Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, what electoral system will be used to elect mayors created under this plan.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The voting system for unitary elections is First Past the Post.

For Mayoral Elections, I refer the hon Member to the answer given to Question UIN 20691 on 19 December 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, what electoral system new unitary authority areas will use.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The voting system for unitary elections is First Past the Post.

For Mayoral Elections, I refer the hon Member to the answer given to Question UIN 20691 on 19 December 2024.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the UK’s statistics authorities at identifying rural deprivation.

Answered by Georgia Gould - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.

A response from the Director General for Office for Statistics Regulation to the Hon. Gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 24 January is attached.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the suitability for policy-making of existing measures of rural deprivation.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra has contributed funding to investigate rural deprivation as part of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s (MHCLG) work to update the English Indices of Deprivation. This collaborative work is considering what deprivation in rural areas is, data sources and methods to help quantify it and more formal guidance on the use of the Indices and their application to rural areas. A report on rural deprivation will be part of the updated English Indices of Deprivation anticipated in Autumn 2025.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of the maintenance regime for balancing ponds owned by National Highways.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The maintenance requirements of the Strategic Road Network (SRN) are governed by a robust set of standards - the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) - and National Highways determines the maintenance works to be undertaken on all assets, based on the GM701 standard which details asset maintenance requirements. While no specific assessment has been made by the Department on the effectiveness of the standards for maintaining SRN balancing ponds, standards are continually evolving in line with best practice.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an estimate of the cost to the public purse of maintaining balancing ponds owned by National Highways.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

Maintenance costs for the Strategic Road Network (SRN) are borne by National Highways and their financial systems do not categorise spending to the level of sub-asset class granularity. I, therefore, cannot provide a reliable estimate for the costs of maintaining balancing ponds.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of developers transferring sustainable urban drainage systems to Internal Drainage Boards for ongoing maintenance.

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

The government is committed to securing the delivery of high-quality sustainable drainage systems to help manage flood risk and adapt to the effects of climate change.

National Planning Guidance is clear that local authorities should be satisfied that all Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems have clear maintenance and adoption arrangements in place for the lifetime of a development.

We will consider whether further changes are required to manage sustainable drainage systems provision through the planning system when we consult on further reform.

We will also consult this year on options to reduce the prevalence of private estate management arrangements to end the injustice of ‘fleecehold’.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will publish any advice her Department has provided to local authorities on development on flood plains since July 2024 .

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

The government is committed to building the homes the country needs while ensuring they are safe from flooding.

The National Planning Policy Framework, which was revised in December 2024, is clear that new housing and most other forms of development should not be permitted in functional flood plains.

Estimates have not been made of the number of homes which might, exceptionally, be built on flood plans, but development proposals would have to pass robust tests to proceed in such locations.

December’s update to the National Planning Policy Framework clarified how the flood risk sequential test should be applied to new development, which is one of the policy tools to steer development away from areas of high flood risk.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate her Department has made of the number of houses that may be build on flood plains between July 2024 and July 2029.

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

The government is committed to building the homes the country needs while ensuring they are safe from flooding.

The National Planning Policy Framework, which was revised in December 2024, is clear that new housing and most other forms of development should not be permitted in functional flood plains.

Estimates have not been made of the number of homes which might, exceptionally, be built on flood plans, but development proposals would have to pass robust tests to proceed in such locations.

December’s update to the National Planning Policy Framework clarified how the flood risk sequential test should be applied to new development, which is one of the policy tools to steer development away from areas of high flood risk.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of transferring balancing ponds owned by National Highways to Internal Drainage Boards.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

No such assessments have been undertaken on the potential merits of transferring ownership of balancing ponds.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential contribution of Scheduled Monuments to the tourism industry.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

We have made no such formal assessment, but many of the nearly 20,000 Scheduled Monuments in England, including Stonehenge, Appleby Castle and Barnard Castle, as well as those in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are important visitor attractions. We remain committed to promoting heritage to drive sustainable growth, foster cultural engagement, and ensure it remains accessible for future generations.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment her Department has made of the of the potential impact of (a) agricultural and (b) business property relief on ancient woodlands.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government published information about the reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief at www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief-reforms.

It is expected that up to around 2,000 estates will be affected by the changes to APR and BPR in 2026-27, with around half of those being claims that involve AIM shares. Almost three-quarters of estates claiming agricultural property relief (or those claiming agricultural property relief and business property relief together) are expected to be unaffected by these reforms.

In accordance with standard practice, a tax information and impact note will be published alongside the draft legislation before the relevant Finance Bill.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an estimate of what the GP-to-patient ratio will be in Bedfordshire in July 2029.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

There is no NHS England recommendation for how many patients a general practitioner (GP) should have assigned, or the ratio of GPs or other practice staff to patients.

The demands that each patient places on their GP are different and can be affected by many different factors, including rurality and patient demographics. It is necessary to consider the workforce for each practice as a whole, not only GPs but also the range of health professionals available who are able to respond to the needs of their patients.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an estimate of the number of off-grid properties which are listed buildings.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department does not hold data on listed buildings and so does not have estimates for the number of listed buildings that are not connected to gas or electricity networks. The department publishes estimates of the number of domestic properties not connected to the gas network in Great Britain at various levels of geography and analysis of large non-domestic buildings that are not connected to the gas network.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the number of off-grid properties that will benefit from the Warm Homes: Local Grant in Bedfordshire.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Warm Homes: Local Grant will deliver upgrades to low-income homes both on and off the gas grid. Local Authorities (LAs) in receipt of the Grant will choose which homes to prioritise for upgrades, based on local needs and resident interest.

