Ben Goldsborough Portrait

Ben Goldsborough

Labour - South Norfolk

2,826 (5.7%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 4th July 2024


1 APPG Officer Position (as of 1 Sep 2026)
Baking Industry
4 APPG Memberships
Grid Networks, Science and Technology in Agriculture, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, Humanist
1 Former APPG Officer Position
Shooting and Conservation
Ben Goldsborough has no previous appointments


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Ben Goldsborough has voted in 522 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Ben Goldsborough 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
Lucy Powell (Labour (Co-op))
Secretary of State for Education
(11 debate interactions)
Shabana Mahmood (Labour)
Home Secretary
(9 debate interactions)
Stephen Morgan (Labour)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
(7 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Home Office
(32 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(19 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Immigration and Asylum Bill 2026-27
(2,529 words contributed)
Railways Bill 2024-26
(549 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Ben Goldsborough's debates

South Norfolk Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

Keep section 1 firearm & section 2 shotgun licensing separate. I think this would help to protect law-abiding owners, the shooting industry, & rural communities. Policies should focus on real public safety issues without burdening responsible citizens or damaging heritage & livelihoods.

We are concerned about reported efforts from Russia to influence democracy in the US, UK, Europe and elsewhere. We believe we must establish the depth and breadth of possible Russian influence campaigns in the UK.

The government should update consumer law to prohibit publishers from disabling video games (and related game assets / features) they have already sold without recourse for customers to retain or repair them. We seek this as a statutory consumer right.

We urge the Government to exempt BN(O) visa for Hongkongers from the proposed immigration reforms. We think the current ILR terms must remain unchanged:

1. Five years of UK residency
2. B1 level English proficiency
3. Passing the Life in the UK Test

Do not apply the proposed 10-year ILR rule to existing Skilled Worker visa holders. Keep the 5-year ILR route for those already in the UK on this visa. Apply any changes only to new applicants from the date of implementation.

We think that changing inheritance tax relief for agricultural land will devastate farms nationwide, forcing families to sell land and assets just to stay on their property. We urge the government to keep the current exemptions for working farms.


Latest EDMs signed by Ben Goldsborough

Ben Goldsborough has not signed any Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Ben Goldsborough, 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.


Ben Goldsborough has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Ben Goldsborough has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

Ben Goldsborough has not introduced any legislation before Parliament

1 Bill co-sponsored by Ben Goldsborough

Road Safety (Schools) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Jenny Riddell-Carpenter (Lab)


Latest 50 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
2 Other Department Questions
1st Sep 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her department has made of a) the current value and b) the potential value of the creative industry sector in a) the UK, b) London, and c) Norfolk.

The Creative Industries generated £145.8 billion in gross value added (GVA) in the UK in 2024, accounting for 5.5% of total UK GVA. The sector continues to grow, with Creative Industries GVA growing by 2.9% in the three months to June 2026 compared to 0.4% growth across the UK economy.

In London, the Creative Industries generated £64.1bn in GVA in the East of England in 2023, representing 11.1% of the capital's total GVA.

Estimates on GVA generated by the Creative Industries are not available for Norfolk. However, the Creative Industries generated £6.3bn in GVA in the East of England in 2023, accounting for 3.1% of the region's total GVA.

There are no official estimates of the potential GVA contributed by the Creative Industries. However, the Creative Industries Sector Plan sets an annual investment target of £31 billion by 2035 across the UK.

Ian Murray
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
1st Sep 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps the department is taking to support high growth-potential businesses in the creative industry sector in the East of England.

Creative industries clusters across the UK, including in Norwich, play a crucial role in delivering the growth agenda.

Our Creative Industries Sector Plan published last year includes a strong universal offer to drive growth in the creative industries in every place in the UK, including Norwich and the wider East of England region. It outlines measures to break down barriers such as access to finance, supply of skills, and new support to kickstart innovation and support high-growth potential businesses.

In addition, Arts Council England (ACE) focuses funding on the areas of the cultural sector most at risk, using both dedicated funds and wider investment. Its £1.5 billion Arts Everywhere Fund is focused on supporting organisations, particularly in underserved areas, to protect vulnerable cultural infrastructure and local venues, ensuring access nationwide. This includes a flagship Norwich investment in ‘Creative Arts East'.

Ian Murray
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
15th Sep 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether she has considered taking legislative steps to ensure that leaders of UK political parties publish their tax returns.

