Chris Hinchliff Portrait

Chris Hinchliff

Independent - North East Hertfordshire

1,923 (3.7%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 4th July 2024


Chris Hinchliff is not an officer of any APPGs Chris Hinchliff is not a member of any APPGs
Chris Hinchliff has no previous appointments


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Chris Hinchliff has voted in 288 divisions, and 7 times against the majority of their Party.

9 Jun 2025 - Planning and Infrastructure Bill - View Vote Context
Chris Hinchliff voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 15 Labour Aye votes vs 298 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 180 Noes - 307
1 Jul 2025 - Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill - View Vote Context
Chris Hinchliff voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 49 Labour No votes vs 333 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 335 Noes - 260
1 Jul 2025 - Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill - View Vote Context
Chris Hinchliff voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 42 Labour Aye votes vs 325 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 149 Noes - 328
9 Jul 2025 - Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill - View Vote Context
Chris Hinchliff voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 47 Labour No votes vs 333 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 336 Noes - 242
9 Jul 2025 - Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill - View Vote Context
Chris Hinchliff voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 47 Labour Aye votes vs 331 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 149 Noes - 334
9 Jul 2025 - Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill - View Vote Context
Chris Hinchliff voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 35 Labour Aye votes vs 333 Labour No votes
Tally: Ayes - 130 Noes - 443
9 Jul 2025 - Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill - View Vote Context
Chris Hinchliff voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 37 Labour No votes vs 330 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 335 Noes - 135
View All Chris Hinchliff 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
Matthew Pennycook (Labour)
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
(6 debate interactions)
Dan Jarvis (Labour)
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
(4 debate interactions)
Daniel Zeichner (Labour)
(4 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Legislation Debates
Water Bill 2024-26
(1,752 words contributed)
Great British Energy Act 2025
(993 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Chris Hinchliff's debates

North East Hertfordshire Petitions

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

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

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

Petition Debates Contributed

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

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

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

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


Latest EDMs signed by Chris Hinchliff

15th September 2025
Chris Hinchliff signed this EDM on Tuesday 21st October 2025

Nature-rich river corridors

Tabled by: Ellie Chowns (Green Party - North Herefordshire)
That this House recognises the crucial role of nature-rich spaces alongside waterways in providing habitat and connections for wildlife and space for water and in providing a buffer to reduce agricultural pollution reaching rivers; notes with concern reductions in this fringing habitat over recent decades and consequent changes to the …
8 signatures
(Most recent: 21 Oct 2025)
Signatures by party:
Green Party: 2
Labour: 2
Liberal Democrat: 1
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Scottish National Party: 1
Independent: 1
13th October 2025
Chris Hinchliff signed this EDM on Wednesday 15th October 2025

Five-year indefinite leave to remain pathway for Skilled Worker visa holders

Tabled by: Neil Duncan-Jordan (Independent - Poole)
That this House recognises the vital contribution of Skilled Worker visa holders to the UK economy and public services, including sectors facing critical shortages such as health, engineering, and social care; notes that these individuals pay taxes, contribute to their communities, and have no recourse to public funds; further notes …
39 signatures
(Most recent: 21 Oct 2025)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 16
Independent: 9
Green Party: 4
Plaid Cymru: 4
Liberal Democrat: 3
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
Alliance: 1
Scottish National Party: 1
View All Chris Hinchliff's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Chris Hinchliff, 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.


Chris Hinchliff has not been granted any Urgent Questions

1 Adjournment Debate led by Chris Hinchliff

Monday 15th September 2025

Chris Hinchliff has not introduced any legislation before Parliament

Chris Hinchliff has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
29th Jan 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will hold discussions with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) civil servants on the potential merits of introducing a scheme to enable (i) cultural exchange by and (ii) increased mobility of young people between the UK and EU.

The Government set out clear priorities for the reset with the EU in the manifesto. There are no plans for a Youth Mobility Scheme.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will ensure that Departments only use (a) regulated, (b) registered and (c) qualified interpreters.

Government departments can access interpreters through the Crown Commercial Service’s RM6141 Language Services agreement, which offers innovative language solutions tailored to meet the core needs of the public sector.

