Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications for Northern Ireland of the Prime Minister's stated intention to end rough sleeping across the United Kingdom.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Housing and homelessness policy and legislation are devolved matters. The Northern Ireland Executive is responsible for homelessness policy, legislation and services in Northern Ireland, including the development of its own homelessness strategies. MHCLG's homelessness strategy applies to England only.

We continue to engage with counterparts in the devolved administrations to share learning and discuss issues of common interest, including homelessness.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications for electricity prices in Northern Ireland of the decision to disapply VAT on domestic electricity bills for six months.

Answered by Lord Pitt-Watson - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government has announced a cut in VAT on electricity bills to give millions of households breathing space on the cost of living. These changes to VAT apply and are funded for this winter (from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027).

The Windsor Framework provides the legal basis and mechanism for changes to VAT on goods in Northern Ireland, and the Government has begun discussions about with the European Union on applying this mechanism for these changes.

To ensure that households in Northern Ireland receive the same support as quickly as the rest of the UK, the Northern Ireland Executive will receive comparable funding to enable it to support households in Northern Ireland with the cost of living this winter.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications for Northern Ireland of the decision to transfer responsibility for local economic growth from HM Treasury to Number 10 North.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Prime Minister wants power, opportunity and investment spread more fairly across the country, so that every town, city and community can share in economic success. No10 North is about taking power and decision-making out of Westminster and putting it closer to people's lives.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Minister for Communities in Northern Ireland regarding reform of licensing laws, including the surrender principle, and the creation of a new licensing system to invigorate the brewing and pub sector.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Captain of the King's Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard (HM Household) (Deputy Chief Whip, House of Lords)

Northern Ireland has a rich and vibrant hospitality sector, with a wide range of pubs and brewing companies. Recent examples such as the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast have demonstrated the vital role this sector plays in the economy and life of Northern Ireland.

This Government has shown its commitment to supporting the brewing and pub sector with Pubs, clubs and live music venues receiving a 20% cut to their business rates bills. This is of course devolved to Northern Ireland, but the Government wants to work with the Executive to support our pubs and brewers amidst the rising cost of living.

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what requirements they make of broadband fibre companies to inform local authorities and residents when erecting telegraph poles for broadband; and whether there is official guidance on this subject.

Answered by Baroness Mackenzie of Sherwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice 2016 provides guidance on ways operators can ensure installations are placed appropriately, and that local authorities and communities are engaged. Operators deploying telegraph poles under permitted development rights must notify the local planning authority at least 28 days in advance. The Code of Practice also sets out that operators should place a site notice informing nearby residents of a proposed pole.

This is supplemented by revised industry guidance. The Telecommunications Poles Working Group published its Best Practice Recommendations in March 2025, which sets out expectations for operators on siting infrastructure and community engagement.

I will place a copy of the Cabinet Siting and Pole siting Code of Practice 2016 as well as the Best Practice Recommendations 2025 in the libraries of both Houses.

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will place in the Library of the House a copy of (1) the Government guidance, and (2) any industry best practice guidance endorsed by the Government, regarding the use, sharing and erection of telegraph poles for broadband.

Answered by Baroness Mackenzie of Sherwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting Code of Practice 2016 provides guidance on ways operators can ensure installations are placed appropriately, and that local authorities and communities are engaged. Operators deploying telegraph poles under permitted development rights must notify the local planning authority at least 28 days in advance. The Code of Practice also sets out that operators should place a site notice informing nearby residents of a proposed pole.

This is supplemented by revised industry guidance. The Telecommunications Poles Working Group published its Best Practice Recommendations in March 2025, which sets out expectations for operators on siting infrastructure and community engagement.

I will place a copy of the Cabinet Siting and Pole siting Code of Practice 2016 as well as the Best Practice Recommendations 2025 in the libraries of both Houses.

Found: Director IOD NI Sir Jonathan Stephens KCB Permanent Secretary, Northern Ireland Office Lord Caine

Found: – 4,479 4,479 Lord Harlech, Lord in Waiting (from 22/09/2022 to 05/07/2024) – – 16,406 16,406 Lord Caine