Under the MPs Code of Conduct, the Leaders of UK political parties who are MPs are required to declare any financial interest which might reasonably be thought to influence their actions, however there is no requirement in the parliamentary rules for Leaders, or any other MP, to publish their tax returns. The Government has no plans to introduce requirements for the leaders of UK political parties to publish their tax returns.

5th Nov 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many heat pumps are installed on Government property.

Information on specific technologies such as heat pumps used across the Government estate is not held centrally. Across the office estate managed by Cabinet Office’s Government Property Agency, there are 2 buildings which are heated in part by heat pumps.

Georgia Gould
Minister of State (Education)
23rd Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, What steps his Department is taking to support businesses to create well-paid jobs.

Through our modern industrial strategy, we’re backing businesses to create well-paid jobs across the UK. We’re investing in skills through apprenticeships, technical colleges and regional training programmes to help every area grow. Our global partnerships are delivering real results - the recent US State Visit will create over 15,000 jobs, our renewed India partnership nearly 7,000 and the Regional Investment Summit has unlocked £10 billion and 1,000 new jobs driving prosperity nationwide.

Blair McDougall
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an estimate of the number of jobs created via foreign direct investment in South Norfolk constituency in the last 12 months.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) works closely with local authorities and investment partners to monitor and support the impact of foreign direct investment in the South Norfolk constituency.

Foreign direct investment in the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) area resulted in 14 FDI projects and the creation of 516 new jobs in 2023-24, including both single-site and multi-site projects. While this area covers South Norfolk, specific statistics for the parliamentary constituency are not published due to confidentiality concerns.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Home Office)
21st Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to help support food producers from Norfolk to increase exports.

DBT provides a wide-ranging package of export support for food and drink businesses in Norfolk and across the whole of the UK. This includes educational support to upskill food producers via our Export Academy and one to one support from International Trade Advisors and our extensive overseas network, with trade advisors promoting UK food in over 100 countries. Overseas we deliver a comprehensive programme of trade shows, trade missions and events to connect exporters with buyer and new market opportunities. Our UK Export Finance agency helps companies access export finance, with a dedicated finance manager covering Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.

5th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many and what proportion of workers aged above 16 years old are paid within 50p of the (a) National Minimum Wage and (b) National Living Wage in (i) East Anglia and (ii) Norfolk.

The Low Pay Commission publishes a report that provides a coverage of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) each year, shortly before the rates are updated in April. The report provides a Local Authority and Regional breakdown of NMW and NLW coverage, including those paid below or within 5p of the applicable rate. Data on those who are within 50p of the rates is not provided as part of the report.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
5th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what estimate he has made of the number of workers that will be affected by the increase to the (a) National Minimum Wage and (b) National Living Wage in Norfolk.

In total, over 3 million workers are expected to receive a pay rise due to increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage in April 2025.

We will also publish an Impact Assessment alongside the legislation that implements the increase to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage. The Impact Assessment will provide a regional and country breakdown on the number of workers benefitting from an increase.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
28th Aug 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what consumer protections are in place where newly installed heat pumps do not adequately meet consumers' heating needs and Building Regulations prevent the reinstallation of higher-carbon heating appliances.

All government supported heat pump installations are required to be certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). This provides consumers with access to additional redress routes within the MCS framework.

In the first instance, all consumers should raise their concerns with their installer, relevant consumer code or certification body.

We are committed to reforming the consumer protection system for Government supported home upgrades and are consulting on proposals.

Martin McCluskey
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
28th Aug 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what consumer protections are in place for vulnerable and low-income households unable to afford electrical heating solutions where Building Regulations prevent the reinstallation of higher-carbon heating appliances.

Tackling high energy costs is a central priority for the Government. We are removing VAT from domestic electricity bills from 1 October, building on the average £150 reduction in energy bills announced at the last Budget. Around 6 million families are benefiting from the expanded Warm Home Discount.

All Government-supported heat pump installations must be certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), giving consumers access to additional redress routes. Consumers should first raise concerns with their installer, consumer code or certification body.

We are committed to reforming the consumer protection system for Government supported home upgrades and are consulting on proposals.

Martin McCluskey
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
28th Aug 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of Building Regulations preventing the reinstallation of higher-carbon heating appliances on vulnerable, elderly and low-income consumers where it is necessary to change technology.

Low carbon heating systems are already an effective way to reduce household energy bills and are widely deployed across Government grant schemes to support low-income households. Analysis suggests a typical home could save around £130 a year compared with a gas boiler if they use a well-installed, efficient heat pump alongside a suitable smart tariff.

