Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Ofgem’s RIIO-GT3 Draft Determinations on energy security.

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

DESNZ works closely with the energy sector to maintain energy security and ensure industry has the tools at their disposal to support security of supply.

As the risk landscape continues to evolve, ensuring high standards of infrastructure resilience and security across the energy sector is a key priority for the Department and Ofgem.

The Department will continue engaging with the regulator to ensure RIIO-GT3 delivers the investment needed to maintain energy security and resilience through the price control period.

For example, DESNZ recently launched an Energy Security and Resilience Taskforce with CEOs of critical operators, with Ofgem in attendance, which will be a key forum to discuss risks and standards.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what recent discussions his Department has had with Ofgem on ensuring that critical national infrastructure is adequately protected against evolving cyber threats.

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

DESNZ works closely with Ofgem through the Energy Cyber Quad – a strategic partnership comprising DESNZ, Ofgem, the National Energy System Operator and the National Cyber Security Centre. The partnership focuses on strengthening cyber resilience across the energy system, ensuring a coordinated responses to evolving threats.

DESNZ recently launched a new Energy Security and Resilience Taskforce with CEOs of critical operators, with Ofgem in attendance, which will be a key forum going forward to discuss threats.

DESNZ is also joint Competent Authority with Ofgem under the Network and Information Systems Regulations, driving cyber resilience standards for our most critical operators.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure Ofgem’s RIIO-GT3 Final Determination adequately reflects the UK’s statutory energy security requirements.

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

DESNZ works closely with the energy sector to maintain energy security and ensure industry has the tools at their disposal to support security of supply.

As the risk landscape continues to evolve, ensuring high standards of infrastructure resilience and security across the energy sector is a key priority for the Department and Ofgem.

The Department will continue engaging with the regulator to ensure RIIO-GT3 delivers the investment needed to maintain energy security and resilience through the price control period.

For example, DESNZ recently launched an Energy Security and Resilience Taskforce with CEOs of critical operators, with Ofgem in attendance, which will be a key forum to discuss risks and standards.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what guidance he has issued to Ofgem during the RIIO-GT3 process to ensure that operators of Critical National Infrastructure can meet the Government's resilience and security standards.

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

DESNZ works closely with the energy sector to maintain energy security and ensure industry has the tools at their disposal to support security of supply.

As the risk landscape continues to evolve, ensuring high standards of infrastructure resilience and security across the energy sector is a key priority for the Department and Ofgem.

The Department will continue engaging with the regulator to ensure RIIO-GT3 delivers the investment needed to maintain energy security and resilience through the price control period.

For example, DESNZ recently launched an Energy Security and Resilience Taskforce with CEOs of critical operators, with Ofgem in attendance, which will be a key forum to discuss risks and standards.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether funding allocated to communities through the Pride in Place Impact Fund can be used as seed capital to support private sector investment in areas.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

The Pride in Place Impact Fund will provide £142.5 million of funding to 95 places to support the development of community spaces, public space and to revitalise our local high streets. This will enable immediate work to make sure that the places and spaces valued by communities are improved and matches the pride they feel for their local areas.

The purpose of the Pride in Place Impact Fund is to help restore pride to selected places, enhancing local identity and morale which in turn will draw in longer-term, sustainable private investment. Upgrades to community facilities and public spaces such as parks, playgrounds and piers will help improve health and well-being, bring people together and strengthen communities.

To maximise the impact of the Pride in Place Impact Fund and broaden its reach, local authorities are encouraged to explore opportunities to leverage funding and seek extra match funding for initiatives. This will help to unlock additional support and accelerate progress on shared priorities for local pride.