Jayne Kirkham

The EHRC has opened its consultation on the draft updated statutory Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations, seeking views from affected stakeholders. We encourage people to ensure their views are heard by submitting a response to the consultation by Monday 30th June. We will consider the final draft Code once it has been submitted and engage with the EHRC to ensure it provides the further certainty and clarity service providers need, in line with the ruling.

This Government is determined to ensure that the £400bn spent annually on procurement benefits British industry, jobs, and skills.

This government recently brought in The Local Government (Non-commercial Considerations) (England) Order 2026 so that local authorities in England can reserve competitions for below-threshold contracts to local or UK businesses. In addition, the Department for Transport has recently published a 10- year Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Order Pipeline detailing the expected procurement of battery-electric and zero-emission buses between 2026 and 2035. This will provide far greater planning certainty for UK bus manufacturers.

I also announced new reforms on March 26th 2026 to ensure that government procurement does much more to protect national security, including by supporting critical UK industries, in line with our international trade agreements, and that it helps deliver a fairer economy. As part of this, we are creating a new definition of Social Value in Government Procurement, which will give additional weight to support local jobs, skills and community impact.

Through the Industrial Strategy, we are supporting industrial growth in Cornwall through targeted investment, innovation and local partnership. Through programmes such as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Freeports and the £30m Kernow Growth Fund delivered by Cornwall Council, we are backing high-value sectors including clean energy, marine, space and advanced manufacturing.

We work closely with local leaders to attract private investment, strengthen supply chains and create skilled jobs—ensuring Cornwall benefits from national growth priorities while building on its distinctive economic strengths.

This government recognises the significant public value delivered by the UK’s charitable sector.

We have consulted on the implementation of the subscriptions regime in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. The consultation received over 70 responses, including 15 from charitable organisations. The government is reflecting on their responses and engaging closely with the sector to understand the impacts on both consumers and these bodies.

We will provide guidance to support implementation of regulations ahead of commencement.

This government recognises the significant public value delivered by the UK’s charitable sector.

We have consulted on the implementation of the subscriptions regime in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. The consultation received over 70 responses, including 15 from charitable organisations. The government is reflecting on their responses and engaging closely with the sector to understand the impacts on both consumers and these bodies.

We will provide guidance to support implementation of regulations ahead of commencement.

The Government launched the Parental Leave and Pay Review in July 2025, as part of the Plan to Make Work Pay. The Review is exploring how the system can better support working families, including those where parents are self-employed, and reflect the realities of modern work. It provides a much-needed opportunity to consider our overall approach to parental leave and pay, with all current and upcoming entitlements in scope.

The loss of a loved one is one of the hardest things a person can experience. This is why we have introduced a new right to bereavement leave in the Employment Rights Bill which will be available to those grieving the loss of a loved one, including pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.

The Bill deals with the introduction of leave only, and we are consulting further on the detail of the entitlement to ensure it supports employees while remaining proportionate for employers. It will remain at employers' discretion to offer pay, as many already do.

Government recognises there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to tackling the UK’s diverse building stock. We have set out a range of provisions to ensure the cost and compliance burden is fair and proportionate for landlords. This includes a maximum spend requirement of £10,000 per property, and a range of exemptions for circumstances where the installation of measures is not feasible or appropriate.

The Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) supports new and existing heat networks across England and Wales to adopt low carbon technologies. Applicants to the scheme are also encouraged to seek financing options from the National Wealth Fund and can opt to have their project information shared with the Fund for them to consider potential support. Heat network developers in coastal areas can contact the GHNF delivery partner, Triple Point Heat Networks, or consult the scheme guidance (Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF): Round 11 application guidance - GOV.UK) for further information.

Heat network zoning, due to come into force later this year, will grant new powers to local government to accelerate heat network development in areas where they will be the most affordable heating solution.

We will support at least ten locations to establish their heat network zones soon after Heat Network Zoning Regulations go live. We will announce locations in due course which will be a result of assessing locations across England.

Longer term DESNZ is looking to develop its pipeline of future zones, inviting strategic and local authorities to submit information by 29 May 2026.

Batteries aren’t mandated under the Future Homes and Buildings Standards because Building Regulations set performance‑based outcomes and do not mandate specific technologies. This ensures flexibility for developers and avoids locking in solutions that may not be suitable in every setting.

Battery storage is permitted and encouraged, and we continue to welcome ambitious developers who choose to go further than the minimum requirements.

The Government continues to engage with the tidal stream industry to support high levels of UK content in projects, which currently stands at around 80 per cent, including through the Marine Energy Taskforce’s sub group on supply chains.

The Government wants operators to work collaboratively with site providers to reach agreements for siting mobile infrastructure. Masts may be removed or relocated for a range of reasons, and this is a commercial matter for the parties involved. The Department does not track the number of mobile masts that are removed. however, we engage regularly with mobile operators to understand the challenges they face in redeploying equipment following Notices to Quit.

We recognise operators’ concerns about the impact of Notices to Quit on the deployment of mobile infrastructure as operators search for alternative sites to host equipment. To help mitigate impacts on local coverage and capacity, the Government’s recent Call for Evidence on planning reform proposed extending the period during which equipment can be deployed on an emergency basis without planning permission from 18 to 36 months. This would allow operators to maintain local connectivity while they identify and deploy to permanent sites. We are considering responses to the Call for Evidence and will determine next steps in due course.

Sections 61 to 64 of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022, relating to the renewal of certain telecoms site rental agreements, came into force on 7 April 2026. These measures will bring greater consistency in how land used for telecommunications purposes is valued.

