Andy MacNae

The Government is currently moving forward with implementation of the Media Act 2024. That Act includes several important reforms to the listed events regime. The Government will set out its position in relation to on-demand (“digital”) rights in due course.

The previous Government’s “Digital Rights Review” naturally came to an end with the change of Government in July 2024. No results of that review were published.

The Department has carried out an evidence review of the economic impacts of transport interventions that includes evidence on economic inactivity. The research shows a positive relationship between investing in transport and employment in the surrounding areas, but further research is required to measure the effect on economic inactivity. Active Travel England is delivering a national active travel evaluation that will seek to include a proportionate assessment of the impact of active travel investment on employment.

On 12 February, Active Travel England announced £291 million of funding to boost walking, wheeling and cycling across England. It is estimated that the infrastructure funded will lead to 43,000 fewer sick days a year and contribute £9 million every year to the economy by supporting local businesses and making it easier to walk and cycle to work.

The Department plans to publish the Government’s response to the consultation in due course.

Data on Pension Credit receipt is not available at a post code level. The Department regularly makes Pension Credit statistics publicly available on Stat-Xplore - with the following geography breakdowns: Region, Local Authority, Parliamentary Constituency, Census Output Area and Ward.

Data on those waiting for their Pension Credit claim to be assessed is not available at a post code level. The latest available data on Pension Credit claims and awards covers England, Scotland and Wales, and was published in November 2024: Pension Credit applications and awards: November 2024 - GOV.UK

The Department’s recent cycling and walking evidence review confirms the positive impacts on reducing levels of physical inactivity. Our evidence shows that integrating physical activity into daily routines through active travel can lead to substantial health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and mental health conditions. The Department of Health and Social Care is currently working with the Department for Transport and Active Travel England on an evidence review, which will further examine active travel’s effects on mental health, physical health, and health inequalities, as well as effective behaviour change techniques. Findings are expected by late-2025 to inform future policy.

Whilst there are no plans to publish a specific physical activity strategy, addressing levels of physical inactivity will be a key part of the shift from treatment to prevention, as part of the Health Mission. Department officials work closely with colleagues across Government and the National Health Service to enable and deliver interventions that support this aim.

Seven of the nine recommendations of the review have been previously accepted in full, in part, or in principle. Four of these have been successfully implemented, including:

• issuing an unreserved apology on behalf of the healthcare system;
• appointing Dr Henrietta Hughes as the first ever Patient Safety Commissioner in England in respect of medicines and medical devices; and
• establishing nine specialist mesh centres, which are in operation across England.

Work is ongoing in respect of the remaining recommendations, including working across the Government to consider the recommendations in the Hughes Report, which looked into, and provided advice on, redress for those affected by sodium valproate and pelvic mesh.

All doctors performing cosmetic surgery in the United Kingdom are required to be registered and licensed to practise by the General Medical Council. The Care Quality Commission regulates cosmetic treatments carried out by healthcare professionals in England that involve surgical procedures.

The Government is currently considering what further steps may need to be taken in relation to the safety of the cosmetics sector and will set out its position at the earliest opportunity.

The Government recognises that sometimes businesses do not declare all of their income and thereby conceal their true earnings. We are committed to creating a level playing field for all, by ensuring that everyone pays the right amount of tax at the right time, to ensure trust and fairness in the tax system. Most taxpayers pay what they owe, but a small minority fail to register with HMRC or only declare a portion of their earnings. This small minority deprive our vital public services of funding, affect fair competition between businesses, and place unfair burdens on everyone else. It is vital these revenues are collected to fund our essential public services. Closing the tax gap and making sure that more of the tax that is owed is correctly paid, is one of the Government’s top priorities for HMRC.

HMRC is making it increasingly difficult for businesses to hide their earnings and have an extensive range of powers, including information gathering powers, that help build a picture of risk and identify those who are trying to abuse the system. HMRC’s approach to tax evasion aims to tackle current non-compliance and change future behaviours. Their activities include national campaigns and specialist task forces that incorporate intensive bursts of activity in targeted sectors, such as the hair and beauty sector, and locations across the UK. This includes providing customer education highlighting the importance of keeping accurate records.

We recognise that some customers can find it hard to understand their tax obligations, so HMRC are developing and testing new educational material to better explain the rent a chair model. This is planned to be ready for publication on GOV.UK in the spring.

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Tax breaks reduce the revenue available for vital public services and must represent value for money for the taxpayer. Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations.

HMRC estimate that the cost of a 5 per cent reduced VAT rate for accommodation, hospitality and tourist attractions would be around £10 billion this financial year. If the scope were also to include alcoholic beverages, the cost would be approximately £3 billion greater.

This Government is committed to supporting victims and survivors of terrorism and understands that recognition and remembrance is an important part of their recovery.

There is currently no single focal point for the nation to come together in reflection and remembrance of those sadly lost and impacted by terrorism.

That is why, on Wednesday 19 March 2025, the Government launched a 12-week public consultation on a National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, helping the country to remember and honour those who have been tragically killed or impacted by terrorism.

The consultation invites the public, including those affected by terrorism, to share their views around introducing a National Day, and ways it could be commemorated.

The requirement to provide a National Insurance Number when applying for a postal vote acts to ensure that the person making the application is the same individual entitled to apply for the postal vote and mirrors the longstanding practice when registering to vote. There are no plans to change the requirements for an absent vote application.

We recognise that the home buying and selling process in England and Wales is inefficient and costly for consumers and professionals with one in three property transactions falling through. We continue to review evidence from other jurisdictions, including on protections such as reservation agreements, as we consider next steps.