Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has been made of the potential impact of changes to the state pension on local authority expenditure on adult social care, housing support and other services.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

From April 2030 pensioners will be protected by an adjusted Triple Lock. The adjusted Triple Lock means the State Pension will always increase by at least the highest of 2.5%, CPI inflation or by more where needed to retain its value relative to earnings reached in April 2029.

This is part of a new settlement for older people: a rising State Pension alongside free personal care through a National Care Service. This will help local authorities and the NHS better support those needing social care.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate has been made of the cumulative reduction in State Pension payments received by an individual pensioner over the period from April 2030 to April 2040 compared with the existing Triple Lock.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

State Pension entitlement is determined by an individual's National Insurance record and circumstances. Therefore, the amount of State Pension people receive can vary between individuals. However, every pensioner will see their State Pension increase every year under the adjusted Triple Lock.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the letter to MPs entitled The future of the Triple Lock, dated 13 October 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the adjusted Triple Lock on the financial security of pensioners who rely primarily on the State Pension.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Levels of pensioner poverty under the adjusted triple lock are projected to decline in the decades ahead. However, the Government is not complacent on the issue of pensioner poverty. This is why we have asked the Pensions Commission to make recommendations on further support for lower-income pensioners in their final report. Further information can be found in Chart 1 here: State Pension uprating - GOV.UK.

There are 1 million pensioners with income from State Pension and state benefits only in 2024/25. This can be found in the published Pensioners’ Incomes series available at: Pensioners' Incomes: financial years ending 1995 to 2025 - GOV.UK.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of availability of automated external defibrillators to police officers attending suspected cardiac arrests.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Office recognises the important role police officers can play when they are first on the scene of a medical emergency, including suspected cardiac arrests. Police officers are trained to provide emergency first aid and CPR until specialist medical assistance arrives. However, the procurement and deployment of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for police vehicles is an operational matter for individual chief officers and police forces.

The Department is aware that the availability of AEDs varies between forces and that there is currently no central source of data on the number of defibrillators carried in police vehicles. The Home Office has therefore been reviewing current provision across forces and engaging with policing partners to better understand existing arrangements, operational benefits and implementation considerations.

Any assessment of wider deployment must consider factors including operational need, vehicle type, officer training, maintenance requirements and costs. Further work with policing, health and other emergency service partners is being undertaken to inform future policy considerations.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK calls for fundamental reset of global financial system for developing countries, published on 14 October 2026, what proportion of private capital mobilised through UK-supported development finance has been (a) invested in commercially sustainable projects and (b) required ongoing public subsidy and financial guarantees.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Scaling up private capital mobilisation is essential for delivering the Government's priorities on inclusive growth and climate. UK-supported development finance seeks to mobilise private capital into investments which are commercially sustainable, or have a pathway towards commercial sustainability. His Majesty's Government development finance instruments seek to crowd in private investment that would not otherwise occur, whilst ensuring we avoid distorting markets.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK calls for fundamental reset of global financial system for developing countries, published on 14 October 2026, what additional financial commitments his Department plans to make.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Any expenditure will be agreed through normal departmental business planning processes and managed within the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's Spending Review settlement.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK calls for fundamental reset of global financial system for developing countries, published on 14 October 2026, if he will set out the safeguards that will be applied to ensure that debt relief and aid contributions are accompanied by sustainable public finances in the recipient country and transparent reporting on the use of funds.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Reducing high debt service costs will create more fiscal space and allow partner countries to scale public investment. The government will also work in partnership with developing countries to support them to raise more domestic revenues, improving the efficiency of public spending, and tackling waste, corruption, and illicit flows. Delivery is managed through staff in the UK and overseas, the oversight of UK Delegations to the Multilateral Development Banks and established programme management processes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK calls for fundamental reset of global financial system for developing countries, published on 14 October 2026, what assessment his Department has made of the financial risks to the UK arising from the proposals to lengthen repayment terms, reduce interest rates and provide for debt restructuring for developing countries through multilateral development banks.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Reducing high debt service costs will create more fiscal space and allow partner countries to scale public investment. The government will also work in partnership with developing countries to support them to raise more domestic revenues, improving the efficiency of public spending, and tackling waste, corruption, and illicit flows. Delivery is managed through staff in the UK and overseas, the oversight of UK Delegations to the Multilateral Development Banks and established programme management processes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK calls for fundamental reset of global financial system for developing countries, published on 14 October 2026, what assessment his Department has made of the risk of fraud, corruption or diversion of funds under the proposed expansion of development finance.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Reducing high debt service costs will create more fiscal space and allow partner countries to scale public investment. The government will also work in partnership with developing countries to support them to raise more domestic revenues, improving the efficiency of public spending, and tackling waste, corruption, and illicit flows. Delivery is managed through staff in the UK and overseas, the oversight of UK Delegations to the Multilateral Development Banks and established programme management processes.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK calls for fundamental reset of global financial system for developing countries, published on 14 October 2026, what comparative assessment his Department has made of the value for money of contributing to multilateral development banks and other foreign aid channels in delivering the proposed reforms.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Multilateral development banks (MDBs) are leading development actors and a central part of the UK's international development toolkit, allowing us to achieve a level of scale and impact that is not possible through our bilateral programmes alone. The MDBs' financial model allows them to leverage shareholder capital, borrowing at low rates from international capital markets using their strong credit ratings and on-lending many multiples of the initial capital to countries at favourable rates. This offers strong value for money for the UK taxpayer. For example, in the case of the lending arm of the World Bank, £1 in capital from a shareholder such as the UK can enable up to £10 of additional lending to middle income countries over ten years.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK calls for fundamental reset of global financial system for developing countries, published on 14 October 2026, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of implementing the proposals in that press release during the next five financial years.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Any expenditure will be agreed through normal departmental business planning processes and managed within the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's Spending Review settlement.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what metrics his Department is using to assess the Early Careers Jobs Alliance in whether it is helping to maintain entry-level employment for young people.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The Early Careers Jobs Alliance brings together government, employers, trade unions and young people, initially focussed on the digital and technology sector, to understand how AI is changing entry-level work and how businesses can maintain pathways into employment. Backed by £20 million of UKRI funding, the Alliance will deliver pilot programmes to test and evaluate approaches to sustaining high-quality entry-level opportunities as AI is adopted.

