Lisa Smart Portrait

Lisa Smart

Liberal Democrat - Hazel Grove

6,500 (14.1%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 4th July 2024

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Cabinet Office)

(since October 2025)

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Home Affairs)
18th Sep 2024 - 1st Oct 2025
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill: Programming sub committee
23rd Oct 2024 - 31st Oct 2024
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill
23rd Oct 2024 - 31st Oct 2024


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Lisa Smart has voted in 215 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Lisa Smart 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
Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker)
(23 debate interactions)
Yvette Cooper (Labour)
Foreign Secretary
(15 debate interactions)
Judith Cummins (Labour)
(12 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Home Office
(67 debate contributions)
Department for Transport
(18 debate contributions)
Department for Education
(17 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Lisa Smart's debates

Hazel Grove 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).

Lisa Smart has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Lisa Smart

8th September 2025
Lisa Smart signed this EDM as the primary signatory on Monday 8th September 2025

Mental health care in Gaza

Tabled by: Lisa Smart (Liberal Democrat - Hazel Grove)
That this House expresses its concern regarding the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe taking place in Gaza, including the deeply alarming lack of access to mental health services; recognises the enormous importance in ensuring that everyone around the globe has access to high-quality mental health care; notes the destruction of the sole …
34 signatures
(Most recent: 16 Sep 2025)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 26
Plaid Cymru: 4
Scottish National Party: 1
Independent: 1
Green Party: 1
Labour: 1
8th September 2025
Lisa Smart signed this EDM as the primary signatory on Friday 5th September 2025

Funding for The Wharf Marple

Tabled by: Lisa Smart (Liberal Democrat - Hazel Grove)
That this House congratulates The Wharf Marple on securing a grant of £868,210 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to transform the Grade II-listed former warehouse into Marple’s first Heritage and Community Centre, which is due to open in early 2026; notes the project’s importance to the local community in …
6 signatures
(Most recent: 16 Sep 2025)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 5
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
View All Lisa Smart's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Lisa Smart, 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 Lisa Smart

Wednesday 20th November 2024

1 Adjournment Debate led by Lisa Smart

2 Bills introduced by Lisa Smart


A Bill to amend the Child Abduction and Custody Act 1985 to make provision about the interpretation of that Act in relation to domestic abuse.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 20th May 2025
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 31st October 2025

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to report to Parliament on the merits of extending eligibility for statutory adoption pay to persons who are self-employed or contractors; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 4th February 2025
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 31st October 2025

Lisa Smart 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
8th Sep 2025
To ask the Solicitor General, what guidance her Department has provided to the Crown Prosecution Service on communicating with victims of sexual violence about trial (a) delays and (b) adjournments.

The Attorney General’s Office does not issue operational guidance to the CPS.

The CPS has a specific programme of work dedicated to improving communication with victims of crime which includes the introduction of a new Enhanced Service offer for adult victims of rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO). This service incudes the offer of a pre-trial meeting with a member of the prosecution team which provides victims the opportunity to discuss and ask questions about the process of giving evidence.

CPS guidance recommends that those leading the meeting discuss with victims the likely timescales involved in a case and point out the potential implications of court listing practicalities.

The CPS has also recruited over 40 Victim Liaison Officers (VLOs) to work in its RASSO Units to help improve the quality of engagement with adult RASSO victims. These VLOs act as a consistent point of contact within the CPS for victims, should they have any questions about the prosecution process.

Ellie Reeves
Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman cases are pending the appointment of the new Ombudsman.

There were 187 pending decisions when Paula Sussex CBE was appointed as the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman on 26 June 2025.

Georgia Gould
Minister of State (Education)
26th Jun 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to ensure that there is no gap between the end of the term of office of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman and their successor.

Paula Sussex has been appointed Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO). Arrangements are now in place, meaning all casework can progress as normal.

Georgia Gould
Minister of State (Education)
4th Jun 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many local companies who joined the Crown Commercial Services for Solar for Schools Tenders in November have been offered contracts.

Solar for Schools is a Department for Education initiative. Schools have a variety of available routes to market to procure their solar energy solution requirements. The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is not aware of any contracts awarded through its frameworks specifically for the Solar for Schools scheme.

The CCS Demand Management and Renewables Framework provides central government and the wider public sector with a range of decarbonisation products and services to support their carbon net zero strategy. During 24/25 customers utilised this commercial route to market - which has 41 suppliers, including 6 SMEs, allocated across the UK - to procure over £48m of projects ranging from Solar PV, Heat Pump installations and various other decarbonisation initiatives.

