Joe Robertson Portrait

Joe Robertson

Conservative - Isle of Wight East

3,323 (9.8%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 4th July 2024


4 APPG memberships (as of 28 Mar 2025)
Dementia, Kinship Care, Modernising Employment, Pharmacy
Data (Use and Access) Bill [HL]
26th Feb 2025 - 11th Mar 2025


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Joe Robertson has voted in 145 divisions, and 2 times against the majority of their Party.

26 Nov 2024 - Tobacco and Vapes Bill - View Vote Context
Joe Robertson voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 23 Conservative Aye votes vs 35 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 415 Noes - 47
26 Mar 2025 - Tobacco and Vapes Bill - View Vote Context
Joe Robertson voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 24 Conservative Aye votes vs 31 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 366 Noes - 41
View All Joe Robertson Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Matt Vickers (Conservative)
Shadow Minister (Crime, Policing and Fire)
(10 debate interactions)
Wes Streeting (Labour)
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
(6 debate interactions)
Graham Stuart (Conservative)
(6 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Home Office
(19 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(15 debate contributions)
Department for Work and Pensions
(13 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Joe Robertson's debates

Isle of Wight East Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

We think that changing inheritance tax relief for agricultural land will devastate farms nationwide, forcing families to sell land and assets just to stay on their property. We urge the government to keep the current exemptions for working farms.


Latest EDMs signed by Joe Robertson

12th February 2025
Joe Robertson signed this EDM on Monday 24th February 2025

Local Government

Tabled by: Kemi Badenoch (Conservative - North West Essex)
That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Local Authorities (Changes to Years of Ordinary Elections) (England) Order 2025 (SI, 2025, No. 137), dated 10 February 2025, a copy of which was laid before this House on 11 February 2025, be annulled.
22 signatures
(Most recent: 25 Feb 2025)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 22
20th November 2024
Joe Robertson signed this EDM on Thursday 21st November 2024

Housing

Tabled by: Kemi Badenoch (Conservative - North West Essex)
That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Housing (Right to Buy) (Limits on Discount) (England) Order 2024 (SI, 2024, No. 1073), dated 28 October 2024, a copy of which was laid before this House on 30 October, be annulled.
32 signatures
(Most recent: 16 Dec 2024)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 32
View All Joe Robertson's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Joe Robertson, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Joe Robertson has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Joe Robertson has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

Joe Robertson has not introduced any legislation before Parliament

Joe Robertson has not co-sponsored any Bills in the current parliamentary sitting


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
2 Other Department Questions
25th Feb 2025
To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether hon. Members serving a custodial sentence at His Majesty’s Pleasure can have their Parliamentary (a) mail and (b) casework delivered to them at their new residence.

Royal Mail receives mail instructions from Members, such as deliver to desk, keep at Members’ Lobby or forward to an external address such as a home or constituency office.

The rules concerning the sending and receipt of mail from prison are the responsibility of the Home Office. In 1970 the Committee of Privileges considered the rights of hon. Members detained in prison, including their ability to send and receive mail, and concluded that “a Member of Parliament should not be given any special advantages by reason of being a Member”.

21st Feb 2025
To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will take steps to reinstate the round-robin feature for tabling written parliamentary questions.

The round-robin feature was disabled due to processing issues arising from its use. The Table Office is in discussion with the Parliamentary Digital Service about its reinstatement. This would require some technical enhancement and testing before the feature is made available in the live environment.

28th Jan 2025
To ask the Solicitor General, what assessment she has made of the likely outcome of the arbitration on the sandeel fishing ban; and what steps she is taking to prepare for an unfavourable outcome.

Paragraph 21.27 of Erskine May states:

“By long-standing convention, observed by successive Governments, the fact of, and substance of advice from, the law officers of the Crown is not disclosed outside government. This convention is referred to in paragraph [5.14] of the Ministerial Code [updated on 6 November 2024]. The purpose of this convention is to enable the Government to obtain frank and full legal advice in confidence.”

This is known as the Law Officers’ Convention and it applies to your questions.

Lucy Rigby
Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
28th Jan 2025
To ask the Solicitor General, what assessment she has made of the compatibility of the terms of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the UK's ban on sandeel fishing.