The Government wants operators to work collaboratively with site providers to reach agreements for siting mobile infrastructure. Masts may be removed or relocated for a range of reasons, and this is a commercial matter for the parties involved. The Department does not track the number of mobile masts that are removed. however, we engage regularly with mobile operators to understand the challenges they face in redeploying equipment following Notices to Quit.

We recognise operators’ concerns about the impact of Notices to Quit on the deployment of mobile infrastructure as operators search for alternative sites to host equipment. To help mitigate impacts on local coverage and capacity, the Government’s recent Call for Evidence on planning reform proposed extending the period during which equipment can be deployed on an emergency basis without planning permission from 18 to 36 months. This would allow operators to maintain local connectivity while they identify and deploy to permanent sites. We are considering responses to the Call for Evidence and will determine next steps in due course.

Sections 61 to 64 of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022, relating to the renewal of certain telecoms site rental agreements, came into force on 7 April 2026. These measures will bring greater consistency in how land used for telecommunications purposes is valued.

The Government wants operators to work collaboratively with site providers to reach agreements for siting mobile infrastructure. Masts may be removed or relocated for a range of reasons, and this is a commercial matter for the parties involved. The Department does not track the number of mobile masts that are removed. however, we engage regularly with mobile operators to understand the challenges they face in redeploying equipment following Notices to Quit.

We recognise operators’ concerns about the impact of Notices to Quit on the deployment of mobile infrastructure as operators search for alternative sites to host equipment. To help mitigate impacts on local coverage and capacity, the Government’s recent Call for Evidence on planning reform proposed extending the period during which equipment can be deployed on an emergency basis without planning permission from 18 to 36 months. This would allow operators to maintain local connectivity while they identify and deploy to permanent sites. We are considering responses to the Call for Evidence and will determine next steps in due course.

Sections 61 to 64 of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022, relating to the renewal of certain telecoms site rental agreements, came into force on 7 April 2026. These measures will bring greater consistency in how land used for telecommunications purposes is valued.

GOV.UK One Login is committed to making identity verification simple, inclusive and secure, enabling people to access government services while protecting them and the Government from fraud. While we expect GOV.UK One Login to become the primary method for accessing online government services, departments will continue to provide offline alternatives for those who prefer or are unable to use digital channels.

While most users successfully prove their identity, we recognise that some experience difficulties. The service is used by millions, and we continually monitor feedback, complaints and performance data to identify issues and drive improvements.

We are enhancing guidance, refining the user journey and introducing new identity verification routes to meet different user needs. Support is available through our contact centre and technical service desk for users who require assistance.

As the independent regulator for telecommunications, Ofcom is responsible for making regulatory decisions in the fixed telecoms sector, including on the Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) product.

For this reason, while we are engaging with Ofcom on this issue, the Department has not made any formal assessment of the impact of PIA fees on the roll-out of high-speed broadband in rural areas.

The Better Youth Spaces programme is currently in the design and development stage. Further details on the eligibility criteria and place selection will be announced in due course.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is fulfilling its youth funding commitment by aligning with the Department’s approach to place targeting across DCMS programmes and through the long-term National Youth Strategy. The ten-year National Youth Strategy is designed to ensure every young person has access to a safe place, a supportive adult, and a strong sense of community belonging.

Independent cinemas are vital anchors for local communities, offering cultural access for people across the UK and helping to sustain our high streets. Cinemas based in not-for-profit mixed arts venues in England may meet the eligibility criteria for Arts Council England's Creative Foundations Fund; we estimate this applies to approximately 13% of the 218 full-time independent cinemas in the UK. Independent cinemas can also apply for various public funding schemes through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's Arm's Length Bodies if they meet the eligibility criteria. For example, through the British Film Institute, cinemas can access support for audience-facing projects through the BFI National Lottery Audience Projects Fund; and can join the BFI Film Audience Network and apply for funding to support projects that bring audiences together for screenings of UK independent and international films. This sector will also benefit from permanently lower business rates multipliers for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure venues, starting this year.

Digital inclusion and ensuring that all households across the country have access to high-quality, reliable broadband is a priority for the Government. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to ensure that all aspects of digital inclusion, including those relating to rural communities, are considered as part of any decisions we make on the future of digital terrestrial television.

Swimming and water safety is a vital life skill, which is why it is a mandatory part of the primary PE National Curriculum.

All schools must provide swimming instruction in either key stage 1 or 2. In particular, pupils should be taught to: swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres; use a range of strokes effectively; and perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations.

Primary schools can use their PE and sport Premium funding to provide top-up swimming and water safety lessons for those pupils that do not meet national curriculum requirements after they have completed core swimming and water safety lessons.

The Department for Education is also funding the ‘Inclusion 2028’ grant at up to £300,000 per year to improve opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities to participate in school sport, including swimming and water safety.

The Government is committed to ensuring that communities across the UK benefit from high-quality sport facilities to help enable people to get active and build pride in place in local communities. At least £400 million is to be invested in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities over the next four years. This investment will fund projects that promote health, wellbeing and community cohesion, while removing the barriers to physical activity for under-represented groups, such as women and girls, people with disabilities, and ethnic minority communities.

The Government has allocated £5 million of this funding towards basketball and basketball-led multi-sport facilities in England in 2026/27. This dedicated funding for basketball will be matched by the NBA, who will invest £5 million through to 2028.

Funding is subject to departmental business planning processes which are ongoing. We are working with the sports sector and local leaders to develop plans for delivering this funding, prioritising the areas which need it most across the UK and ensuring that investment best serves the needs of these communities. Further details will be announced in due course.