Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of using empty school classrooms for health services.

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

As set out in our Education Estates Strategy, to support strategic planning at a local level, we will work with the sector to develop a decision-making framework for the use of mainstream school space through demographic change.

This will ensure that we are balancing the opportunities created by the current fall in birth rates, including delivery of priorities such as support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and Best Start Family Hubs, with a collective view on the long-term risks. This will be informed by new pathfinders to pilot flexible use of surplus spaces for join up with Best Start Family Hubs, housing, neighbourhood health service and youth centres and will build on the success of the school-based nursery programme, which is delivering thousands of nursery places to support children to get the best start in life.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans the Department has to promote the National Year of Reading in a) early years settings, b) primary schools, c) secondary schools, d) further education and e) higher education.

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

I refer my hon. Friend, the Member for Truro and Falmouth to the answer of 23 February to Question ​​112757​.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will amend Gift Aid regulations to ensure refund rights required under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 do not invalidate eligibility.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

HMRC has updated its Gift Aid guidance (para 3.13.4) (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charities-detailed-guidance-notes/chapter-3-gift-aid) to confirm that charities’ eligibility for Gift Aid will not be affected by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. Refund rights for membership schemes and contracts acquired through the operation of consumer law will not make charities ineligible to claim Gift Aid.

The government will keep all related guidance and regulations under review.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a specific exemption and tailored regime for charities under the subscription provisions in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

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.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when he plans to publish guidance to charities on the implementation of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.

Answered by Kate Dearden - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

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.

30th anniversary of the Dunblane Primary School tragedy

Found: Alex Ballinger; Sarah Bool; Al Carns; Pam Cox; Mr Paul Foster; Mr Mark Francois; Gerald Jones; Jayne Kirkham

Found: ; Luke Akehurst; Alex Ballinger; Sarah Bool; Al Carns; Pam Cox; Mr Paul Foster; Gerald Jones; Jayne Kirkham

Found: Alex Ballinger; Sarah Bool; Juliet Campbell; Al Carns; Pam Cox; Mr Paul Foster; Gerald Jones; Jayne Kirkham

Found: APPDS0002 David Soanes questionnaire Acceptance of cash: AOC0534 Julia Lopez MP AOC0535 Jayne Kirkham

The UK Government has set numerous goals related to habitat restoration under the Environmental Improvement Plan, much of which of hoped to be achieved through the Government’s Environmental Land Management Schemes. The Government has also set several ambitious targets through its housebuilding programme and plans for net zero energy generation.