Georgia Gould
Minister of State (Education)
31st Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the average time taken to process nominations for national honours.

Processing the large number of nominations for national honours can be lengthy but it is critical to ensure the integrity of national honours is maintained. Verifying information about nominees can take time to ensure the independent process has been completed to the standards expected.

Of course we are always looking at ways to use technology to improve and speed up processes, including in honours.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
26th Mar 2025
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his planned timetable is to establish a duty of candour for public servants.

The Government remains committed to implement a ‘Hillsborough Law’ which will place a legal duty of candour on public servants and authorities. The details of this Bill will be announced in due course.

Nick Thomas-Symonds
Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
8th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department plans to introduce additional safeguards to prevent the mislabelling of jobs as apprenticeships.

Employers are required by law to pay their apprentices the correct rate of the National Minimum Wage. An apprenticeship combines on the job learning and classroom-based learning. Employers cannot call a worker an apprentice if they are not genuinely an apprentice.

The existing enforcement mechanisms in place already protects workers and we are creating the Fair Work Agency to deliver a much-needed upgrade to enforcement of employment rights. The Fair Work Agency will provide better support to businesses on how to comply with the law and will take tough action against rogue employers who exploit their workers.

If a worker believes they are not being paid correctly, they can seek confidential advice. If HMRC finds an employer has underpaid their workers, the employer is required to pay back the full amount owed to the worker and a penalty to the government.

Kate Dearden
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that individuals who have been paid below the statutory minimum wage in circumstances involving mislabelled apprenticeships are compensated.

Employers are required by law to pay their apprentices the correct rate of the National Minimum Wage. An apprenticeship combines on the job learning and classroom-based learning. Employers cannot call a worker an apprentice if they are not genuinely an apprentice.

The existing enforcement mechanisms in place already protects workers and we are creating the Fair Work Agency to deliver a much-needed upgrade to enforcement of employment rights. The Fair Work Agency will provide better support to businesses on how to comply with the law and will take tough action against rogue employers who exploit their workers.

If a worker believes they are not being paid correctly, they can seek confidential advice. If HMRC finds an employer has underpaid their workers, the employer is required to pay back the full amount owed to the worker and a penalty to the government.

Kate Dearden
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
8th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether her Department plans to strengthen enforcement powers against employers who misrepresent jobs as apprenticeships in order to (a) pay below the National Minimum Wage and (b) use apprentices as cover for absent employees.

Employers are required by law to pay their apprentices the correct rate of the National Minimum Wage. An apprenticeship combines on the job learning and classroom-based learning. Employers cannot call a worker an apprentice if they are not genuinely an apprentice.

The existing enforcement mechanisms in place already protects workers and we are creating the Fair Work Agency to deliver a much-needed upgrade to enforcement of employment rights. The Fair Work Agency will provide better support to businesses on how to comply with the law and will take tough action against rogue employers who exploit their workers.

If a worker believes they are not being paid correctly, they can seek confidential advice. If HMRC finds an employer has underpaid their workers, the employer is required to pay back the full amount owed to the worker and a penalty to the government.

Kate Dearden
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what support is available to people who are dismissed from companies that later enter insolvency in submitting claims to the National Insurance Fund.

Where a dismissal occurs prior to an insolvency event the individual should contact the relevant officer appointed in the insolvency as a claim can still be made for payment from the National Insurance Fund. If the details of that officer are not known, the Redundancy Payments Service can provide these. Some elements of the claim may be affected by the time lapse between date of dismissal and the insolvency event.

Help on how to claim is available from the ACAS, Citizens Advice Bureau or the RPS. There is also guidance on GOV.UK: Your rights if your employer is insolvent: Overview - GOV.UK.

29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will take steps to amend the six-month limitation period for claiming payments from the National Insurance Fund in order that it begins from the date a company is confirmed as insolvent, rather than the date of dismissal, in cases where an employee is unable to submit a timely claim due to delays in (a) insolvency confirmation and (b) receiving the appropriate reference number.

The legal requirement to claim payment for redundancy in writing from the employer within six months of dismissal only applies to the redundancy element of the monies claimed from the National Insurance Fund. It does not apply to elements such as unpaid wages, holiday or notice pay.

Applications can be submitted after 6 months if the claimant can provide evidence, such as any correspondence sent to the employer or relevant officer holder seeking payment. ACAS can provide advice in situations such as this.

There are no plans to amend the 6-month time period.