Paragraph 21.27 of Erskine May states:

“By long-standing convention, observed by successive Governments, the fact of, and substance of advice from, the law officers of the Crown is not disclosed outside government. This convention is referred to in paragraph [5.14] of the Ministerial Code [updated on 6 November 2024]. The purpose of this convention is to enable the Government to obtain frank and full legal advice in confidence.”

This is known as the Law Officers’ Convention and it applies to your questions.

Lucy Rigby
Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
28th Jan 2025
To ask the Solicitor General, what discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the UK’s compliance with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU in relation to the ban on sandeel fishing.

Paragraph 21.27 of Erskine May states:

“By long-standing convention, observed by successive Governments, the fact of, and substance of advice from, the law officers of the Crown is not disclosed outside government. This convention is referred to in paragraph [5.14] of the Ministerial Code [updated on 6 November 2024]. The purpose of this convention is to enable the Government to obtain frank and full legal advice in confidence.”

This is known as the Law Officers’ Convention and it applies to your questions.

Lucy Rigby
Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
14th Jan 2025
To ask the Solicitor General, how many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

This Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones - across the missions - for this Parliament.

As the House would expect, Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer.

Public reviews will be available on Gov.uk as they are published.

Lucy Rigby
Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
24th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how frequently performance management statistics are (a) reviewed and (b) reported in the civil service.

Departments are responsible for collating, and monitoring their performance management. For Senior Civil Service, this is normally collated annually. For grades below the Senior Civil Service (SCS), each department has delegated responsibility for monitoring and reporting via their internal governance arrangements.

The Civil Service People Survey, which is reported annually, captures data on civil servants’ views on the performance management systems in their department.

In March, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster announced that the Government will be strengthening performance processes for the SCS.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
24th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what data his Department collects on the outcomes of performance management procedures.

Cabinet Office staff, except those on career breaks or new joiners, are allocated a performance marking at mid-year and end of the year. These performance markings are Exceeding, High Performing, Achieving, or Partially Met. All line managers are instructed to upload these performance markings onto our HR system, which is called SOP.

For SCS grade staff, at both the mid and end of year point, performance markings are centrally collated and moderated.

For delegated grade staff, markings are not centrally collated, but business units are expected to collate and moderate these.

In March, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster announced that the Government will be strengthening performance processes for the SCS.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
19th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance he has issued on publishing (a) details of individual helicopter flights under £25,000 in value on gov.uk and (b) the total annual spend on helicopter flights by (i) each Department and (ii) all Departments.

As was the case under the previous administration, data on ministers’ travel is published on a quarterly basis. This can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cabinet-office-ministerial-gifts-hospitality-overseas-travel-and-meetings-july-to-september-2024.

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
19th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to (a) the Answer of 6 March 2025 to Question 34453 on Prime Minister: Aviation and (b) his letter to the hon. Member for Isle of Wight East of 13 March 2025 on helicopter travel, if he will publish an aggregate figure for the total cost of the Prime Minister’s domestic air travel since 4 July 2024 that does not reveal granular movements.

I refer the Hon Member to my answer of 6 March 2025, Official Report, PQ 34453.

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 5 March 2025 to Question 34447 on Military Aircraft: Helicopters, which suppliers supply helicopter services under the Ministerial Air Transport administered contract.

I refer the honourable member to the answer given on 18 March 2025 in response to question 36675.

Abena Oppong-Asare
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will take steps to introduce a feedback mechanism for small-to-medium sized businesses to report issues relating to the (a) National Procurement Policy Statement procurement criteria and (b) obligations for employers in the Employment Rights Bill.

The National Procurement Policy Statement supports Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSEs), giving them greater opportunities to win public contracts by instructing contracting authorities to maximise their spend with these organisations.

We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.

The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, businesses and civil society. I have met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country.

To support implementation of the Procurement Act, the Government has provided a programme of free training to procurement teams on its provisions and flexibilities. Additionally, the Government hosted a series of supplier webinars and published instructional videos and user-manuals, aimed specifically for suppliers, to help them understand the key changes including how to use the new central digital platform - working with trade associations and other business representative organisations to help distribute the materials.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the (a) updated National Procurement Policy Statement and (b) Employment Rights Bill on the capacity of small and medium enterprises to (i) bid for and (ii) undertake public contracts.

The National Procurement Policy Statement supports Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSEs), giving them greater opportunities to win public contracts by instructing contracting authorities to maximise their spend with these organisations.