In terms of building regulations, heating systems such as boilers and heat pumps are defined as fixed building services. Their replacement in existing dwellings is covered by Part L and associated statutory guidance, which states the new system should not produce more emissions or consume more energy per kWh of heat than the system being replaced. This supports important principles not just in relation to carbon emissions but also to energy efficiency and affordability.

Martin McCluskey
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
15th Jul 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment the department has made of the effectiveness of the Standard Assessment Procedure when applied to new energy-saving technologies.

The Government recognises that there are opportunities to improve how the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) accommodates and recognises new energy-saving technologies and is taking steps to address these as part of the transition to the Home Energy Model.

We have strengthened our latest contractual Key Performance Indicators to refine guidance materials and improve application timescales. Additionally, the new modular HEM will enable new technologies to be recognised in the core engine on a more frequent basis, removing the need for a ‘bolt-on’ calculation.

Martin McCluskey
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
15th Jul 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps the department is taking to ensure the Standard Assessment Procedure is kept up to date in line with technological advancements in energy-saving technology.

The Government is taking steps to ensure that the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) continues to recognise innovative energy- saving technologies and remains fit for purpose during the transition to the Home Energy Model.

We have strengthened KPIs in our latest contracts to improve application timescales and the operation of the product recognition process. This includes working with our commercial partners to define timeframes where appropriate and refining guidance materials to deliver a clearer end-to-end process.

Martin McCluskey
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Jul 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of redundant oil and gas assets following installation of new heating technologies such as heat pumps on the environment.

When replacing a fossil fuel heating system with a heat pump or other low carbon technology, the expectation and rules for waste disposal are the same as like-for-like replacements.

Guidance for the disposal of appliances varies by product categorisation. Advice on waste management can be found on gov.uk.

Martin McCluskey
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
9th Jul 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of trends in the level of waste created as a result of consumers changing heating technologies.

When replacing a fossil fuel heating system with a heat pump or other low carbon technology, the expectation and rules for waste disposal are the same as like-for-like replacements.

Guidance for the disposal of appliances varies by product categorisation. Advice on waste management can be found on gov.uk.

Martin McCluskey
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
18th Nov 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he is formally triggering Section 159(3) of the Energy Act 2023 with the launch of the consultation on alternative clean heating solutions which covers the Renewable Liquid Heating Fuel Obligation.

The consultation on alternative heating solutions seeks to gather evidence on the role that these technologies could play in ensuring that every household has a low-carbon option that is right for them. The government will consider the evidence before making any decisions on whether to exercise the powers in Section 159 of the Energy Act 2023 in respect of a Renewable Liquid Heating Fuel Obligation.

Martin McCluskey
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent estimate he has made of the number of households that are in fuel poverty in (a) South Norfolk constituency and (b) Norfolk.

The latest statistics for the number of households in fuel poverty in 2022 in administrative areas and parliamentary constituencies in England can be found in the published sub-regional fuel poverty statistics, in Tables 2 and 4: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fuel-poverty-statistics

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
22nd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will (a) make an assessment of the adequacy of the regulatory framework for ensuring public consultation on energy transmission projects and (b) take steps to ensure that statutory consultations on such projects include consultation on construction options.

For England and Wales, the Planning Act 2008 sets out the consultation requirements that developers of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), including electricity transmission projects, are required to follow. In April 2024, new guidance was published for NSIPs which sets out the consultation milestone that requires developers to demonstrate that they have consulted adequately with communities. The developer’s statutory consultation needs to show compliance with the energy National Policy Statements, including in relation to construction. In Scotland, the Scottish Government’s good practice guidance sets out the expectations and requirements for consultation.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
19th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing community benefit for electricity infrastructure projects in the local community of (a) £50,000 (b) £200,000 and (c) £500,000 per electrical substation.

The previous government’s response to the consultation on community benefits for transmission network infrastructure was published in November 2023. This document outlines that, when combined with bill discounts and additional benefits for underground cables and substations, these levels of wider benefits could lead to benefits to society with an estimated value between £1.5bn - £7.8bn if improved acceptability reduces delays to network build. These benefits come from reduced network constraint costs and emissions savings.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/community-benefits-for-electricity-transmission-network-infrastructure

It is important for this Government that where communities host clean energy infrastructure, they should directly benefit from it. We are currently considering how to ensure communities benefit from living near new onshore electricity transmission infrastructure.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he is undertaking a review of the eligibility criteria for community benefits for electricity transmission.