LAs have submitted Expressions of Interest to participate in the Grant, which included non-binding indications of the proportion of off-gas grid properties to be treated. LAs have not yet been allocated funding. Until allocations have been confirmed, we cannot estimate the number of off-gas grid properties that will benefit from the scheme.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Cypriot counterpart.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign Secretary met Cypriot Foreign Minister Kombos on 17 December 2024 to discuss recent developments, Settlement and the EU reset. I also spoke with Foreign Minister Kombos on 20 January to discuss recent developments on Settlement.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of wealthy taxpayers leaving the UK on levels of (a) economic growth and (b) tax receipts.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to making sure the wealthiest in our society pay their fair share of tax. That is why the Chancellor announced a series of reforms at Autumn Budget 2024 to help fix the public finances in as fair a way as possible.

As part of this, the Government is increasing the main rates of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) to 18 and 24 per cent, while ensuring the UK tax system remains internationally competitive.

At the Budget, the Government also confirmed its plans to remove the outdated concept of domicile status from the tax system and to replace it with a new residence-based regime from 6 April 2025, which is internationally competitive and focused on attracting the best talent and investment to the UK. The OBR have certified that the package of non-dom reforms the Government is legislating will raise £33.8bn in total revenue over the five-year forecast period. These reforms will ensure that everyone who makes their home in the UK pays their taxes here.

These and other decisions announced at the Budget will help repair the public finances and fund public services such as the NHS and education.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an estimate of the annual difference between (a) the current cost of administering the British Indian Ocean Territory and (b) the proposed cost of leasing the Diego Garcia base from Mauritius.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

It is established practice not to publish payments made for overseas military bases.

The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office provides funding to the BIOT Administration to help support the good governance of the Territory. In FY 23/24, the FCDO provided £29.3 million of funding.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the inclusion of Overseas Territories in the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government believes the UN Special Committee on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (Special Committee) is outdated, and that it no longer has a relevant role to play with respect to the UK Overseas Territories.

For those Territories with permanent populations who wish it, the Government will continue to support requests for the removal of the Territory from the United Nations list of 'non-self-governing Territories'. Furthermore, the Government supports the right of the people of the Overseas Territories to address the Special Committee directly. In 2024, the UK supported representatives from the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, and the British Virgin Islands to appear at the Special Committee's annual considerations of their respective Territories and stands ready to do the same in 2025.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Spanish counterpart.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign Secretary last met with his Spanish counterpart Foreign Minister José-Manuel Albares in the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Luxembourg in October 2024 and was in touch with Mr Albares to express the UK's condolences and offer our support after the heavy flooding in Valencia later in October. I visited Madrid on 17th January 2025 where I had discussions with Foreign Minister Albares and my Spanish counterpart, Minister for Europe Fernando Sampedro.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of resources available to the planning inspectorate.

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

The government is committed to the efficient handling of planning casework, including by means of ensuring there is sufficient resourcing in the Planning Inspectorate to support such activity. The Inspectorate regularly publishes updates on its performance.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the performance of the planning inspectorate.

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

The government is committed to the efficient handling of planning casework, including by means of ensuring there is sufficient resourcing in the Planning Inspectorate to support such activity. The Inspectorate regularly publishes updates on its performance.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how much funding her Department is providing to (a) Bedford Borough Council and (b) Central Bedfordshire Council to cover the increased cost of employers’ National Insurance.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government has announced an additional £515 million of support for local government in England specifically to manage the impact of changes to employer NICs announced at the Autumn Budget.

Final allocations to local authorities will be published alongside final positions on methodology as part of the final Local Government Finance Settlement in early February 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if her Department will make an estimate of the potential impact of increases to employers’ National Insurance for (a) Bedford Borough Council and (b) Central Bedfordshire Council.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The government has announced an additional £515 million of support for local government in England specifically to manage the impact of changes to employer NICs announced at the Autumn Budget.

Final allocations to local authorities will be published alongside final positions on methodology as part of the final Local Government Finance Settlement in early February 2025.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an estimate of the contribution of inbound tourism to the public purse.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Inbound tourism makes a significant contribution to the public purse. According to the latest available data from VisitBritain and the International Passenger Survey (IPS), inbound visitors spent a record £31.1bn during 2023; supporting jobs and businesses across the UK, and contributing to tax revenues through VAT, Air Passenger Duty, and other sources.

DCMS continues to work closely with HM Treasury and the tourism sector to maximise the economic benefits of inbound tourism, including through VisitBritain’s international marketing campaigns and initiatives to enhance the visitor experience. These efforts play a vital role in driving economic growth, supporting public finances, and ensuring the UK remains a top global destination.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an estimate of the number of new GP surgeries that are projected to open each year till July 2029.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone can access primary care when needed. At the Autumn Budget, a £102 million capital fund was announced for 2025/26 to deliver approximately 200 general practice (GP) surgery upgrades across England, improving existing facilities, boosting productivity, and enabling the delivery of more appointments. This funding represents a first step in delivering the additional capital the primary care sector needs.

