Charlotte Nichols Portrait

Charlotte Nichols

Labour - Warrington North

9,190 (23.0%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 12th December 2019


Business and Trade Committee
11th May 2020 - 30th May 2024
Business and Trade Sub-Committee on National Security and Investment
28th Jun 2022 - 30th May 2024
Licensing Hours Extensions Bill
7th Feb 2024 - 30th May 2024
Zoological Society of London (Leases) Bill
21st Feb 2024 - 28th Feb 2024
Energy Bill [HL]
22nd May 2023 - 29th Jun 2023
Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill
1st Mar 2023 - 8th Mar 2023
Online Safety (Re-committed Clauses and Schedules) Bill
7th Dec 2022 - 15th Dec 2022
Social Housing (Regulation) Bill [HL]
23rd Nov 2022 - 29th Nov 2022
Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill
2nd Mar 2022 - 8th Mar 2022
European Scrutiny Committee
2nd Mar 2020 - 2nd Nov 2021
European Statutory Instruments Committee
10th Feb 2020 - 2nd Nov 2021
Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill
7th Sep 2021 - 22nd Sep 2021
Shadow Minister (Equalities Office)
14th May 2021 - 14th Sep 2021


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Charlotte Nichols has voted in 15 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Charlotte Nichols 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
Keir Starmer (Labour)
Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury
(2 debate interactions)
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Department Debates
Northern Ireland Office
(1 debate contributions)
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Legislation Debates
Charlotte Nichols has not made any spoken contributions to legislative debate
View all Charlotte Nichols's debates

Latest EDMs signed by Charlotte Nichols

11th September 2024
Charlotte Nichols signed this EDM on Thursday 12th September 2024

Pension credit threshold

Tabled by: Mike Amesbury (Labour - Runcorn and Helsby)
That this House notes that the current threshold of pension support to open the gate way of winter fuel allowance is too low; further notes the need to change the cliff-edge nature of the pension credit threshold; and calls upon the Government to capture the gateway support for those citizens …
18 signatures
(Most recent: 12 Sep 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 17
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
22nd July 2024
Charlotte Nichols signed this EDM on Tuesday 23rd July 2024

Dismissal of trade union representatives at HMRC Benton Park View

Tabled by: Mary Glindon (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend)
That this House notes with concern that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in Benton Park View, Newcastle, has dismissed a number of Trade Union representatives from the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union, claiming gross misconduct; further notes that HMRC has rejected appeals against their dismissal, despite evidence being brought …
18 signatures
(Most recent: 9 Sep 2024)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 13
Independent: 4
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
View All Charlotte Nichols's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Charlotte Nichols, 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.


Charlotte Nichols has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Charlotte Nichols has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

1 Bill introduced by Charlotte Nichols


A Bill to establish a passenger charter for disabled land transport passengers setting out their rights, the legal obligations of transport operators, complaints procedures, passenger assistance schemes and accessibility requirements; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 7th September 2021
(Read Debate)

Latest 26 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
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Government response to the consultation entitled Health is everyone’s business, published on 4 October 2021, whether he plans to incorporate proposals within that consultation on tackling ill health-related job losses into the Employment Rights Bill.

This Government is committed to delivering the Plan to Make Work Pay in full and updating Britain's employment protections, so they are fit for our modern economy and the future of work. As set out in the Plan to Make to Work Pay we are committed to strengthen Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), so it provides a safety net for those who need it most. We will remove the Lower Earnings Limit to make it available to all workers and remove the waiting period so that SSP is paid from the first day of sickness absence. Ministers are identifying the most appropriate delivery mechanisms for the commitments in the Plan, including an Employment Rights Bill that will be introduced to Parliament within 100 days of taking office.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what his planned timetable is to decide whether to accept Ofcom’s advice on extending category 1 regulation of schedule 11 of the Online Safety Act 2023 to small online forums containing (a) racial hatred and (b) promotion of (i) suicide and (ii) eating disorders.

The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology is carefully considering Ofcom’s categorisation research and advice and will make Regulations as soon as reasonably practicable.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that speech, language and communication (a) needs and (b) development are supported as early as possible including for children whose needs are identified pre-school age.

Early language skills are vital in enabling children to thrive in the early years and later life, as well as for all aspects of later attainment in school.

The early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework sets the standards and requirements that all early years providers must follow to ensure every child has the best start in life and is prepared for school. The three prime areas of learning and development within the EYFS are particularly important for building a strong foundation, with communication and language being one of the prime areas.

Assessment plays an important part in helping parents, carers and practitioners to recognise children’s progress, understand their needs and to plan activities and support. The assessment requirements in the EYFS include a progress check at age two and the EYFS Profile, both of which involve reviewing a child’s development in communication and language.