Alongside the pilot programmes, the Alliance will work with the AI Economics Institute and other government partners to track entry-level hiring. This evidence will help assess whether pathways into employment for young people are being maintained and identify what works.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK calls for fundamental reset of global financial system for developing countries, published on 14 October 2026, what assessment his Department has made of the expected economic and development returns to the UK from the proposed reforms, including to trade, investment and supply chain, over the next five financial years.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The reforms highlighted under the development finance priorities are in the UK's interests. Reform means greater global economic stability and growth and investment opportunities for UK businesses and investors.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK calls for fundamental reset of global financial system for developing countries, published on 14 October 2026, what estimate his Department has made of the expected financial returns for the public purse from the investment in climate insurance in low-income countries.

Answered by Kirsty McNeill - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The reforms highlighted under the development finance priorities are in the UK's interests. Reform means greater global economic stability and growth and investment opportunities for UK businesses and investors.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to help improve access to employment opportunities for young people in Basildon.

Answered by Lilian Greenwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)

With around one million young people not in education, employment and training, this Government will not leave an entire generation of young people behind. The government is investing an additional £2.5 billion by 2029 into the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy, supporting almost one million young people and creating up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn.

Young people in Basildon will benefit from the full breadth of Youth Guarantee support, including earlier intensive support in Jobcentres through a new Youth Guarantee Gateway, alongside additional work experience and training opportunities. We are also supporting employers to create more opportunities for young people, including through a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant and £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment. For eligible long-term unemployed 18–24-year-olds we will provide a fully funded six-month job.

We are also expanding Youth Hubs to more than 360 areas across Great Britain, ensuring every young person aged 16-24, including those not claiming benefits, has access to opportunities and tailored support in their local area. A core service blueprint will guarantee high-quality, holistic support including mental health, housing, essential and vocational skills, and employer engagement at every Youth Hub.

The Basildon Youth Hub opened on 30^th September 2026 at Signpost Unit 48, The Unity Centre, 86 Eastgate Centre, Basildon, SS14 1AF, providing young people locally with a route into employment support and opportunities.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to protect consumers from the mis-selling of horses that are i) unsuitable for their advertised purpose or ii) have undisclosed medical conditions.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The department does not hold specific data on the number of complaints about the mis-selling of horses, and it has not made an assessment of the adequacy of regulating this market. However, businesses must comply with consumer protection law, including requirements that information provided to consumers is clear and not misleading.

Horses that are sold for commercial purposes would generally not be in scope of consumer protection legislation and would be largely a matter of contractual law.

More broadly, the Government recently committed to longer term plans to overhaul the wider consumer protection landscape.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what data his Department holds on the number of complaints concerning the mis-selling of horses in each of the last five years.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The department does not hold specific data on the number of complaints about the mis-selling of horses, and it has not made an assessment of the adequacy of regulating this market. However, businesses must comply with consumer protection law, including requirements that information provided to consumers is clear and not misleading.

Horses that are sold for commercial purposes would generally not be in scope of consumer protection legislation and would be largely a matter of contractual law.

More broadly, the Government recently committed to longer term plans to overhaul the wider consumer protection landscape.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of regulation governing the commercial sale of horses in England.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The department does not hold specific data on the number of complaints about the mis-selling of horses, and it has not made an assessment of the adequacy of regulating this market. However, businesses must comply with consumer protection law, including requirements that information provided to consumers is clear and not misleading.

Horses that are sold for commercial purposes would generally not be in scope of consumer protection legislation and would be largely a matter of contractual law.

More broadly, the Government recently committed to longer term plans to overhaul the wider consumer protection landscape.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the effect of the adjusted Triple Lock on the number and proportion of pensioners living in relative poverty by 2040.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Levels of pensioner poverty under the adjusted triple lock are projected to decline. However, the Government is not complacent on the issue of pensioner poverty. This is why we have asked the Pensions Commission to make recommendations on further support for lower-income pensioners in their final report. Further information can be found in Chart 1 here: State Pension uprating - GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the number of pensioners who will become eligible for Pension Credit by 2040 as a result of the adjusted Triple Lock.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The level of the new and basic State Pension will rise every year under the adjusted Triple Lock, keeping pace with earnings over time. The number of pensioners entitled to Pension Credit in 2040 will depend on a wide range of factors. Pensioner poverty is however set to fall in the decades ahead.

