 2026, for what reason the Government proposes to make payments to help reduce economic and social disparities in the EU.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Explanatory Memorandum considers a proposal by the European Commission to the European Council to open negotiations with the UK on an electricity agreement and on “the financial contribution of the United Kingdom towards reducing economic and social disparities between the regions of the Union”. It does not represent a proposal by the Government. In line with the outcome from exploratory talks on an electricity agreement, we are prepared to make an appropriate financial contribution to support the relevant costs associated with the European Union’s work in this policy area, for example to access EU agencies or databases. The details of any contribution are subject to negotiation.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment has been made on whether social media influencers paid for by the government are using the “paid partnership” tag on their content; and whether they state that the partnership is with the UK Government.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Influencers are subject to the Advertising Standards Authority.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 2 December 2025, to Question 92595, on Cabinet Office: Revenue and Customs, what arrangements are in place for the sharing of HMRC information with the House of Lords Appointments Commission.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Government has published a Memorandum of Understanding setting out the arrangements for sharing information between HMRC and the House of Lords Appointments Commission when it considers appointments to the House of Lords. The MoU can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sharing-hmrc-information-to-assist-in-appointments-to-the-house-of-lords/memorandum-of-understanding-accessing-hmrc-information-for-appointments-to-the-house-of-lords--3

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 19 January 2026 to Question 104195 on Government Communication Service: Staff, if he will break down that list by individual public bodies within the sponsor organisation.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

Publication of this information is not currently planned.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 28 January (HL14077), whether they will publish the changes they plan to make to the hiring criteria for senior civil servants, as set out in the speech by the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister on 20 January.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Our approach to hiring for the Senior Civil Service (SCS) is changing to place greater value on frontline delivery, innovation, and private sector experience. Departments and agencies have authority to determine their practices and procedures for the recruitment of staff to the Civil Service, including the Senior Civil Service.

In accordance with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles, departments must provide all potential applicants with information about the nature and level of each role, criteria against which they will be assessed, and details of the selection process and the total remuneration available. However, there are no plans to publish internal-facing guidance to the public domain, as it constitutes HR-to-HR guidance designed for departments to integrate into their respective policies and processes.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent on 28 January (HL14077) and the speech by the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister on 20 January, whether ministers will directly set key performance indicators (KPIs) for senior civil servants; and if so, how often performance will be measured against those KPIs; and how under-performance will be managed.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Performance arrangements for members of the Senior Civil Service stem from a centrally set performance management framework, which makes clear that the objectives should be linked directly to the objectives of the department and minister they serve.

Underperformance is managed under the same framework, and triggered when individuals fail to meet the minimum standards or receive low performance ratings, with sustained poor performance escalated to a separate formal policy aligned with ACAS best practice.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what proportion of the number of fines issued by the government and bodies authorised by the government to individuals were unpaid in the last full year for which they have data, broken down by economic region if that breakdown is available.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The requested information is not centrally held, and complying with this request would incur a disproportionate cost to the department.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the GPS location of Ministerial cars maintained by the Government Car Service is accessible to the Minister’s private office.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

This information is not available to any Ministerial Private Office.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether any changes have been made to the rules on the use of Ministerial and official cars provided by the Government Car Service, since July 2024.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Cabinet Office)

There have been no changes to rules governing the use of Ministerial Cars since July 2024.

Amend the standing orders to give an automatic immediate right of reply to any MP or any party mentioned in any statement, question or answer in the House. We think this will deter MPs and Ministers from using parliamentary business to attack opponents.

At the moment it is not mandatory for prospective council candidates or Parliamentary candidates to have an Enhanced DBS check.

MPs should not have other jobs outside of Parliament unless they are qualified doctors, nurses or other healthcare professionals and actively work in the NHS

Make lobbying for private gain illegal removing direct influence of private individuals, corporations, and interest groups over lawmakers. Under this approach, elected officials would be prohibited from meeting with or accepting input from any entity seeking to influence legislation for private gain

We believe a Mayor is a position of responsibility, and will have dealings with vulnerable parts of the public including children, and they will be in charge of public finances.