However, the department knows that when it comes to referrals for additional support, too many children are waiting too long for speech and language therapy. NHS planning guidance asks local systems to reduce overall waiting times for community services, with a particular focus on reducing the longest waits. Community health services, including speech and language therapy, will be key in delivering this government’s commitment to shift to a neighbourhood health service and provide more care in the community. Full details of the NHS operational planning and contracting guidance can be found on this website: https://www.england.nhs.uk/operational-planning-and-contracting/.

To further support early language skills, the department is also:

  • Extending the Nuffield Early Language Intervention programme (NELI) for the 2024/25 academic year to support reception-aged children needing extra support with their speech and language development. NELI is proven to help children make four months of additional progress, and seven months for those eligible for free school meals.
  • Delivering the early years education recovery programme, including:

Providing funding for settings to undertake evidence-based continuous professional development programmes, including those focussed on speech, language and communication, via a national network of early years stronger practice hubs.

Training through the ‘professional development programme’ and the online early years child development training, both of which include a specific module focused on early language.

Training for up to 7,000 special educational needs co-ordinators to help children with speech, language and communication needs and support earlier identification of needs.

  • Enabling Family Hubs to train practitioners to support families with the home learning environment. Practitioners are being trained to help parents learn new skills, including providing effective support for children’s speech and communication.
  • Working in partnership with NHS England to deliver the ‘Early Language Support for Every Child’ pathfinders.
  • Working with partners to deliver an ‘Early Language Local Innovation and Excellence’ programme which includes implementation of published speech and language communication pathway guidance and an early language identification measure.
  • Publishing early years special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) assessment guidance and resources including practical advice, tools and downloadable resources. These will help educators assess children with SEND, capture their voice, and set learning targets featuring a dedicated tool for communication and interaction.
Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to help ensure the specialist workforce needed for (a) babies, (b) children and (c) young people with speech, language and communication needs.

This government’s vision for children and young people with special educational needs, including those with speech, language and communication needs, is the same as it is for all children and young people. We want them to achieve well in their early years, at school and in further education; to find employment; to lead happy and fulfilled lives; and to experience choice and control.

In July, the department announced that funded support would continue in the 2024/25 academic year for 11,100 schools registered to the Nuffield early language intervention programme. This will help pupils who need extra support with speech and language development to find their voice. The department is also funding the Early Language and Support For Every Child pathfinders, in partnership with NHS England. This will fund nine Integrated Care Boards and will fund one of the local areas within each of the nine Regional Expert Partnerships to trial new ways of working to better identify and support children with speech, language and communication needs in early years and primary schools. Alongside this, we know that continuing to build the pipeline of speech and language therapists is essential. That is why the department introduced the speech and language degree apprenticeship, which is now in its third year of delivery and offers an alternative pathway into a successful career as a speech and language therapist.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has made an assessment of the adequacy of the specialist workforce needed for (a) babies, (b) children and (c) young people with speech, language, and communication needs.

This government’s vision for children and young people with special educational needs, including those with speech, language and communication needs, is the same as it is for all children and young people. We want them to achieve well in their early years, at school and in further education; to find employment; to lead happy and fulfilled lives; and to experience choice and control.

In July, the department announced that funded support would continue in the 2024/25 academic year for 11,100 schools registered to the Nuffield early language intervention programme. This will help pupils who need extra support with speech and language development to find their voice. The department is also funding the Early Language and Support For Every Child pathfinders, in partnership with NHS England. This will fund nine Integrated Care Boards and will fund one of the local areas within each of the nine Regional Expert Partnerships to trial new ways of working to better identify and support children with speech, language and communication needs in early years and primary schools. Alongside this, we know that continuing to build the pipeline of speech and language therapists is essential. That is why the department introduced the speech and language degree apprenticeship, which is now in its third year of delivery and offers an alternative pathway into a successful career as a speech and language therapist.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
3rd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential (a) return on investment, (b) improved outcomes and (c) opportunities from tackling the speech, language and communication needs of (i) babies, (ii) children and (iii) young people.

This government’s vision for children and young people with special educational needs, including those with speech, language and communication needs, is the same as it is for all children and young people. We want them to achieve well in their early years, at school and in further education; to find employment; to lead happy and fulfilled lives; and to experience choice and control.

