Andrew Griffith Portrait

Andrew Griffith

Conservative - Arundel and South Downs

12,134 (22.2%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 12th December 2019

Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology

(since July 2024)

Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
13th Nov 2023 - 5th Jul 2024
Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)
27th Oct 2022 - 13th Nov 2023
Co-operatives, Mutuals and Friendly Societies Bill
23rd Nov 2022 - 30th Nov 2022
UK Infrastructure Bank Bill [Lords]
16th Nov 2022 - 22nd Nov 2022
Financial Services and Markets Bill
12th Oct 2022 - 3rd Nov 2022
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
7th Sep 2022 - 27th Oct 2022
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for International Trade)
8th Jul 2022 - 7th Sep 2022
Parliamentary Secretary (Minister for Policy and Head of the Prime Minister’s Policy Unit)
3rd Feb 2022 - 8th Jul 2022
Science and Technology Committee
2nd Mar 2020 - 19th Oct 2021
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
2nd Mar 2020 - 19th Oct 2021
Procedure Committee
2nd Mar 2020 - 11th Jan 2021


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Andrew Griffith has voted in 9 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Andrew Griffith Division Votes

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.

Sparring Partners
Stella Creasy (Labour (Co-op))
(3 debate interactions)
Angela Rayner (Labour)
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
(2 debate interactions)
Peter Kyle (Labour)
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
(2 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
HM Treasury
(7 debate contributions)
Department for Work and Pensions
(1 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Budget Responsibility Act 2024
(1,246 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Andrew Griffith's debates

Latest EDMs signed by Andrew Griffith

Andrew Griffith has not signed any Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Andrew Griffith, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Andrew Griffith has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Andrew Griffith has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

3 Bills introduced by Andrew Griffith

Introduced: 24th October 2022

A Bill to authorise the use of resources for the year ending with 31 March 2023; to authorise the issue of sums out of the Consolidated Fund for that year; and to appropriate the supply authorised by this Act for that year.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 25th October 2022 and was enacted into law.


A Bill to require dog keepers to register a dog’s DNA on a database; to make provision about such databases and about the information held on them; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 18th March 2022

A Bill to make vehicle registration offences under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 attract driving record penalty points; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 21st October 2020
(Read Debate)

Andrew Griffith has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 39 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
9th Sep 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the role of the Propriety and Constitution Group is in his Department’s relationship with the Civil Service Commission.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is an executive non-departmental public body established in statute by the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act (2010). The Commission is independent.

The Cabinet Office, through the Propriety and Constitution Group, sponsors the Civil Service Commission and has appropriate sponsorship arrangements in place to carry out this function whilst safeguarding its independence. The governance and accountability arrangements for the Commission are set out in its ‘Governance Statement’ in the latest Annual Report and Accounts, which can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-commission-annual-report-and-accounts-202223

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
9th Sep 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which team in the Cabinet Office discharges statutory or contractual duties owed to Cabinet Office employees by the Cabinet Office as their employer whilst they are on secondment to the Civil Service Commission.

Staff recruited by the Civil Service Commission are employed by the Cabinet Office and seconded to the Commission for the duration of the time in their role. The Civil Service Commission is independent; its staff operate under the direction of the First Civil Service Commissioner and the Civil Service Commissioners.

As Cabinet Office employees, staff in the Civil Service Commission are subject to Cabinet Office contractual terms and conditions (for example in relation to salary and leave entitlements) and are supported in the application of these by the Cabinet Office's corporate functions.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
9th Sep 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what policies the Civil Service Commission has in place to avoid conflicts of interest when investigating its sponsoring department.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is an executive non-departmental public body established in statute by the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act (2010) to provide assurance that civil servants are selected on merit on the basis of fair and open competition and to help safeguard an impartial Civil Service. The Commission is independent of Government and of the Civil Service.