The Government is not complacent on the issue of pensioner poverty. This is why we have asked the Pensions Commission to make recommendations on further support for lower-income pensioners in their final report.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the adjusted Triple Lock on the number and proportion of pensioners living in relative poverty in Essex by 2040.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

At a Great Britain level, levels of pensioner poverty under the adjusted triple lock are projected to decline. However, the Government is not complacent on the issue of pensioner poverty. This is why we have asked the Pensions Commission to make recommendations on further support for lower-income pensioners in their final report. Further information can be found in Chart 1 here: State Pension uprating - GOV.UK

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the letter to hon. Members entitled The future of the Triple Lock, dated 13 October 2026, what estimate he has made of the annual difference in State Pension payments per pensioner under the (a) adjusted and (b) existing Triple Lock in each financial year from 2030-31 to 2039-40.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 21 October 2026 to Question UIN 34753.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Machinery of Government changes: Fact Sheet, published on 22 July 2026, what the estimated cost is of establishing the Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet, including staffing, accommodation, information technology and branding costs.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

No10 North is central to the Prime Minister’s commitment to get good growth in every postcode, drive devolution, and bring Government closer to the communities it serves. Mayors, employers, councils, and public services, will work in equal partnership with central government so that decisions about this country’s economic future are no longer only taken in Westminster. The cost of establishing No 10 North is covered by existing departmental budgets. Staffing costs are regularly published on GOV.UK.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Machinery of Government changes: Fact Sheet, published on 22 July 2026, what the estimated cost is of establishing No.10 North, including accommodation, staffing and operational costs.

Answered by Mark Ferguson - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

No10 North is central to the Prime Minister’s commitment to get good growth in every postcode, drive devolution, and bring Government closer to the communities it serves. Mayors, employers, councils, and public services, will work in equal partnership with central government so that decisions about this country’s economic future are no longer only taken in Westminster. The cost of establishing No 10 North is covered by existing departmental budgets. Staffing costs are regularly published on GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero press release entitled “Families set to save money through new and upgraded heat networks”, published on 23 September 2026, what metrics will be used to evaluate whether the investment in upgrading heat networks has delivered value for money.

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

Value for money and impact evaluations of the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme are ongoing. These will assess whether investment in upgrading heat networks has delivered expected benefits relative to costs. Key metrics will include improvements in network efficiency, reduced cost of heat, reduced customer bills, carbon emissions savings and reliability and service quality improvements. These benefits will be compared against programme and project costs using cost-benefit analysis metrics such as Net Present Social Value (NPSV) and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR). The evaluations will also consider additionality, delivery effectiveness and the extent to which observed outcomes align with those anticipated in the programme business case.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the Department’s press release entitled Joint Statement of 16th Meeting of the India–UK JETCO, published on 12 October 2026, what estimate he has made of the value of tariff savings realised by UK exporters to India since the agreement entered into force.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department has not yet made an estimate of the value of tariff savings realised by UK exporters to India since the agreement entered into force in July. This is because the data required to calculate the savings is not yet fully available. The Department will publish tariff savings estimates in due course once the data is available.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero press release entitled “Families set to save money through new and upgraded heat networks”, published on 23 September 2026, what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme in reducing household energy bills.

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

Value for money and impact evaluations of the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme are ongoing. These will assess whether investment in upgrading heat networks has delivered expected benefits relative to costs. Key metrics will include improvements in network efficiency, reduced cost of heat, reduced customer bills, carbon emissions savings and reliability and service quality improvements. These benefits will be compared against programme and project costs using cost-benefit analysis metrics such as Net Present Social Value (NPSV) and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR). The evaluations will also consider additionality, delivery effectiveness and the extent to which observed outcomes align with those anticipated in the programme business case.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero press release entitled “Families set to save money through new and upgraded heat networks”, published on 23 September 2026, for what policy reason were no heat network projects in Essex included in the latest funding announced by the Government.

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

Both the Green Heat Network Fund and Heat Network Efficiency Scheme are demand led schemes, open to public, private and third sector heat network operators whose projects meet eligibility criteria.

There were no applications for funding from heat network projects in Essex in this latest HNES funding round (although awards were made to Essex projects in Round 2 and Round 8).

No projects in Essex have made successful applications for GHNF funding.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the 10 Downing Street press release entitled UK government response to agreement between US and Russia: 9 October, published on 10 October 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential implications of the agreement for the level of support Ukraine requires from the UK and its other allies.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

I refer the Hon Member to the Prime Minister's Oral Statement, made on 12 October.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the Department's press release entitled Joint Statement of 16th Meeting of the India–UK JETCO, published on 12 October 2026, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement on bilateral capital flows, including foreign direct investment between the UK and India.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

India is a leading investor in the UK. Indian investment is particularly important in advanced manufacturing where India has invested £6.4 billion making it the third largest source country investor in the UK. The Government expects the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, by reducing barriers and improving market access, to create further opportunities for trade and investment between our countries. While the Government has not quantified a specific impact on bilateral FDI flows, evidence from trade agreements indicates that deeper economic integration can support increased investment.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled Joint Statement of 16th Meeting of the India–UK JETCO, published on 12 October 2026, what estimate his Department has made of the additional economic activity represented by the early increases in trade reported under the agreement; and what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of these increases on (a) trade displacement from other UK trading partners and (b) anticipated future exports to India.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department has not made such estimates or assessments. This is because such analysis would not be proportionate, credible or robust at such an early stage following the UK-India CETA’s entry into force in July 2026. Instead, the Department’s CETA monitoring activities track early-stage implementation and utilisation and are not designed to assess CETA’s impacts over the very short-term. Impacts of trade changes following an FTA’s entry into force can be robustly assessed using specialist evaluation techniques over the medium- to longer-term once sufficient data has become available.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the Department’s press release entitled Joint Statement of 16th Meeting of the India–UK JETCO, published on 12 October 2026, what assessment has he made of the extent to which increased imports from India under the agreement have displaced any production by UK-based businesses.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department has not made such an assessment. This is because such analysis would not be proportionate or credible at such an early stage following an FTA’s entry-into-force. Instead, the Department’s monitoring activities track early-stage implementation and utilisation and is not designed to assess FTA impacts over the very short-term. Impacts of trade changes following an FTA’s entry into force are robustly assessed using specialist evaluation techniques over the medium- to longer-term as more data becomes available.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what data the Department holds on the value of goods and services exported from Essex to India in each of the last five years.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department does not hold data on the value of goods and services exported from Essex to India in the last five years. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) holds data on trade from UK regions at the county level up to 2023.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment she has made of the prevalence of bullying among children at school, and what steps she is taking to tackle bullying.