To secure a place on the RM6141 Language Services framework, all suppliers must be prepared to provide proof of their interpreters’ qualifications upon request. The specific level of qualification required will depend on the services being procured. Additionally, when purchasing through this agreement, buyers may request the following information:

  • list of qualifications including supporting evidence

  • list of security clearances held including supporting evidence

  • list of previous experience and supporting evidence

  • evidence of Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Georgia Gould
Minister of State (Education)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will conduct a review on insourcing public sector language services.

The Government will always aim to secure value for money and social value. As part of this, contracting authorities are required to take an analytical evidenced based approach on each contract and undertake a Delivery Model Assessment when making decisions about the right model for delivering public services.

This assessment is the responsibility of the relevant individual contracting authority.

Georgia Gould
Minister of State (Education)
15th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what plans his Department has to support exports of UK-manufactured hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to international markets.

As a frontier sector in the Industrial Strategy, the government has committed targeted support to boost exports of world leading hydrogen technologies into new and established markets, by increasing the visibility of UK capabilities to projects and investors and unlocking greater participation in international supply chains. The Trade Strategy also commits to supporting exports through building on existing and exploring new and deeper clean energy sector agreements.

Officials in my department will continue to showcase UK capabilities through our global network, increasing access to international supply chains. UK Export Finance can offer a range of support for overseas sales, aims to deliver £10bn in clean growth financing by 2029.

Chris McDonald
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
15th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has had discussions with industry stakeholders on growing UK-based manufacturing of hydrogen and fuel cell equipment by 2030.

The Government announced a public finance offer for clean energy industries to crowd private investment into sustainable UK supply chains. This includes: a £1bn Clean Energy supply chain fund; £5.8bn for the National Wealth Fund to invest across this Parliament in clean industries including low-carbon hydrogen; and a £4bn British Business Bank Industrial Strategy Growth Capital scale up and start up financing package.

My officials in the UK and overseas are working closely with UK-based companies to showcase the UK's leading capabilities and unlock opportunities across the hydrogen value chain both at home and overseas. I look forward to working with the industry on these shared ambitions.

Chris McDonald
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what is the potential scope of their proposed consultation on financial support for parents of seriously ill children.

The government has already committed to publish a terms of reference and timeline for its ongoing review of employment rights for unpaid carers this autumn. This will also outline the scope and include a timeline for consulting on employment rights for parents of seriously ill children.

Kate Dearden
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will publish a timetable for launching a consultation on financial support for parents of seriously ill children.

The government has already committed to publish a terms of reference and timeline for its ongoing review of employment rights for unpaid carers this autumn. This will also outline the scope and include a timeline for consulting on employment rights for parents of seriously ill children.

Kate Dearden
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
5th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has had recent discussions with Stellantis on the closure of their Luton plant.

Ministers have engaged closely with Stellantis on the future of its operations in the UK, with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade most recently meeting the Chair of the Stellantis board on 1 February to discuss how the Luton plant could be kept open as well as ensuring appropriate support for affected workers should a closure proceed.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Home Office)
27th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has had discussions with trade unions on Vauxhall's planned closure of its plant in Luton.

Stellantis announced on 26 November that it was starting a consultation with staff on its plans to consolidate its two UK manufacturing sites into one plant at Ellesmere Port.

The Department is actively engaging with the company and has asked them to share the full details of its plans, including its consultation with workers and trade unions.

We will continue to work closely with Stellantis, as well as trade unions and Luton Borough Council, on the next steps of their proposals.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Home Office)
27th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Vauxhall's planned closure of its plant in Luton on North East Hertfordshire constituency; and if he will take steps to support (a) people and (b) businesses in that constituency affected by that planned closure.

Stellantis announced on 26 November that it was starting a consultation with staff at its Luton plant on its plans for the future of its manufacturing there.

The Department is actively engaging with the company and has asked them to share the full details of its plans, including the site.

We will continue to work closely with Stellantis, trade unions and Hertfordshire County Council to understand the impact of their proposals on the economy of Hertfordshire.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Home Office)
27th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department is holding discussions with Stellantis on the announced closure of its Vauxhall plant in Luton.

The Secretary of State has been in contact with Stellantis since July to discuss the pressures in their UK and global business and the future of the Luton plant. He met them again on 26 November where they regrettably shared their proposals to consult on the closure Luton and consolidation at Ellesmere Port.

We know this will be a concerning time for the families of employees at Luton who may be affected, and we will continue to work closely with Stellantis, as well as trade unions and Luton Borough Council on the next steps of their proposals and how to mitigate the impact on employees affected and the local area.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Home Office)
13th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what notice the Post Office plans to give of closure of branches; and what plans he has to to mitigate the potential impact of such closures on rural communities.

No decisions to close any or all of the remaining Directly Managed Branches in rural and urban areas have been taken as of yet. Given the difficult financial position the Post Office is in, it is right that it reviews the costs of its operations and considers ways to reduce their costs further.

The Post Office will continue to deliver on the 11,500 minimum branch requirement set by Government. Longer term, Government has set out our plan to publish a Green Paper to consult with the public on the long-term future of the Post Office. This Green Paper will help inform what customers, communities and postmasters would like to see from a modern Post Office network.

10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department plans to take to support research and development into hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

The Department has allocated around £170 million from the £1bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio to hydrogen R&D, including £60m for Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 and £31m for Hydrogen BECCS, advancing production, storage, transport, and negative-emission technologies.

The UK is engaging internationally to accelerate hydrogen research and innovation, for example, co-chairing the Clean Hydrogen Mission and participating in the International Energy Agency Hydrogen Technology Collaboration Programme.

This Government has a clear focus on commercial deployment, including hydrogen technologies and infrastructure.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support hydrogen and fuel cell technology manufacturers to invest in (a) new manufacturing facilities and (b) research and development.

The Government announced a public finance offer for clean energy industries to crowd private investment into sustainable UK supply chains. This includes: a £1 billion Clean Energy supply chain fund; £5.8 billion for the National Wealth Fund to invest across this Parliament in clean industries including low-carbon hydrogen; and a £4 billion British Business Bank Industrial Strategy Growth Capital scale up and start up financing package.

DESNZ has allocated around £170 million from the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio to hydrogen research & development, including £60 million for Low Carbon Hydrogen Supply 2 and £31million for H2BECCS, advancing production, storage, transport, and negative-emission technologies.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of trends in the level of (a) jobs and (b) investment in the UK hydrogen technology manufacturing sector by 2030.

The sector is nascent but is expected to grow significantly; the global hydrogen market could exceed $1 trillion by 2050, with the UK well positioned to capture a substantial share.

We intend to publish a revised Hydrogen Strategy which will include the latest hydrogen jobs estimates and set out plans to optimise the job creation and economic benefits delivered by the UK hydrogen economy.

We will continue to engage with stakeholders across the hydrogen value chain; working together with industry and unions to identify actions that support the skills and workforce needs of the UK’s low carbon hydrogen economy.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support manufacturing of the materials needed for the production of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies within the UK.

The Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan sets out a clear plan to support the growth of the UK’s manufacturing base for hydrogen technologies, including deployment certainty and timelines for future Hydrogen Allocation Rounds; the launch of the first transport and storage allocation round and hydrogen to power business model; establishing the UK’s first regional hydrogen network from 2031; exploring options to expand the CfD Clean Industry Bonus to hydrogen; working with projects to deliver events connecting developers and suppliers; and a comprehensive public financial institution offer including the £1 billion Great British Energy supply chain fund.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to grow the UK’s manufacturing base for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

The Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan sets out a clear plan to support the growth of the UK’s manufacturing base for hydrogen technologies, including deployment certainty and timelines for future Hydrogen Allocation Rounds; the launch of the first transport and storage allocation round and hydrogen to power business model; establishing the UK’s first regional hydrogen network from 2031; exploring options to expand the CfD Clean Industry Bonus to hydrogen; working with projects to deliver events connecting developers and suppliers; and a comprehensive public financial institution offer including the £1 billion Great British Energy supply chain fund.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
25th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of its proposed exemptions for certain industrial users from (a) Feed-in Tariffs, (b) Renewables Obligation Certificates and (c) the Capacity Market ion levy costs for other industrial, commercial or domestic consumers.

The government is looking to fund this support by bearing down on levies and other costs in the energy system, alongside revenues from the strengthening and expansion of carbon pricing.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support the implementation of community energy projects.

In 2025 and 2026 Great British Energy will provide over £9m in support directly for community energy projects – from solar on rooftops to hydropower in rivers - through the GBE Community Fund as well as support for the CARES scheme in Scotland. These projects will help to support jobs, boost our energy security and increase public support for the energy transition. GBE will grow this support over this parliament as it becomes fully established.

12th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of renewable energy projects on local communities.

This government has a very simple principle: if you live near new clean energy infrastructure, you should benefit from it. That's why the Planning and Infrastructure Bill proposes much-needed reforms, including direct bill discounts for communities, easier access to community funds, and a streamlined, less burdensome planning process. We know that to deliver on our mission we must bring communities with us.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
16th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of improving the longevity of gas storage capacity.

The Government recognises the value in having natural gas storage facilities in place as a source of balancing system flexibility when demand for gas is high and allowing for the future storage of hydrogen. Energy security remains a key priority for this government. The Government will continue to work with storage operators, as well as the regulatory community, to explore options around the role storage can play in supporting future gas system resilience in a changing gas landscape.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a social tariff in the energy market.

The Government has no plans to introduce an energy social tariff this winter. However, we are committed to ensuring vulnerable households are supported with their energy bills and we are looking at all options on how to support these households.

The Government is continuing to deliver the Warm Home Discount which provides a £150 rebate off energy bills to over 3 million eligible low-income households. We are also working with energy suppliers to ensure they are providing additional support to vulnerable customers.

The Government has also extended the Household Support Fund for an additional 6 months until 31 March 2025 with an extra £500 million in funding, and I encourage any individual who is struggling to pay their bills contacts their local authority to see if they are eligible for this support.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
22nd May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of provisions within the Data, Use and Access Bill on (a) copyright and (b) AI on the long-term sustainability of the music and arts sector.

The Data (Use and Access) Bill does not contain any provisions relating to copyright law and AI or the music and arts sectors. Nor does it change copyright law in any regard. In response to concerns, the Government has committed on the face of the Bill to produce an economic impact assessment and report on key matters relating to use of copyright works in the development of AI systems.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
24th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions his Department has had with representatives of the (a) music and (b) arts sector on the Data (Use and Access) Bill.

Ministers and officials have regular meetings with a range of stakeholders from the creative industries about the Data (Use and Access) Bill.

Ministerial meetings and engagements are published through quarterly transparency reports on GOV.UK.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
24th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Data, Use and Access Bill on the long-term sustainability of the music and arts sector.

The Data (Use and Access) Bill does not contain any provisions relating to the music and arts sectors.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
3rd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a national support scheme for the insurance of (a) thatched and (b) listed residential properties to help homeowners (i) manage increases in insurance costs and (ii) preserve heritage buildings.

The government acknowledges that homeowners can face challenges in managing increased insurance costs and preserving heritage buildings, such as thatched properties.

The Department has not made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a national support scheme for the insurance of thatched and listed residential properties. However, Historic England, the government's statutory advisors on the historic environment, commissioned analysis from industry experts to understand the causes behind these increases. The research revealed that fewer companies are offering insurance for highly listed (Grade I and II*) buildings, leading to reduced competition. The report found that the increased cost of materials and labour, which influence rebuild valuations, amongst other factors. These impacts are largely dictated by market forces and the Government is not considering intervention at this stage.

A range of policies and programmes the Government offers centrally and through its Arms Length Bodies, including repair and restoration grants, skills initiatives, and streamlining and simplifying the planning system, are designed to reduce the costs of works to listed buildings.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
27th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to ensure a minimum level of provision for youth services across (a) North East Hertfordshire constituency and (b) the UK.

Local authorities have a statutory duty to secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, sufficient provision of educational and recreational leisure-time activities for young people. In September 2023 DCMS published updated statutory guidance to support local authorities’ understanding of the existing duty and how to deliver it. Alongside this, DCMS funds a Peer Review programme for local authorities to learn from each other about the best approaches to youth service provision.

This government has also committed to co-producing a new National Youth Strategy, which is an opportunity to move away from one-size-fits all approaches from central government, bringing power back to young people and their communities and rebuilding a thriving and sustainable sector. We plan to publish the strategy in the summer.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
19th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Written Statement of 5 June 2025 on School Food, HCWS682, what the (a) timeframe and (b) scope of the consultation on revising School Food Standards will be; and whether that consultation will include direct engagement with young people.

To ensure quality and nutrition in meals for children, the department is acting quickly with experts across the sector to revise the school food standards, so every school is supported with the latest nutrition guidance. The department is currently engaging with a range of stakeholders to help us understand the challenges around school food.

We intend to consult on these revisions and further details will be available in due course. Hearing from young people is an important part of this work and we will ensure there are appropriate opportunities for their engagement.

Stephen Morgan
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether the permanent cost of pay rises for primary school teachers implemented in September 2024 has been factored into school budgets beyond April 2025.