We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.

The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, businesses and civil society. I have met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country.

To support implementation of the Procurement Act, the Government has provided a programme of free training to procurement teams on its provisions and flexibilities. Additionally, the Government hosted a series of supplier webinars and published instructional videos and user-manuals, aimed specifically for suppliers, to help them understand the key changes including how to use the new central digital platform - working with trade associations and other business representative organisations to help distribute the materials.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement on 13 February 2025, what discussions his Department has had with representatives of small-to-medium sized enterprises on the potential impact of the (a) National Procurement Policy Statement and (b) Employment Rights Bill on the administration of businesses.

The National Procurement Policy Statement supports Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSEs), giving them greater opportunities to win public contracts by instructing contracting authorities to maximise their spend with these organisations.

We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.

The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, businesses and civil society. I have met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country.

To support implementation of the Procurement Act, the Government has provided a programme of free training to procurement teams on its provisions and flexibilities. Additionally, the Government hosted a series of supplier webinars and published instructional videos and user-manuals, aimed specifically for suppliers, to help them understand the key changes including how to use the new central digital platform - working with trade associations and other business representative organisations to help distribute the materials.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many procurement contracts awarded by his Department have been awarded without competitive tendering since 5 July 2024.

It is Cabinet Office policy to publish contracts with a value of over £10,000 on Contracts Finder within 30 days of contract award.

The Contract Notices published on Contracts Finder between 5 July 2024 and the present date include information on Procedure type, which will allow the requestor to determine how many contracts above £10,000 have been awarded by Cabinet Office without the use of competitive tendering.

Identifying the number of procurement contracts since 5 July 2024 that are under the value of £10,000 and awarded without competitive tendering would incur a disproportionate cost to the department.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many public contracts awarded by the Crown Commercial Service have included mandatory commitments to publish suppliers’ gender and ethnicity pay gaps since 5 July 2024.

I refer the honourable member to the answer given on 3 March 2025 in response to question 34005.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many public procurement contracts issued by the Crown Commercial Service have included mandatory commitments to trade union recognition since July 2024.

I refer the honourable member to the answer given on 3 March 2025 in response to question 33867.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many suppliers have been excluded from public contracts for failing to meet environmental procurement criteria since 5 July 2024.

For contracts awarded under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, which was established by the previous government, exclusions information is not collated centrally.

However, the Procurement Act 2023 (which came into effect on 24 February 2025) introduces a new requirement on contracting authorities to notify an appropriate authority where a supplier has been excluded.

To date, there has not been a notification of exclusion under the environmental misconduct grounds.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what proportion of procurement training for his Department has been delivered by organisations affiliated with trade unions since 5 July 2024.

Information on supplier organisations’ affiliations with trade unions is not held.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many procurement contracts awarded by his Department have been terminated due to non-performance since 5 July 2024.

Cabinet Office has previously not kept a central record of contracts terminated due to non-performance.

When contracts awarded under the Procurement Act 2023 (which came into force 24 February 2025) come to an end, the Contracting Authority must publish a Contract Termination Notice on Find A Tender – the central digital platform for all UK public sector contract notices. No Termination Notices have yet been published for contracts awarded under the Procurement Act 2023.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many public contracts awarded by his Department have been awarded to companies with offshore tax arrangements since 5 July 2024.

From 1 April 2013, suppliers bidding for contracts over £5million must provide details about its tax returns, including whether tax returns submitted on or after 1 October 2012 have given rise to a criminal conviction for tax related offences which is unspent, or to a civil penalty for fraud or evasion.

The Cabinet Office does not keep records of the tax status of successful suppliers.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement, published on 13 February 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) that Statement and (b) the Employment Rights Bill on public sector procurement timelines.

The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) sets out our vision for public procurement unlocking the full potential of the £400 billion spent annually on public procurement to drive sustainable economic growth and maximise social value to support mission delivery. We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.

The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, small businesses and civil society. We have also met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country. Contracting authorities are best placed to determine how the strategic priorities set out in the NPPS can be incorporated into their overall procurement strategies and individual public contracts.

An Impact Assessment in relation to the Procurement Act was published in May 2022 and can be found at: https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/46429/documents/1767.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Guidance will be issued as appropriate in due course. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments



Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement, published on 13 February 2025, what estimate he has made of the cost for contracting authorities of implementing (a) that Statement and (b) the Employment Rights Bill.