Decisions on new GP surgeries are made locally by commissioners based on the needs of their populations. Integrated care boards are responsible for planning and commissioning healthcare services to meet the reasonable needs of the people for whom they are responsible, including evaluating population needs and planning provision for GP services. Their annual commissioning plans consider requirements for new practices, such as those driven by population growth, contract expiries, or unplanned closures. Commissioners are expected to address gaps in service, and in the event of a closure, assess whether a replacement provider is needed before transferring patients to other local practices.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to ensure there are sufficient school places to match trends in the level of housing growth.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Local authorities are responsible for providing enough school places for children in their area. We provide capital funding through the Basic Need grant to support local authorities to provide mainstream school places, based on their own pupil forecasts and school capacity data.

Nearly £1.5 billion of allocations have been confirmed to support local authorities to create school places needed over the current and next two academic years, up to and including the 2026/27 academic year. Local authorities can use this funding to provide places in new schools or through expansions of existing schools.

Financial contributions from housing developers are also an important way of helping to meet demand for new school places when housing developments are driving pupil numbers. It is for the local planning authority (LPA) to secure developer contributions through section 106 agreements or the Community Infrastructure Levy, and to decide on the local infrastructure needs that this contribution should support. The department encourages LPAs to secure significant contributions for new school places and work closely with colleagues planning school places in their area, including county councils when the local authority responsible for education is not the LPA.

The department engages with local authorities on a regular basis to review their plans for creating additional places and to consider alternatives where necessary. When local authorities are experiencing difficulties, we offer support and advice.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with President Trump about the future of the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign Secretary last spoke to President Trump in September, when they had a private dinner in New York with the Prime Minister. We do not disclose the details of private conversations. Regarding the future of Diego Garcia, it is right that the new US Administration has time to consider the detail of the Treaty in full and we will continue to engage closely.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the increase in the cost of electronic travel authorisations.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

I, in my capacity as Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations, speak regularly with my counterpart Maroš Šefčovič on a range of issues relating to the EU-UK relationship. In addition, HMG officials engage regularly with counterparts across the EU and EU Member States to ensure they are kept abreast of any changes regarding UK travel policy. This includes engaging on ETA.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to paragraph 2.2.1 of her Department's English Devolution White Paper, published 16 December 2024, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority becoming a Strategic Authority notwithstanding having a population below 1.5 million.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The English Devolution White Paper sets out clear principles this Government will have regard to when considering proposals for new devolution agreements. This includes a new default assumption that proposals cover a combined population of 1.5 million or above to ensure they can deliver at a strategic scale, and must not create devolution ‘islands’ by leaving areas which are too small to go it alone or which do not have natural partners. There are a limited number of circumstances where it may be necessary to consider proposals that do not meet these principles, and Government will assess these proposals on a case-by-case basis.

All existing Combined Authorities, including Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, will automatically be classified as Strategic Authorities. The Government will consider locally developed proposals for changes to existing Strategic Authority boundaries where they meet the principles set out the in the White Paper.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to paragraph 2.2.1 of her Department's English Devolution White Paper published 16 December 2024, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the creation of devolution island local authority areas on adjoining Mayoral Strategic Authorities.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The English Devolution White Paper sets out clear principles this Government will have regard to when considering proposals for new devolution agreements. This includes a new default assumption that proposals cover a combined population of 1.5 million or above to ensure they can deliver at a strategic scale, and must not create devolution ‘islands’ by leaving areas which are too small to go it alone or which do not have natural partners. There are a limited number of circumstances where it may be necessary to consider proposals that do not meet these principles, and Government will assess these proposals on a case-by-case basis.

All existing Combined Authorities, including Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, will automatically be classified as Strategic Authorities. The Government will consider locally developed proposals for changes to existing Strategic Authority boundaries where they meet the principles set out the in the White Paper.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, what her planned timetable is for (a) smaller and (b) failing unitaries to develop proposals for local government reorganisation.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The English Devolution White Paper announced that we will facilitate a programme of local government reorganisation for two-tier areas, and for unitary councils where there is evidence of failure or where their size or boundaries may be hindering their ability to deliver sustainable and high-quality public services.

On 16 December, I wrote to all councils in two-tier areas and to neighbouring small unitaries alongside the English Devolution White Paper, to set out our plans. I intend to formally invite unitary proposals in January 2025 from these councils and I will ask for interim plans in March. I am open to hearing from other councils who consider reorganisation will put them on a more sustainable footing. As set out in the White Paper, I will take a phased approach to delivery, taking into account where reorganisation can unlock devolution, where areas are keen to move quickly or where it can help address wider failings.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, what her definition is of (a) smaller and (b) failing unitaries.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The English Devolution White Paper announced that we will facilitate a programme of local government reorganisation for two-tier areas, and for unitary councils where there is evidence of failure or where their size or boundaries may be hindering their ability to deliver sustainable and high-quality public services.