It is the Government’s priority to build support for developments by ensuring communities directly benefit, as per the commitments set out in the election manifesto. As such we are reviewing how to most effectively deliver community benefits for communities living near new electricity transmission network infrastructure.
Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing energy bill discounts of (a) £10,000 over ten years to people within 200 metres and (b) £20,000 over 20 years for people within 500 metres of an energy infrastructure project.

It is important for this Government that where communities host clean energy infrastructure, they should directly benefit from it. We are currently considering how to ensure communities benefit from living near new onshore electricity transmission infrastructure.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of of the potential merits of providing long-term financial compensation to communities which host the installation of pylons to improve the transmission of renewable energy.

The heart of the Government’s agenda is to make Britain a clean energy superpower, boost energy independence and reduce bills through clean power by 2030, and our electricity network is key to this success. It is important for this Government that where communities host clean energy infrastructure, they should directly benefit from it. We are currently considering ways that ensure communities benefit from living near new onshore electricity transmission infrastructure and are committed to ensuring fair and beneficial outcomes in alignment with our overall mission.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to encourage communities to support renewable energy network connection infrastructure in their localities.

It is important for this Government that where communities host clean energy infrastructure, they should directly benefit from it. We are currently considering ways that ensure communities benefit from living near new onshore electricity transmission infrastructure.

Strategic network planning will reduce the overall impact of infrastructure through coordination where appropriate. Networks plans take account of environmental and community impacts, alongside deliverability and economic cost, at every stage of network planning.

National Grid Electricity System Operator is developing the Electricity Transmission Design Principles.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing (a) £50,000, (b) £200,000 and (c) £500,000 per kilometre of overhead line to local authorities affected by new electricity infrastructure projects.

The previous government’s response to the consultation on community benefits for transmission network infrastructure was published in November 2023. This document outlines that, when combined with bill discounts and additional benefits for underground cables and substations, these levels of wider benefits could lead to benefits to society with an estimated value between £1.5bn - £7.8bn if improved acceptability reduces delays to network build. These benefits come from reduced network constraint costs and emissions savings.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/community-benefits-for-electricity-transmission-network-infrastructure

It is important for this Government that where communities host clean energy infrastructure, they should directly benefit from it. We are currently considering how to ensure communities benefit from living near new onshore electricity transmission infrastructure.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing (a) £10,000, (b) £40,000 and (c) £100,000 per kilometre of underground line to local authorities affected by new electricity infrastructure projects.

The previous government’s response to the consultation on community benefits for transmission network infrastructure was published in November 2023. This document outlines that, when combined with bill discounts and additional benefits for overhead cables and substations, these levels of wider benefits could lead to benefits to society with an estimated value between £1.5bn - £7.8bn if improved acceptability reduces delays to network build. These benefits come from reduced network constraint costs and emissions savings.

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/community-benefits-for-electricity-transmission-network-infrastructure

It is important for this Government that where communities host clean energy infrastructure, they should directly benefit from it. We are currently considering how to ensure communities benefit from living near new onshore electricity transmission infrastructure.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
17th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of promoting community-owned energy projects in the East of England to (a) help achieve Net Zero targets and (b) provide greater support for infrastructure construction in localities affected.

Community projects will play a crucial role in the Government’s mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower, by saving families money and improving communities’ energy security.

Through the Government’s Local Power Plan, which will be delivered by Great British Energy, we will put local communities and stakeholders at the heart of the energy transition. Great British Energy will collaborate with private energy companies, local authorities, and cooperatives to roll-out small and medium-scale clean energy projects. This will save families money and ensure communities directly benefit from local developments.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to ensure that there is adequate funding for (a) innovation and (b) development in technology in South Norfolk constituency.

In 2021/22, UKRI invested £478 million in East Anglia.

For example, Innovate UK’s Launchpad programme is allocating up to £7.5 million to help SMEs in the East of England agri-tech and food technology cluster to grow. Norfolk County Council is one of the Launchpad’s partners.

Other UKRI investments in the region include the Next Generation Infrastructure programme, delivered jointly by the John Innes Centre and The Sainsbury Laboratory; and the Earlham Institute-coordinated BioFAIR, which will establish a transformative digital research infrastructure for life sciences.

29th Jun 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her department will review the effectiveness of the updated Standard Industrial Classification codes for the video games industry following their implementation.

The new 2026 UK Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) framework will introduce a new dedicated 4-digit code for video games development, alongside the existing 4-digit code for video games publishing and new activity such as esports.

My department will continue to work with the sector, including with the Video Games Council, to understand the impacts of these changes, and monitor data from official statistics published as part of our Sector Economic Estimates series.