The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) sets out our vision for public procurement unlocking the full potential of the £400 billion spent annually on public procurement to drive sustainable economic growth and maximise social value to support mission delivery. We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.

The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, small businesses and civil society. We have also met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country. Contracting authorities are best placed to determine how the strategic priorities set out in the NPPS can be incorporated into their overall procurement strategies and individual public contracts.

An Impact Assessment in relation to the Procurement Act was published in May 2022 and can be found at: https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/46429/documents/1767.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Guidance will be issued as appropriate in due course. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments



Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement, published on 13 February 2025, what guidance he has issued to contracting authorities on the (a) National Procurement Policy Statement’s procurement priorities and (b) Employment Rights Bill's mandate for statutory probation periods.

The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) sets out our vision for public procurement unlocking the full potential of the £400 billion spent annually on public procurement to drive sustainable economic growth and maximise social value to support mission delivery. We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.

The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, small businesses and civil society. We have also met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country. Contracting authorities are best placed to determine how the strategic priorities set out in the NPPS can be incorporated into their overall procurement strategies and individual public contracts.

An Impact Assessment in relation to the Procurement Act was published in May 2022 and can be found at: https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/46429/documents/1767.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Guidance will be issued as appropriate in due course. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments



Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement, published on 13 February 2025, what steps he is taking to ensure that enhanced procurement obligations do not increase public spending.

The National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS) sets out our vision for public procurement unlocking the full potential of the £400 billion spent annually on public procurement to drive sustainable economic growth and maximise social value to support mission delivery. We are clear that we want public contracts to deliver value for money in procurement through stronger expectations around commercial capability and contract management. The NPPS asks contracting authorities to ensure they have the appropriate procurement and contract management skills and capability necessary to deliver public contracts and encourages the use of collaborative procurement frameworks, where appropriate, to deliver value for money. To support this, a new online register of commercial agreements will increase visibility of frameworks and fees, curbing excessive profits.

The Cabinet Office undertook a programme of stakeholder engagement to inform the development of the NPPS. This included an online survey which received over 436 responses and a series of roundtables with key stakeholders from contracting authorities, small businesses and civil society. We have also met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country. Contracting authorities are best placed to determine how the strategic priorities set out in the NPPS can be incorporated into their overall procurement strategies and individual public contracts.

An Impact Assessment in relation to the Procurement Act was published in May 2022 and can be found at: https://bills.parliament.uk/publications/46429/documents/1767.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Guidance will be issued as appropriate in due course. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments



Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement, published on 13 February 2025, what steps he is taking to monitor the potential impact of the (a) National Procurement Policy Statement and (b) Employment Rights Bill on small-to-medium-sized business participation in public procurement.

The National Procurement Policy Statement supports Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSEs), giving them greater opportunities to win public contracts by instructing contracting authorities to maximise their spend with these organisations. As part of this I have met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country.

To support implementation of the NPPS in central government, we have announced new rules requiring all government departments and their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies to set three-year targets for direct spend with SMEs from 1 April 2025, and from 1 April 2026 for VCSEs, and publish progress annually. This will drive greater transparency and accountability for increasing numbers of SMEs and VCSEs delivering public contracts, supporting local economic growth and innovation and creating jobs in local communities up and down the country.

To support implementation of the Procurement Act, the Government has provided a programme of free training to procurement teams on its provisions and flexibilities. Additionally, the Government hosted a series of supplier webinars and published instructional videos and user-manuals, aimed specifically for suppliers, to help them understand the key changes including how to use the new central digital platform - working with trade associations and other business representative organisations to help distribute the materials.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the National Procurement Policy Statement published on 13 February 2025, what steps the Government has taken to support small-to-medium-sized businesses to adapt to new procurement processes.

The National Procurement Policy Statement supports Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSEs), giving them greater opportunities to win public contracts by instructing contracting authorities to maximise their spend with these organisations. As part of this I have met with the Federation of Small Businesses, Enterprise Nation and a large number of SMEs across various sectors to discuss how the government can continue to break down barriers to procurement opportunities through the new procurement regime, supporting jobs and growth across the country.