On 16 December, I wrote to all councils in two-tier areas and to neighbouring small unitaries alongside the English Devolution White Paper, to set out our plans. I intend to formally invite unitary proposals in January 2025 from these councils and I will ask for interim plans in March. I am open to hearing from other councils who consider reorganisation will put them on a more sustainable footing. As set out in the White Paper, I will take a phased approach to delivery, taking into account where reorganisation can unlock devolution, where areas are keen to move quickly or where it can help address wider failings.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, how she plans to designate (a) smaller and (b) failing unitaries.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The English Devolution White Paper announced that we will facilitate a programme of local government reorganisation for two-tier areas, and for unitary councils where there is evidence of failure or where their size or boundaries may be hindering their ability to deliver sustainable and high-quality public services.

On 16 December, I wrote to all councils in two-tier areas and to neighbouring small unitaries alongside the English Devolution White Paper, to set out our plans. I intend to formally invite unitary proposals in January 2025 from these councils and I will ask for interim plans in March. I am open to hearing from other councils who consider reorganisation will put them on a more sustainable footing. As set out in the White Paper, I will take a phased approach to delivery, taking into account where reorganisation can unlock devolution, where areas are keen to move quickly or where it can help address wider failings.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the English Devolution White Paper, published on 16 December 2024, whether she plans to require local consultations to be carried out ahead of local government reorganisation.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

For local government reorganisation, it will be essential for councils to work with local partners, stakeholders, and MPs, to develop plans for sustainable unitary structures capable of delivering the high-quality public services that residents need and deserve. It is for councils to decide how best to engage locally, including with residents, in a meaningful and constructive way when developing their proposals.

We will consult a range of stakeholders in areas where we receive proposals for reorganisation, as required by statute. I will write to local authorities in further detail, inviting proposals for local government reorganisation and setting out the criteria to be used to assess proposals, in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what ratio of Councillors to electors she expects new unitary authorities to be created with.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

As set out in the White Paper, we want to see stronger community arrangements when reorganisation happens in the way councils engage at a neighbourhood or area level. My department is liaising closely with the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) so that they are involved at the appropriate time to ensure fair electoral arrangements across the area of any new unitary local authorities.

The LGBCE’s approach during electoral reviews is that there are no set ratios of the number of electors each councillor should represent. The ratio flows from the number of councillors an authority should have. An authority has a unique set of characteristics which determines this and the LGBCE’s approach is outlined in its electoral review guidance. There are no set limits on the number of councillors although the guidance indicates that a compelling case would be needed for a council size of more than 100 members or less than 30.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of the capacity available at the Local Government Boundary Commission for England to draft electoral boundaries for new unitary authorities.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

My department is liaising closely with the Local Government Boundary Commission for England so that they are involved at the appropriate time to ensure fair electoral arrangements across the area of any new unitary local authorities.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an estimate of the average annual cost of a five year fixed rate mortgage (a) on the week commencing 21 October 2024 and (b) in January 2025.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The pricing and availability of mortgages is ultimately a commercial decision for lenders, in which the Government does not intervene. Changes in offered mortgage rates are broadly driven by changes in financial market expectations for Bank Rate.

Monetary policy, including decisions on Bank Rate, is the responsibility of the independent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) at the Bank of England. The Government remains committed to monetary policy independence and supporting the MPC to return inflation to target sustainably, and does not comment on the conduct or effectiveness of monetary policy.

External organisations, such as the Bank of England and Moneyfacts, track movements in offered mortgage rates.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of Autumn Budget 2024 on recent trends in the level of mortgage rates.

Answered by Emma Reynolds - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is the UK’s official forecaster of the economy and public finances. The OBR published its assessment of the UK economy, and the effect of policies announced at the 2024 Autumn Budget, in its October 2024 Economic and Fiscal Outlook.

The OBR will publish its next assessment of the UK economy on 26 March 2025, as commissioned by the Chancellor.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions the New Towns Taskforce has had with (a) Bedford Borough Council, (b) Central Bedfordshire Council and (c) Luton Borough Council.

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

As set out in its Terms of Reference, which can be found on gov.uk here, the New Towns Taskforce will work in partnership with local leaders and communities, but its selection of sites will be made in the national interest.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what engagement the New Towns Taskforce will have with hon. Members.

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

As set out in its Terms of Reference, which can be found on gov.uk here, the New Towns Taskforce will work in partnership with local leaders and communities, but its selection of sites will be made in the national interest.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the number of pensioners in poverty during the winter of 2024-25; and how this compares to the winter of 2023-24.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 21 January 2025 to Question 24306

Statistics on the number of people living in relative and absolute poverty both before and after housing costs are produced on an annual basis and published in the Households Below Average Income statistics.

The latest available data covers financial year ending 2023, and is published by the Department here Households below average income: for financial years ending 1995 to 2023 - GOV.UK

Poverty figures relating to the financial year 2024-25 will be published in due course.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to tackle backlogs in the processing of statutory assessments for education, health and care plans.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

The department wants to ensure that, where required, education, health and care (EHC) plan assessments are progressed promptly and, if needed, plans are issued as quickly as possible so that children and young people can access the support they need.

Local authorities have a statutory responsibility to assess whether children and young people have special educational needs that require an EHC plan. EHC plans must be issued within 20 weeks of the needs assessment commencing so that children and young people can access the support they need. The most recent dataset shows there were 138,200 initial requests for an EHC plan and 90,500 assessments took place in 2023. 50.3% of new EHC plans in 2023 were issued within 20 weeks.

The department knows that local authorities have seen an increase in the number of assessment requests and that more needs to be done to ensure that local areas deliver effective and timely services. This includes better communication with schools and families.