The overall core schools budget is increasing by £3.2 billion in the 2025/26 financial year, meaning the core schools budget will total over £64.8 billion compared to almost £61.6 billion in the 2024/25 financial year. This includes the £2.3 billion announced at the Autumn Budget 2024 and over £930 million being provided to support schools and high needs settings with the increases to employer National Insurance contributions from April 2025.

The funding announced at the Autumn Budget 2024 includes funding to cover the remaining costs of the 2024 teachers’ pay award in the 2025/26 financial year.

For mainstream schools, all of this funding has been rolled into the schools national funding formula in 2025/26, ensuring that it forms an ongoing part of schools’ core budgets.

17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the timing of the start of the school budget year in April and the academic year in September on schools' ability to budget effectively for staffing needs when pupil numbers increase in September.

Schools are generally funded on the basis of their pupil numbers in the previous October census, therefore meaning the funding that schools receive for the 2025/26 funding year will be based on pupil numbers as of October 2024. This practice means that the department can publish allocations with enough time to give schools certainty over funding levels and to aid in their planning. It also gives schools time to adjust to any declines in pupil numbers, before these have an impact on their funding.

However, the department understands that this can cause problems where schools are experiencing significant growth in pupil numbers. The department also allocates ‘growth funding’ to local authorities. This can be used by local authorities to support both maintained schools and academies in managing a significant growth in pupil numbers, in advance of this increase being reflected in schools’ core funding allocations.

4th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of special educational provision in North East Hertfordshire constituency.

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

The department wants to drive a consistent and inclusive approach to supporting children and young people with SEND through early identification, effective support, high-quality teaching and effective allocation of resources. The department is also working closely with experts on reforms who will play a key role in convening and engaging with the sector, including leaders, practitioners, children and families as we consider the next steps for the future of SEND reform.

The department is providing support and challenge to the Hertfordshire local area partnership. In July 2023, Ofsted’s inspection of local arrangements in Hertfordshire for children with SEND concluded that there were widespread and/or systemic failings, leading to significant concerns about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND, which the local area partnership must address urgently.

Since then, the department has been using a SEND expert adviser to monitor progress against Hertfordshire’s priority action plan and improvement plan. In January 2025, the department sent the local area partnership a letter following a stocktake into their progress. This letter outlines that improvements are being made at pace, including on governance arrangements and quality assurance. However, there are still areas for the local area to address, for example on the impact and sustainability of improvements. The letter can be accessed here: https://sendnews.hertfordshire.gov.uk/31-january-2025#stocktake.

The partnership has also established a SEND Improvement Board, which is independently chaired by Dame Christine Lenehan, to oversee progress and provide appropriate challenge.

13th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what hat assessment she has made of potential steps to improve and the (a) pay and (b) working conditions of supply teachers in North East Hertfordshire constituency.

Supply teachers make an important contribution to the smooth running of schools by filling posts on a temporary basis and covering teacher absences.

A supply teacher’s pay and working conditions will depend on who employs the supply teacher. Supply teachers employed directly by a state maintained school or local authority must be paid in accordance with the statutory arrangements for teachers as set out in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document (STPCD). If a supply teacher is employed by an agency or non-maintained school, the employer can set the rate of pay and conditions of employment.

Schools and local authorities are responsible for the recruitment of their supply teachers.

9th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 7 October 2024 to Question 5661 on Private Education: VAT, whether her Department has made a specific assessment of the potential impact of the policy on children with special educational needs in the independent sector.

This government is committed to ending the VAT exemption that private schools enjoy and will confirm the introduction of these changes at the Budget on 30 October. The Office for Budget Responsibility will also certify the government’s costings for these measures at that time.

Children with education, health and care plans that provide a necessary local authority funded place at a private school, will not be impacted by this policy. This is because local authorities can reclaim VAT on service expenditure through existing routes.

Analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies assumes a net gain to the public finances of £1.3 to 1.5 billion per year in the medium to long run as a result of removing tax exemptions from private schools. This would allow for about a 2% increase in state school spending in England. This analysis can be found here: https://ifs.org.uk/publications/tax-private-school-fees-and-state-school-spending.

Stephen Morgan
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
23rd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to support (a) children with SEND and (b) their parents, families and carers in North East Hertfordshire constituency.