Ian Murray
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
29th Jun 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment she has made of trends in the levels of video games studio closures, and what steps she is taking to support the long‑term sustainability of the UK video games development sector.

This Government has committed to supporting the video games sector as part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan, published last year, which sets out support for the industry in order to address the challenges it faces.

In April, we launched the £30 million Games Growth Package, which included a substantial uplift to the UK Games Fund to support growth of UK games studios and talent from all regions of the UK, as well as new funding for London Games Festival to promote inward investment into the sector. This was informed by previous positive evaluation findings on the UK Games Fund, and our work with industry to understand investment gaps and opportunities for growth.

As part of that expansion, the new ‘Entry Track’ is focused on newly formed games development studios and graduates with limited experience, providing grants of up to £20,000 to support development of their first title.

The UK also offers competitive tax relief via the Video Games Expenditure Credit, which continues to make the UK one of the leading destinations in the world for making video games.

Making creative careers accessible for everyone is a key priority for the Government, and we welcome the sector-led work to improve diversity through initiatives such as Women in Games. However, we understand that more work is needed to improve diversity and representation in the creative industries, so we are also encouraged by the creation of the UK Games Industry Shadow Council to oversee equality, diversity and inclusion in the industry until the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority expands its remit to cover the video games sector.

Ian Murray
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
29th Jun 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to hep support the establishment and growth of video games studios in South Norfolk.

This Government has committed to supporting the video games sector as part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan, published last year, which sets out support for the industry in order to address the challenges it faces.

In April, we launched the £30 million Games Growth Package, which included a substantial uplift to the UK Games Fund to support growth of UK games studios and talent from all regions of the UK, as well as new funding for London Games Festival to promote inward investment into the sector. This was informed by previous positive evaluation findings on the UK Games Fund, and our work with industry to understand investment gaps and opportunities for growth.

As part of that expansion, the new ‘Entry Track’ is focused on newly formed games development studios and graduates with limited experience, providing grants of up to £20,000 to support development of their first title.

The UK also offers competitive tax relief via the Video Games Expenditure Credit, which continues to make the UK one of the leading destinations in the world for making video games.

Making creative careers accessible for everyone is a key priority for the Government, and we welcome the sector-led work to improve diversity through initiatives such as Women in Games. However, we understand that more work is needed to improve diversity and representation in the creative industries, so we are also encouraged by the creation of the UK Games Industry Shadow Council to oversee equality, diversity and inclusion in the industry until the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority expands its remit to cover the video games sector.

Ian Murray
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
29th Jun 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the Entry Track grant of the UK Games Fund.

This Government has committed to supporting the video games sector as part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan, published last year, which sets out support for the industry in order to address the challenges it faces.

In April, we launched the £30 million Games Growth Package, which included a substantial uplift to the UK Games Fund to support growth of UK games studios and talent from all regions of the UK, as well as new funding for London Games Festival to promote inward investment into the sector. This was informed by previous positive evaluation findings on the UK Games Fund, and our work with industry to understand investment gaps and opportunities for growth.

As part of that expansion, the new ‘Entry Track’ is focused on newly formed games development studios and graduates with limited experience, providing grants of up to £20,000 to support development of their first title.

The UK also offers competitive tax relief via the Video Games Expenditure Credit, which continues to make the UK one of the leading destinations in the world for making video games.

Making creative careers accessible for everyone is a key priority for the Government, and we welcome the sector-led work to improve diversity through initiatives such as Women in Games. However, we understand that more work is needed to improve diversity and representation in the creative industries, so we are also encouraged by the creation of the UK Games Industry Shadow Council to oversee equality, diversity and inclusion in the industry until the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority expands its remit to cover the video games sector.

Ian Murray
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
29th Jun 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to help ensure the long-term presence of video game studios in a) the UK b) the East of England.

This Government has committed to supporting the video games sector as part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan, published last year, which sets out support for the industry in order to address the challenges it faces.

In April, we launched the £30 million Games Growth Package, which included a substantial uplift to the UK Games Fund to support growth of UK games studios and talent from all regions of the UK, as well as new funding for London Games Festival to promote inward investment into the sector. This was informed by previous positive evaluation findings on the UK Games Fund, and our work with industry to understand investment gaps and opportunities for growth.

As part of that expansion, the new ‘Entry Track’ is focused on newly formed games development studios and graduates with limited experience, providing grants of up to £20,000 to support development of their first title.

The UK also offers competitive tax relief via the Video Games Expenditure Credit, which continues to make the UK one of the leading destinations in the world for making video games.

Making creative careers accessible for everyone is a key priority for the Government, and we welcome the sector-led work to improve diversity through initiatives such as Women in Games. However, we understand that more work is needed to improve diversity and representation in the creative industries, so we are also encouraged by the creation of the UK Games Industry Shadow Council to oversee equality, diversity and inclusion in the industry until the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority expands its remit to cover the video games sector.

Ian Murray
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
29th Jun 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her department is taking to help improve gender diversity within the video-games sector.

This Government has committed to supporting the video games sector as part of the Creative Industries Sector Plan, published last year, which sets out support for the industry in order to address the challenges it faces.

In April, we launched the £30 million Games Growth Package, which included a substantial uplift to the UK Games Fund to support growth of UK games studios and talent from all regions of the UK, as well as new funding for London Games Festival to promote inward investment into the sector. This was informed by previous positive evaluation findings on the UK Games Fund, and our work with industry to understand investment gaps and opportunities for growth.

As part of that expansion, the new ‘Entry Track’ is focused on newly formed games development studios and graduates with limited experience, providing grants of up to £20,000 to support development of their first title.

The UK also offers competitive tax relief via the Video Games Expenditure Credit, which continues to make the UK one of the leading destinations in the world for making video games.

Making creative careers accessible for everyone is a key priority for the Government, and we welcome the sector-led work to improve diversity through initiatives such as Women in Games. However, we understand that more work is needed to improve diversity and representation in the creative industries, so we are also encouraged by the creation of the UK Games Industry Shadow Council to oversee equality, diversity and inclusion in the industry until the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority expands its remit to cover the video games sector.

Ian Murray
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
29th Jun 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to encourage banks to provide financial support to video games developers at all stages of the development process.

The Government has reaffirmed its support for SME growth and the startup ecosystem, extending both the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Venture Capital Trust scheme to 2035. Our 10-year Industrial Strategy and Creative Industries Sector Plan set out how we are driving targeted investment into the creative industries, including into video games.

The British Business Bank has received a record Spending Review settlement, increasing its financial capacity to £25.6 billion to support firms through programmes such as the Growth guarantee Scheme and Start Up Loans, particularly those in underserved, high growth sectors. As part of the Sector Plan’s commitment to increase private investment available to scaling creative businesses across the UK the Bank is significantly increasing its support for the creative industries with debt and equity finance. This includes a £32 million investment in a partnership with Haatch to fund diverse angel syndicates such as the UK Games Angels, and co-investment, alongside the Games Angels, in JECO: a toolset provider for games developers.

At the London Games Festival in April, we also announced the launch of a £30 million Games Growth Package, another commitment from the Sector Plan, which includes a substantial uplift to the UK Games Fund offering grants for games companies from £20,000 to £250,000 to help UK games studios create new IP and attract private investment.

Ian Murray
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
15th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle antisocial behaviour in libraries.

Tackling anti-social behaviour and the harm it causes is a top priority for this Government and a key part of our Safer Streets Mission. The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 provides the police, local authorities, and other local agencies with a range of tools and powers that they can use to respond to anti-social behaviour. It is for local areas to decide how best to deploy these powers depending on the specific circumstances.

Libraries aim to deliver their services and activities within a safe and comfortable environment. The Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 provides for a local authority to make byelaws regulating the use of and the conduct of persons in their public libraries.

The revised public library byelaws for England were published in March 2025, following close consultation between DCMS and Libraries Connected. The byelaws are intended to help libraries deliver their service within a safe and comfortable environment, to safeguard library property and to make libraries places everyone can enjoy. They assist the library workforce to deal with disruptive behaviour and allow for flexibility in dealing with local concerns.

Ian Murray
Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
20th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how much Youth Investment Fund money has been allocated to (a) organisations, (b) authorities and (c) other entities with premises within South Norfolk constituency in each year since applications were open.

This Government recognises the transformative role that youth services play in young people’s lives. The detail and scale of the funding commitments included in this Government's National Youth Strategy will be shaped by engagement with young people and the youth sector, and will be dependent on Spending Review decisions.

Over £120,000 has been invested in South Norfolk and an additional £1.4 million in the wider Norfolk County through the Youth Investment Fund.

The Secretary of State’s Written Statement, of 15 May 2025, sets out the Department’s 2025/26 funding for youth programmes - an investment of over £145 million - to provide stability to the youth sector and ensure young people can continue to access opportunities, as we transition to the new National Youth Strategy.