The department continues to monitor and work closely with local authorities that have issues with EHC plan timeliness. Where there are concerns about a local authority’s capacity to make the required improvements, we help the local authority to identify the problems and put in place an effective recovery plan. This includes, where needed, securing specialist special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) adviser support to help identify the barriers to EHC plan process timeliness and put in place practical plans for recovery.

Central Bedfordshire underwent an Ofsted and Care Quality Commission joint area SEND inspection in October 2019, with the report published in February 2020. The local area was required to produce a written statement of action to address six significant weaknesses. During a revisit in July 2022, Ofsted found sufficient progress in three of the six areas. Consequently, the area was required to produce an accelerated progress plan to outline the necessary improvements for the remaining three areas.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many pupils in Bedfordshire had an EHC plan in each academic year since 2019/20.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

Information on the number of pupils in schools in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton with education, health and care (EHC) plans is available in the publication ‘Special Educational Needs in England’, which can be found here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/special-educational-needs-in-england.

The table linked below shows the figures for pupils in schools with EHC plans in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton local authorities for each academic year since 2019/20: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/c81e3eb7-09ad-4267-78dd-08dd3ba46a29.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of standardising the funding models local authorities use to support pupils with special educational needs.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.

Following the Autumn Budget 2024, the department is providing an increase of £1 billion for high needs budgets in England in the 2025/26 financial year, bringing total high needs funding for children and young people with complex SEND to £11.9 billion.

Of that total, Bedford Borough Council is being allocated over £38 million through the high needs funding block, and Central Bedfordshire Council is being allocated over £49 million.

We are keeping the high needs funding arrangements, including the appropriate level of flexibility and standardisation in local authorities’ funding models, under review as we progress wider SEND reforms.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an estimate of the number of SEN pupils who attend independent schools in Bedfordshire.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

Information on the number of pupils in schools in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton attending independent schools with both education, health and care (EHC) plans and special educational needs (SEN) support is available in the publication ‘Special Educational Needs in England’, which can be found here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/special-educational-needs-in-england.

The table linked below shows the figures for pupils in schools with both EHC plans and SEN support in independent schools and independent special schools in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton local authorities for the 2023/24 academic year: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/0c775324-f4bf-4a80-18a7-08dd3ba4043a.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many and what proportion of SEN pupils attend a school in a different local authority area to the one in which they live in the East of England.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)

The number and proportion of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) who attend a school in a different local authority area to the one in which they live in the East of England is shown below.

Pupils^1,2 with SEN resident³ in local authority areas in East of England by whether they go to school within or outside their local authority area

Source: January school census 2024

1. State-funded school pupils in national curriculum years reception to 11, includes a small number of special school pupils for whom year group is not recorded.

2. Excludes pupils who board and dual subsidiary enrolments.

3. Resident is based on the pupil’s home postcode.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the adequacy of funding provided to local authorities to promote tourism.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

I note that the honourable member is asking us to spend more money and would be grateful if they could advise me on which other budget should be cut or tax should be commensurately increased. Government recognises the vital role that local authorities play in supporting the Visitor Economy and showcasing the unique assets of their areas. Through DCMS’ Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) programme - that is being rolled out across England to transform the landscape of destination management organisations, and the two Destination Development pilots - Local Authorities are being provided with strong local and regional leadership and governance, enabling them to develop their visitor economies in their respective destinations. VisitBritain has also launched a new international marketing campaign this year - Starring Great Britain - to ensure that tourism remains a key driver of economic growth across the country.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has made an estimate of the number of SEN pupils in Bedfordshire that are expected to leave the Independent school sector in 2024-25.

Answered by Stephen Morgan - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The department has made no estimate of the number of pupils specifically in Bedfordshire with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who will leave the independent school system in the 2024/25 academic year.

As set out in HM Treasury’s tax information and impact note on applying VAT to independent school fees, published on GOV.UK, the government estimates that approximately 3,000 pupils will move from independent schools in the UK to state schools in the 2024/25 academic year.

There is no separate assessment by local authority. The impact on individual local authorities will interact with other pressures and vary.

HM Treasury’s impact note considers SEND, but does not provide a separate assessment broken down by SEND. It is important to note that pupils who need a local authority-funded place in an independent school will not be impacted by the changes. To protect pupils with special educational needs (SEN) that can only be met in an independent school, local authorities and devolved governments that fund these places will be compensated for the VAT they are charged on those pupils’ fees.

Most pupils who have SEN are educated in mainstream schools (whether state-maintained or independent) where their needs are met. The overwhelming majority attend state schools. The department supports local authorities to provide suitable school places for children and young people with SEND through annual high needs capital funding. This can be used to deliver new places in mainstream and special schools, as well as other specialist settings. At Autumn Budget 2024, the government announced a £2.3 billion increase to the core schools' budget in 2025/26, increasing per pupil funding in real terms. This included an almost £1 billion uplift to high needs funding in 2025/26, providing additional support for the more than one million children in the state sector with SEND.

Question

To ask the Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to support the tourism industry.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

Churches, cathedrals and other historic sites are at the heart of England's cultural and spiritual heritage, attracting millions of visitors annually.