Answered by Paul Waugh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Tackling and preventing bullying in schools is essential to ensure that children feel safe, attend school, and achieve and thrive.

The 2024/25 National Behaviour Survey found that, in May 2025, 21% of pupils in years 7 to 13 reported having been bullied for any reason in the previous 12 months, compared with 24% in April 2024.Schools are required to have behaviour policies that include measures to prevent bullying. As part of their policies, they should monitor bullying and adopt approaches to tackle the issue.

The department has commissioned an expert, evidence-led review of best practice in managing behaviour, reducing preventable exclusions, and preventing and tackling bullying. Its findings will inform a toolkit to help schools develop safe and supportive cultures. In addition, regional improvement for standards and excellence Attendance and Behaviour hubs are supporting thousands to schools to strengthen behaviour policies, including addressing bullying.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the Department’s press release entitled Joint Statement of 16th Meeting of the India–UK JETCO, published on 12 October 2026, what steps the Department is taking to inform small and medium-sized businesses in Essex about the tariff reductions and market access available under the agreement.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department is committed to ensuring businesses across all regions and nations of the UK can benefit from the UK-India Free Trade Agreement. Support for SMEs in Essex and across the UK is integrated into the Government’s existing business support offer, accessible through business.gov.uk, including practical guidance on the tariff reductions and other provisions of the Agreement. The Department also engages directly with businesses and business representative organisations to raise awareness of these opportunities, support utilisation and understand how the Agreement is working in practice.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled Joint Statement of 16th Meeting of the India–UK JETCO, published on 12 October 2026, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement on the UK’s bilateral trade balance in goods with India.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The government has assessed the impact of the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement through its impact assessment which was published at the time of signature. Total bilateral trade (goods and services) is modelled to increase by nearly 39% in the long run, equivalent to £25.5bn a year when applied to projections of future trade in 2040.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero press release entitled “Families set to save money through new and upgraded heat networks”, published on 23 September 2026, what estimate has been made of the average annual saving expected for households from the £90 million investment in heat networks.

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

The Green Heat Network Fund announced five project awards totalling £78.3m. Average annual savings for residents connecting are to be confirmed subject to final project delivery, but all existing households will receive a tariff no higher than a gas boiler equivalent.

Ten organisations have received a share of over £12.2m Heat Network Efficiency Scheme capital grants, supporting over 2,300 homes. The average targeted reduction in the cost of delivered heat is 7.91 p/kWh. Due to variation in tariff structures the impact on the final consumer bills will vary – they will be monitored once works are complete and assessed through external evaluation.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero press release entitled “Families set to save money through new and upgraded heat networks”, published on 23 September 2026, whether it is her policy that heat network projects in Essex will receive future Government funding.

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

The Green Heat Network Fund and Heat Network Efficiency Scheme are both demand led schemes, open to public, private and third sector heat network operators in England and Wales whose projects meet eligibility criteria. Future GHNF and HNES funding awards are dependent on application assessment against scheme rules rather than geographic location.

Strategic and local authorities interested in developing heat network zones can contact DESNZ to discuss potential funding and technical assistance.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department is taking to support the development of heat network projects in Essex.

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

The Green Heat Network Fund and Heat Network Efficiency Scheme are both demand led schemes, open to public, private and third sector heat network operators in England and Wales whose projects meet eligibility criteria. Future GHNF and HNES funding awards are dependent on application assessment against scheme rules rather than geographic location.

Strategic and local authorities interested in developing heat network zones can contact DESNZ to discuss potential funding and technical assistance.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions her Department has had with local authorities in Essex about developing or upgrading heat networks.

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

Heat network guidance and development or feasibility funding have previously been provided to Colchester Borough Council, Chelmsford Borough Council and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

The Greater South East Net Zero Hub has also engaged with Essex local authorities on heat network potential on the Department’s behalf.

The Delivery Partners for both the Green Heat Network Fund and Heat Network Efficiency Scheme are responsible for promoting these funding schemes throughout England and Wales to all eligible organisations including local authorities. They regularly host webinars and attend events to raise awareness of the schemes and to discuss potential applications.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero press release entitled “Families set to save money through new and upgraded heat networks”, published on 23 September 2026, what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of transporting hot water by electric barges as part of the Thames heat network project.

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

The effectiveness of the barge proposal included consideration of the volume of thermal energy carried by each barge, electrical energy requirements (considering barge propulsion and tidal movements), and the cost of heat delivered to customers relative to a natural gas counterfactual.

The barge proposal was assessed against the Green Heat Network Fund’s criteria for deliverability, value for money and technical feasibility. Unpressurised thermal storage is an established technology, and the applicant has substantial experience in barge transportation, already operating a fleet on the Thames for waste transportation.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment she has made of the potential for waste heat from industrial and commercial sources in Essex to be used in local heat networks.

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

The Department has developed the National Zoning Model to identify areas in England where heat networks could be the lowest cost low carbon form of providing heating. The model includes a database of over 30,000 sources of waste heat (from a range of published sources) that could be used in heat networks. In Essex this includes a number of waste-water treatment works, power stations, energy from waste plants, and industrial cold stores.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled Joint Statement of 16th Meeting of the India–UK JETCO, published on 12 October 2026, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement on the UK’s bilateral trade balance in services with India.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The government has assessed the impact of the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement through its impact assessment which was published at the time of signature. Total bilateral trade (goods and services) is modelled to increase by nearly 39% in the long run, equivalent to £25.5bn a year when applied to projections of future trade in 2040.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero press release entitled “Families set to save money through new and upgraded heat networks”, published on 23 September 2026, what estimate has been made of the proportion of heat supplied through the funded networks that will come from waste heat sources.

