Division Voting information
Lord Kempsell voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Conservative No votes vs 146 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 175 Noes - 207
Debates during the 2024 Parliament
Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.
Department Debates
(2 debate contributions)
(2 debate contributions)
(1 debate contributions)
(1 debate contributions)
Legislation Debates
(3,291 words contributed)
Lords initiatives
These initiatives were driven by Lord Kempsell, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.
Lord Kempsell has not introduced any legislation before Parliament
Lord Kempsell has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting
Latest 50 Written Questions
(View all written questions)The UK currently has 13 Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sectors. Each sector has a Lead Government Department (LGD) that is responsible for sectoral resilience, including risk assessments, policy and guidance and industry engagement. The LGD Minister or Secretary of State for each CNI sector holds overall accountability for their CNI sectoral approach.
The Cabinet Office is responsible for the overarching CNI policy for the UK government, setting strategic cross-cutting priorities and providing assurance to Ministers that LGDs are fulfilling their responsibilities to ensure the security and resilience of their sectors. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (CDL) is the Cabinet Office Minister with overall responsibility for Resilience. CDL chairs the National Security Council on Resilience, at which CNI topics are routinely discussed and relevant LGDs are represented.
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
Departments have agreed a 2% productivity, efficiency and savings target in the first phase of the Spending Review and have been set a stretching 5% target in the second phase. This target is to be delivered via efficiencies and savings from innovative technology-driven approaches, such as Artificial Intelligence; more effectively joining up services; and a more strategic approach to government processes, including procurement.
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury has also asked each department to carry out a line-by-line review of existing day-to-day budgets to identify where spending is no longer aligned with this government’s priorities or is poor value for money.
To support these efforts, the Office for Value for Money will work with departments to assess where and how to root out waste and inefficiency, including agreeing plans to deliver technical efficiencies through the Spending Review period. It will also develop recommendations for system reform, informed by lessons learned from the past, international best practice, and the views of external organisations. This will underpin a ruthless focus within government on realising benefits from every pound of public spending.
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The Government set out clear priorities for the reset with the EU in the manifesto. There are no plans for a Youth Mobility Scheme.
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
We are always looking at ways to reduce barriers to trade - within our clear red lines - because having a smooth trading relationship with European partners is essential to driving growth at home.
This is one of the options we are open to looking at to reduce barriers, and it’s right and responsible that we are looking at it to determine what is in the UK’s national interest. But we do not currently have any plans to join PEM.
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
On 24 July 2024, the Prime Minister announced via a Written Ministerial Statement that responsibility for the UK’s relationship with the EU, including co-chairing the ministerial structures under the UK’s treaties with the EU, would move to the Cabinet Office.
The EU Relations Secretariat was established in the Cabinet Office to give effect to the Government's manifesto commitments to reset the relationship with the EU, deliver on our commitments in the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement and Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and implement the Windsor Framework in good faith and protect the UK's internal market.
The EU Relations Secretariat brings together civil servants who were already working on EU relations from across the government. The data on this headcount will be published in 2025. The next update to the Cabinet Office organogram with a breakdown of grades will be published on 30 January 2025.
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
I refer the Noble Lord to the answer of the Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, Minister Gould, 31 October 2024, Official Report, PQ 8943.
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
As when the noble Lord was a special adviser under the previous administration, the number of special advisers will be published in the Annual Report on Special Advisers.
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
I refer the Noble Lord to my answer of 23 September 2024, Official Report, PQ HL1035 and the answer of the Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, Georgia Gould, 31 October 2024, Official Report, PQ 8943. To note, the portrait of William Gladstone was hung in 11 Downing Street, rather than 10 Downing Street.
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The List of Ministers’ Interests will be published in due course.
Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal
Current Civil Service guidance requires Civil Servants to attend the office or work face-to-face with colleagues at least 60% of the time. There are no plans to change those requirements.
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The publication of this data was suspended in line with pre-election guidance for the duration of the Pre-Election Period. We will provide an update on future publication plans in due course.
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
I refer Lord Kempsell to the statement made by the Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Basildon about Machinery of Government changes on 24 July 2024, HLWS18.