The Commission acts in accordance with its legislation and takes direction from the independent First Civil Service Commissioner and the independent Civil Service Commissioners, who are appointed on merit on the basis of fair and open competition following the principles set out in the CSC’s Recruitment Principles and in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
6th Sep 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the terms were for the secondment of Kate Owen as Interim Chief Executive of the Civil Service Commission; and when the secondment will end.

The published Civil Service Commission 2022/2023 Annual Report shows the current Interim Chief Executive began the role on 15 May 2023. An external recruitment process to appoint a permanent Chief Executive was launched in May 2024 and is expected to conclude in September 2024.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
4th Sep 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions have taken place at (a) official and (b) ministerial level between the Propriety and Constitution Group and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) on the establishment of the CSC’s review of appointments made by exception at delegated grades since 1 July 2024.

The Civil Service Commission is the independent regulator of Civil Service recruitment and carries out its functions independently of Government and in line with the provisions of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010.

On Friday 30 August the Civil Service Commissioner wrote to departments, including the CO, to say that they would carry out a short review of appointments made by exception since 1 July.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of large solar farms on the habitats of rare species.

Planning applications for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects include a statutory requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment to be carried out and for the competent authority (decision-maker) to undertake a Habitats Regulations Assessment, which is published alongside the Decision Letter.

These assessments consider both the adverse and beneficial effects on designated habitats and rare species. Consultation is undertaken with the relevant Statutory Nature Conservation Body such as Natural England and will include mitigation and compensation advice when necessary. Recent examples of environmental and habitats assessments for large solar farms demonstrate that there is often the opportunity to secure net gains for biodiversity.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 2 August 2024 to Question 1990 on Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: Public Appointments, for what reason the Answer was amended using the editorial process; and what the amendment was.

The answer was amended to correct an administrative error. The amendment corrected the exception number cited in the response - this was previously listed as exception 4, when it should have been listed as exception 1.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether the approvals process for the appointment of the Director General Digital Centre Design included the Civil Service Commission being informed of donations made by Public Digital Limited to the Labour party by (a) him, (b) Ministers in his Department, (c) civil servants in his Department and (d) another Department.

The Director General, Digital Centre Design was appointed in line with Civil Service Recruitment Principles and the Civil Service Commission was provided with the relevant background information requested, including the Director General’s previous work roles, when approving this temporary appointment.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
26th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether the (a) First Civil Service Commissioner and (b) Civil Service Commission agreed to the appointment of the new Director General for digital centre design.

The role of Director General Digital Centre Design went through approvals appropriate to a fixed term appointment, including Civil Service Commission under exception 1. Permanent roles will be advertised under fair and open competition in line with usual processes.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
26th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether approval was sought from the Cabinet Office’s Senior Leadership Committee for the appointment of the new Director General for digital centre design.

The role of Director General Digital Centre Design went through approvals appropriate to a fixed term appointment, including Civil Service Commission under exception 1. Permanent roles will be advertised under fair and open competition in line with usual processes.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
26th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will publish the (a) Job Evaluation for the appointment of the new Director General Digital Centre Design, (b) membership of the Job Evaluation Panel for the creation of the post and (c) scores the Panel members gave the position.

The role of Director General Digital Centre Design went through approvals appropriate to a fixed term appointment, including Civil Service Commission under exception 1. Permanent roles will be advertised under fair and open competition in line with usual processes.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
26th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether the new Director General: Digital Centre Design was appointed through open competition.

The role of Director General Digital Centre Design went through approvals appropriate to a fixed term appointment, including Civil Service Commission under exception 1. Permanent roles will be advertised under fair and open competition in line with usual processes.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
25th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will take steps to publish an AI strategy.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the heart of the Government’s plan to kickstart an era of economic growth, transform how we deliver public services, and boost living standards for working people across the country. Over the next few months, we will be ensuring that AI is used to drive the government’s missions and priorities, including the Industrial Strategy, the AI Opportunities Action Plan, and wider commitments.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
25th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will provide a list of the expected underspends in (a) his Department and (b) each of his arms-length bodies (i) in the current financial year and (ii) across the Spending Review period.