22nd Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to (a) promote respect in workplaces across the UK and (b) support people who have been the victims of bullying at work.

The Government is promoting fairness, equality and wellbeing in the workplace through a range of measures in its Employment Rights Bill. For example, the Bill would require employers to take "all reasonable steps" to prevent sexual harassment of their employees and strengthen protections for whistleblowers by making it explicit that sexual harassment can be the basis for a protected disclosure. While there is no legal definition of 'bullying' in the UK, a range of existing laws protect workers from unwanted behaviour in the workplace. The Government supports these protections by providing guidance for workers, businesses, and funding the Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service (Acas).

13th Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has plans to extend consumer rights to cash refunds following a customer complaint.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 has provisions for consumers to be able to obtain refunds where a product is not as described or fit for the declared purpose. In addition, consumers can seek redress where a trader has breached obligations under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. The government has no plans to add cash refunds for general complaints to these rights at present.

9th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he has taken to hold Royal Mail accountable when local delivery services fall below the standard expected under its regulatory obligations.

It is for Ofcom, as the independent regulator of postal services, to set and monitor Royal Mail’s service standards, and to decide how to use its powers to investigate and take enforcement action.

In December 2024, following its investigation of Royal Mail’s performance in the 2023-24 financial year, Ofcom fined the company £10.5m because of its failure to significantly improve service levels. The government expects that Ofcom will continue to closely monitor Royal Mail’s performance and its action plan to improve its quality of service.

9th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent assessment his Department has made of Royal Mail’s compliance with its Universal Service Obligation in areas experiencing delivery delays of 7 to 10 days between mail deliveries.

It is for Ofcom, as the independent regulator of postal services, to set and monitor Royal Mail’s service standards, and to decide how to use its powers to investigate and take enforcement action.

In December 2024, following its investigation of Royal Mail’s performance in the 2023-24 financial year, Ofcom fined the company £10.5m because of its failure to significantly improve service levels. The government expects that Ofcom will continue to closely monitor Royal Mail’s performance and its action plan to improve its quality of service.

7th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the economic impact of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) implementation on (a) small manufacturers and (b) regional producers.

The Government has listened to feedback from small businesses and introduced support measures to help compliance with EPR, including: exemptions from fee obligations for producers with annual turnover below £2 million and packaging tonnage below 50 tonnes; exemptions from reporting for businesses with turnover below £1 million and packaging tonnage below 25 tonnes; and flexibility for those with obligations to pay in quarterly instalments.

Both Secretaries of State will shortly be meeting representatives from across the impacted sectors, from Small and Medium Enterprises to larger companies alike, to discuss the economic impact of EPR in more detail.

24th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of four-day working weeks.

While the government continues to monitor the impact of flexible working, it has made no assessment of the four-day week specifically. Additionally, the government has no plans to mandate a four-day week, however, through the Employment Rights Bill we are giving employees better access to flexible working arrangements, where reasonably feasible. Not all businesses will be able to offer all forms of flexible working, and not all arrangements will suit all employees equally. We want to create a framework that encourages employers and employees to explore options for flexible working arrangements that suit both parties.

24th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what progress has been made on the upcoming parental leave review; and if he will make a statement.

The government has committed to review the parental leave system to ensure it best supports working families. Planning work is underway across government. Details of the timeline of the review will be shared in due course.

21st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what his planned timetable for when the review of the parental leave system will report.

The government has committed to review the parental leave system to ensure it best supports working families. Planning work is underway across government. Details of the timeline of the review will be shared in due course.

21st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what progress his Department has made on the upcoming parental leave review; and if he will make a statement.

The government has committed to review the parental leave system to ensure it best supports working families. Planning work is underway across government. Details of the timeline of the review will be shared in due course.

21st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of companies closing and subsequently setting up a new similar company, with the result of (a) job losses, (b) workplace bullying and (c) changes to working conditions on employees’ rights.

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 introduced new measures to help combat ‘phoenixing’ - when a director dissolves a company to avoid debts or other responsibilities, to then set up another similar company. The accompanying impact assessment provides the government’s assessment of the evidence relating to this practice. Alongside this, the Employment Rights Bill is delivering the biggest upgrade to workers rights and protections in a generation, including strengthening collective redundancy rights and ending unscrupulous practices of fire and rehire.

20th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals to introduce stricter limits on the number of businesses that an individual can (a) incorporate and (b) manage after multiple company liquidations within a defined period.

