Laura Trott
Conservative - Sevenoaks
5,440 (10.9%) majority - 2024 General ElectionFirst elected: 12th December 2019
Shadow Secretary of State for Education
(since November 2024)1 Former APPG membership
CraftDivision Voting information
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
(4 debate interactions)
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
(2 debate interactions)
Department Debates
(4 debate contributions)
(2 debate contributions)
(2 debate contributions)
(2 debate contributions)
Legislation Debates
Laura Trott has not made any spoken contributions to legislative debateSevenoaks 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).
of 105,553 signatures (0.30%)
of 105,553 signatures (0.30%)
of 45,773 signatures (0.13%)
Latest EDMs signed by Laura Trott
Social Security
Tabled by: Rishi Sunak (Conservative - Richmond and Northallerton)That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 (S.I., 2024, No. 869), dated 22 August 2024, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22 August 2024, be annulled.
(Most recent: 10 Sep 2024)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 75
Independent: 3
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
Scottish National Party: 1
Commons initiatives
These initiatives were driven by Laura Trott, 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.
1 Urgent Question tabled by Laura Trott
Laura Trott has not been granted any Adjournment Debates
1 Bill introduced by Laura Trott
A Bill to make provision about the administration to persons under the age of 18 of botulinum toxin and of other substances for cosmetic purposes; and for connected purposes.
This Bill received Royal Assent on 29th April 2021 and was enacted into law.
1 Bill co-sponsored by Laura Trott
Social Media Platforms (Identity Verification) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Siobhan Baillie (Con)
Latest 36 Written Questions
(View all written questions)I refer the Rt Hon Members to the answer given by the then Prime Minister on 7 February 2017, Official Report, PQ 62542.
Following the practice followed by past administrations, the Government does not comment on security matters.
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
Following the practice followed by past administrations, the government does not comment on security matters.
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
The department is aware that higher education (HE) providers will have to pay increased National Insurance contributions. As my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer set out in the Autumn Budget 2024, raising the revenue required to fund public services and restore economic stability requires difficult decisions. That is why the government has asked employers to contribute more.
The Office for Students (OfS) is responsible for monitoring and reporting on the financial sustainability of the HE sector. The OfS has made its own estimate of the impacts in their update published on 15 November 2024. This update is available here: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/media/s32lw2vq/financial-sustainability-of-higher-education-providers-in-england-november-2024-update.pdf.
It is clear that the UK needs to put its world-leading HE sector on a secure footing in order to face the challenges of the next decade and ensure that all students have confidence they will receive the world-class HE experience they deserve. In line with this approach, from August 2025, the government will be increasing the maximum cap for tuition fees by 3.1%, in line with forecast inflation.
The government recognises the impact the cost of living crisis has had on students and is also increasing the maximum loans for living costs for the 2025/26 academic year by 3.1%, to ensure that more support is targeted at students from the lowest income families. The department plans to publish an assessment of impacts of the planned tuition fee and student finance changes shortly.
The department expects the HE sector to demonstrate that, in return for the increased investment that students are being asked to make, they deliver the very best outcomes both for those students and for the country. We are calling for providers to go further and play a stronger role in expanding access and improving outcomes for disadvantaged students.
The department knows how vital securing a sustainable future for the HE sector is for the success of students. We will set out our longer-term plans for HE reform by next summer.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
I refer the right hon. Member for Sevenoaks to the answer of 11 November 2024 to Question 12804.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
The timetable for the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review may be found in the terms of reference available here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66d196b7d107658faec7e3db/Curriculum_and_assessment_review_-_aims_terms_of_reference_and_working_principles.pdf.
Minister of State (Education)
I refer the hon. Member for Sevenoaks to the answer of 18 November 2024 to Question 13264.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
The department is aware that higher education (HE) providers will have to pay increased National Insurance contributions. As my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer set out in the Autumn Budget 2024, raising the revenue required to fund public services and restore economic stability requires difficult decisions. That is why the government has asked employers to contribute more.
The Office for Students (OfS) is responsible for monitoring and reporting on the financial sustainability of the HE sector. The OfS has made its own estimate of the impacts in their update published on 15 November 2024. This update is available here: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/media/s32lw2vq/financial-sustainability-of-higher-education-providers-in-england-november-2024-update.pdf.
It is clear that the UK needs to put its world-leading HE sector on a secure footing in order to face the challenges of the next decade and ensure that all students have confidence they will receive the world-class HE experience they deserve. In line with this approach, from August 2025, the government will be increasing the maximum cap for tuition fees by 3.1%, in line with forecast inflation.
The government recognises the impact the cost of living crisis has had on students and is also increasing the maximum loans for living costs for the 2025/26 academic year by 3.1%, to ensure that more support is targeted at students from the lowest income families. The department plans to publish an assessment of impacts of the planned tuition fee and student finance changes shortly.
The department expects the HE sector to demonstrate that, in return for the increased investment that students are being asked to make, they deliver the very best outcomes both for those students and for the country. We are calling for providers to go further and play a stronger role in expanding access and improving outcomes for disadvantaged students.
The department knows how vital securing a sustainable future for the HE sector is for the success of students. We will set out our longer-term plans for HE reform by next summer.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
Fixing the Foundations showed Annually Managed Expenditure (AME) Winter Fuel Payments (WFP) savings of £1.4bn, for 2024/2025, for Great Britain. These included an assumption about increased take-up of Pension Credit which is in line with the highest levels it has achieved historically. Final savings will be certified and published by the Office for Budget Responsibility at the Autumn Budget on the 30th October, taking account of any behavioural response and associated impact on the estimated number of people who will receive Pension Credit in upcoming years.