The package of funding includes £79.4 million of reprofiled Youth Investment Fund Phase 2 to ensure the successful delivery of projects scheduled for completion in 2025/26. This includes the pipeline of 25 Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) projects.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
20th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what proportion of funding allocated through the Youth Investment Fund has been allocated to (a) Town and (b) Parish Councils in each year applications were open.

This Government recognises the transformative role that youth services play in young people’s lives. The detail and scale of the funding commitments included in this Government's National Youth Strategy will be shaped by engagement with young people and the youth sector, and will be dependent on Spending Review decisions.

Over £120,000 has been invested in South Norfolk and an additional £1.4 million in the wider Norfolk County through the Youth Investment Fund.

The Secretary of State’s Written Statement, of 15 May 2025, sets out the Department’s 2025/26 funding for youth programmes - an investment of over £145 million - to provide stability to the youth sector and ensure young people can continue to access opportunities, as we transition to the new National Youth Strategy.

The package of funding includes £79.4 million of reprofiled Youth Investment Fund Phase 2 to ensure the successful delivery of projects scheduled for completion in 2025/26. This includes the pipeline of 25 Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) projects.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
12th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how much money released by the Dormant Assets scheme has been allocated to (a) England, (b) East Anglia and (c) Norfolk in each year since the scheme began.

As of 2023/24, a total of £826 million has been allocated from the Dormant Assets Scheme to England, with DCMS responsible for this portion of funding. This is broken down by year as follows: 2011/12: £39.9 million; 2012/13: £41.6 million; 2013/14: £70 million; 2014/15: £41.1 million; 2015/16: £30.7 million; 2016/17: £79.1 million; 2017/18: £128 million; 2018/19: £59.8 million; 2019/20: £57.6 million; 2020/21: £75.6 million; 2021/22: £44.8 million; 2022/23: £77.9 million; and 2023/24: £79.9 million.

To date, this has been distributed by four independent, expert organisations set up with the explicit purpose of delivering dormant assets funding: Youth Futures Foundation, Fair4All Finance, Better Society Capital, and Access: The Foundation for Social Investment. Dormant assets funding seeks to address entrenched societal challenges through long-term, innovative programmes at a national scale, and is not allocated on a regional basis.

Examples of how dormant assets funding has benefited East Anglia and Norfolk include Fair4All Finance investing £88,240 in community finance organisations in Norwich to support people in vulnerable circumstances by improving their access to fair and affordable financial products and services. Additionally, Asperger East Anglia received a £35,000 loan from Access’s Growth Fund, funded by dormant assets.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
29th Jun 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to help expand access to work experience placements for young people interested in careers in the video games industry.

This government is working with industry to deliver a UK-wide £9 million creative careers initiative, to equip young people with the ambition and knowledge to work in the creative industries. This includes ‘Into Games’ workshops in schools led by trained industry professionals, and ‘Get into Games’ regional careers festivals.

The department funds the Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) to support schools and colleges to deliver high-quality careers education, including work experience. The CEC supports the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector to raise awareness of the opportunities and pathways available. This includes ‘Tech She Can’, which encourages girls and young women to explore gaming and wider technology careers through initiatives such as a Virtual Employability Week.

There are also local programmes across the CEC careers hub network, for example Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which works with leading gaming employers to strengthen the talent pipeline and deliver the Mayor’s pledge to support this key growth industry.

Josh MacAlister
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
29th Jun 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to help ensure that careers guidance in schools promotes video‑games careers to girls and young women.

This government is working with industry to deliver a UK-wide £9 million creative careers initiative, to equip young people with the ambition and knowledge to work in the creative industries. This includes ‘Into Games’ workshops in schools led by trained industry professionals, and ‘Get into Games’ regional careers festivals.

The department funds the Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) to support schools and colleges to deliver high-quality careers education, including work experience. The CEC supports the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector to raise awareness of the opportunities and pathways available. This includes ‘Tech She Can’, which encourages girls and young women to explore gaming and wider technology careers through initiatives such as a Virtual Employability Week.

There are also local programmes across the CEC careers hub network, for example Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, which works with leading gaming employers to strengthen the talent pipeline and deliver the Mayor’s pledge to support this key growth industry.

Josh MacAlister
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
29th Jun 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure the curriculum is encouraging young people to consider careers in the video games sector.

To ensure that children and young people are equipped with the essential knowledge and skills required for the future, this government is taking decisive action to modernise digital education.

Following the final report of the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, we are reforming the computing curriculum to strengthen digital literacy and digital creativity, including the creation of digital media. The report is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/curriculum-and-assessment-review-final-report-government-response.

Furthermore, we are considering where digital literacy can be incorporated within other relevant subjects such as Art and Design.