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

For the five Green Heat Network Fund projects included in the Government’s announcement, the proportion of heat delivered from waste heat sources is estimated at approximately 57% of heat delivered.

The Heat Network Efficiency Scheme projects included in the Government’s announcement predominantly use natural gas boilers as their heat sources.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the FCDO press release entitled “Minister for Overseas Territories statement on the Falkland Islands: 18 September”, published on 18 September 2026, what discussions he has had with the Government of Argentina on businesses and people supplying goods and services to the Falkland Islands.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

I refer the Hon Member to the statement I made in the House on 13 October.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate she has made of the number of homes in Essex that could benefit from the development or upgrading of heat networks.

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

We estimate that heat networks could provide 20% of the nation’s heat needs by 2050. We do not currently have an estimate of how many homes in Essex could benefit from the development or upgrading of heat networks.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how many users of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme eligibility checker have started but not completed the eligibility check since its launch.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department monitors use of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme eligibility checker, including usage, completion rates, indicative outcomes and user feedback. Detailed information on the use of the checker is management information and has not been published. The Department has not yet made a formal assessment of the reasons individual users may choose not to complete a check.

Performance metrics for departmental digital services are published monthly – some of the datapoints requested will be available at BIST digital service performance indicators - GOV.UK once reporting on the service commences.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what feedback his Department has received from businesses on the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme eligibility checker since its launch.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department monitors use of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme eligibility checker, including usage, completion rates, indicative outcomes and user feedback. Detailed information on the use of the checker is management information and has not been published. The Department has not yet made a formal assessment of the reasons individual users may choose not to complete a check.

Performance metrics for departmental digital services are published monthly – some of the datapoints requested will be available at BIST digital service performance indicators - GOV.UK once reporting on the service commences.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the reasons users of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme eligibility checker do not complete the check.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department monitors use of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme eligibility checker, including usage, completion rates, indicative outcomes and user feedback. Detailed information on the use of the checker is management information and has not been published. The Department has not yet made a formal assessment of the reasons individual users may choose not to complete a check.

Performance metrics for departmental digital services are published monthly – some of the datapoints requested will be available at BIST digital service performance indicators - GOV.UK once reporting on the service commences.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what proportion of completed checks through the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme eligibility checker have indicated that the business is likely to be eligible for the scheme.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department monitors use of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme eligibility checker, including usage, completion rates, indicative outcomes and user feedback. Detailed information on the use of the checker is management information and has not been published. The Department has not yet made a formal assessment of the reasons individual users may choose not to complete a check.

Performance metrics for departmental digital services are published monthly – some of the datapoints requested will be available at BIST digital service performance indicators - GOV.UK once reporting on the service commences.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how many businesses have used the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme eligibility checker since its launch.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department monitors use of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme eligibility checker, including usage, completion rates, indicative outcomes and user feedback. Detailed information on the use of the checker is management information and has not been published. The Department has not yet made a formal assessment of the reasons individual users may choose not to complete a check.

Performance metrics for departmental digital services are published monthly – some of the datapoints requested will be available at BIST digital service performance indicators - GOV.UK once reporting on the service commences.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the level of electricity costs faced by eligible manufacturing businesses after the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme is implemented compared with those faced by comparable businesses in European countries.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs for eligible manufacturing businesses by exempting them from the indirect costs of the Renewables Obligation (RO), Feed-In Tariffs (FIT), and Capacity Market (CM).

This support is expected to reduce electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt-hour, equivalent to up to 25% of a business’s electricity bill, helping to bring electricity costs faced by eligible manufacturers more in line with those in other European economies.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme in helping to tackle the underlying causes of high electricity costs for manufacturing businesses.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs for eligible manufacturing businesses by exempting them from the indirect costs of the Renewables Obligation (RO), Feed-In Tariffs (FIT), and Capacity Market (CM).

This support is expected to reduce electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt-hour, equivalent to up to 25% of a business’s electricity bill, helping to bring electricity costs faced by eligible manufacturers more in line with those in other European economies.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of whether patients with hypermobility spectrum disorders have equitable access to a) specialist physiotherapy, b) occupational therapy and c) pain management services across England.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers given on 6 July to Questions 10869 and 10873, and the answers given on 8 July to Questions 10868 and 10871.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to help improve awareness among GPs of the a) symptoms and b) clinical presentation of hypermobility spectrum disorders.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers given on 6 July to Questions 10869 and 10873, and the answers given on 8 July to Questions 10868 and 10871.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of NHS services for people with hypermobility spectrum disorders.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answers given on 6 July to Questions 10869 and 10873, and the answers given on 8 July to Questions 10868 and 10871.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of administering the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme during the 2026-27 financial year and each subsequent financial year for which an estimate has been made.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department has established a dedicated operational team to process applications for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme and has built flexibility into its resourcing model to respond to application volumes. Staffing requirements and administration costs will continue to be kept under review as the Scheme is implemented.

Detailed information on staffing levels and estimated administration costs is internal management information and has not been published.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, how many staff in his Department are responsible for administering the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department has established a dedicated operational team to process applications for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme and has built flexibility into its resourcing model to respond to application volumes. Staffing requirements and administration costs will continue to be kept under review as the Scheme is implemented.