In July, the department announced that funded support would continue in the 2024/25 academic year for 11,100 schools registered to the Nuffield early language intervention programme. This will help pupils who need extra support with speech and language development to find their voice. The department is also funding the Early Language and Support For Every Child pathfinders, in partnership with NHS England. This will fund nine Integrated Care Boards and will fund one of the local areas within each of the nine Regional Expert Partnerships to trial new ways of working to better identify and support children with speech, language and communication needs in early years and primary schools. Alongside this, we know that continuing to build the pipeline of speech and language therapists is essential. That is why the department introduced the speech and language degree apprenticeship, which is now in its third year of delivery and offers an alternative pathway into a successful career as a speech and language therapist.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to reintroduce red squirrels in parts of England.

The leading causes of red squirrel decline in England include competition from non-native grey squirrels, squirrel pox virus, and habitat availability. Conservation of red squirrels is therefore targeted to red squirrel stronghold areas in the north of England. All reintroductions in England are expected to follow the Code for Reintroductions and other Conservation Translocations.

The UK Squirrel Accord, to which Defra, Natural England, and the Forestry Commission are signatories, is working to better understand the appropriate strategies for conserving the red squirrel. This work includes identifying, protecting, and strengthening existing red squirrel populations, expanding their current range, and promoting better understanding and support for their conservation. Future conservation actions will be informed by this work. Once the work of the strategy has concluded and its recommendations set out, we will consider whether red squirrels should be reintroduced. In the meantime, the red squirrel action plan contains actions that could improve their habitats.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether civil service pay remit guidance applies to National Highways workers.

National Highways was established in 2015 with a requirement to have regard to the Civil Service Pay Remit Guidance when setting pay awards for its staff. National Highways must also ensure its pay deals are affordable and in line with its budget and pay control envelope agreed with the Department for Transport and His Majesty’s Treasury.

Lilian Greenwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the rate of Statutory Sick Pay to that of the National Living Wage.

No one should be forced to choose between their health and financial hardship, which is why we plan to strengthen Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), so it provides a safety net for those who need it most. The Plan to Make Work Pay commits to remove the Lower Earnings Limit to make it available to all workers and remove the waiting period so that SSP is paid from the first day of sickness absence. Together these changes will ensure everyone receives fair earnings replacement when they have to take time off work.

The Government will continue to keep the rate of SSP under review as part of the annual uprating process.

Alison McGovern
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of paying Statutory Sick Pay at an hourly rate.

No one should be forced to choose between their health and financial hardship, which is why we plan to strengthen Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), so it provides a safety net for those who need it most. The Plan to Make Work Pay commits to remove the Lower Earnings Limit to make it available to all workers and remove the waiting period so that SSP is paid from the first day of sickness absence. Together these changes will ensure everyone receives fair earnings replacement when they have to take time off work.

As part of these changes consideration will be given as to how to best structure the payment rate for individuals earning below the flat weekly rate of SSP.

Alison McGovern
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to ensure that reforms to Statutory Sick Pay take account of (a) multiple sclerosis and (b) other fluctuating conditions.

No one should be forced to choose between their health and financial hardship, which is why we plan to strengthen Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), so it provides a safety net for those who need it most. The Plan to Make Work Pay commits to remove the Lower Earnings Limit to make it available to all workers and remove the waiting period so that SSP is paid from the first day of sickness absence. Together these changes will ensure everyone receives fair earnings replacement when they have to take time off work.

Paying SSP for all days of work missed because of sickness will help support employees who have fluctuating conditions who may take frequent, shorter absences from work as part of managing their health condition, such as multiple sclerosis.

Alison McGovern
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to implement the recommendations of the Fourth Report of the Work and Pensions Committee of Session 2023-24 on Statutory Sick Pay, HC148, published on 28 March 2024, in the Employment Rights Bill.

The Government will be providing a response to the Fourth Report of the Work and Pensions Committee of Session 2023-24 on Statutory Sick Pay in due course and once the Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee has been appointed.

Alison McGovern
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she plans to take to encourage take up of Pension Credit.

The Government is determined to ensure that the poorest pensioners get the support they need.

As part of the current Pension Credit Week of Action, we have joined forces with national charities, broadcasters and local authorities to encourage pensioners to check their eligibility and make a claim.

From 16 September, we will be running a national marketing campaign on a range of channels. The campaign will target potential pension-age customers, as well as friends and family who can encourage and support them to apply.

Our future campaign messaging will also focus on encouraging pensioners to apply for Pension Credit before the 21 December 2024, which is the last date for making a successful backdated claim for Pension Credit in order to receive a Winter Fuel Payment.

We will work with external partners, local authorities and the Devolved Governments to boost the take-up of Pension Credit.

Emma Reynolds
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to support people (a) on lower incomes and (b) who are living with a long-term health condition with the cost of prescription charges.