These reforms are intended to help ensure that more young people develop the capabilities needed for careers across the digital economy. There will be opportunity to provide views on draft proposals for curriculum and GCSE subject content (those in the first phase) during the public consultation this September.

The National Centre for Computing Education also facilitates industry-led events for pupils, to raise awareness of digital careers, including within the video game sector.

Georgia Gould
Minister of State (Education)
6th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, a) whether Voluntary Controlled schools will be eligible for nomination under the school rebuilding programme and b) which responsible body would need to nominate a Voluntary Controlled school for the next round of the school rebuilding programme.

The government is investing almost £20 billion in the School Rebuilding Programme (SRP) from 2025/26 through to 2034/35, delivering rebuilding projects at over 500 schools across England within the existing programme and expanding the SRP with a further 250 schools to be selected.

The department plans to launch a nomination process early this year to identify schools for the next 250 places. Responsible bodies will be invited to submit schools for assessment at that point. We will publish full details on GOV.UK when the process launches.

Voluntary controlled schools are eligible for consideration under the SRP, alongside other state funded schools and sixth form colleges in England. The responsible body for a voluntary controlled school is the relevant local authority.

Josh MacAlister
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
6th Jan 2026
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to Written Parliamentary Questions 98665, 98666 and 98668, what recourse exists for Voluntary Controlled schools to carry out urgent repairs to the school estate when the local authority fails to provide funding.

The department is investing almost £3 billion per year in capital maintenance by 2034/35 to improve the condition of the school and college estate, rising from £2.4 billion in 2025/26.

As part of this, Norfolk Council received a School Condition Allocation of almost £5.5 million for the 2025/26 financial year to invest across its maintained schools, including voluntary controlled schools in South Norfolk constituency. We expect to set out allocations for the 2026/27 financial year in the spring.

The department expects local authorities to carefully prioritise investment based on evidence of need, so that school buildings remain safe, operational and compliant with relevant regulations. Voluntary controlled schools should speak to their local authority about any issues so that they are considered when prioritising current and future investment.

The department provides additional advice and support to responsible bodies on a case-by-case basis where there are significant and urgent safety issues with buildings that cannot be managed independently.

Josh MacAlister
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
9th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of enabling voluntary controlled schools to apply for the condition improvement fund.

The department is investing almost £3 billion per year by 2034/35 in capital maintenance and renewal to improve the condition of the school and college estate, rising from £2.4 billion in 2025/26.

The majority of capital funding for improving the school estate is provided through annual School Condition Allocations for large responsible bodies, such as local authorities, large multi-academy trusts and large voluntary aided school bodies, to decide how to invest based on local knowledge of need. Small or stand-alone academy trusts and sixth form colleges instead bid for funding through the Condition Improvement Fund. The amount of funding available through each route is calculated using the same funding methodology.

In 2025/26, Norfolk Council were allocated almost £5.5 million to invest across its maintained schools, including voluntary controlled schools in South Norfolk constituency.

In addition, the government is investing almost £20 billion in the School Rebuilding Programme from 2025/26 through to 2034/35, delivering rebuilding projects at over 500 schools across England within the existing programme and expanding with a further 250 schools to be selected within two years.

The department provides additional advice and support on a case-by-case basis, where there are urgent safety issues with a building that cannot be managed independently by bodies responsible for school buildings.

Josh MacAlister
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
9th Dec 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of enabling voluntary controlled schools to apply for urgent capital support funding.

The department is investing almost £3 billion per year by 2034/35 in capital maintenance and renewal to improve the condition of the school and college estate, rising from £2.4 billion in 2025/26.

The majority of capital funding for improving the school estate is provided through annual School Condition Allocations for large responsible bodies, such as local authorities, large multi-academy trusts and large voluntary aided school bodies, to decide how to invest based on local knowledge of need. Small or stand-alone academy trusts and sixth form colleges instead bid for funding through the Condition Improvement Fund. The amount of funding available through each route is calculated using the same funding methodology.

In 2025/26, Norfolk Council were allocated almost £5.5 million to invest across its maintained schools, including voluntary controlled schools in South Norfolk constituency.

In addition, the government is investing almost £20 billion in the School Rebuilding Programme from 2025/26 through to 2034/35, delivering rebuilding projects at over 500 schools across England within the existing programme and expanding with a further 250 schools to be selected within two years.

The department provides additional advice and support on a case-by-case basis, where there are urgent safety issues with a building that cannot be managed independently by bodies responsible for school buildings.

Josh MacAlister
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)