The Church of England operates 16,000 churches and 42 cathedrals. Cathedrals alone add over 6,000 jobs to the economy, and contribute over £230m to their local economies. Over 9.35 million people visited a cathedral in 2023, a 17% increase on 2022. Cathedrals also benefit from over 15,000 volunteers who contribute over a million hours a year to the welcome, services and special events taking place. Further information is available at:
https://www.ecorys.com/case-studies/the-economic-and-social-impacts-of-englands-cathedrals/#:~:text=Significant%20impacts%20were%20also%20generated,of%20this%20visitor%2Drelated%20spend

The Church of England has developed the Church Heritage Record: https://facultyonline.churchofengland.org/churches, which provides geo-located data on every Church of England church, including information on the history of the building where it is available. Local congregations are encouraged to add details of their church to this. The National Church Institutions are partnered with local churches to develop ‘A Church Near You’: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/, which provides online space for every church in the country to have a website for the public to find out about services, events and the history of the buildings

Churches and cathedrals will often contain great artworks and architecture, and will support artists and musicians by commissioning new works and special installations. Recent examples include the successful Luxmuralis light shows, the Peterborough Cathedral Catherine of Aragon festival, and nationally important commemorative memorials such as the Covid19 ‘Remember Me’ memorial in St Pauls Cathedral https://www.stpauls.co.uk/remember-me-memorial

In the St Albans Diocese, which covers Mid Bedfordshire, the Cathedral is currently hosting the Museum of the Moon. More information about the Cathedral events programme can be found here: https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/Pages/Events/Category/events?Take=12

Cathedrals and churches form a network across the country for pilgrimages and walking tours, which are growing in popularity. The Church has reestablished several ancient walkways, such as St Cuthbert's Way, the Canterbury Pilgrimage, and St Albans Pilgrimage. Details of the many walkways can be found here: https://www.britishpilgrimage.org/routes

Cathedrals and churches will often host their own choirs, but also provide space for local choirs, orchestras, and theatre groups to put on performances. Notable examples include The Three Choirs Festival (involving Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester Cathedrals) and the International Organ Festival in St Albans. In addition, churches play host to many fairs, markets, and seasonal festivals and exhibitions, all of which boost local tourism

Many churchyards are biodiversity hotspots and churches are looking at how to better engage with growing trends towards sustainable and eco-tourism.

Visit England also works with churches to promote them as key parts of the national heritage network. Many churches, cathedrals, palaces and vicarages also open their doors for the National Garden Scheme and other open house days, raising money for local charities, initiatives and events.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an estimate of the total amount of (a) income tax and (b) employee national insurance paid by a full time minimum wage worker in (i) 2024-25 and (ii) 2025-26.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The information requested on the impact on taxpayer numbers as a result of threshold freezes is published as part of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO). The published table sets out the estimated numbers of taxpayers with and without indexation of the thresholds and the impact of the thresholds being frozen. This information is updated in the EFO in each fiscal event. An excerpt from Table 3.18 from the October 2024 EFO:

As shown in the table, 3.5 million more individuals are expected to pay income tax in 2025-26 as a result of the threshold freezes.

The number of Higher rate taxpayers is expected to increase from 6.6 million in 2024-25 to 7.0 million in 2025-26 (a rise of 0.4 million), and additional rate taxpayer numbers are expected to increase from 1.1 million to 1.2 million (a rise of 0.1 million).

The full table is available as Table 3.18 in the detailed forecast of receipts: October 2024 Economic and fiscal outlook – detailed forecast tables: receipts (obr.uk)

The latest ONS estimate for median earnings for 2023-24 is £31,602, and this can be projected using OBR’s average earnings growth forecasts, which gives an estimate of median earnings for 2024-25 of £33,035 and 2025-26 of £34,011. An individual with solely income from these earnings would expect to have total Income Tax and Employee National Insurance liabilities of £5,730 in 2024-25 and £6,003 in 2025-26.

Individuals aged 21 and over earning minimum wage and working 35 hours per week would be expected to earn £20,821 and £22,222 in tax years 2024-25 and 2025-26 respectively. These would result in Income Tax and Employee National Insurance liabilities of:

£1,650 and £660 in 2024-25,

£1,930 and £772 in 2025-26.

Further information on the ONS data for median earnings can be found in their annual publication: 2024 provisional earnings and hours worked, all employees (ons.gov.uk)

Earnings growth forecasts are published in the OBR’s forecast tables: October 2024 Detailed forecast tables: Economy (obr.uk)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an estimate of the total amount of tax someone on the median salary will pay in financial year (a) 2024-25 and (b) 2025-26.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The information requested on the impact on taxpayer numbers as a result of threshold freezes is published as part of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO). The published table sets out the estimated numbers of taxpayers with and without indexation of the thresholds and the impact of the thresholds being frozen. This information is updated in the EFO in each fiscal event. An excerpt from Table 3.18 from the October 2024 EFO:

As shown in the table, 3.5 million more individuals are expected to pay income tax in 2025-26 as a result of the threshold freezes.

The number of Higher rate taxpayers is expected to increase from 6.6 million in 2024-25 to 7.0 million in 2025-26 (a rise of 0.4 million), and additional rate taxpayer numbers are expected to increase from 1.1 million to 1.2 million (a rise of 0.1 million).