There are a wide range of exemptions already in place to help people afford prescriptions. Approximately 89% of prescription items are dispensed free of charge in the community in England, and those with chronic illnesses may already be eligible for an exemption. Eligibility depends on the patient’s age, whether they are in qualifying full-time education, whether they are pregnant or have recently given birth, or whether they are in receipt of certain benefits or a war pension.

People on low incomes can apply for help with their health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) are also available. PPCs allow people to claim as many prescriptions as they need for a set cost, with three-month and 12-month certificates available, and the 12-month PPC can be paid for in instalments.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will take steps to review the prescription charge medical exemption list annually.

There are no current plans to review the list of medical conditions that entitle someone to apply for a medical exemption certificate. Approximately 89% of prescription items are dispensed free of charge in the community in England, and there is a wide range of exemptions from prescription charges already in place, for which those with chronic illnesses may be eligible. Eligibility depends on the patient’s age, whether they are in qualifying full-time education, whether they are pregnant or have recently given birth, or whether they are in receipt of certain benefits or a war pension.

People on low incomes can apply for help with their health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) are also available. PPCs allow people to claim as many prescriptions as they need for a set cost, with three-month and 12-month certificates available, and the 12-month PPC can be paid for in instalments.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that there is an adequate supply of medicines for ADHD.

The Department has been working with industry to help resolve supply issues with some attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medicines, which are affecting the United Kingdom and other countries around the world. As a result of intensive work, some issues have been resolved. All strengths of lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine capsules, and guanfacine prolonged-release tablets are now available. We are working to resolve medicine supply issues, where they remain, for some strengths of methylphenidate. These are anticipated to be resolved by October 2024.

We are asking suppliers to secure additional stocks, expedite deliveries where possible, and review plans to further build capacity to support continued growth in demand for the short and long-term.

The Department has worked with specialist clinicians to develop management advice for National Health Service clinicians to consider prescribing available alternative brands of methylphenidate prolonged release tablets. We would expect ADHD service providers and specialists to follow our guidance to offer rapid response to primary care teams seeking urgent advice or opinion for the management of patients, including those known to be at a higher risk of adverse impact because of these shortages.

To aid ADHD service providers and prescribers further, we have widely disseminated our communications and continually update a list of currently available and unavailable ADHD products on the Specialist Pharmacy Service website, helping ensure that those involved in the prescribing and dispensing of ADHD medications can make informed decisions with patients, which is available at the following link:

https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-available-medicines-to-treat-adhd/

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will allow contacts of people with immunosuppression to be eligible for the covid-19 vaccination programme in autumn 2024.

The primary aim of the autumn 2024 COVID-19 vaccination programme remains the prevention of severe illness, hospitalisations, and deaths, arising from COVID-19. On 2 August 2024 the Government accepted the advice of the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to offer a COVID-19 vaccination to those aged 65 years old or over, those living in care homes for older adults, and those aged between six months and 64 years old who are in a clinical risk group in England this autumn. Additionally, vaccination will be offered to all frontline health and social care workers, as well as staff in care homes for older adults.

There are no plans to offer a COVID-19 vaccination to unpaid carers, including young carers, or the families and household contacts of people with immunosuppression, during the autumn 2024 campaign in England. Unpaid carers and household contacts of those with immunosuppression have previously been offered vaccination on the basis that it indirectly protected those more vulnerable with whom they are in contact. The JCVI advice for autumn 2024 is that in the era of highly transmissible Omicron sub-variants, any protection offered by the vaccines against transmission of infection from one person to another is expected to be extremely limited. The indirect benefits of vaccination in these groups, vaccinating an individual to reduce the risk of severe disease in other people, are therefore less evident than in previous years.

Andrew Gwynne
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he plans to take to help registrars find work in the North of England.

As we continue to expand the medical workforce, we will ensure there is growth in registrar and specialty training places, to meet the demands of the National Health Service. NHS England will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure this growth is focused in areas of the country and in specialities where the need is greatest.

Karin Smyth
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her policy is on the citizenship status of individuals with British National (Overseas) visas.

British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) status holders may apply for a BN(O) visa which entitles them and their dependent family members to reside in the UK. After completing 5 years’ qualifying residence in the UK, and being free from immigration time restrictions for a further year, BN(O) visa holders and their dependent family members may apply for British citizenship.

Seema Malhotra
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology on Ofcom’s advice entitled Categorisation - research and advice, in the context of the Online Safety Act 2023.

The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology is carefully considering Ofcom’s research and advice and will make Regulations as soon as reasonably practicable.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department meets regularly with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology to discuss a range of topics, including on online safety. Officials also meet regularly and are working closely together.