No additional funding is allocated to departments to implement machinery of government changes.
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The UK-US relationship is already very strong, with trade of around £300 billion, and shared investment of over £1.2 trillion at the end of 2023. The Prime Minister and President Trump met on 27 February and agreed to deepen this relationship and to work together on a trade deal focused on tech. The Secretary of State for Business and Trade has also been engaging with the US Administration including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, to make the case for stronger UK-US trade that benefits both our countries.
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Since the General Election in July 2024, the UK has acceded to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and has signed a landmark Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with Iraq – a treaty on trade and strategic cooperation. We have also signed non-legally binding arrangements with partners, such as an Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) with Thailand, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with U.S. state of Colorado, and endorsed a joint workplan to further bilateral cooperation with Malaysia at the inaugural Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO).
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
Boosting trade abroad is essential to deliver a strong economy at home. That is why we are committed to delivering a Free Trade Agreement with India, which is projected to be the world’s third largest economy by2028.
The Business and Trade Secretary is reviewing progress in our talks with India, and when ready we intend to restart negotiations towards a deal in the best interests of the British people and the economy, supporting jobs and communities across the UK.
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The U.S. is our largest single country trade partner, with trade totalling over £300bn in 2023. Supporting UK-U.S. trade and investment is a vital part of our mission to deliver economic growth. There are huge opportunities to build on this relationship, and ensure that we are working together to address the challenges of the modern economy.
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The United States is the UK’s largest single country trading partner, and we are exploring multiple avenues to strengthen trade ties across the country.
Alabama imported £411 million of goods from the UK, and exported £312 million of goods to the UK, in 2023. Alabama’s single largest category of goods imports from the UK in 2023 was aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof, valuing £130.5 million.
We therefore welcome the participation of a delegation from Alabama in the recent Farnborough International Airshow, encouraging the growth of commercial ties between the UK and Alabama in the aerospace sector.
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
Fusion supports the Government’s Plan for Change and its Missions to Kickstart Economic Growth – through innovation, highly skilled jobs, and tech transfer to adjacent sectors, and make Britain a Clean Energy Superpower.
The Government has announced a record £410m for fusion R&D to fund world leading new facilities, cutting edge research, support for the UK’s thriving industry and skill provision across the UK.
The Government is supporting rapid development of the fusion energy sector, investing in cutting-edge research capabilities and facilities, and implementing a proportionate regulatory framework to cement the UK as a global hub for fusion investment and commercialisation.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Implementing a long-term solution for plutonium is essential to dealing with the UK’s nuclear legacy and leaving the environment safer for future generations.
The material in its current form presents a significant and costly burden. DESNZ and NDA has considered re-use options and found that immobilisation is more likely to put the material into a safe, stable and disposable form soonest and with greatest delivery confidence.
All current and planned UK reactors use uranium fuel. We will continue to take wider strategic factors and technologies into account in making the final investment decision.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6 Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Questions
(View all Lord Kempsell's DSIT questions)Gain of function research changes the genetic material of a living organism to alter the way that organism behaves. This research sometimes takes place on pathogens to helps us to prevent and respond to future pandemics. The UK has a set of regulations in place to safely unlock the benefits of this research on pathogens whilst protecting from misuse. The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations ensure the safety of the people doing the research and the environment whilst the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 regulates the possession and use of specific pathogens and toxins. We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these regulations, including through ongoing engagement with the EngBio Responsible Innovation Advisory Panel.
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Expanding the UK’s compute capability is essential for the development and adoption of AI, scientific research, and improving public services. DSIT and UKRI are taking forward the development of the AI Research Resource, a network of clusters, currently consisting of Isambard-AI, in Bristol, and Dawn, in Cambridge, which will be fully operational by the summer. When this capacity is live, it will increase the UK’s existing public compute capacity by thirty times.
The government set out the further steps it will take to scale-up our compute infrastructure in response to the AI Opportunities Action Plan. This includes commitments to expand the AI Research Resource (AIRR) a further 20x by 2030, and to publish a long-term compute strategy. The government is developing this strategy and recognises the importance of large-scale scientific computing.
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Government Digital Service leads on developing our digital experts, and is taking steps to upskill public sector workers in artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance productivity. This includes the AI Accelerator Programme which, as one of the five Kick Starters in the Blueprint for Modern Digital Government, will upskill >50 data scientists to become machine learning engineers. Furthermore, following a successful AI pilot with second-year Digital Fast Streamers, the Government Digital Service is introducing AI to the broader digital Fast Stream curriculum. Finally, the Civil Service Learning platform offers over 250 hours of AI learning, and is available to all civil servants.
The incubator for AI, within GDS, is also building a suite of productivity tools for public servants, nicknamed 'Humphrey' including meeting transcription and consultation analysis.
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The UK makes a significant contribution to human space exploration via investment through the European Space Agency (ESA). Rosemary Coogan is now training with NASA in Houston ahead of a long-term mission to the International Space Station. John McFall and Meganne Christian, who are both in the ESA astronaut reserve, are currently training at the European Astronaut Centre in Germany to prepare them for future space missions. These missions are not yet identified.
The UK Space Agency is also working with Axiom Space to explore the potential for a first of-a-kind commercially sponsored UK astronaut mission to the ISS. We have not made a specific estimate of when a British mission will visit the moon or Mars.
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The AI opportunities Action Plan has been published and in response, the government has accepted all 50 recommendations. The digital centre within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, has been established to bring together central digital, data, technology and AI teams and act as a catalyst for technology adoption and service transformation across government.
The digital centre is leading the response to public sector AI adoption and working across departments to drive the use of AI within government, and the wider public sector, to improve citizens’ lives and make government more efficient. This includes adopting a ‘scan, pilot, scale’ approach to rolling out AI tools, building on the work of the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence.
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
1 Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Questions
(View all Lord Kempsell's DCMS questions)HM Government has a strong commitment to all forms of music, including choral music.
Between 2019/20 and 2023/24 Arts Council England funded activity with a choral focus or element by nearly £200 million. This funding has supported the development, touring and promotion of choral music throughout England. Organisations supported by this funding include Ex Cathedra, a nationally recognised choir with a repertoire that reaches from the 12th to the 21st centuries.
Within the Music and Dance Scheme, the Department for Education continues to fund bursaries for training choristers through the Choir Schools’ Association.
Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
Programming, algorithms and the use of information technology are taught to pupils through the statutory national curriculum subject of computing from key stage 1 to key stage 4, providing the foundation for further study in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI).
To support the teaching of AI in schools, the department funds the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE), which delivers a range of courses for teachers on machine learning and AI, ethics, and teaching about AI in primary and secondary computing. For example, this includes ‘AI in key stage 3 computing’, which supports teachers to understand what AI is and how it can be used for asset creation, equipping them with the knowledge required to promote the effective and safe use of AI tools. The government’s continued investment in the NCCE for the 2025/26 financial year will ensure that teachers can access the support they need to be able to teach about AI, and other computing topics, effectively and confidently.
The government has established an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, covering ages 5 to 18, chaired by Professor Becky Francis CBE. The review seeks to deliver a curriculum that readies young people for life and work, building the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to thrive. This includes considering how young people will acquire the key digital skills needed for future life. The review group will publish an interim report in early spring setting out its interim findings and confirming the key areas for further work, and will publish its final report with recommendations this autumn. The department will take decisions on what changes to make to the curriculum in light of these recommendations.
Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)
High and rising school standards, including in mathematics, are at the heart of the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity and give every child the best life chances. The department is committed to ensuring all students have opportunities to study mathematics after the age of 16, including increasing participation in core mathematics qualifications for students who wish to continue studying mathematics but do not want to study A or AS level mathematics. A level mathematics continues to be the most popular A level, since 2014, with almost 100,000 entries in 2024 (98,066), which is up 11% from 2023. A level further mathematics also saw significant increases of 20% in 2024 (16,816).
In the 2024/25 academic year, we introduced the core mathematics premium of £900 per year per student to support students’ participation in programmes with core mathematics qualifications. The department’s guidance on the core mathematics premium can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-funding-core-maths-premium/16-to-19-funding-core-maths-premium.
The Advanced Maths Support programme remains a government-funded programme and includes support to the expansion of core mathematics by providing online and face-to-face teacher continuous professional development for new and existing core mathematics teachers, to ensure they have the capacity and capability to confidently teach advanced mathematics.
Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)
The study of classical languages can teach valuable lessons in history that are as relevant in the 21st century as they were for the ancient world. All schools can choose to teach classical subjects if they wish at any stage in a child’s education and can support this provision from their core funding.
Mainstream schools and young people with high needs are receiving £2.3 billion more in the 2025/26 financial year compared to 2024/25. This means core schools funding will total almost £63.9 billion next year.
Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)
The information requested can be found in the attached spreadsheet and at the links below. Due to the amount of data requested, it is provided as an attachment rather than within the main body of the answer.
The numbers of entries by students aged 16 to 18 in England for A level pure mathematics, mathematics, further mathematics and statistics from the 2015/16 to 2023/24 academic years are published by the department in the ‘A level and other 16 to 18 results’ statistical release is attached and can be found at the following links:
- 2019/20 to 2023/24: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/b657f845-0723-4060-7981-08dd3ba46a29.
- 2018/19: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5e26d67ded915d1f26a741fa/2019_revised_National_tables.xlsx. (Table 2a)
- 2017/18: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c4887c2ed915d38b21c50d3/2018_revised_national_tables.xlsx. (Table 2a)
- 2016/17: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a82bb13e5274a2e8ab590e5/SFR03_2018_National_Tables.xlsx. (Table 2a)
- 2015/16: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7f27d540f0b6230268dc62/SFR05_2017_National_tables_1_to_8.xlsm. (Table 2a)
Data relating to Core Mathematics have been published on the Compare School and College Performance website since 2021/22 is attached and can be accessed at the following links:
- 2022/23: https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/download-data?currentstep=datatypes®iontype=all&la=0&downloadYear=2022-2023&datatypes=ks5underlying. (see “Qualification” column in “National data” tab)
- 2021/22: https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/download-data?currentstep=datatypes®iontype=all&la=0&downloadYear=2021-2022&datatypes=ks5underlying. (see “Qualification” column in “National data” tab)
Core Mathematics qualifications were introduced in 2014 to provide students who achieved a grade 9-4 in mathematics at GCSE, but are not taking AS or A level mathematics, with the opportunity to continue the subject within 16-19 study. The qualifications focus on the use and application of mathematics and statistics in real life scenarios and aims to prepare students for the mathematical demands of university study.
Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)
This government is committed to ensuring both learners and employers have access to crucial digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills that have the potential to increase productivity and create new high value jobs in the UK economy. To achieve this, the department will build a responsive skills system, coordinated through Skills England, to deliver on the national, regional and local skills needs of the next decade.
The department will remain committed to ensuring all children and young people have a strong foundation in mathematics to thrive in the modern economy, regardless of background and socioeconomic status. The Advanced Maths Support programme remains a government-funded programme that continues to provide high quality teaching to increase participation and attainment in level 3 maths, to support student career progression and economic growth in technological advances.
The department also funds a national network of Maths Hubs, which is supported by the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics. This network aims to raise the standard of mathematics education from reception to age 18 and enhance the quality of mathematics teaching through a collaborative national network of mathematics educational professionals.
Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)
The fiscal situation this new government inherited means there are difficult decisions to take on how money is spent right across the public sector to ensure we deliver on our priorities. Given this, the decision to not extend the Latin Excellence Programme beyond the end of the agreed initial three-year contract remains.
The department will work closely with the Centre for Latin Excellence to ensure that teachers currently delivering the Latin curriculum to key stage 4 pupils will be prioritised and will receive extra support in the lead up to the end of the programme on 28 February, to ensure pupils’ continuity of learning. All schools on the programme will continue to have access to the curriculum resources once the programme ends.
Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)
The fiscal situation this new government inherited means there are difficult decisions to take on how money is spent right across the public sector to ensure we deliver on our priorities. Given this, the decision to end funding for the computing hubs remains.
The government will continue to fund the National Centre for Computing Education to support the teaching of computing and increase participation in computer science qualifications. Teachers will still be able to access high-quality continuing professional development and teaching resources to support and enrich computing lessons. Funding beyond 2025/26 financial year to support computing education will be considered through the upcoming Spending Review.
Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)
This government is clear that music and the arts should be part of every child’s education.
The independent Curriculum and Assessment Review will advise on how we deliver a broader curriculum for every child, including subjects such as music, art and drama. The government will also support children to study a creative or vocational subject to 16 and ensure accountability measures reflect this.
School music provision is supported through the £79 million per annum grant provided for the Music Hub programme, which is led by Arts Council England. Music Hubs are partnerships that provide a suite of services to schools to support the delivery of music education, including instrumental teaching, whole class ensemble teaching, instrument hire, continuing professional development for teachers and access to national and regional music opportunities.
To further support access to learning a musical instrument, the government is also providing a £25 million capital grant for musical instruments, equipment and technology. This funding will be distributed to the 43 Music Hub lead organisations by Arts Council England.
The government has also announced the Music Opportunities Pilot, expanding Young Sounds UK’s existing programme – Young Sounds Connect – which offers disadvantaged pupils across primary and secondary schools the opportunity to learn to play an instrument of their choice or learn how to sing to a high standard by providing free lessons and supporting young people to progress. The four year pilot will be delivered across 12 areas in England, and this is backed by £2 million from the government and £3.9 million from Arts Council England and Youth Music.
Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)
The government believes that creative subjects like arts, music and drama are significant elements of the rounded and enriching education every child deserves to receive. Under this government, the arts and music will no longer be the preserve of a privileged few.
One of the aims of the existing National Curriculum programmes of study for music from age 5 to 14 is to ensure that all pupils in England have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. However, academies and free schools are not required to follow the National Curriculum. The government has established an independent review of the curriculum and assessment from ages 5 to 18, which will be led by Professor Becky Francis CBE, and one of the aims is to deliver a broader curriculum so that pupils do not miss out on subjects such as music. When the review has concluded, subject to parliament passing the Children’s Wellbeing Bill, the department will require all state-funded schools, including academies and free schools, to follow the National Curriculum.
The department additionally supports children to learn to play instruments through the Music Hubs programme which support instrumental teaching in schools, including whole class ensemble teaching, instrument tuition, an instrument hire service, continuing professional development for teachers and access to local, regional and national ensemble. In 2022/23, Music Hubs provided support to around 90% of schools across England.
Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)
The government recognises that effective accountability has the potential to make a real contribution to breaking down barriers and helping to support improvement for the benefit of children, students and learners across the country. That is why the department is committed to reforming Ofsted and improving the inspection system. This will include moving away from the single headline grade to a richer system through a report card. The department will work in partnership with schools and the wider sector to ensure that its reforms maximise the potential to improve the life chances for every child and young person. The department is carefully considering the timing of any changes that it makes.
Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)
3 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Questions
(View all Lord Kempsell's Defra questions)Agriculture is a devolved area, and Wales’s Sustainable Farming Scheme is therefore a matter for the Welsh Government.
Defra and devolved administration officials meet routinely to share experiences and insight regarding our respective agricultural policies.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
We remain committed to the statutory target to increase tree canopy and woodland cover in England to 16.5% by 2050. We have announced a rapid review of the Environmental Improvement Plan and will introduce a new, statutory plan to protect and restore our natural environment and to deliver our ambitious targets to save nature.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The Water Minister and I know the devastating impact flooding and coastal erosion can have on communities. That is why we are committed to supporting coastal communities and ensuring flood risk management is fit for the challenges we face now and in the future. We will work to improve resilience and preparation across central government and local authorities to better protect communities across the UK.
The Government’s investment plan includes defences for the coast where it is sustainable and affordable to defend the coastline. In areas where it is not, other approaches such as managed realignment or transition may be needed.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
This Government will not roll out new smart motorways. The safety of everyone travelling on our roads is the Government’s priority, which is why we are committed to delivering a new Road Safety Strategy, the first in over a decade. In addition, we have asked the Office for Rail and Road to report on the effectiveness of safety systems in place on smart motorways, including the performance of stopped vehicle detection technology and operational technology performance. Their next report is due in Spring 2025.
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
The Government is clear that traffic management measures such as low traffic neighbourhoods are a matter for local authorities as they know their areas best. Traffic management schemes should always be developed through engagement with local communities.
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
Delivering reliable and affordable public transport services for passengers is one of the government’s top priorities and we know how important this is for passengers and for local growth. The Department for Transport is looking at the future of the £2 fare cap as a matter of urgency, and is considering the most appropriate and affordable approach for the future of the scheme.
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
There are currently 9 premises (8 organisations) that have notified as operating Containment Level (CL) 4 laboratories. There are 221 additional premises (204 organisations) that have notified as operating Containment Level 3 labs.
Each premises may operate one or more CL4 and/or CL3 laboratories. There is no duty on operators to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of how premises are subdivided into laboratories.
HSE keeps a list of premises operating at CL3. Operators are removed from the list as and when we become aware that they cease to operate at CL3.
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The feasibility of a paper-based assessment will always be considered in the first instance. Only where a paper-based review is not possible, will the claimant then be invited to an assessment.
The contracts between Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and its assessment suppliers’ state that 80% of assessments should be carried out remotely (via telephone or video) and 20% carried out face-to-face, including home visits.
DWP remains committed to enabling a multi-channel assessment approach. Any future decisions will be evidence-based and to ensure this we will draw on existing evidence, as well as continuing to build our understanding via research and analysis.
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.
The Department does not hold data centrally on whether a health care professional had supplied any medical evidence prior to a claimant’s assessment. Obtaining such data would require a manual search of individual records.
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The percentage of successful claims for Personal Independence Payment at initial decision by financial year and assessment channel is provided in the table below:
Assessment Channel | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 |
Face to Face Assessment | 45% | 42% | 44% |
Paper Based Assessment | 85% | 85% | 88% |
Telephone Assessment | 44% | 46% | 49% |
Video Assessment | 54% | 44% | 47% |
1 The data provided does not include Scottish claimants.
2 The percentage of ‘successful claimants’ is calculated as the volume of clearances awarded out of the volume of clearances which were either awarded or were disallowed post-assessment due to failing the assessment.
The percentage of claimants recommended to be successful during their Work Capability Assessment for Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit by financial year and assessment channel is provided below:
Assessment Channel | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
Face to face assessment | 77% | 73% | 74% |
Paper based assessment | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Telephone assessment | 71% | 74% | 79% |
Video assessment | 73% | 76% | 77% |
1 Percentages are based on recommendations made by assessment providers for claimants undergoing ESA or Universal Credit work capability assessments. Recommendations are then considered, along with other evidence, by DWP Decision Makers when making a final decision. Outcome data is currently not available in a form that can be analysed within the cost limit.
2 We have assumed 'successful claimants' to be those recommended for the 'Support Group' or 'Work Related Activity Group' for ESA or the 'Limited capability for work and work-related activity' or 'Limited capability for work' groups for Universal Credit Health.
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Available information on Access to Work claimants by employment status is in the following table:
Table 1. Proportion of individuals who received a payment for an Access to Work element within each financial year, by employment status.
Employment Status | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 |
Employed | 78% | 78% | 76% |
Self-employed | 9% | 10% | 12% |
Unemployed | 13% | 12% | 12% |
Notes
- These figures exclude Pre-Employment (Scotland), Engage to Change (Wales), Supported Internships (England), and Traineeships (England) and customers with missing employment status records.
- The ‘Unemployed’ category may include interns, temporary workers, people waiting to start a job and people who started their job in the last 6 weeks.
- Although we do collect data on employment status at the point of application, this data can be updated throughout the customer journey. Therefore, these figures show the employment status of customers at the end of each financial year, as we do not robustly have data which would show the employment status at the point of application.
- Figures for 2024/25 are not yet available as the financial year is incomplete.
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)