Andrew Snowden

The department has already set out funding allocations for all schools in the current year. The removal for the school fees exemption to VAT does not change those allocations.

The government has also set out that it expects the number of additional pupils joining the state-funded sector to be low, around 35,000 pupils UK-wide, which is less than 0.5% of the state-funded pupil population, over several years.

The impact on individual schools and local authorities will vary and interact with other pressures. The department works with local authorities to help them fulfil their duty to secure school places. Deciding whether to move a child part-way through the school year in January 2025 is a matter for parents. Requirements for state-funded places for children that would have attended a private school will be addressed in each local authority through normal processes.

Across England, we will invest £2.4 billion over the next two years to improve flood resilience, by maintaining, repairing and building flood defences. The list of projects to receive Government funding in 2025/26 will be consented over the coming months in the usual way through Regional Flood and Coastal Committees, with local representation.

Following the closure of the Restoring Your Railway (RYR) programme, the Department is now reviewing its portfolio, including proposals for the South Fylde line.

There is currently no DfT funding allocated to develop this project any further, but we encourage local authorities to lead the development of transport schemes that have a strong business case and clear benefits to their communities.

The Government has published information about the reforms to agricultural property relief at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/what-are-the-changes-to-agricultural-property-relief#:~:text=From%206%20April%202026%2C%20the,rather%20than%20the%20standard%2040%25. Almost three-quarters of estates claiming agricultural property relief in 2026-27 are expected to be unaffected by these reforms.

Individuals can pass up to £325,000 inheritance tax free, and £500,000 if includes a residence to a direct descendant, and £1m when a tax free allowance is passed to a surviving spouse or civil partner.

The reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief mean that farmers can access 100% relief for the first £1 million and 50% relief thereafter - meaning an effective tax rate of up to 20% on those assets. These reliefs are in addition to the normal inheritance tax allowances, and mean any couple, whether or not married, could pass on up to £1.5 million each or £3 million tax-free between them.

Individuals will need to consider their own circumstances and may wish to speak to a tax advisor or accountant.

A resolution to this conflict has been a priority since day one of this Government. An immediate ceasefire is just the first step towards a lasting solution to the crisis. The UK continues to fund our operational presence in Middle East to support regional stability as we push for a long-term political solution that includes the implementation of a two-state solution.

Budget allocations for 2025-26 will be set in the usual way and informed by the findings of the Strategic Defence Review.

The Government will set out its long-term vision for local growth at the muti-year spending review in the Spring. This will end the approach of Local Authorities and MCAs bidding against each other for growth funds, targeting funding where it is needed most and empowering local leaders. The Government will also set out more detail on its strategy for regional growth alongside, and integrated with, plans for infrastructure, investment, and the Industrial Strategy.

This being said, Fylde Council will continue to receive the departments full support in delivering £5.8 million of Getting Building Fund which was allocated to Fylde Council to deliver the M55 Heyhouses link and improve connectivity around The Fylde coast including St Annes.

Likewise, Kirkham has received £6.3 million of Future High Street Funding towards regeneration of the town including an educational and employment skills centre.