Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether business rates apply to onshore converter stations that connect offshore energy to the National Grid.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Valuation Office Agency assesses onshore converter stations and the cables which transmit the power for non-domestic rating purposes. The cables are rateable between low water mark and the point the cable connects with the National Grid transmission system.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps she is taking to ensure that the application process for (a) Pension Credit and (b) other benefits is (i) accessible and (ii) supportive to (A) elderly and (B) vulnerable people.

Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)

Claims for Pension Credit can be made online at: www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim. The service is available to use 24/7, and provides those who may struggle to make their claim alone the flexibility to have a friend or family member to support them when making their claim at a time that is most convenient to them. Pension Credit claims can also be made through the Freephone telephone number 0800 99 1234, and there is an option to complete a paper application form.

DWP Agents and third-party organisations are also available to support customers with the application process. For customers who are unable to complete forms themselves a home visit from a visiting officer can be arranged. For customers who are deaf and use British Sign Language a Video Relay Service (known as VRS) is available and for customers who cannot hear or speak on the phone, can use Relay UK service. Further information can be found on Gov.uk Easy read: Pension Credit - GOV.UK.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is committed to providing the best possible support for all customers claiming benefits. We recognise as a Department we come into contact with claimants who are vulnerable. Many, particularly those with severe heath conditions and disabilities, already have support in place from third parties (friends, relatives or appointees for example). However, for those who don’t, DWP provide a range of information and services to support customers through its benefit application processes. For the most vulnerable customers we offer support through the Visiting Service. This can include help with form completion or the application process more generally. Support visits if you need help to claim benefits - GOV.UK

DWP staff are trained to identify those who may need additional support, and Jobcentres will continue to provide face-to-face support as business as usual for those who cannot access support through telephony and digital channels. The Jobcentre will also consider whether the individual should be referred to specialist support within their geographical area.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether pre-schools can receive the same (a) National Insurance and (b) Employment Allowance benefits as nurseries.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Most businesses and all charities can claim the EA (subject to the connected persons rules); where an organisation is conducting work of a public nature, they need to consider HMRC’s guidance in more detail. This is dependent on individual circumstances in line with the guidance, though most private childcare providers will be eligible for the EA. Further guidance on Employment Allowance eligibility is available on https://www.gov.uk/claim-employment-allowance/eligibility

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to support public bodies that are ineligible for the Employment Allowance.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government will provide support for departments and other public sector employers for additional Employer NICs costs, i.e., central government, public corporations and local government, not including self-financed organisations.

This is the usual approach the Government takes to supporting the public sector with additional Employer NICs costs, as was the case with the previous Government’s Health and Social Care Levy.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has considered amending the eligibility criteria for the Employment Allowance to include pre-schools.

Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

As set out in the response to your written question on 26 February 2025, eligibility for the Employment Allowance (EA) is dependent on individual circumstances, in line with HMRC guidance. However, most private childcare providers, including pre-schools, are eligible for the EA. The Government currently has no plans to change the EA eligibility criteria for private childcare providers. Further guidance on EA eligibility is available on https://www.gov.uk/claim-employment-allowance/eligibility

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when the Improving Farm Productivity solar grant will be made available for farmers.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

We are committed to supporting all farming sectors to increase levels of productivity whilst increasing their sustainability and resilience. We are looking carefully at how to position further investment and support to enable the delivery of this Government's objectives.

We plan to simplify and rationalise our grant funding, ensuring that grants deliver the most benefit for food security and nature. We will confirm any future grant rounds in due course.

Found: Carmichael (Chair), Sarah Bool, Charlie Dewhirst, Jayne Kirkham, Josh Newbury, Andrew Pakes, Jenny Riddell-Carpenter

Found: Alistair Carmichael (Chair); Charlie Dewhirst; Sarah Dyke; Jayne Kirkham; Josh Newbury; Jenny Riddell-Carpenter

Found: Alistair Carmichael (Chair); Charlie Dewhirst; Sarah Dyke; Jayne Kirkham; Josh Newbury; Jenny Riddell-Carpenter

Found: Sarah Bool; Julia Buckley; Charlie Dewhirst; Helena Dollimore; Jayne Kirkham; Josh Newbury; Jenny Riddell-Carpenter

Found: Sarah Bool; Julia Buckley; Charlie Dewhirst; Helena Dollimore; Jayne Kirkham; Josh Newbury; Jenny Riddell-Carpenter

Found: Q204 Jenny Riddell-Carpenter: Thank you.

Found: Q204 Jenny Riddell-Carpenter: Thank you.