This government is committed to providing the necessary support to improve the experiences for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. The department is committed to taking a community-wide approach, improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools and alternative provision settings, as well as ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs.

Ofsted inspected local arrangements for children with SEND in Hertfordshire in July 2023. Their report, published on 10 November 2023, concluded that there are widespread and/or systemic failings, leading to significant concerns about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND, which the local area partnership must address urgently.

The department provides support and challenge to the Hertfordshire local area partnership by monitoring progress against its priority action plan and improvement plan, and by providing advice and guidance via a SEND expert advisor. The partnership has also established a SEND Improvement Board, independently chaired by Dame Christine Lenehan to oversee progress and provide appropriate challenge.

23rd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the process to secure a SEND diagnosis for children living in North East Hertfordshire.

Ofsted inspected local arrangements for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Hertfordshire in July 2023. Its report, published on 10 November 2023, concluded that there are widespread and/or systemic failings, leading to significant concerns about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND, which the local area partnership must address urgently.

The report found that many children and young people with SEND face long delays in having their needs assessed and receiving appropriate support. Parents and carers often encounter poor communication regarding education, health and care (EHC) assessments, as well as review processes, with many needing to take formal steps to secure the right support for their child, leading to frustration and added stress for families.

To ensure children are supported in receiving the necessary support and provision to match their needs in a timely manner, the department continues to monitor and challenge Hertfordshire County Council’s progress against their priority action plan, which includes the monitoring of EHC plan 20-week timeliness rates.

Judgements regarding sufficient progress will be made by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission following the monitoring visit that is expected to take place 18 months after the initial inspection. Following this, the department will continue to monitor and provide appropriate challenge and support to the local authority to make the necessary improvements, with the guidance of an expert SEND advisor and NHS England advisor.

This government is committed to improving the experiences for children and young people with SEND and their families. The department will take a community-wide approach, improving inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools and alternative provision settings, as well as ensuring special schools cater to those with the most complex needs.

14th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of adopting a EU-style carding system to (a) warn and (b) sanction states that are not sufficiently combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

The UK’s Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Regulation (1005/2008) includes provisions that support a carding system, to warn and sanction states identified as non-cooperative in combating IUU fishing. Currently, the UK bans imports of seafood from Cambodia, Comoros and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Angela Eagle
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make it her policy to increase nature-rich spaces by rivers to (a) reduce agricultural pollution and (b) protect and (c) enhance chalk streams.

Fixing the systemic issues in the water system is essential to addressing the multiple pressures facing chalk streams and restoring them to better ecological health. This Government has announced an ambitious programme of reforms to clean up our rivers, lakes, and seas for good: we will ensure that chalk streams benefit from this era of reform.

Our Environmental Land Management schemes funding will increase by 150% to £2 billion by 2028/2029, providing incentives for farmers and land managers to farm more sustainably – six of our Landscape Recovery projects are being developed in chalk stream catchments.

Additionally, we have committed to a rapid review of the Environmental Improvement Plan which will set out how Defra will deliver our legally binding targets. The Government will develop a new, statutory plan to protect and restore our natural environment with delivery plans to meet each of our ambitious Environment Act targets.

Emma Hardy
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
3rd Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what role will organically certified produce have in achieving 50 percent of public sector catering contracts from British producers or those certified to higher environmental standards.

We have published a new national procurement policy statement, which sets out expectations for government contracts to favour products certified to high environmental standards. We are currently considering the policy options available to deliver further on our ambitions for public sector catering, including the role of organic produce.

25th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Nature Restoration Fund proposed by the Planning and Infrastructure Bill on the Marine Recovery Fund.

The Marine Recovery Fund is being established as a voluntary mechanism to deliver strategic compensation for offshore wind developers.

The Nature Restoration Fund will offer a new way for developers to discharge existing environmental obligations related to protected sites and species, using resources strategically to maximise positive outcomes for nature.

There are currently no plans to combine the two funds.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
8th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to publish a horticulture strategy.

The Government’s commitment to the horticulture sector and its vital role in strengthening food security by ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply of home-grown fresh produce remains steadfast.

We are taking a strategic approach to support for horticulture recognising the specific needs of the sector. This includes developing a Farming Roadmap, which will set out a 25-year vision and blueprint to make our farming and food production more sustainable and profitable.

Alongside this our Food Strategy will deliver clear long-term outcomes that create a healthier, fairer, and more resilient food system - boosting our food security, improving our health, ensuring economic growth, and delivering environmental sustainability.

