Alex Sobel

The Procurement Act 2023 (the Act), which received Royal Assent in October 2023, creates a new debarment regime, including a public debarment list.

As of the 24th February 2025 the Act comes into force, at which point debarment investigations can be started and the debarment list can be created.

This Government will continue to speak up on human rights in China, including the repression of people in Xinjiang, and will continue to hold China to account.

The new Critical Minerals Strategy will help secure the supply of critical minerals vital for the UK’s economic growth and clean energy transition. The strategy will promote responsible and transparent supply chains, including through greater adoption of responsible business practices to protect local communities and the environment.

We will continue to assess and monitor the effectiveness of the UK’s existing measures, alongside the impacts of new policy tools to tackle forced labour in supply chains, and take action where appropriate.

The Department provides a range of services and advice to assist companies doing business in Hong Kong, through our extensive network, both in the UK and at our Consulate. Additionally, the Overseas Business Risk (OBR) service provides information on the political, economic and security risks to support and guide businesses when trading overseas.

FCDO Travel Advice provides information to help British nationals make informed decisions about foreign travel. Travel Advice for Hong Kong remains under regular review to ensure it reflects the latest assessment of risks to British nationals.

Over 90% of smart meters are sending automatic readings to energy suppliers. To drive this percentage up further we are working at pace alongside industry partners to share best practice and improve smart meter connectivity across Great Britain.

Ofgem is currently conducting compliance engagement into six energy suppliers in relation to their obligations to keep smart meters operating in smart mode. Ofgem is also currently consulting on new Guaranteed Standards of Performance (GSOPs) that will further strengthen consumer protections in cases where a smart meter is not sending automatic readings.

The Government is working closely with the Low Carbon Contracts Company and Ofgem to finalise the remit for the independent advisor on biomass sustainability and will set out a timescale for the appointment in due course.

The Government only supports sustainable biomass and generators only receive subsidies for biomass that complies with our criteria.

The results of Ofgem’s investigation into Drax’s compliance with biomass sustainability criteria was published in August 2024 and can be found here, https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/ofgem-decision-investigation-drax-power-limited) . Ofgem found that whilst Drax complied with sustainability standards, it had failed to report data accurately. Drax’s misreporting is a serious matter and Government expects full compliance with all regulatory obligations. Drax’s £25 million redress payment underscores the robustness of the regulatory system. No decision has been taken as to whether transitional support arrangements will be introduced for relevant biomass generators when their current subsidies end.

Low carbon hydrogen is a leading option to decarbonise industrial processes that are harder or more expensive to electrify.

Hydrogen could therefore be important for processes that require high temperatures or direct firing such as in the glass or ceramics industry.

Government has an ambitious range of policies in place to incentivise and support industry to invest in innovative, clean technologies, including low carbon hydrogen.

The Government has no plans to introduce an energy social tariff this winter. However, we are committed to ensuring vulnerable households are supported with their energy bills and we are looking at all options on how to support these households.

The Government is continuing to deliver the Warm Home Discount which provides a £150 rebate off energy bills to over 3 million eligible low-income households. We are also working with energy suppliers to ensure they are providing additional support to vulnerable customers.

The Government has also extended the Household Support Fund for an additional 6 months until 31 March 2025 with an extra £500 million in funding, and I encourage any individual who is struggling to pay their bills contacts their local authority to see if they are eligible for this support.

Fundraising platforms are commercial organisations that provide an important service to charities and donors. Most platforms are registered with the Fundraising Regulator, which is the independent, non-statutory regulator of charitable fundraising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. DCMS meets with the Fundraising Regulator regularly to discuss a range of issues, including fundraising platforms.

The Fundraising Regulator’s new Code of Fundraising Practice, which will come into force on 1 November 2025, includes requirements for fundraising platforms to include information for donors about how fees, including any voluntary tips, are calculated. The information must be easy to find, and include details on how voluntary tips can be amended or removed altogether in a straightforward way. The Fundraising Regulator will engage with fundraising platforms to ensure they are clear on the new transparency requirements for fees and tipping sliders before the new Code comes into effect.

The government has no current plans to bring forward legislation on fundraising platforms. DCMS will continue working with the Fundraising Regulator, charities, and online giving platforms to support best practice across all forms of charitable fundraising.

Fundraising platforms are commercial organisations that provide an important service to charities and donors. Most platforms are registered with the Fundraising Regulator, which is the independent, non-statutory regulator of charitable fundraising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. DCMS meets with the Fundraising Regulator regularly to discuss a range of issues, including fundraising platforms.

The Fundraising Regulator’s new Code of Fundraising Practice, which will come into force on 1 November 2025, includes requirements for fundraising platforms to include information for donors about how fees, including any voluntary tips, are calculated. The information must be easy to find, and include details on how voluntary tips can be amended or removed altogether in a straightforward way. The Fundraising Regulator will engage with fundraising platforms to ensure they are clear on the new transparency requirements for fees and tipping sliders before the new Code comes into effect.