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
The Government is currently considering what steps may need to be taken in relation to the safety of the non-surgical cosmetics sector. The Government will set out its position at the earliest opportunity.
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The government announced at Autumn Budget that it will commission an independent review of the Loan Charge to help bring the matter to a close for those affected whilst ensuring fairness for all taxpayers.
Further details about the review will be set out in due course.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
Within private offices, the Director of Special Advisers and Chancellor Engagement is an SCS pay band 2. All other Treasury staff in private offices are at Deputy Director or below and we do not comment on individual roles and appointments at this level.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
There is no member of HM Treasury staff with the job title Director of Investment.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
The Director of Special Advisers and Chancellor Engagement is managed by the Second Permanent Secretary.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
The below appointments to Senior Civil Service roles at Director level and above have been made since 4 July 2024:
1. Louise Tinsley - Director of Special Advisers & Chancellor Engagement
2. Timothy Power - Director, Business and International Tax
Ian Corfield has resigned as a Senior Civil Servant and been appointed as an unpaid adviser.
Offers of employment are personal information as individuals are not Directors (or above) until they take up a role.
The Treasury does not comment on individual appointments at Deputy Director level.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
The below appointments to Senior Civil Service roles at Director level and above have been made since 4 July 2024:
1. Louise Tinsley - Director of Special Advisers & Chancellor Engagement
2. Timothy Power - Director, Business and International Tax
Ian Corfield has resigned as a Senior Civil Servant and been appointed as an unpaid adviser.
Offers of employment are personal information as individuals are not Directors (or above) until they take up a role.
The Treasury does not comment on individual appointments at Deputy Director level.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
From 30 May to 5 September 2024, 25 staff were appointed to HM Treasury by exception.
The breakdown of these appointments by grade is as below.
• Student – 16
• AO (Range B) – Fewer than 5
• EO (Range C) – Fewer than 5
• HEO – Fewer than 5
• SEO – Fewer than 5
• G7 (Range E) – Fewer than 5
• G6 (Range E2) – Fewer than 5
• SCS1 – Fewer than 5
• SCS2 – Fewer than 5
• SCS3 - Fewer than 5
Where the number of individuals covered is fewer than five (which could include 0), we consider that to provide an exact figure would constitute the disclosure of personal data.
The ‘Student’ grade is used for staff appointed to short term roles via cross Civil Service internship schemes.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
The correct processes were followed in the appointment of the Director of Special Advisers and Chancellor Engagement. Louise Tinsley has been a civil servant for 7 years. She had passed a selection board for a role at director level prior to the election being called. A similar Director role had been filled by a civil servant prior to Louise’s appointment. The incumbent has been appointed for an initial period of 6 months.
The Director of Special Advisers and Chancellor Engagement does not currently have line management responsibilities.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
The correct processes were followed in the appointment of the Director of Special Advisers and Chancellor Engagement. Louise Tinsley has been a civil servant for 7 years. She had passed a selection board for a role at director level prior to the election being called. A similar Director role had been filled by a civil servant prior to Louise’s appointment. The incumbent has been appointed for an initial period of 6 months.
The Director of Special Advisers and Chancellor Engagement does not currently have line management responsibilities.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
The correct processes were followed in the appointment of the Director of Special Advisers and Chancellor Engagement. Louise Tinsley has been a civil servant for 7 years. She had passed a selection board for a role at director level prior to the election being called. A similar Director role had been filled by a civil servant prior to Louise’s appointment. The incumbent has been appointed for an initial period of 6 months.
The Director of Special Advisers and Chancellor Engagement does not currently have line management responsibilities.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
The correct processes were followed in the appointment of the Director of Special Advisers and Chancellor Engagement. Louise Tinsley has been a civil servant for 7 years. She had passed a selection board for a role at director level prior to the election being called. A similar Director role had been filled by a civil servant prior to Louise’s appointment. The incumbent has been appointed for an initial period of 6 months.
The Director of Special Advisers and Chancellor Engagement does not currently have line management responsibilities.
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
On 29th July, the Chancellor set out the £21.9bn pressure on departmental budgets in the 2024-25 financial year. This was accompanied by the ‘Fixing the Foundations’ paper you refer to, which sets out the detail of the pressures on the public finances that the government inherited.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
The guidance on access to papers of a previous administration is set out in in the Cabinet Manual and the Directory of Civil Service Guidance and has been followed.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
The Chancellor said that, had the UK economy grown at the average rate of OECD economies over the fourteen years from 2010, it would be £143.3 billion larger. This is a comparison based on outturn data, not requiring assumptions. A methodological note setting out the data sources and analytical methods used to estimate comparative growth rates and projections was published as part of the press notice released alongside the Chancellor’s speech.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
The Chancellor has made a statement to Parliament on 29 July. The details of the spending audit are published in the Command Paper, ‘Fixing the foundations’.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury
2 Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Questions
(View all Laura Trott's MHCLG questions)Subject to the outcome of the consultation in question, further details on funding to enable eligible local authorities to progress their plans to examination quickly will be provided in due course.
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
The Government intends to respond to the consultation and publish revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework before the end of the year.
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
This Government refuses to tolerate violence against women and girls, which is why our manifesto included a commitment to ban the creation of degrading and harmful sexually explicit deepfakes.
We are looking at options to deliver this manifesto commitment as effectively as possible.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)