Dan Jarvis
Minister of State (Home Office)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to help protect workers travelling home late at night who are at risk of sexual violence.

This Government will treat tackling violence against women and girls as a national emergency and will use every tool to target perpetrators and address the root causes of violence on our streets.

We want women to feel safe and will use every lever to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade, across the whole of government, with policing and other experts.

To make our streets safe, we must drastically reduce serious violent crime and violence against women and girls, increase confidence in the police, stop young people falling into crime, and make our criminal justice system work for victims.

No one should ever have to face the risk of violence or harassment when travelling. This government is taking action to make sure our transport network is safe for all. The Department for Transport is working closely with transport partners, including the British Transport Police, on a range of initiatives to address the problems faced by different users, including women and girls, on the transport network.

Jess Phillips
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of abolishing the requirement for identification at polling stations.

The Electoral Commission is the independent electoral regulator and will be reporting on the administration of the May elections and the recent General Election. This will include the proportion of individuals turned away for lack of accepted identification. We anticipate publication of their initial findings on voter ID later this month and their full election report later in the year.

In line with our manifesto commitments, we will carefully review the voter ID rules and evaluate how they impacted citizens during the General Election before bringing forward firm proposals for reform in due course. This will of course include full consideration of the Electoral Commission’s findings.

With regard to postal voting at the 2024 General Election, I refer my Hon Friend to the answer given to Question UIN 199 on 26 July 2024.

Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many people were turned away from polling stations due to lack of voter identification on 4 July 2024.

The Electoral Commission is the independent electoral regulator and will be reporting on the administration of the May elections and the recent General Election. This will include the proportion of individuals turned away for lack of accepted identification. We anticipate publication of their initial findings on voter ID later this month and their full election report later in the year.

In line with our manifesto commitments, we will carefully review the voter ID rules and evaluate how they impacted citizens during the General Election before bringing forward firm proposals for reform in due course. This will of course include full consideration of the Electoral Commission’s findings.

With regard to postal voting at the 2024 General Election, I refer my Hon Friend to the answer given to Question UIN 199 on 26 July 2024.

Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make it her policy to remove the requirement for photo ID at elections.

The Electoral Commission is the independent electoral regulator and will be reporting on the administration of the May elections and the recent General Election. This will include the proportion of individuals turned away for lack of accepted identification. We anticipate publication of their initial findings on voter ID later this month and their full election report later in the year.

In line with our manifesto commitments, we will carefully review the voter ID rules and evaluate how they impacted citizens during the General Election before bringing forward firm proposals for reform in due course. This will of course include full consideration of the Electoral Commission’s findings.

With regard to postal voting at the 2024 General Election, I refer my Hon Friend to the answer given to Question UIN 199 on 26 July 2024.

Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what information her Departments holds on the leasehold-related costs for the average leaseholder in an apartment block.

The English Housing Survey contains data on service charge costs and ground rents. The latest data available for 2022-2023, published on 18 July 2024, found that owner occupier leaseholders paid on average £419 in ground rent per year and £1650 per year in service charges. This covers leaseholders in both flats and houses. Details can be found at: English Housing Survey data on leaseholders - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Some leaseholders will also pay specific charges like administration, permission and event fees. Leaseholders may also face one-off bills to meet the costs of major works. Obligations to meet these costs will be set out in the lease.

In relation to building safety, under the Building Safety Act 2022 ‘qualifying leaseholders’ in relevant buildings over 11m are protected from costs associated with the remediation of unsafe cladding and non-cladding building safety defects. For qualifying leaseholders, their maximum cap for non-cladding remediation and interim measures is £15,000 in Greater London and £10,000 elsewhere in England.

The Impact Assessment provides further details and can be found at: The Building Safety (Leaseholder Protections) (England) Regulations 2022 - Impact Assessment (legislation.gov.uk)

Rushanara Ali
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the financial impact of outsourcing within prisons.

In June 2019, the Ministry of Justice put in place the Prison Operator Services Framework to manage a pipeline of operator competitions for new build prisons, and existing private prisons as they expire. To date, nine operator competitions have been launched via the Framework, with seven contracts awarded. One further contract is due to be awarded in 2024 before the final contract is awarded in 2025.

The aim of all operator competitions is to secure an operator to provide high quality, sustainable, and value for money custodial and maintenance services that are safe, decent, secure, and rehabilitative.

In each competition, bidders are required to set out detailed, high quality, value for money prison specific proposals that must meet minimum quality and financial thresholds. Bids are evaluated against clearly defined quality and financial criteria and a public sector comparator.

All operator competitions to date have delivered savings and provided additional added value when compared against the public sector comparator.

Nicholas Dakin
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury