Euan Stainbank
Labour - Falkirk
4,996 (11.7%) majority - 2024 General ElectionFirst elected: 4th July 2024
Division Voting information
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
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
(14 debate interactions)
Department Debates
(24 debate contributions)
(12 debate contributions)
(8 debate contributions)
(6 debate contributions)
Legislation Debates
(3,576 words contributed)
(1,965 words contributed)
(1,578 words contributed)
(1,038 words contributed)
Falkirk 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).
of 6,495 signatures (1.91%)
of 49,931 signatures (0.37%)
of 143,235 signatures (0.15%)
of 240,217 signatures (0.14%)
of 128,120 signatures (0.14%)
of 240,217 signatures (0.14%)
of 263,161 signatures (0.11%)
of 143,235 signatures (0.15%)
of 157,012 signatures (0.12%)
of 49,931 signatures (0.37%)
Latest EDMs signed by Euan Stainbank
Falkirk Delivers named Policing Partner of the Year for Forth Valley
Tabled by: Euan Stainbank (Labour - Falkirk)That this House congratulates Falkirk Delivers on being named Policing Partner of the Year for Forth Valley; notes that as the Business Improvement District for Falkirk town centre, it represents over 600 businesses and has worked closely with Police Scotland to support crime prevention, public safety, and community engagement; commends …
(Most recent: 22 May 2025)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 2
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Braes High School awarded Climate Action Project of the Year in Eco-Schools Scotland Awards
Tabled by: Euan Stainbank (Labour - Falkirk)That this House congratulates Braes High School in Falkirk on winning the Climate Action Project of the Year at the Eco-Schools Scotland 2025 Awards; commends the leadership and commitment of its pupils in promoting climate action and working with schools across Falkirk to raise awareness; and wishes the school continued …
(Most recent: 22 May 2025)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 1
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
Commons initiatives
These initiatives were driven by Euan Stainbank, 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.
Euan Stainbank has not been granted any Urgent Questions
Euan Stainbank has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
Euan Stainbank has not introduced any legislation before Parliament
1 Bill co-sponsored by Euan Stainbank
Regulation of Bailiffs (Assessment and Report) Bill 2024-26
Sponsor - Luke Charters (Lab)
Latest 50 Written Questions
(View all written questions)1 Other Department Questions
Conversion practices are abuse. Such practices have no place in society and must be stopped. As outlined in the King’s Speech, this Government is committed to bringing forward a full, trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices. We continue to work cross-government on this important issue with a view to publishing our draft Bill later this session.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Wales Office)
Places for Growth published a formative evaluation report in October 2024, which outlined that the programme is on track to deliver an estimated £729m in local economic benefits to cross Government locations between 2024 and 2030. Further details on the programme will be set out in the Spending Review after which an assessment will be undertaken. Places for Growth is committed to ongoing programme evaluation.
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
The government is committed to supporting the UK’s domestic bus manufacturing industry and ensuring a fair, competitive procurement process. The new National Procurement Policy Statement will be focused on our missions, growing the economy, creating high-quality local jobs, driving innovation and opening up opportunities to small businesses and social enterprises. Contracting authorities are encouraged to consider how their procurement strategies can support domestic supply chains, including the bus manufacturing sector.
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
We remain committed to discussions with the US on a wider economic deal that works for both countries but this Government will do what is necessary to defend the UK’s national interest. On 3 April, we launched a Request for Input from businesses, offering them a chance to influence the design of a possible UK response.
We continue to support businesses of all sizes to grow and export globally, including to the US. Through Great.gov.uk, businesses will be able to access export support programmes including the Export Academy, International Markets Network, Growth Hubs and Help to Grow: Management scheme.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Advanced manufacturing is critical to UK prosperity. This Government will continue to support the sector through our forthcoming Industrial Strategy, where advanced manufacturing has been selected as one of eight growth-driving sectors.
We remain committed to discussions with the US on a wider economic deal that works both for the UK and the US but nothing is off the table - we will do what is necessary to defend the UK’s national interest. That is why on 3 April, we launched a Request for Input to give businesses the chance to have their say and influence the UK response.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
We are working as quickly as possible to understand what we can do to support investors interested in developing projects at Grangemouth, including what policy or regulatory support is needed to enable investment. The inaugural Grangemouth Investment Taskforce, jointly chaired by the HMG and the Scottish government took place on May 21, 2025, to drive forward potential investment propositions.
The National Wealth Fund stands ready, and we encourage investors to come forward to join us in this major opportunity to secure a long-term industrial future in Grangemouth.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Project Willow – an independent feasibility study led by Ernst and Young and jointly funded by the UK and the Scottish Governments – evaluated over 300 technologies to identify those that could be effectively deployed in Grangemouth. This included options to produce hydrogenated vegetable oil products, such as sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel.
We are now ready to take these opportunities forward. Backed by £200 million from the National Wealth Fund, our UK and Scottish Government investment agencies are working together to find investors for clean energy proposals in the Grangemouth area.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
As sustainable biomass is a limited resource, the Government expect to prioritise its use in sectors like aviation, which have fewest options to decarbonise. Renewable liquid heating fuels are also much more expensive to use than other heating solutions.
Before taking decisions on whether to support the use of renewable liquid fuels in heating, the Government would require stronger evidence on their affordability for consumers, and the availability of sustainable feedstock.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
As sustainable biomass is a limited resource, the Government expect to prioritise its use in sectors like aviation, which have fewest options to decarbonise. Renewable liquid heating fuels are also much more expensive to use than other heating solutions.
Before taking decisions on whether to support the use of renewable liquid fuels in heating, the Government would require stronger evidence on their affordability for consumers, and the availability of sustainable feedstock.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Before July, there was no overall plan for the future of the Grangemouth refinery. Within weeks, we worked with the Scottish Government to put together a £100m package to support the community and invest in the local workforce, along with tailored support to secure good, alternative jobs.
We launched Project Willow to find an industrial future for the site – identifying nine low-carbon and renewable energy business models that could create 800 jobs by 2040.
We are ready to take these forward as co-investment projects with the private sector. Backed by £200 million from the National Wealth Fund, our investment agencies are working to find investors for these proposals and other low carbon and clean energy proposals in the Grangemouth area.
After the refinery closes, Grangemouth will supply Scotland with imported fuel. We have rigorously assessed Petroineos’ import terminal model to ensure it will provide energy security and resilience for Scotland, and we will continue monitoring to ensure long term confidence for Scottish consumers and businesses.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Before July, there was no overall plan for the future of the Grangemouth refinery. Within weeks, we worked with the Scottish Government to put together a £100m package to support the community and invest in the local workforce, along with tailored support to secure good, alternative jobs.
We launched Project Willow to find an industrial future for the site – identifying nine low-carbon and renewable energy business models that could create 800 jobs by 2040.
We are ready to take these forward as co-investment projects with the private sector. Backed by £200 million from the National Wealth Fund, our investment agencies are working to find investors for these proposals and other low carbon and clean energy proposals in the Grangemouth area.
After the refinery closes, Grangemouth will supply Scotland with imported fuel. We have rigorously assessed Petroineos’ import terminal model to ensure it will provide energy security and resilience for Scotland, and we will continue monitoring to ensure long term confidence for Scottish consumers and businesses.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
As per my answer on 8 October 2024, since taking office in July 2024, the Secretary of State and I have taken joint action with the Scottish Government to urgently engage with the company and its shareholders. This included discussions with PetroChina and INEOS, the shareholders.
Details of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK. Published declarations include the purpose of the meeting and the names of any additional external organisations or individuals in attendance.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
As per my answer on 8 October 2024, since taking office in July 2024, the Secretary of State and I have taken joint action with the Scottish Government to urgently engage with the company and its shareholders. This included discussions with PetroChina and INEOS, the shareholders.
Details of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK. Published declarations include the purpose of the meeting and the names of any additional external organisations or individuals in attendance.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
As per my answer on 8 October 2024, since taking office in July 2024, the Secretary of State and I have taken joint action with the Scottish Government to urgently engage with the company and its shareholders. This included discussions with PetroChina and INEOS, the shareholders.
Details of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK. Published declarations include the purpose of the meeting and the names of any additional external organisations or individuals in attendance.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
I met with the Chair and Trustee representatives of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) on 16 December where they outlined their proposals for changes to the Scheme. We will work with the BCSSS Trustees to consider their proposals once the new Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme arrangements have been agreed.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
I met with the Chair and Trustee representatives of the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (BCSSS) on 16 December where they outlined their proposals for changes to the Scheme. We will work with the BCSSS Trustees to consider their proposals once the new Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme arrangements have been agreed.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government is committed to creating good clean energy jobs through the multitude of investments being made to support our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower such as Great British Energy, the British Jobs Bonus, and boosting support for our renewables auction, making it the largest round ever. We have also set up the Office for Clean Energy Jobs which will support developing the skilled workforce in core energy and net zero sectors, critical to meeting our mission.
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
6 Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Questions
(View all Euan Stainbank's DSIT questions)The Advanced Research and Invention Agency’s (ARIA) ‘Exploring Climate Cooling’ programme, backed by £56.8 million, has been designed to build an evidence base which will enable scientists to better understand and properly assess whether or not Earth cooling approaches could help to mitigate climate change safely.
ARIA is an independent research body, and they are conducting cautious, controlled research aimed at improving understanding of the risks and impacts of Solar Radiation Modification. This will produce important information for decisions around the world.
ARIA have put in place an independent oversight committee, made up of international experts, to support effective governance of outdoor experiments and communication of their findings. Projects with field trial components will be subjected to risk and impact assessment by an independent team of experts and subjected to a degree of co-design with local communities; the results of both exercises will be publicly available prior to any outdoor experiment taking place. An independent assessment will also take place on completion of any outdoor experiment, also to be made publicly available.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Advanced Research and Invention Agency’s (ARIA) ‘Exploring Climate Cooling’ programme, backed by £56.8 million, has been designed to build an evidence base which will enable scientists to better understand and properly assess whether or not Earth cooling approaches could help to mitigate climate change safely.
ARIA is an independent research body, and they are conducting cautious, controlled research aimed at improving understanding of the risks and impacts of Solar Radiation Modification. This will produce important information for decisions around the world.
ARIA have put in place an independent oversight committee, made up of international experts, to support effective governance of outdoor experiments and communication of their findings. Projects with field trial components will be subjected to risk and impact assessment by an independent team of experts and subjected to a degree of co-design with local communities; the results of both exercises will be publicly available prior to any outdoor experiment taking place. An independent assessment will also take place on completion of any outdoor experiment, also to be made publicly available.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Government published a consultation on Copyright and AI in December 2024.
This consultation seeks views on proposals to introduce a package of measures, which includes a requirement for AI developers to be more transparent about how they obtain their training material, to enable copyright to be respected and more easily enforced.
The proposals include a rights reservation mechanism. This would need to be simple, practical, and accessible to both individual creators and larger rights holders. The Government welcomes feedback from UK-based creators on this approach, and how it will work in practice.
The consultation closed on 25 February.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Government takes the threats posed by generative AI extremely seriously. That is why we are taking forward our manifesto commitment to ban the creation of non-consensual sexual deepfakes in the Data (Use and Access) Bill.
AI-generated content is captured by the Online Safety Act where it constitutes illegal content or content harmful to children on an in-scope service. Fraud is designated a priority offence under the Act, and in-scope services will need to take proactive measures to tackle illegal fraud content.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology also works jointly with the Home Office and HM Treasury through the Joint Fraud Taskforce to address fraud across different sectors.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Government published a consultation on Copyright and AI in December 2024.
This consultation seeks views on a number of issues relating to copyright and AI including transparency from AI developers over their training sources and renumeration to the creative industries for the use of their work.
The success of any new approach to copyright and AI will depend on stronger trust between AI developers and right holders. That is why transparency and right holder control are two of the three primary objectives underpinning the Government’s approach to this work.
The consultation closes on 25 February.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
2 Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Questions
(View all Euan Stainbank's DCMS questions)The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, should have access to and benefit from quality sport and physical activity opportunities.
The Government provides the majority of funding for grassroots sport through our Arm’s Length Body, Sport England, which invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery funding each year. Sport England’s work focuses on increasing participation in sport, including tennis, at grassroots level to give more and better opportunities to all. Sport England provides long term investment to the Lawn Tennis Association, the National Governing Body for tennis in Britain, which receives up to £10.2 million for five years to invest in community tennis initiatives that will benefit everyone.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
The Government is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, should have access to and benefit from quality sport and physical activity opportunities.
The Park Tennis Court Programme was a joint investment between the UK Government and Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) that started in 2022 and concluded in 2024.
All future funding of sports facilities will be considered as part of the Spending Review.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
This government is clear that no teacher should feel unsafe or face violence or abuse in the workplace.
The department will always support teachers to ensure they can work in safe and calm classrooms. All school employers, including trusts, have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their employees.
For schools in England, the department expects schools to take immediate and robust action if incidents of violence occur. Any decision on how to sanction the pupil involved is a matter for the school. In the most serious cases, suspension and a permanent exclusion may be necessary to ensure that teachers and pupils are protected from disruption and to maintain safe, calm environments. Should the incident constitute a criminal offence, the school should report it to the police.
My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, has met representatives from the devolved administrations on a number of occasions including at the UK Education Ministers Council. Whilst behaviour has not been the primary focus of these conversations, different government policies and approaches have been discussed and the department continues to be interested in the approaches taken in the devolved nations.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
6 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Questions
(View all Euan Stainbank's Defra questions)The Government is committed to supporting the uptake and development of alternative methods to the use of animals in science. The Labour Manifesto includes a commitment to partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing, which is a long-term goal.
Progress has been made towards the development and adoption of non-animal test methods within the OECD’s Environmental Health and Safety Programme. The UK leads on and supports numerous projects producing internationally harmonised tools and guidance for ‘New Approach Methodologies’ based regulatory chemical assessment across a number of working groups. This includes the Test Guidelines Programme, where the UK recently contributed to the development of the first internationally harmonised guideline to describe a non-animal defined approach that can be used to replace completely replace animal tests to identify skin sensitizsers and predict potency.
In line with the Government’s Manifesto commitment, Defra, along with partners from sectors with interests in animal science and on a cross-Government level are currently engaging with DSIT to develop a strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods to animal testing. We expect the publication of this strategy later this year.
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 8 May 2024 to Question 49143.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The waste hierarchy sets out a priority order in which waste should be managed (prevention, preparing for reuse, recycling, recovery, disposal). The process of converting waste (both biogenic and fossil fractions) into fuels/energy is a recovery operation for the purposes of the waste hierarchy. This is because once combusted, material is lost from the circular economy.
Whilst we have no plans to change the waste hierarchy, Defra’s position is that we welcome innovative and new measures to manage residual waste and that there is nothing to stop the production of fuel from residual waste if this is determined, by local authorities or other waste producers, to be the best overall environmental outcome for such waste.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging obligates brands and packaging producers to pay the costs of managing household packaging waste. Therefore, no assessment has been made of the merits of exempting all businesses in the hospitality sector.
This is because a wide range of hospitality businesses operate take away business models, where food, and primarily non-alcoholic drinks, are taken away by consumers and disposed of off premises. There is also packaging used in the hospitality sector which can be evidenced as not ending up in household bins. Under the current regulations producers can exempt this packaging from being classed as household packaging.
Since autumn 2024, the Government has been working with stakeholders to make an assessment of whether amendments to the regulations or the guidance can be made to further help producers in exempting packaging.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
British farmers are world-leaders and know their own land best - carefully planning their planting to suit the weather, their soil type, and their long-term agronomic strategy.
The demand for UK produced crops is subject to global market prices and supply. Crop varieties grown in the UK can be of a specification for food, feed and/or bioenergy standards. This provides an in-built flexibility for farmers seeking an end-use market for their product. For farmers, the opportunity to sell into bioenergy often offers a secondary market for their surplus or lower quality crops and associated agricultural residues. The production of biofuels also produces valuable by-products including protein rich animal feed which is used by livestock farmers.
In 2023, 133 thousand hectares of agricultural land in the UK were used to grow crops for bioenergy. This area represents 2.2% of the arable land in the UK. 36% of land used for bioenergy was for biofuel (biodiesel and bioethanol) in the UK road transport market with the remainder mostly used for heat and power production.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
We have been clear that fuel supplied under the SAF Mandate must have the highest sustainability credentials. This is why SAF derived from biomass must be made from wastes or residues, as these offer high greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential, whilst also minimising negative environmental impacts. This means that SAF produced from food, feed or energy crops are not eligible under the Mandate. We are continuing to examine the direct and indirect impacts of non-food crop use, including impacts on the environment and on food production.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
There are no proposals to change the HEFA cap which forms part of the SAF mandate scheme introduced on January 1 this year. It is recognised that HEFA will play an important role in the global SAF sector, particularly in the early years of the scheme. To this end there is no cap on HEFA supplied under the SAF mandate this year or next, and thereafter the cap is applied gradually decreasing the contribution of HEFA to 71% in 2030. The SAF mandate does not cap the production of SAF in the UK. It enables more advanced sustainable aviation fuels to be developed whilst supporting a UK market for HEFA in a way which recognises sustainable feedstocks used to produce HEFA are finite.
Any proposals to amend or remove the cap would require legislation. They would be subject to public consultation and cabinet committee clearances.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Thirteen projects have been supported through the Advanced Fuels Fund, which aims to support first-of-a-kind sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production plants through the project pipeline to reach investment ready stage and achieve commercial scale. Ministers and officials engage regularly with stakeholders across the SAF industry including producers and investors.
The government is working at pace to introduce the legislation for the Revenue Certainty Mechanism in the first session of this Parliament and expects the legislation for the Revenue Certainty Mechanism to be in place by the end of 2026.
No final decisions have been made on the approach to contract allocation for support under the scheme. We will continue to assess how the delivery of the Revenue Certainty Mechanism can be accelerated by working with industry in parallel with legislative processes.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Thirteen projects have been supported through the Advanced Fuels Fund, which aims to support first-of-a-kind sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production plants through the project pipeline to reach investment ready stage and achieve commercial scale. Ministers and officials engage regularly with stakeholders across the SAF industry including producers and investors.
The government is working at pace to introduce the legislation for the Revenue Certainty Mechanism in the first session of this Parliament and expects the legislation for the Revenue Certainty Mechanism to be in place by the end of 2026.
No final decisions have been made on the approach to contract allocation for support under the scheme. We will continue to assess how the delivery of the Revenue Certainty Mechanism can be accelerated by working with industry in parallel with legislative processes.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
We welcome the Project Willow Report and are pleased that nine potential business models have been identified to be taken forward at Grangemouth. To help make these models a reality, the Prime Minister recently announced a commitment of at least £200m through the National Wealth Fund for co-investment with the private sector once an investable proposition comes to the forefront. We will also consider Project Willow’s recommendations in due course.
We recognise that Hydrotreated Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) will play an important role in the global Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) sector, particularly in the early years of the Mandate. We want to encourage UK production of HEFA in this global market and have not placed a cap on the amount of SAF produced in the UK.
However, certain feedstocks, such as used cooking oil, from which HEFA is made, are limited in volume and will not be able to provide the amounts of SAF we expect to need to in the long term. We therefore need to create space for a range of SAF technologies and feedstocks to develop.
The HEFA cap, which from 2027 will decrease the allowed contribution from HEFA as a proportion of total SAF supply annually, aims to create this space and encourage investment in alternative pathways. The cap would still allow around 1 million tonnes of HEFA SAF to be supplied in the UK each year from 2035 onwards.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The government is working at pace to deliver a revenue certainty mechanism for the UK Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry. The government has confirmed that it will introduce the SAF Revenue Support Bill in the first session of Parliament and we expect the legislation for a revenue certainty mechanism to be in place by the end of 2026. We will continue to monitor the estimated delivery date and work with industry to deliver an effective revenue certainty mechanism as soon as possible.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Persons with Reduced Mobility National Technical Specification Notice (PRM-NTSN) sets out the dimensions, weights, and capabilities of wheelchairs so that users can travel across the rail network. No assessment has been made to bring tricycles into scope of the PRM-NTSN, however the Government continues working towards a more accessible railway including under future public ownership.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
We expect the legislation for a revenue certainty mechanism to be in place by the end of 2026. We will continue to monitor the estimated delivery date and work with industry to deliver an effective revenue certainty mechanism as soon as possible.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Inaugural Jet Zero Taskforce Plenary took place on 4 December 2024 chaired by the Secretary of State for Transport. Members discussed the Taskforce Terms of Reference and priorities for 2025. Meeting minutes will be published in due course.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
I refer the hon. Member to the Answer given to PQ [UIN 23039] on 17 January 2025.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
On 8 October 2024, the Department announced plans to create a new UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel. This panel will bring together industry experts and local leaders to explore ways to ensure the UK remains a leader in bus manufacturing. The Department continues to work with officials across Government to engage with British bus manufacturing stakeholders and more details on this will be set out in due course.
UK-based bus manufacturers have benefited the most from the Department’s funding programmes, such as Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA). It is estimated that 60% of ZEBRA-supported buses will be procured from UK-based manufacturers, supporting economic growth and jobs across the zero-carbon transport industry. We want to see domestic manufacturers build on this foundation and stimulate innovation and skills development to ensure the UK remains a leader in bus manufacturing.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
This government, along with the Scottish Government, has put in place support to help workers to find new, skilled jobs, signed the £100m Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, and funded Project Willow to find a viable long-term future for the site. This work includes consideration of potential production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel on the site amongst other options.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Average non salary recruitment cost for a civil servant at Executive Officer grade is £1,202.60.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
Part (a)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will implement, where applicable, the new National Living Wage rate of £12.21 per hour with effect from 1 April 2025. DWP annual salaries will reflect this new hourly rate regardless of age and working pattern.
DWP offers a comprehensive range of employee benefits, including enhanced discounts that make both essential and leisure purchases more affordable for our colleagues. Our Cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme promotes health and sustainability by making commuting more cost effective. Employees can also apply for salary advances to assist with budgeting, covering expenses like travel, rentals deposits, bike and safety equipment. We are committed to continuously enhancing our benefits offer, including the launch of a colleague dental insurance scheme next month.
Part (b)
Whilst employees who have a current time limited work visa should have an expectation that they may be unable to work beyond the date their visa expires, we realise this situation in relation to potential sponsorship via a skilled worker visa is extremely unsettling for those affected.
DWP takes the welfare of its staff very seriously and continue to provide a range of support to colleagues employed on time limited visas who may be impacted by the uplift to salary thresholds introduced in April 2024.
This support includes ensuring they understand their responsibilities in establishing whether they will be eligible to apply for other visas to enable them to remain in employment with DWP and signposting to wider employee assistance support that is available to them via departmental contracts.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
In 2023/24, expenditure on all Access to Work provision was £257.8m. In real terms, this is a 33% increase when compared to the previous year. Payments were made to 61,630 people. The Scheme is highly personalised and each grant that is awarded is tailored to the individual, taking into account their specific circumstances. These grants provide funding for workplace adjustments that go beyond what would normally be expected from an employer through their duty to provide reasonable adjustments as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.
The Access to Work Scheme aims to balance the level of funding required to ensure individuals are able to purchase support needed to help them get into, and stay in, sustainable paid employment, alongside the need to safeguard public money and provide a value for money service.
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Access to Work grants provide funding for workplace adjustments that go beyond what would normally be expected from an employer through their duty to provide reasonable adjustments as outlined in the Equality Act 2010. The Access to Work scheme is highly personalised and each grant that is awarded is tailored to the individual, taking into account their specific circumstances.
When awarding Access to Work grants, the Scheme aims to balance the level of funding required to ensure individuals are able to purchase support needed to help them get into, and stay in, sustainable paid employment alongside the need to safeguard public money and provide a value for money service. The customer can always ask for a change of circumstance if their needs increase, or their support worker or travel costs increase. This support is based on current market value.
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)