Reform MPs’ financial disclosure rules so repeated late declarations automatically trigger Standards Committee referral and suspension. We believe this would ensure patterns of non-compliance have real consequences, including recall where thresholds are met.

We want the Government and Parliament to change so that we can participate in their work.

We want to change the law in the Equality Act so that this must happen.

See this petition in Easy Read: https://www.inclusionlondon.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Parliament-E-petition.pdf

The Government should legislate to require a by-election to be held if an MP or Local Councillor switches political party in the middle of the parliamentary term so affected constituents get the opportunity to vote in an election to decide who represents them.

The European Convention on Human Rights enshrines our basic human rights, gives us the right to a fair trial, right to privacy and helps protect us from things like torture, unlawful killing, slavery but also punishment without law and freedom of speech, assembly, religion, privacy and much more.

Change the General Election format so that it is fixed, with one-fifth of seats contested each year in the first week of May just like local government elections. The Government cannot choose the date, it is fixed by Parliament.

Review why areas worst affected by the storm, including Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly received no national emergency response after Storm Goretti, publish the criteria used, and ensure future emergency assessments treat rural and coastal communities fairly.

The Government should advise the Monarch against facilitating a ceremonial head of state visit where a foreign state is engaged in hostile activity - whether economic, diplomatic, military or otherwise - that is directly contrary to UK interests and/or the rule of international law.

Found: Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP Minister for the Cabinet Office His Majesty’s Paymaster

Found: The Cabinet Office will publish the response to the consultation in the coming weeks.

Found: from the From the IOPC relating to their progress in implementing the recommendations of the Cabinet Office

Found: Lead HMICFRS in line with the Seven Principles of public life and the principles set out in the Cabinet Office

Found: [12][13] ● Cabinet Office / HM Treasury / OBR: strengthen release controls for market- sensitive publications

Found: Parliament are to develop policy and legislation to increase the UK’s productivity growth the Cabinet Office

Found: This will include: - Working with the Cabinet Office on NED recruitment, to ensure a rich skillset

Found: Supplementary Estimate Memorandum 2025-26 - Cabinet Office Estimate memoranda

Found: Supplementary Estimate Memorandum (2025-26) for the Cabinet Office: Civil Superannuation

Found: Supplementary Estimate memorandum (2025-26) for the Cabinet Office: Royal Mail Statutory

Found: The Cabinet Office Guide to Making Legislation states that new legislative proposals should be assessed

Found: Letter from the Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office relating to a follow-up to the Administration

Found: Letter from the Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office relating to the interim arrangements for the

Found: of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Ministry of Defence, H M Treasury , No 10 and Cabinet Office

Found: Letter from the Permanent Secretary at the Cabinet Office relating to a follow-up to the Administration

Found: In addition, the Cabinet Office is reviewing the guidance provided to SAGs.7 The issue is also now subject

Found: publications and the Transformed Labour Force Survey, dated 10 March 2025 Correspondence from the Cabinet Office

Found: We would recommend that the Safeguarding Minister be moved to the Cabinet Office so that they are better

Found: Do you think there might be merit in speaking with colleagues in the Cabinet Office with regard to

Found: It could be the Cabinet Office. I do not know.

Found: I understand it was established in 2023 by Defra and the Cabinet Office, but the Climate Change Committee

Found: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, do you not need to be rather more close to the Cabinet Office

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he discussed with HM Treasury the cost of the contract signed with Palantir on 30 December prior to its signature.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence followed all required approvals processes ahead of signing the Enterprise Agreement with Palantir on 30 December 2025. This included HM Treasury, Cabinet Office and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

All necessary commercial and financial scrutiny was completed before the Department entered into the agreement.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many civil servants are employed through skilled worker visas in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

As of 9 February 2026, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), had 18 currently employed civil servants under the Skilled Worker route, as confirmed by the department Sponsor Management System and internal HR records.