As the Chancellor set out in her statement on July 29, the government’s spending audit has identified a forecast Resource DEL overspend of £21.9 billion against the plans set out for departments at Spring Budget 2024. This already factors in the Treasury’s assessment of a £7.1bn fallaway over the course of the year, as set out in Table 1 of Fixing the foundations: public spending audit 2024-25.

The government has announced £5.5 billion of savings in 2024-25, bringing the in-year pressures down to £16.4 billion.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
25th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what his Department's policy is on the future of the Life Sciences Council.

The Life Sciences Council is a crucial forum for convening the sector and advancing UK Life Sciences. We will bolster the Council and have it report directly to the Industrial Strategy Council. It will meet again in due course.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
25th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department plans to publish a Space Workforce Action Plan.

The Government is determined to develop the skilled workforce that the UK needs across the whole economy, including in Space. That is why it is creating Skills England and will bring forward a comprehensive strategy for post-16 education to break down barriers to opportunity, support the development of a skilled workforce, and drive economic growth through our industrial strategy. Decisions about sector specific workforce action plans will be taken in due course.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
25th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what amount of his 2024-25 departmental budget was underspent on 24 May 2024.

The Department reports in year spend to Ministers and the Permanent Secretary through the monthly reporting cycle. As and when underspends or pressures emerge, the Department works with HM Treasury to take appropriate action.

The Department’s audited accounts for Financial Year 2024-25 will be published at the appropriate time once the Financial Year has concluded.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
25th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what plans he has for efficiency savings in (a) his Department and (b) each of his arms-length bodies, beyond those planned by the previous Government; and which efficiency savings planned by the previous Government he no longer plans to implement.

The Department will take forward a programme of work to identify and deliver efficiency savings going forward as part of the upcoming Spending Review process.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
25th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what his Department's policy is on the future of the National Academy for Mathematical Sciences.

The General Election was called during the open competition period for an incipient National Academy focused on mathematical sciences. My Department recognises the value that the mathematical sciences community brings to innovation, science and growth and will confirm the outcome of the competition in due course.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, when he plans to establish the Regulatory Innovation Office; and what the budget will be for that office.

In our manifesto, the government announced its intent to establish a Regulatory Innovation Office. I am working with officials to define initial areas of focus, whilst developing long term plans to ensure the RIO can support economic growth through regulatory innovation. Further detail will be announced in due course.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what funding has been allocated to transfer the (a) Government Digital Service, (b) Central Digital and Data Office and (c) Incubator for AI from the Cabinet Office to his Department.

I refer the Honourable Member to the statement made by the Prime Minister about Machinery of Government changes on 24 July 2024. Preparations for the planned Machinery of Government change between the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Cabinet Office are underway. This includes the move of Government Digital Service, Central Digital and Data Office and Incubator for AI into Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The planned timetable and details for completing the transfer of staff as part of this Machinery of Government change has not yet been confirmed and we will advise in due course.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what his planned timetable is for completing the transfer of the (a) Government Digital Service, (b) Central Digital and Data Office and (c) Incubator for AI from the Cabinet Office to his Department.

I refer the Honourable Member to the statement made by the Prime Minister about Machinery of Government changes on 24 July 2024. Preparations for the planned Machinery of Government change between the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Cabinet Office are underway. This includes the move of Government Digital Service, Central Digital and Data Office and Incubator for AI into Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The planned timetable and details for completing the transfer of staff as part of this Machinery of Government change has not yet been confirmed and we will advise in due course.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals on artificial intelligence.

As set out in the King’s Speech, we will establish appropriate legislation to ensure the safe development of AI models by introducing targeted requirements on a handful of companies developing the most powerful AI systems. We will work with other departments and consult publicly on the details of these proposals before legislation is brought forward.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had recent discussions with his European counterparts on the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, EU Regulation 2024/1689.

I am pleased that we committed in the King's Speech to a targeted approach to AI regulation. As we develop these regulations, we recognise the need to engage with a range of international partners. This includes engaging with the EU, who are a key science and technology partner, to discuss our respective approaches, as well as working alongside them and other partners in the G7, OECD, UN, and other international fora.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with his US counterpart on the potential introduction of expanded AI regulation.

In the King’s speech we committed to establishing appropriate legislation to place requirements on those working to develop the most powerful artificial intelligence models. As we develop these, we recognise the need to engage with a range of international partners. This includes engaging with the US, who are a key science and technology partner, to discuss our respective approaches, as well as working alongside them and other partners in the G7, OECD, UN and other international fora.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what information the Intellectual Property Office holds on the number of patents registered in June 2024.

There were 691 patents granted (registered) by the Intellectual Property Office in June 2024.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many diversity, equality and inclusion officers his Department employs.

Currently, the Department employs two staff whose role is solely dedicated to diversity and inclusion the focus of these roles is on compliance with the statutory obligations, including the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), and delivering key priorities, as set out in the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, and the Civil Service People Plan.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he plans to take to help improve the Office for Life Sciences.

The life sciences sector will play a crucial role in both kickstarting economic growth and building an NHS fit for the future. We plan to strengthen the Office for Life Sciences, so that it is politically empowered to truly drive delivery across government. We will bolster the Office for Life Science’s operation across departments to cement this sector’s world-leading status.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what his planned timetable is to appoint the chair of Building Digital UK.

Following the announcement of Simon Blagden’s resignation on 19 July 2024, the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology is working at pace to appoint an interim Chair of Building Digital UK. We will confirm in due course the timelines for the permanent Governance of BDUK.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what funding his Department has allocated to help reach (a) full gigabit, (b) full superfast and (c) national 5G coverage by 2030.

Over £1.6 billion of contracts have already been announced as part of Project Gigabit, to extend the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband beyond commercially viable areas across the UK. A further £1 billion of funding is proposed in live and upcoming procurements.

Superfast broadband is already available in 98% of homes and business premises.

Non-standalone 5G is available outside 92% of UK premises and two of the four Mobile Network Operators have begun to deploy standalone 5G. The previous government set an ambition for nationwide standalone 5G coverage in populated areas by 2030, but attached no government subsidy to this.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the Independent review of university spin-out companies, published on 21 November 2023, what steps his Department plans to take to support the growth of university spin-out companies.

Universities have a vital role to play in supporting the Government’s growth mission; in 2021/22 university spin-outs raised £5.29 billion in investment. As stated in our manifesto, the Government will work with universities to support spin-outs which play a vital role in creating the innovations that will support our national Missions. We welcome the work that Irene Tracey and Andrew Williamson produced for the independent review and will consider their recommendations carefully.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what his (a) projected budget and (b) planned timetable is for the creation of the National Data Library.

The Government will create a National Data Library to make it easier to access public sector data, help deliver data-driven public services, support our research sector, and create opportunities for economic growth. The National Data Library will include strong safeguards and maximise public benefit.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is leading planning of the National Data Library, including the projected budget and delivery milestones.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
17th Jul 2024
A27
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps National Highways is taking to help reduce congestion at the A27 Crossbush junction.

This government is committed to maintaining and renewing our road networks to ensure they work for all road users and to future investment on the Strategic Road Network. However, as the Chancellor has said, we face the worst set of circumstances since the Second World War. She has committed to presenting to Parliament, before the summer recess, an assessment of the state of the new Government’s spending inheritance and has made clear that she will not shrink from difficult choices.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has commissioned research on the level of airborne particulate matter on the A283 in Storrington.

The Department for Transport has not commissioned research on the level of airborne particulate matter on the A283 in Storrington. However, the Environment Agency does record air quality in Storrington as part of the national air quality monitoring network on behalf of the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
6th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the number of people who will be affected by the decision to amend the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment in Arundel and South Downs constituency.

