Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that low-paid workers in net pay workplace pension schemes can receive the same level of tax relief as they would if their employer used a relief at source scheme; and, if so, when they intend to implement them.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

Non-taxpayers who save in relief at source pension arrangements are better off than those using net pay schemes. Legislation introduced in 2023 requires HMRC to make a top-up payment to affected individuals.

The government remains committed to this policy which will see approximately one million individuals in net pay schemes offered an annual payment of around £70. This means that individuals should receive similar outcomes regardless of whether they are members of a relief at source or a net pay pension scheme.

HMRC are developing the IT solution to identify eligible individuals and make these payments. Top-up payments will be made for tax-year 2024-25 and subsequent years. The first payment for 2024-25 will be offered to eligible individuals in 2026.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is their latest cost-benefit analysis of rolling out fracture liaison services across the country, including (1) how many people are likely to avoid fractures and how many fractures could be avoided per year as a result of early detection, (2) how much NHS resource could be saved, and (3) how many days of work absence or years of early retirement could be avoided.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

We remain committed to rolling out Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) across every part of the country by 2030. That is what my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care promised before the election, and what he is delivering.

In the meantime, we are investing in 14 high-tech bone density DEXA scanners, which are expected to provide an extra 29,000 scans, to ensure that people with bone conditions get diagnosed earlier

FLS are a globally recognised care model and can reduce the risk of refracture for people at risk of osteoporosis by up to 40%. They can play a vital role in improving quality of life and increasing the number of years that can be lived in good health.

The Government and NHS England support the clinical case for services which help to prevent fragility fractures and support the patients who sustain them. Officials continue to work closely with NHS England to explore a range of options to provide better quality and access to these important preventative services. Impacts will be assessed, as these options are considered, taking into consideration the evidence gathered from the 60 services already in operation in England.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the powers in the Football Governance Bill for the independent football regulator to require football clubs to set out action they are taking on equality, diversity and inclusion.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Clubs will be required to report on what action they are taking with regard to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as part of the corporate governance code included within the Football Governance Bill.

EDI is a key part of good corporate governance. Good EDI on boards and in clubs promotes better governance, decision-making and transparency, all of which links to improved financial sustainability.

Found: Q5 Chair: Baroness Altmann suggested recently that industry dashboards would not be ready by next year