The full table is available as Table 3.18 in the detailed forecast of receipts: October 2024 Economic and fiscal outlook – detailed forecast tables: receipts (obr.uk)

The latest ONS estimate for median earnings for 2023-24 is £31,602, and this can be projected using OBR’s average earnings growth forecasts, which gives an estimate of median earnings for 2024-25 of £33,035 and 2025-26 of £34,011. An individual with solely income from these earnings would expect to have total Income Tax and Employee National Insurance liabilities of £5,730 in 2024-25 and £6,003 in 2025-26.

Individuals aged 21 and over earning minimum wage and working 35 hours per week would be expected to earn £20,821 and £22,222 in tax years 2024-25 and 2025-26 respectively. These would result in Income Tax and Employee National Insurance liabilities of:

£1,650 and £660 in 2024-25,

£1,930 and £772 in 2025-26.

Further information on the ONS data for median earnings can be found in their annual publication: 2024 provisional earnings and hours worked, all employees (ons.gov.uk)

Earnings growth forecasts are published in the OBR’s forecast tables: October 2024 Detailed forecast tables: Economy (obr.uk)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an estimate of the number of taxpayers set to pay the additional rate of income tax in financial year 2025-26 compared with financial year 2024-25.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The information requested on the impact on taxpayer numbers as a result of threshold freezes is published as part of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO). The published table sets out the estimated numbers of taxpayers with and without indexation of the thresholds and the impact of the thresholds being frozen. This information is updated in the EFO in each fiscal event. An excerpt from Table 3.18 from the October 2024 EFO:

As shown in the table, 3.5 million more individuals are expected to pay income tax in 2025-26 as a result of the threshold freezes.

The number of Higher rate taxpayers is expected to increase from 6.6 million in 2024-25 to 7.0 million in 2025-26 (a rise of 0.4 million), and additional rate taxpayer numbers are expected to increase from 1.1 million to 1.2 million (a rise of 0.1 million).

The full table is available as Table 3.18 in the detailed forecast of receipts: October 2024 Economic and fiscal outlook – detailed forecast tables: receipts (obr.uk)

The latest ONS estimate for median earnings for 2023-24 is £31,602, and this can be projected using OBR’s average earnings growth forecasts, which gives an estimate of median earnings for 2024-25 of £33,035 and 2025-26 of £34,011. An individual with solely income from these earnings would expect to have total Income Tax and Employee National Insurance liabilities of £5,730 in 2024-25 and £6,003 in 2025-26.

Individuals aged 21 and over earning minimum wage and working 35 hours per week would be expected to earn £20,821 and £22,222 in tax years 2024-25 and 2025-26 respectively. These would result in Income Tax and Employee National Insurance liabilities of:

£1,650 and £660 in 2024-25,

£1,930 and £772 in 2025-26.

Further information on the ONS data for median earnings can be found in their annual publication: 2024 provisional earnings and hours worked, all employees (ons.gov.uk)

Earnings growth forecasts are published in the OBR’s forecast tables: October 2024 Detailed forecast tables: Economy (obr.uk)

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for her policies of the length of Speech and Language waiting lists.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

We recognise the impact that long waits to access speech and language therapy can have on the individual, and their families and carers. The Department and NHS England are committed to reducing long waits and improving timely access to community health services, including speech and language therapy.

We continue to improve access to speech and language therapy by including the Early Language and Support for Every Child pathfinder project within the Department for Educations’ existing Change Programme, in partnership with NHS England.

It is the responsibility of integrated care boards to make available appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an estimate of the number of additional individuals her Department expects to pay tax in financial year 2025-26 as a result of the freeze on income tax thresholds.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The information requested on the impact on taxpayer numbers as a result of threshold freezes is published as part of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO). The published table sets out the estimated numbers of taxpayers with and without indexation of the thresholds and the impact of the thresholds being frozen. This information is updated in the EFO in each fiscal event. An excerpt from Table 3.18 from the October 2024 EFO:

As shown in the table, 3.5 million more individuals are expected to pay income tax in 2025-26 as a result of the threshold freezes.

The number of Higher rate taxpayers is expected to increase from 6.6 million in 2024-25 to 7.0 million in 2025-26 (a rise of 0.4 million), and additional rate taxpayer numbers are expected to increase from 1.1 million to 1.2 million (a rise of 0.1 million).

The full table is available as Table 3.18 in the detailed forecast of receipts: October 2024 Economic and fiscal outlook – detailed forecast tables: receipts (obr.uk)

The latest ONS estimate for median earnings for 2023-24 is £31,602, and this can be projected using OBR’s average earnings growth forecasts, which gives an estimate of median earnings for 2024-25 of £33,035 and 2025-26 of £34,011. An individual with solely income from these earnings would expect to have total Income Tax and Employee National Insurance liabilities of £5,730 in 2024-25 and £6,003 in 2025-26.

Individuals aged 21 and over earning minimum wage and working 35 hours per week would be expected to earn £20,821 and £22,222 in tax years 2024-25 and 2025-26 respectively. These would result in Income Tax and Employee National Insurance liabilities of:

£1,650 and £660 in 2024-25,

£1,930 and £772 in 2025-26.