To support implementation of the NPPS in central government, we have announced new rules requiring all government departments and their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies to set three-year targets for direct spend with SMEs from 1 April 2025, and from 1 April 2026 for VCSEs, and publish progress annually. This will drive greater transparency and accountability for increasing numbers of SMEs and VCSEs delivering public contracts, supporting local economic growth and innovation and creating jobs in local communities up and down the country.

To support implementation of the Procurement Act, the Government has provided a programme of free training to procurement teams on its provisions and flexibilities. Additionally, the Government hosted a series of supplier webinars and published instructional videos and user-manuals, aimed specifically for suppliers, to help them understand the key changes including how to use the new central digital platform - working with trade associations and other business representative organisations to help distribute the materials.

The Department for Business and Trade leads on the Employment Rights Bill. Impact assessments undertaken for the Employment Rights Bill can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employment-rights-bill-impact-assessments.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
6th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his Answer to the Question from the hon. Member for Isle of Wight East of 6 March 2025, Official Report, if he will publish the letter.

Yes, please find the letter attached.

Pat McFadden
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
5th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 27 February 2025 to Question 31697 on Department for Work and Pensions: Muslim Council of Britain, if the Prime Minister will have discussions with the Minister for Social Security and Disability on his attendance at that event.

Our policy on engagement with the Muslim Council of Britain has not changed. I refer the Hon Member to the answer of the Rt Hon Member for East Ham on 27 February 2025, Official Report, PQ 31697.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
4th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which Ministers have met with security staff workers and their representatives to discuss possible strikes.

The Cabinet Office regularly discusses workforce matters with Civil Service trade unions. The Cabinet Office does not keep records of other departments’ ministers’ meetings.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
4th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he has taken to minimise disruption to government business during the security staff strike.

The hard work of security guards and other staff keeps the government running. The Government Property Agency has been working to ensure impacted buildings continue to operate safely and securely during the industrial action.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
25th Feb 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Government plans to review the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 in relation to hon. Members serving custodial sentences.

The Government has no plans to review, and is not currently planning to legislate to extend the disqualification criteria for standing as a candidate in UK general elections or membership of the House of Commons beyond the criteria currently set out in the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 and the Representation of the People Act 1981. We remain committed to ensuring that our electoral arrangements are fit for purpose.

In addition, there are already mechanisms in place to potentially remove MPs who receive custodial sentences. The Recall of MPs Act 2015 makes provision for a recall petition to be held in the constituency of any MP who is convicted of a crime and sentenced or ordered to be imprisoned or detained for up to twelve months. Should a sufficient number of eligible constituents sign the recall petition, that MP’s seat would be automatically vacated and a by-election held.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
14th Jan 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

This Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones - across the missions - for this Parliament.

As the House would expect, Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer.

Information on public reviews, consultations and investigations is available on Gov.uk, although there will always be internal work in government departments which we would not ordinarily or routinely publish.

Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of net zero requirements on the competitiveness of British manufacturers in public procurement.

The transition to net zero is critical for driving growth and delivering new jobs. This government has been clear that decarbonisation should not mean deindustrialisation.


This government is working with business, including through the Industrial Strategy (IS) to secure growth, including in sectors that will help us meet our Net Zero ambitions such as in Clean Energy Industries and Advanced Manufacturing. As set out in the Industrial Strategy Green Paper published in November 2024, the forthcoming IS will support growth that is aligned with our net zero and environmental objectives by capturing the growth opportunities of the clean energy mission and net zero transition; identifying and supporting clean energy sectors with the greatest growth potential; and aligning sector plans with net zero and environmental objectives.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many public contracts awarded by his Department since 5 July 2024 have required suppliers to recognise trade unions as a condition of contract award.

I refer the member for Isle of Wight East to the answer I provided to UIN 34002 on 4 March 2025.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether any contracts awarded by his Department have included diversity quotas since 5 July 2024.

The Department has not included diversity quotas in any contracts awarded by the Department since 5 July 2024.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
17th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what proportion of contracts awarded by his Department have been to British SMEs since 5 July 2024.

The Department of Business and Trade has awarded and published 185 contracts over £10,000 ex VAT since 5 July 2024; 52 (28%) of which were to UK based SMEs.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
12th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of planned increases in business rates for small retailers.