The government has no current plans to bring forward legislation on fundraising platforms. DCMS will continue working with the Fundraising Regulator, charities, and online giving platforms to support best practice across all forms of charitable fundraising.

Fundraising platforms are commercial organisations that provide an important service to charities and donors. Most platforms are registered with the Fundraising Regulator, which is the independent, non-statutory regulator of charitable fundraising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. DCMS meets with the Fundraising Regulator regularly to discuss a range of issues, including fundraising platforms.

The Fundraising Regulator’s new Code of Fundraising Practice, which will come into force on 1 November 2025, includes requirements for fundraising platforms to include information for donors about how fees, including any voluntary tips, are calculated. The information must be easy to find, and include details on how voluntary tips can be amended or removed altogether in a straightforward way. The Fundraising Regulator will engage with fundraising platforms to ensure they are clear on the new transparency requirements for fees and tipping sliders before the new Code comes into effect.

The government has no current plans to bring forward legislation on fundraising platforms. DCMS will continue working with the Fundraising Regulator, charities, and online giving platforms to support best practice across all forms of charitable fundraising.

The Department is still considering the findings of the independent research, which looked at the size and nature of the prize draw market, as well as possible gambling harm associated with these products. This research is informing our policy considerations, as whilst not regulated as a gambling product under the Gambling Act, we want people who participate in large scale commercial prize draws to be confident that proportionate protections are in place. We will update Parliament further in due course.

Large scale commercial prize draws are a significant and growing market. Whilst not regulated as a gambling product under the Gambling Act, we want people who participate in large scale commercial prize draws to be confident that proportionate protections are in place. Independent research was commissioned in 2023, looking at possible gambling harm and assessing the impact of potential regulation, and will inform our policy considerations. The department is grateful for the voluntary action taken so far by the sector to act transparently and apply player protection measures. We want to ensure high standards in this area and the Minister for Gambling will be meeting the sector to discuss this work.

I refer my hon. Friend, the Member for Leeds and Central Headingley to the answer of 4 March 2025 to Question 30133.

The period products scheme is confirmed for the 2024/25 academic year. The department will make further announcements on the scheme soon.

The department will shortly be finalising business planning decisions on how we will allocate the department’s budget for the next financial year. All decisions regarding the adoption and special guardianship support fund are being made as part of these discussions. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.

All future funding decisions will be considered as part of the next spending review.

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or in alternative provision receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life. The department is committed to improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, as well as ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs.

All teachers are teachers of SEND, and high quality teaching is central to ensuring that pupils with SEND are given the best possible opportunity to achieve at school. Consideration of SEND underpins the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Core Content Framework (CCF) and Early Career Framework (ECF). These frameworks were produced with the support of sector experts and have been designed to support all pupils to succeed, including those identified within the four areas of need set out in the SEND Code of Practice.

All mainstream schools must have a special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) who must be a qualified teacher, or the headteacher, working at the school. On 1 September 2024, the government introduced a new mandatory leadership level National Professional Qualification (NPQ) for SENCOs. The NPQ will play a key role in improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND by ensuring SENCOs consistently receive high quality, evidence-based training. This is crucial given the central role SENCOs play in supporting pupils with SEND.

Universal SEND Services brings together SEND-specific continuing professional development and support for the school and further education workforce. The programme aims to improve outcomes for children and young people, including those with autism. The contract offers autism awareness training and resources. Over 200,000 professionals have received autism training from an Autism Education Trust training partner since the programme launched in May 2022.

The department does not hold data on the number of students studying at UK universities who hold British National (Overseas) (BNO) visas, including those from Hong Kong.

The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) is responsible for collecting and publishing data on the UK higher education (HE) sector. This data is shared with the department and includes a wide range of information on students coming from overseas to study in UK HE providers. However, information on students’ visa status is not collected and those that are studying in the UK and holding a BNO visa cannot be identified by the department.

Data from HESA shows that there were 17,905 students from Hong Kong studying at UK HE providers for the 2022/23 academic year.

Defra is making progress on creating a natural asset register presented within an accessible geospatial mapping format and developing a cross-Government nature strategy.

A geospatial natural capital register of the Defra group estate has now been developed. Defra is leading on expanding the geospatial natural capital register for the government estate. Defra is considering the publication of the geospatial natural asset register on the Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside (MAGIC) website. No date for publication has been set.

Defra is leading the development of a cross-Government nature strategy. The strategy will apply the principles of the land use framework.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 30 April 2025 to PQ 45716.

The fifth round of negotiations on the global plastic pollution treaty (INC-5), beginning on 25 November 2024 does not include a formal Ministerial segment. The UK will continue to be appropriately represented, and we will keep the need for Defra ministerial attendance at INC-5 under review

On the 24 September in New York, the Foreign Secretary announced the UK had endorsed the Bridge to Busan declaration to support greater ambition on addressing unsustainable levels of primary plastic production in the negotiations for a new treaty to end plastic pollution. Further information, including the full list of signatories to the Bridge to Busan declaration can be found at the following address: https://www.bridgetobusan.com.

The host country and Secretariat for the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution have confirmed there will not be a dedicated Ministerial segment at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee. As with previous negotiating committee sessions, the UK plans to have a strong negotiating presence to pursue our aims of an ambitious Treaty covering the full plastics life cycle.

Any imported car or light goods vehicle up to 10 years old will require approval before it can be registered for use on the roads of Great Britian to ensure it meets prescribed environmental and safety requirements. There are several different approval schemes available, and the process will vary depending on the specific scheme and type of vehicle, but each contains provisions to minimise, as far as practicable, tailpipe emissions and risk to pedestrians. Imported vehicles over 10 years old are required to pass an annual roadworthiness test to assess their tailpipe emissions and ensure that they are safe.

Any imported car or light goods vehicle up to 10 years old will require approval before it can be registered for use on the roads of Great Britian to ensure it meets prescribed environmental and safety requirements. There are several different approval schemes available, and the process will vary depending on the specific scheme and type of vehicle, but each contains provisions to minimise, as far as practicable, tailpipe emissions and risk to pedestrians. Imported vehicles over 10 years old are required to pass an annual roadworthiness test to assess their tailpipe emissions and ensure that they are safe.

The Government is committed to ensuring that the railway maintains the highest air quality standards to safeguard the health and well-being of passengers and rail staff. The Department for Transport already requires Network Rail and train operators to develop air quality improvement plans to address issues in stations. The Department is also working with the Rail Safety and Standards Board to explore the option of specific air quality targets for the rail network, including within stations, to ensure rail remains one of the cleanest forms of mass public transport. The Department will confirm its position in due course.

The Pathways to Work Green Paper set out a range of proposals to reform health and disability benefits and employment support and opened a public consultation on certain reforms. The consultation welcomes all views, and we hope that a wide range of voices, including students, will respond before it closes on the 30 June 2025.

We are also running a programme of accessible public events to further facilitate input. The series of both virtual and in-person events across the country, will help us to hear from people directly.

We are continuing to facilitate other ways to involve stakeholders and disabled people in our reforms. In addition to the consultation itself, we will establish ‘collaboration committees’ that bring groups, including disabled people and other experts, together for specific work areas.

Our wider review of the PIP assessment, led by myself, will also bring together a range of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience. Throughout the review, we will work closely with disabled people, the organisations that support them and others, to ensure that the voices of those who go through the PIP assessment and those with expertise in the system are embedded in the review.

We have committed to introduce a new requirement that claimants must score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).   We are mindful of the impact this change to PIP eligibility could have on people. That is why, in the Green Paper Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working (published on 18 March), we are consulting on how best to support those who lose entitlement due to the reforms, including how to make sure health and care needs are met. We are working closely with the Department for Health and Social Care on this.

For those already on PIP, the changes will only apply from November 2026 at their next award review, subject to parliamentary approval. People will be reviewed according to their normal schedule by a trained assessor or healthcare professional and assessed on individual needs and circumstance before any changes are made. More information on the impacts and equality analysis for these changes published on 26 March can be found: Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper - GOV.UK.

No assessment has been made. The Department does not hold data about the student status of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants.

Information on the impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper has been published here ‘Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper’(opens in a new tab).

There will be no immediate changes. Changes to PIP eligibility and rebalancing of UC aren’t coming into effect immediately. Our intention is these changes will start to come into effect from April 2026 for UC and November 2026 for PIP, subject to parliamentary approval.

PIP changes will only apply at the next award review after November 2026. The average award review period is about three years. At the award review, claimants will be considered by a trained assessor or healthcare professional and assessed on individual needs and circumstances.

We are consulting on how best to support those who are affected by the new eligibility changes, including how to make sure health and eligible care needs are met.

We have also announced a wider review of the PIP assessment which I will lead, and we will bring together a range of experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience to consider how best to do this and to start the process as part of preparing for a review. We will provide further details as plans progress.

Customers can contact DWP by telephone or post, face to face and via digital channels.

DWP continues to develop services that are easy to find and navigate, ensuring that the people feel confident and protected when they are relying on us.

The department is modernising to allow customers to interact with the department across multiple channels and in a way that suits them, enabling customers to self-serve online, while retaining non-digital channels for those that need them, avoiding digital exclusion and ensuring that everyone gets the level of support they need. Of course, if a customer cannot access digital services and specifically requests a written response, the department will provide this.

Developing secure digital channels for both the customer and the department is a key foundation of the work to modernise its services and using email as an outbound channel to communicate with customers is being progressed, the department is developing more secure and effective inbound digital channels for customers to use.