It is estimated that around 26,033 people in Arundel and South Downs constituency will be affected by the decision to amend the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment. This is based on Feb-24 Pension Credit statistics and 22-23 for Winter Fuel Payments statistics (sources below).

This estimation is calculated by subtracting the number of Pension Credit recipients for Arundel and South Downs constituency from the number of Winter Fuel Payment recipients for Arundel and South Downs constituency. This is essentially the number of Winter Fuel Payment claimants pre-policy change not claiming Pension Credit, as an estimate of those who will no longer receive Winter fuel payment. The Pension Credit data that is used is based on the 2010 Westminster Parliamentary constituencies, not 2024, in order to be comparable with the Winter Fuel Payments statistics.

Also, the above figures do not take into account any potential increase in Pension Credit take-up we might see as a result of the Pensions Credit Awareness campaign. We do not have data on those additional Pension Credit claims by Parliamentary constituencies or local authorities.

The published Pension Credit figures refer to households rather than individuals, so the number of individuals claiming Pension Credit, will be higher. This means that the estimates provided above will overstate the number of pensioners affected by the decision to amend the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment.

In addition to that, Pension Credit claimants are the majority of those that will be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments, not all. There are other pensioners who are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments (as they claim other means tested benefits) but they are not considered in these figures as it is not possible to do so.

Sources:

The Winter Fuel Payments statistics are published here: Winter Fuel Payment statistics for winter 2022 to 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Pension Credit data is published here: Pension Credit – Data from May 2018

Emma Reynolds
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what metrics his Department plans to use to monitor the UK's progress on (a) developing and (b) supporting clinical trials.

The Department publishes a UK Clinical Research Delivery Performance Indicators Report monthly, which is available at the following link:

https://sites.google.com/nihr.ac.uk/thefutureofukclinicalresearch/home/news-updates/performance-indicators-report?erca=1

The metrics of the report include, but are not limited to:

- the proportion of all studies receiving combined regulatory review achieved within 60 days, measured from submission to combined regulatory decision;

- the proportion of commercial contract studies open to recruitment within 60 days of the Health Research Authority’s approval letter, or equivalent process used by the devolved administrations;

- the proportion of commercial contract studies recruiting their first participant within 30 days of the sites opening to recruitment, except where this is not expected in the study milestone plan, for example rare disease studies;

- the proportion of all open studies on track, delivering on time and target; and

- the recruitment to all studies, including all commercial studies.

By monitoring these key performance indicators, the Department is committed to improving clinical trial performance in the United Kingdom.

Andrew Gwynne
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of immigration on the length of waiting lists for social housing in (a) Horsham, (b) Chichester District and (c) Arun District.

The department does not hold information on the immigration status of those on the waiting lists.

Local Authority Housing Statistics show that, at 31 March 2023, Horsham District Council had 740 households on the waiting list for social housing, Chichester District Council had 2,029 households on the waiting list, and Arun District Council had 1,732 households on the waiting lists.

Local Authority Housing Statistics also show that Horsham District Council has a local connection test in place to determine who qualifies for social housing, Chichester District Council has both a residency and local connection test, and Arun District Council has a residency test.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to her oral contribution of 30 July 2024, Official Report, column 1194, what steps she (a) is taking and (b) plans to take to amend social housing allocation policy to give priority to local residents.

Local councils already have necessary powers to give priority to local residents, and most are doing so. In March 2023, 89% of councils had a local connection test and/or a residency test in place.

Responses to the recent consultation on changes to social housing allocation tests made it clear that mandating a local connection test would not add to existing powers that councils have in any meaningful way and would only serve to remove vital flexibility to design and operate qualification tests in a way that best meets the needs of individual local areas.

The response is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-reforms-to-social-housing-allocations/outcome/government-response-to-the-consultation-on-changes-to-social-housing-allocation-tests.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)