Against the current fiscal backdrop, the Government is clear that changes to the business rates system should be affordable and sustainable. It is not realistic to continue this support indefinitely. Without any Government intervention, Retail Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) relief would have ended in April, creating a cliff-edge for businesses.

We are providing support for retail, hospitality and leisure properties in the interim period leading up to the new permanent multiplier by providing 40% relief to RHL businesses on their business rates in 2025-26, up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business.  For example, we are freezing the small business multiplier and protecting over a million properties from inflationary bill increases.

HMT are conducting engagement on future business rate reform and are encouraging stakeholders to provide written evidence prior to March 2025. This will provide any sized retailer to share their concerns directly with HMT.

Gareth Thomas
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
14th Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many (a) internal policy reviews, (b) independent reviews, (c) external reviews, (d) taskforces, (e) public consultations, (f) investigations and (g) other reviews their Department launched between 5 July 2024 and 5 January 2025; what the titles were of those reviews; and how many of those reviews have been (i) completed and (ii) published.

This Government has outlined its ambitions through the Plan for Change, which sets out an ambitious set of milestones - across the missions - for this Parliament. As the House would expect, Government continually reviews its work to ensure that it is delivering the best outcomes for the people of the United Kingdom, and that its policies continue to represent the best value for the taxpayer. Public reviews and consultations will be available on GOV.UK as they are published.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
20th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether external (a) firms and (b) individuals were hired for the Great British Energy logo redesign.

Great British Energy’s branding and logo were developed in-house with government resources.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
20th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the cost was of redesigning the Great British Energy logo (a) in total, (b) for design, (c) for consultancy and (d) for legal fees.

Great British Energy’s branding and logo were developed in-house and with government resources.

The only external costs were for legal advice and fees to trademark the branding. This was £10,710 plus VAT.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how many and what proportion of public sector projects contracted by his Department have had cost overruns due to mandatory net zero requirements since 5 July 2024.

This information is not held centrally.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Answer of 27 September 2024 to Question HL1116 on Department for Energy Security and Net Zero: Equality, how many staff in his Department have been permitted to undertake diversity-related network time during core working hours since 1 January 2025.

The majority of staff time spent on diversity staff networks is voluntary and unpaid. All staff in the Department can take part in diversity-related network activities during core working hours with agreement from their line manager. There are currently 40 Chairs and Champions across 11 diversity networks. These staff are given a weekly pro-rata time allocation of 10% to support respective network activity.

The Department values its diversity networks and is committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in partnership with them.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department plans to take to support landlords in (a) rural and (b) coastal areas to meet the new EPC standards by 2030.

The Government is now consulting on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector to EPC C or equivalent. We are proposing a phased implementation of the new standard from 2028 to 2030 to encourage early action. The consultation is accompanied with the Department’s assessment of the potential cost to landlords. We are considering how we can best support landlords to meet the new standards, including when and how exemptions should be applied for those unable to meet the new standard.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to support landlords in areas with limited access to qualified professionals and contractors in meeting the proposed higher EPC requirements for private rented properties.

The Government is now consulting on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector to EPC C or equivalent. We are proposing a phased implementation of the new standard from 2028 to 2030 to encourage early action. The consultation is accompanied with the Department’s assessment of the potential cost to landlords. We are considering how we can best support landlords to meet the new standards, including when and how exemptions should be applied for those unable to meet the new standard.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the new EPC regulations on the supply of rental properties in underserved regions.

I refer the hon Member to the answer given to the hon Member for Thirsk and Malton (Kevin Hollinrake) by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 14 January 2025 to Question UIN 22048.

On the 4th December 2024 Government published the consultation on Reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings regime.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to incentivize contractors and service providers to operate in underserved areas with high demand for energy efficiency upgrades.

The Government recognises the need for a skilled, competent and robust supply chain to deliver the improvements to buildings necessary to meet our net zero and fuel poverty targets.

We have invested in regional pilots through the Local Net Zero Hubs which are trialling regional solutions to retrofit supply chain challenges. Over £28 million has been committed to support skills in the energy efficiency and low carbon heating sectors since 2020. The Regional Skills Pilots is a £3.5 million investment in the retrofit skills supply chain across the English regions. The pilots support the five local net zero hubs to work with local delivery partners to identify and test solutions to regional supply chain challenges.

We will set out further details in the Warm Homes Plan.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)