Detailed information on staffing levels and estimated administration costs is internal management information and has not been published.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the HM Revenue and Customs press release entitled “More than £300 million paid out through Help to Save with thousands more savers set to benefit”, published on 21 September 2026, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the scheme in helping participating households build financial resilience.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Help to Save supports people on low incomes to build their financial resilience by providing a 50% government bonus on savings.

HMRC’s 2025 evaluation of Help to Save found that awareness and affordability were key barriers to take-up, with 58% of eligible non-users surveyed saying they had not heard of the scheme and 20% saying they could not afford to save. The evaluation also found evidence of positive impacts on saving behaviour and financial resilience, including that 62% of users were not saving before opening their account and 66% reporting that Help to Save had improved their financial circumstances.

In 2028, eligibility will be expanded to all Universal Credit claimants with children or caring responsibilities. The Government has not published an estimate of expected take-up among the additional households that will become eligible from 2028. The approach to evaluating the expanded scheme, including the metrics used, will be determined in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the HM Revenue and Customs press release entitled “More than £300 million paid out through Help to Save with thousands more savers set to benefit”, published on 21 September 2026, what assessment he has made of the expected take-up of Help to Save among the additional households becoming eligible from 2028.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Help to Save supports people on low incomes to build their financial resilience by providing a 50% government bonus on savings.

HMRC’s 2025 evaluation of Help to Save found that awareness and affordability were key barriers to take-up, with 58% of eligible non-users surveyed saying they had not heard of the scheme and 20% saying they could not afford to save. The evaluation also found evidence of positive impacts on saving behaviour and financial resilience, including that 62% of users were not saving before opening their account and 66% reporting that Help to Save had improved their financial circumstances.

In 2028, eligibility will be expanded to all Universal Credit claimants with children or caring responsibilities. The Government has not published an estimate of expected take-up among the additional households that will become eligible from 2028. The approach to evaluating the expanded scheme, including the metrics used, will be determined in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the HM Revenue and Customs press release entitled “More than £300 million paid out through Help to Save with thousands more savers set to benefit”, published on 21 September 2026, what metrics will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the expanded Help to Save scheme from 2028.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Help to Save supports people on low incomes to build their financial resilience by providing a 50% government bonus on savings.

HMRC’s 2025 evaluation of Help to Save found that awareness and affordability were key barriers to take-up, with 58% of eligible non-users surveyed saying they had not heard of the scheme and 20% saying they could not afford to save. The evaluation also found evidence of positive impacts on saving behaviour and financial resilience, including that 62% of users were not saving before opening their account and 66% reporting that Help to Save had improved their financial circumstances.

In 2028, eligibility will be expanded to all Universal Credit claimants with children or caring responsibilities. The Government has not published an estimate of expected take-up among the additional households that will become eligible from 2028. The approach to evaluating the expanded scheme, including the metrics used, will be determined in due course.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the HM Revenue and Customs press release entitled “More than £300 million paid out through Help to Save with thousands more savers set to benefit”, published on 21 September 2026, what assessment he has made of the reasons why take-up of Help to Save remains below the number of people eligible for the scheme.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

Help to Save supports people on low incomes to build their financial resilience by providing a 50% government bonus on savings.

HMRC’s 2025 evaluation of Help to Save found that awareness and affordability were key barriers to take-up, with 58% of eligible non-users surveyed saying they had not heard of the scheme and 20% saying they could not afford to save. The evaluation also found evidence of positive impacts on saving behaviour and financial resilience, including that 62% of users were not saving before opening their account and 66% reporting that Help to Save had improved their financial circumstances.

In 2028, eligibility will be expanded to all Universal Credit claimants with children or caring responsibilities. The Government has not published an estimate of expected take-up among the additional households that will become eligible from 2028. The approach to evaluating the expanded scheme, including the metrics used, will be determined in due course.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK’s reliance on imported manufactured goods on the environment.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

This Government is committed to ensuring that our international trade and environmental objectives are mutually supportive, as set out in the Trade Strategy. This includes seeking outcomes in trading frameworks and international agreements that support sustainable trade and the UK’s domestic agenda.

The Government uses a range of analytical tools to assess the impacts of trade policy, including through the publication of Impact Assessments for Free Trade Agreements. These assessments include extensive analysis of environmental considerations, including potential impacts on global emissions, natural capital and other environmental outcomes. The Government continues to explore further analysis in this area as required.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether she plans to increase the age threshold for free NHS prescriptions in England from 60 to the State Pension age.

Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

No, but I am sure the estimated 7,158 individuals aged between 60 and 65 years old in the Hon. Member’s constituency will be interested to know it is an idea he is examining.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled Joint Statement of 16th Meeting of the India–UK JETCO, published on 12 October 2026, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement on the total sum value of UK (a) exports to India and (b) imports from India since the agreement entered into force.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The government has assessed the potential long-run impact of the UK-India CETA through its published impact assessment. It estimated that in the long-run CETA could increase UK exports to India by nearly 60% and UK imports from India by 25%, equivalent to £15.7 billion (UK exports to India) and £9.8 billion (UK imports from India) when applied to projections of future trade in 2040. The Department has not assessed actual impacts since CETA’s entry into force in July 2026 as there is not yet enough data available for credible and robust analytical assessment.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the level of administrative costs incurred by businesses in applying for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department does not have a formal estimate of the average time businesses are expected to spend on an application for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, or the associated administrative costs. This reflects the fact that businesses vary in size and circumstances, meaning the time and effort required will differ between applicants.