Further information on the ONS data for median earnings can be found in their annual publication: 2024 provisional earnings and hours worked, all employees (ons.gov.uk)

Earnings growth forecasts are published in the OBR’s forecast tables: October 2024 Detailed forecast tables: Economy (obr.uk)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an estimate of the number of taxpayers set to pay the higher rate of income tax in financial year 2025-26 compared with financial year 2024-25.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The information requested on the impact on taxpayer numbers as a result of threshold freezes is published as part of the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO). The published table sets out the estimated numbers of taxpayers with and without indexation of the thresholds and the impact of the thresholds being frozen. This information is updated in the EFO in each fiscal event. An excerpt from Table 3.18 from the October 2024 EFO:

As shown in the table, 3.5 million more individuals are expected to pay income tax in 2025-26 as a result of the threshold freezes.

The number of Higher rate taxpayers is expected to increase from 6.6 million in 2024-25 to 7.0 million in 2025-26 (a rise of 0.4 million), and additional rate taxpayer numbers are expected to increase from 1.1 million to 1.2 million (a rise of 0.1 million).

The full table is available as Table 3.18 in the detailed forecast of receipts: October 2024 Economic and fiscal outlook – detailed forecast tables: receipts (obr.uk)

The latest ONS estimate for median earnings for 2023-24 is £31,602, and this can be projected using OBR’s average earnings growth forecasts, which gives an estimate of median earnings for 2024-25 of £33,035 and 2025-26 of £34,011. An individual with solely income from these earnings would expect to have total Income Tax and Employee National Insurance liabilities of £5,730 in 2024-25 and £6,003 in 2025-26.

Individuals aged 21 and over earning minimum wage and working 35 hours per week would be expected to earn £20,821 and £22,222 in tax years 2024-25 and 2025-26 respectively. These would result in Income Tax and Employee National Insurance liabilities of:

£1,650 and £660 in 2024-25,

£1,930 and £772 in 2025-26.

Further information on the ONS data for median earnings can be found in their annual publication: 2024 provisional earnings and hours worked, all employees (ons.gov.uk)

Earnings growth forecasts are published in the OBR’s forecast tables: October 2024 Detailed forecast tables: Economy (obr.uk)

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will make an estimate of the cost to the public purse of consultations conducted by the Government since July 2024.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Cabinet Office does not centrally collect data nor monitor consultations across Government. The Cabinet Office provides high level advice on the Consultation Principles to help departments consider how they should manage their consultations. Each department is legally responsible for how they run their consultations.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking through the immigration system to support the ambition of 50 million inbound tourism visitors by 2030.

Answered by Seema Malhotra - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

The UK continues to welcome tourists from across the globe, who make an important contribution to the UK economy and enrich British culture. The UK Standard Visitor route offers individuals the ability to visit the UK for a temporary period, (usually for up to a maximum period of 6 months), for purposes such as tourism and visiting friends or family. Visitors may enter multiple times and regular travellers to the UK have the option of applying for longer term validity visas of 2-, 5- and 10-years duration.

As part of our border transformation programme, we are creating a streamlined, digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through each year and will enhance the security of the UK. This will include a digital approach to applying for permission to travel, proving identity and immigration status, crossing the border, and demonstrating entitlements in the UK. eVisas are a key part of this, enhancing applicants’ experience, delivering excellent value, and increasing security and efficiency.

We are also introducing our Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme which applies to those passengers visiting the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays and do not have a valid UK immigration status prior to travelling. People providing their information in advance of travel paves the way for increased automation at the border, with security at the forefront.

The ETA scheme currently applies to all eligible non-European non-visa nations. From 5 March, it will be extended to all eligible Europeans and will be a requirement for travel for this cohort from 2 April.

Alongside British and Irish citizens, nationals of an EU/EEA country, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland and the USA, who are over the age of 10 are normally eligible to use eGates to enter the UK. Frequent travellers who are members of the Registered Traveller service are also eligible to use eGates. We encourage all eligible passengers to make use of our e Gates where possible as they provide a safe, secure and efficient way of crossing the UK border.

We continue to keep our borders and immigration system under review to ensure that it works in the national interest.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of making Internal Drainage Boards a statutory consultee on planning applications.

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

The government recently declared a moratorium on any new statutory consultees, along with a review of the existing statutory consultee arrangements to ensure they align with the government’s ambitions for growth. Any further announcements will be subject to this review.

Separately, an independent review of the water sector’s regulatory system was launched in October 2024, with the aim of enhancing water management and cross-border challenges. Findings are expected in early 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the impact of the current role of Internal Drainage Boards on the planning process.

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

The government recently declared a moratorium on any new statutory consultees, along with a review of the existing statutory consultee arrangements to ensure they align with the government’s ambitions for growth. Any further announcements will be subject to this review.

Separately, an independent review of the water sector’s regulatory system was launched in October 2024, with the aim of enhancing water management and cross-border challenges. Findings are expected in early 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an estimate of the total cost to the public purse of the work of the New Towns Taskforce.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 22561 on 27 January 2025.

Found: Questions 1-18 Representations made I: Bayo Alaba II: Chris Bloore III: Jim Shannon IV: Blake Stephenson

Found: Ellie Chowns; Barry Gardiner; Anna Gelderd; Pippa Heylings; Chris Hinchliff; Martin Rhodes; Blake Stephenson

Found: Morton Gregory Stafford Joy Morrissey Dame Harriett Baldwin Charlie Dewhirst David Reed Blake Stephenson