8th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the House of Lords Hoticultural Sector Committee Report entitled Sowing the seeds: A blooming English horticultural sector, published on 6 November 2023, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of Government funding to the horticultural sector.

The Government recognises the specific needs of the sector, and Defra ministers and officials meet regularly with growers to discuss a wide range of issues to help us understand how best to support the sector.

Our proposed approach to future funding for horticulture will be considered alongside Defra’s work to simplify and rationalise agricultural grant funding, ensuring that grants deliver the most benefit for food security and nature.

23rd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to review the provisions for dairy free options for children with dairy (a) allergies and (b) intolerances in the school milk subsidy scheme.

This is a devolved matter, and I am answering with responsibility for the school milk scheme in England.

Only milk and relevant dairy products are currently eligible for subsidy in the school milk scheme and there are no plans to subsidise dairy-free beverages.

The Government recognises that some children with clinical and dietary needs are unable to consume milk and expects schools to make reasonable adjustments for those with particular needs. The School Food Standards require milk to be available, but also enable schools in England to provide a variety of other products to meet pupils’ particular dietary needs. Further information is available on gov.uk at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-food-standards-resources-for-schools

A joint working group of the Committee on Toxicity and the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition was established in Autumn 2021 to conduct a risk-benefit- analysis considering both nutritional and toxicological aspects associated with the consumption of plant-based drinks by the UK population. This work is ongoing, and the Government will continue to monitor developments. These committees separately provide advice on food safety and nutrition issues to the UK Governments.

10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of permitting cross-subsidisation between publicly owned and delivered rail services on the sustainability of rural rail services.

Train operating companies are currently preparing business plans. They will give consideration to rail service patterns, including for rural rail services, with the objective of improving performance of the railway for passengers, reducing the net cost of the railway and retaining access to services for those communities this Government is trying to help most.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
10th Oct 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the provisions of the forthcoming Railways Bill will permit cross-subsidisation between publicly owned and delivered rail services.

The Public Service Obligations in Transport Regulations 2023 allow public authorities to take into account the possibility of grouping cost-covering services with non-cost-covering services when determining what rail services should be provided by a public service operator (and what subsidy (if any) that should be provided to that operator). The forthcoming Railways Bill, due to be introduced into Parliament this session, aims to ensure continuity of this principle and will provide further clarity on the approach to subsidy control once Great British Railways is established and is responsible for all previously-franchised passenger services.

Keir Mather
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
5th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a minimum standard of bus service for communities of 300 people or more.

The Government recognises the importance of reliable bus services in keeping communities connected. On 17 December, the government introduced the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill as part of its ambitious plan for bus reform.

The aim of the Bill is to give power back to local communities to ensure that bus services reflect the needs of those who rely on these services. We believe that mandating an arbitrary level of service takes power away from communities, and that local leaders are best placed to make decisions about how to improve services. That is why we are providing £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London, including £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Hertfordshire County Council has been allocated £12.2 million. Local authorities can use this funding to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial bus routes for local communities.

The Bill also includes a socially necessary local services measure. Under the new measure, local transport authorities will need to identify bus services which they consider socially necessary and put in place requirements that must be followed before they can be substantially changed or cancelled. This includes a review to consider the needs of the local community, as well as taking on board the views of bus passengers who use the service. They will also need to consider any alternative options that are available to preserve vital connectivity.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
5th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing minimum bus service levels for communities of 300 people or more.

The Government recognises the importance of reliable bus services in keeping communities connected. On 17 December, the government introduced the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill as part of its ambitious plan for bus reform.

The aim of the Bill is to give power back to local communities to ensure that bus services reflect the needs of those who rely on these services. We believe that mandating an arbitrary level of service takes power away from communities, and that local leaders are best placed to make decisions about how to improve services. That is why we are providing £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London, including £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country. Hertfordshire County Council has been allocated £12.2 million. Local authorities can use this funding to introduce new bus routes, make services more frequent and protect crucial bus routes for local communities.

The Bill also includes a socially necessary local services measure. Under the new measure, local transport authorities will need to identify bus services which they consider socially necessary and put in place requirements that must be followed before they can be substantially changed or cancelled. This includes a review to consider the needs of the local community, as well as taking on board the views of bus passengers who use the service. They will also need to consider any alternative options that are available to preserve vital connectivity.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)