There are several features of scheme design that are intended to minimise administrative burden. This includes an online eligibility checker, comprehensive business guidance, flexibility on evidence requirements where appropriate, the option to use third parties to support applications, and regular webinars to help scheme understanding and process.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what estimate his Department has made of the average amount of time businesses are expected to spend completing an application for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department does not have a formal estimate of the average time businesses are expected to spend on an application for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, or the associated administrative costs. This reflects the fact that businesses vary in size and circumstances, meaning the time and effort required will differ between applicants.

There are several features of scheme design that are intended to minimise administrative burden. This includes an online eligibility checker, comprehensive business guidance, flexibility on evidence requirements where appropriate, the option to use third parties to support applications, and regular webinars to help scheme understanding and process.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the Department’s press release entitled Joint Statement of 16th Meeting of the India–UK JETCO, published on 12 October 2026, what assessment has been made of the potential economic benefits of the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement for businesses based in Essex.

Answered by Chris McDonald - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The government has assessed the impact of the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement through its published impact assessment. This estimates that the agreement could increase UK GDP by 0.13%, equivalent to around £4.8 billion annually in the long run. The assessment indicates that all UK nations and English regions are expected to benefit from the agreement. For the East of England region, which includes Essex, real GVA is estimated to increase by around 0.11% in the long run. Businesses in Essex may benefit from the opportunities created by improved access to the Indian market and lower barriers to trade.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the Department’s press release entitled Joint Statement of 16th Meeting of the India–UK JETCO, published on 12 October 2026, whether he plans to publish data on the impact of the agreement on exports, imports, investment and employment in Essex.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Department does not hold data on the impact of the agreement on exports, imports, investment and employment specifically in Essex and does not conduct economic modelling of potential future impacts of trade agreements at sub-regional levels. The Department published an ex-ante Impact Assessment that estimates potential long-run impacts of the UK-India CETA for the East of England region, which includes Essex. There are no sub-regional modelled estimates of potential future long-run impacts.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the letter from the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions entitled The future of the Triple Lock, dated 13 October 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the adjusted Triple Lock on household consumption and economic output.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government is committed to the Triple Lock for the duration of this Parliament. We will then adjust the Triple Lock from April 2030.

The Office for Budget Responsibility is the UK’s independent official forecaster and assesses the economic and fiscal impacts of government policy, including any impacts on consumption and economic output.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the Department’s press release entitled Joint Statement of 16th Meeting of the India–UK JETCO, published on 12 October 2026, how many businesses based in Essex have received support from the Department to access the Indian market since the agreement entered into force.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Since signature of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, the Department has engaged with over 10,000 business representatives across the UK to raise awareness of the opportunities under the Agreement and support businesses to take advantage of its provisions. Businesses in Essex can access the Department’s full range of export support, including guidance and services available through business.gov.uk.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the accessibility of defibrillators provided to schools outside normal school hours.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

All state-funded schools in England are required to teach first aid as part of the mandatory relationships, sex and health education curriculum. This includes basic first aid for primary school children, for example dealing with common injuries, such as head injuries. Pupils in secondary schools are taught further first aid, for example how to administer CPR and the purpose of defibrillators and when one might be needed. Schools retain flexibility over how to deliver first aid teaching, including whether to use external organisations or practical demonstrations, provided teaching is age-appropriate and suitable for pupils.

The department’s defibrillator programme provided over 20,000 devices to eligible schools and was the largest distribution of defibrillators to date. Defibrillators are designed to be simple and safe to use. No prior training is required and they talk the user through step-by-step instructions at the point of use. As part of the rollout, the department provided awareness videos showing how simple defibrillators are to use and encouraged schools to share these in staff meetings and assemblies, where appropriate.

We continue to work with the British Heart Foundation to encourage schools to register their defibrillators on the national defibrillator network, The Circuit. This allows local ambulance services to see where defibrillators are, including any access arrangements. We are pleased to see that since the department’s rollout, the number of schools with at least one device registered on The Circuit has increased from 14% to 70%.

The department does not hold information on the accessibility of school defibrillators outside normal school hours. Schools are best placed to make decisions on access arrangements for their devices, based on individual circumstances.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps is she taking to ensure that CPR and defibrillator training is delivered consistently across schools in England.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

All state-funded schools in England are required to teach first aid as part of the mandatory relationships, sex and health education curriculum. This includes basic first aid for primary school children, for example dealing with common injuries, such as head injuries. Pupils in secondary schools are taught further first aid, for example how to administer CPR and the purpose of defibrillators and when one might be needed. Schools retain flexibility over how to deliver first aid teaching, including whether to use external organisations or practical demonstrations, provided teaching is age-appropriate and suitable for pupils.

The department’s defibrillator programme provided over 20,000 devices to eligible schools and was the largest distribution of defibrillators to date. Defibrillators are designed to be simple and safe to use. No prior training is required and they talk the user through step-by-step instructions at the point of use. As part of the rollout, the department provided awareness videos showing how simple defibrillators are to use and encouraged schools to share these in staff meetings and assemblies, where appropriate.

We continue to work with the British Heart Foundation to encourage schools to register their defibrillators on the national defibrillator network, The Circuit. This allows local ambulance services to see where defibrillators are, including any access arrangements. We are pleased to see that since the department’s rollout, the number of schools with at least one device registered on The Circuit has increased from 14% to 70%.

The department does not hold information on the accessibility of school defibrillators outside normal school hours. Schools are best placed to make decisions on access arrangements for their devices, based on individual circumstances.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to the Department’s press release entitled Joint Statement of 16th Meeting of the India–UK JETCO, published on 12 October 2026, what assessment he has made of the net impact of the agreement on employment in the UK, including jobs created, jobs displaced and changes in employment by sector.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The government has assessed the impact of the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement through its published Impact Assessment. The analysis suggests that changes in employment composition across sectors are small compared with regular labour market changes, with average sectoral market share changing by less than 0.01%.