Separately, seven civil servants have recently transferred to DSIT from the Cabinet Office as part of the machinery of government rules. Their visas are currently sponsored by the Cabinet Office and will be recorded under DSIT’s Sponsor Licence once the transfer is confirmed through the Sponsor Management System.

These figures cover DSIT civil servants only and excludes agency staff, secondees and contractors.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 2 December 2025, to Question 93748, on 10 Downing Street: Repairs and Maintenance, how much has been spent from public funds by Cabinet Office, HM Treasury or the Government Property Agency on the Chancellor’s official Ministerial residence in 10 Downing Street since 4 July 2024.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Following the departure of previous occupants, the official Ministerial residence was provided unfurnished. To address this, £19,759.61 was spent since 4 July 2024 on furnishings which remain government property and will be retained for future occupants.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, who signs off asylum related contracts in her Department.

Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)

Internal Home Office Commercial approvals are required before awarding contracts. In addition, Cabinet Office Spend Controls approvals are also required.

The guidance for Cabinet Office Spend Controls applies to commercial activities with a value of £20 million or more and is published on GOV.UK under Commercial Spend Controls (version 7).

Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what is the policy of (a) the Cabinet Office people group and (b) the Office for Equality and Opportunity, on white privilege.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government wants to ensure that whoever you are, wherever you come from, Britain is a country that will respect your contribution and give you a fair chance to get on in life.

The Government is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity and improving outcomes for everyone.

Found: • £71.9 million increase in additional depreciation funding for the Cabinet Office, relating to the

Found: have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office

Found: ="govuk-table__cell">Northern Ireland Office

Found: Ireland Office Northern Ireland Office 3/10/2025 Quarter 2 Estates Costs EH Northern Ireland Office CABINET OFFICE

Found: Northern Ireland Office Northern Ireland Office 19/9/2025 Estates costs Northern Ireland Office CABINET OFFICE

Found: ="govuk-table__cell">Northern Ireland Office

Found: have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments published by the Cabinet Office

Found: Cabinet Office Minister, Anna Turley, said: This latest closure is another milestone in our commitment

Found: Care Programme Team at NHS England are looking at Ear Nose & Throat services, on behalf of the Cabinet Office

Found: public sector non-executive directors and boards that may be issued from time to time by the Cabinet Office

Found: and cyber security guidance for business Commercial management • Procurement policy notes • Cabinet Office

Found: approvals As it constitutes a delegation from Treasury consent, spending without the required Cabinet Office

Found: It has been administratively classified by the Cabinet Office as a non-departmental public body (NDPB

Found: The draft was also shared with the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish

Found: The draft was also shared with the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish

Found: The draft was also shared with the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish

Found: The draft was also shared with the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish

Found: The draft was also shared with the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish

Found: The draft was also shared with the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish

Found: The draft was also shared with the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom Government and the Scottish

Found: Communication with UK government:** The Private Secretary to the King and a lead Director General in the Cabinet Office

Found: (c) Cabinet Office Review of Organised Crime (SOCT 05/09 Paper 6) 13.

Found: Privy Council now via the contact that Helen identified last week in her discussion with the Cabinet Office

Found: In the UK, under the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007, Cabinet Office Ministers and Ministers

Found: In the UK, under the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007, Cabinet Office Ministers and Ministers

Found: discussion Director general and director 9 box grid placings are moderated and submitted to the Cabinet Office

Found: There is no separate Scottish Government policy for this; instead, the process follows Cabinet Office

Found: We are working with Cabinet Office very closely to further develop our policy positions, in consultation

Found: lead government department model in favour of centralised UK Government leadership, via the Cabinet Office

Found: Satellite Applications Catapult (2013–15) ▪ GOLD Commander, National College of Policing ▪ Cabinet Office

Found: References Cabinet Office (2013) Memorandum of understanding: UK and devolved governments.