The analysis shows a positive impact for UK workers through higher real wages, which, as a result of the agreement, are estimated to increase by 0.19%, equivalent to £2.2 billion a year when applied to total wages in 2024. The analysis undertaken does not quantify jobs created by the agreement.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the letter from the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions entitled, The future of the Triple Lock, dated 13 October 2026, what estimate he has been made of the potential impact of the adjusted Triple Lock on tax receipts, including income tax and VAT.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The annually managed expenditure savings from adjusting the triple lock were set out in a publication on the 29th of September. The methodology used is detailed in that publication. Tax receipt forecasts are produced twice a year by the Office for Budget Responsibility.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Bus lanes to help stop traffic derailing court cases, published on 12 October 2026, whether he plans to introduce legislation requiring local authorities to permit Prisoner Escort and Custody Service vehicles to use designated bus lanes if voluntary uptake is deemed to be insufficient.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The Lord Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Transport wrote jointly to 12 local authorities on 23 September, urging them to make provision for Prisoner Escort and Custody Service vehicles to use bus lanes, in order to help the courts to deliver speedier justice. These authorities were selected because traffic congestion, leading to court delays, can be a particular problem in those areas. To date, Birmingham, Newcastle, Brighton, and Northampton have replied, and all these have indicated their readiness to adopt the recommended approach.

We are monitoring the responses we receive from local authorities and are keeping the position under review.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the Ministry of Justice press release entitled Bus lanes to help stop traffic derailing court cases, published on 12 October 2026, how many local authorities have responded to the Department's request to consider allowing Prisoner Escort and Custody Service vehicles to use bus lanes.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The Lord Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Transport wrote jointly to 12 local authorities on 23 September, urging them to make provision for Prisoner Escort and Custody Service vehicles to use bus lanes, in order to help the courts to deliver speedier justice. These authorities were selected because traffic congestion, leading to court delays, can be a particular problem in those areas. To date, Birmingham, Newcastle, Brighton, and Northampton have replied, and all these have indicated their readiness to adopt the recommended approach.

We are monitoring the responses we receive from local authorities and are keeping the position under review.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of a) commercial property costs and b) financing options on high street vacancy rates in Essex.

Answered by Jim McMahon - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

No specific assessment has been made. Vacancy is shaped by a range of factors, including local demand, wider economic conditions and changing consumer behaviour.

The Government is taking action to address commercial property costs for high street businesses in England. We have introduced legislation to ban upwards-only rent reviews in new and renewed commercial leases, created new, reduced business rates multipliers for high street sectors, and rolled out High Street Rental Auction powers to enable long term vacant units to be offered at reduced rents to local businesses. We have also tasked the Law Commission with projects to address issues in commercial leasehold.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Department for Work and Pensions press release entitled Hundreds of thousands of pensioners urged to check they're not missing out on vital Pension Credit, published on 13 October 2026, what proportion of the additional 33,500 Pension Credit applications received following the 2025 awareness campaign resulted in an award.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Department for Work and Pensions press release entitled Hundreds of thousands of pensioners urged to check they're not missing out on vital Pension Credit, published on 13 October 2026, should have referred to 33,500 additional Pension Credit awards rather than an additional 33,500 Pension Credit applications. It has now been corrected.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Department for Work and Pensions press release entitled Hundreds of thousands of pensioners urged to check they're not missing out on vital Pension Credit, published on 13 October 2026, what steps are being taken to evaluate the relative effectiveness of leaflet distribution, television advertising, radio advertising, social media and partnerships with other organisations in increasing Pension Credit take-up.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Pension Credit campaign activity will be evaluated in line with Government Communications standards. This will include nationally representative quantitative surveys, website analytics, monitoring our inbound calls and feedback from stakeholders.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what guidance his Department plans to provide to employers on what constitutes reasonable notice of a) shifts and b) changes to shifts under the proposed reforms to zero-hour contracts.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade)

The government will publish guidance and provide time for employers to adjust to the new rules around shift notice. The guidance will cover how much notice should be presumed reasonable as well as other factors employers should consider to determine what notice is reasonable in given circumstances.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Department for Work and Pensions press release entitled Hundreds of thousands of pensioners urged to check they're not missing out on vital Pension Credit, published on 13 October 2026, what estimate has been made of the number of pensioners eligible for Pension Credit but not receiving it in (a) Basildon, (b) Thurrock, and (c) Essex as a whole.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

The latest published estimates show that in 2023 to 2024, in Basildon, there were 2,000 households that were potentially eligible for Pension Credit but not claiming, 1,600 households in Thurrock, and 24,900 in Essex. Household numbers have been rounded to the nearest 1,000.

The following Local Authorities have been included in the Essex estimate: Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Epping Forest, Harlow, Maldon, Rochford, Southend-on-Sea, Tendring, Thurrock and Uttlesford.

These figures are sourced from the Department's Households potentially eligible for Pension Credit, 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK ad hoc statistical publication, which provides analysis of households potentially eligible for, but not claiming, Pension Credit at sub-national and local authority level.

It is important to note that these figures are not directly comparable with the current published estimates of take-up in the official statistics. The official statistics estimates entitlement for a benefit unit to Pension Credit on the day the interview took place. Whereas the ad-hoc statistics look at entitlement for a household across the full financial year (2023 to 2024), so will result in a greater number of those estimated to be entitled to Pension Credit, than in the official statistics.

The next release of the Pension Credit take-up statistics for Great Britain FYE 2025 are due to be published on 22 October 2026: Income-related benefits: estimates of take-up - GOV.UK.

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