Company and insolvency law already provides relevant authorities with the ability to investigate the conduct of directors of liquidated companies and to act upon misconduct. Imposing prescriptive prohibitions risks penalising the innocent and we have no plans to introduce such measures. However, following the passage of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 we are taking additional steps to strengthen investigation and enforcement capabilities in this area and Companies House has been using new powers under the Act to assess company incorporations more stringently. Later this year we will introduce compulsory identity verification for directors, further improving transparency.

20th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to improve regulatory oversight of company directors with a history of multiple liquidations.

Company and insolvency law already provides relevant authorities with the ability to investigate the conduct of directors of liquidated companies and to act upon misconduct. Imposing prescriptive prohibitions risks penalising the innocent and we have no plans to introduce such measures. However, following the passage of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 we are taking additional steps to strengthen investigation and enforcement capabilities in this area and Companies House has been using new powers under the Act to assess company incorporations more stringently. Later this year we will introduce compulsory identity verification for directors, further improving transparency.

29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what safeguards are in place to assess the financial resilience of companies installing (a) solar panels and (b) heat pumps under government-backed schemes.

It is a requirement of the Government's microgeneration incentive schemes that installers must be a member of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) (or equivalent), and MCS currently mandate Consumer Code membership for their accredited installers. These Chartered Trading Standards Institute approved Consumer Codes assess installers’ financial resilience as part of their application for membership, and then periodically as part of the Consumer Codes ongoing monitoring of their members.

As part of their impending scheme reforms, MCS intends to implement a process of checking the financial resilience of every installer in real time, every day.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
29th Aug 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with Ofgem on holding electricity providers accountable for persistent power outages experienced by households.

Great Britain has one of the most reliable energy systems in the world and maintaining a secure electricity supply is a key priority for Government. The Department works closely with industry, regulators and other stakeholders to continually improve and maintain the resilience of the energy network.

To help protect customers and ensure quality and reliable electricity supply, Ofgem sets Quality-of-Service Guaranteed Standards that must be met by each electricity network company. Ofgem also sets annual targets for customer interruptions and customer minutes lost. Each year Distribution Network Operators must report their performance against these measures to Ofgem. Ofgem then assesses, if targets have been met and rewards or penalises the network operators appropriately.

Michael Shanks
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
22nd Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure private tenants are impacted by the Warm Homes Plan.

The Warm Homes Plan will help households, including those in the private rented sector, take up measures like solar panels, heat pumps, batteries and insulation, helping them save money on their bills and benefit from cleaner, cheaper heating.

The Government has pledged to take action to stand with tenants and deliver the safety and security of warmer, cheaper homes. We have recently consulted on improving energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector in England and Wales. The consultation closed on the 2nd May and we are currently reviewing responses.

Further detail will be given in the Warm Homes Plan when it is published in October.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
22nd Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what comparative assessment he has made of the potential impact of EPC band requirements on (a) all homeowners and (b) homeowners with (i) detached and (ii) bungalow-style properties.

We have recently consulted on reforms to Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) to ensure these are better aligned with our key policy objectives of achieving Clean Power by 2030 and accelerating to Net Zero, and effectively delivering the Warm Homes plan to reduce peoples bills and address fuel poverty.

The consultation has now closed, and we are analysing the responses. As part of this we will consider the impact on relevant groups including homeowners and will publish the Government response in due course.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has made an estimate of the number of private landlords who will sell their properties as a result of the proposed change in Energy Performance Certificate standards.

The Government is consulting on increasing minimum energy efficiency standards in the domestic private rented sector. The consultation includes proposals for rented homes to achieve EPC C or equivalent by 2030, unless a valid exemption applies, and is accompanied by the Department’s impact assessment. The assessment makes clear that we are unable to quantify the extent to which this will impact the supply of properties as landlords may take different approaches. We encourage stakeholders to feed in views and evidence on the potential impact of these proposals. Following the consultation process, a government response and full impact assessment will be published.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
18th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to support workers in the North Sea Oil and Gas industry in the transition towards net zero.

The consultation on ‘Building the North Sea’s energy future’ sets out the Government’s plans for accelerating investment in net zero, creating high-quality jobs for oil and gas workers. It seeks views on how to best support workers and communities through the transition and closes 30 April.

The Government has worked with industry and unions to launch the 'Energy Skills Passport’ for oil and gas workers transitioning to offshore wind roles and announced that Great British Energy will be headquartered in Aberdeen, to reflect the commitment that communities which powered our country’s energy past will power its clean energy future.

Sarah Jones
Minister of State (Home Office)
14th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has had recent discussions with the Energy Ombudsman on (a) trends in the number of billing inaccuracies and (b) the impact of billing inaccuracies on customers.

Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
14th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions his Department has had with Ofgem on improving oversight of energy suppliers’ billing practices to help prevent inaccurate estimated billing after actual meter readings have been submitted.

Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
12th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure energy suppliers issue accurate bills based on customer-submitted meter readings rather than estimated usage.

The Government takes the issue of accurate billing very seriously. All suppliers must take the required steps to reflect accurate meter readings in bills or statements sent to customers. This is laid out in Ofgem licence conditions.

All energy suppliers must follow Ofgem’s enforceable overarching principles of the Standard Licence Conditions 0 and 0A. These are a set of broad and enforceable ‘standards of conduct’ principles that set fundamental expectations on how suppliers must ensure fair treatment of each customer. These principles guide supplier behaviour, information provision, and customer service processes. For domestic consumers, the Standards also dictate how suppliers identify and respond to consumers in vulnerable situations.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
12th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether their Department has made an assessment of the impact of energy suppliers incorrectly reporting missed payments to credit reference agencies based on erroneous estimated bills on consumers.

While this is a commercial matter between suppliers and credit reference agencies, the Government takes the issue of accurate billing very seriously.

All suppliers must take the required steps to reflect accurate meter readings in bills or statements sent to customers where these have been provided by a customer or obtained by the supplier. This is also laid out in the Ofgem’s licence conditions.

All energy suppliers must follow Ofgem’s enforceable overarching principles of the Standard Licence Conditions 0 and 0A. These are a set of broad and enforceable ‘standards of conduct’ principles that set fundamental expectations on how suppliers must ensure fair treatment of each customer. These principles guide supplier behaviour, information provision, and customer service processes.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
8th Sep 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what progress her Department has made on enforcing the provisions of the Online Safety Act 2023 in relation to small-scale online suicide forums (a) through the Small but Risky Taskforce and (b) by other means.

Ofcom is the independent regulator of the Online Safety Act and is responsible for its enforcement. Within the first month of the Act’s illegal content duties coming into effect, Ofcom launched several enforcement programmes to monitor compliance with the regime, including into the provider of a pro-suicide forum, demonstrating small but risky sites as a high priority for enforcement. As demonstrated by their dedicated small but risky taskforce and recent enforcement actions, Ofcom will identify, manage and enforce against such services where there is a failure to comply with their duties.

Kanishka Narayan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
2nd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department has made an estimate of the number of complaints received about different broadband providers alleged to have breached the voluntary code of conduct within the Revised Cabinet and Pole Siting Code of Practice, published in November 2016.

It is for the independent regulator, Ofcom, to investigate any complaints about telegraph poles sited in a way which is not consistent with the requirements and guidelines in place. Local Planning Authorities are best placed to refer any complaints to Ofcom.

I am aware of public concerns about the deployment of new broadband infrastructure. I have met both with individual operators and industry trade bodies to voice my concerns. In response, the industry has recently published the Telecommunications Poles Working Group Best Practice Recommendations, which are available on the Internet Services Providers’ Association website.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
2nd Jun 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has made a comparative assessment of the proportion of work that broadband providers have been able to carry out by laying (a) ducting and (b) overhead cables.

The Government does not undertake formal assessments of the delivery methods employed by broadband operators. Where and how operators deploy their networks is a commercial matter.

Existing regulations require operators to use underground lines where reasonably practicable, with certain exceptions.

In its Connected Nations 2024 report, Ofcom states that “providers have ordered around 176,000 km of duct routes (101,000 km of which has been delivered) and approximately 1.2 million attachments to poles (750,000 of which have been delivered) to deploy networks.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he expects Ofcom to publish updates on the (a) progress and (b) outcomes of the investigations conducted by the online safety small but risky taskforce.

The Government has regular meetings with Ofcom on matters relating to online safety, including on how it will enforce against non-compliant providers.

Ofcom established the Small but Risky (SBR) task force to address the unique risks posed by these services. The task force sits in Ofcom’s Online Safety Group. Ofcom has previously stated that there are 202 full-time equivalent posts in that wider Group. Ofcom published details of the taskforce’s work, including its priorities, in a letter to the Secretary of State on 11 September 2024.

Ofcom started enforcing the Online Safety Act in March. Sections 149 and 150 of the Act require publication of enforcement action. As an independent regulator, Ofcom does not report directly to government but publishes bulletins of all enforcement actions. Ofcom has confirmed that some companies are currently under investigation and some small services with harmful content have voluntarily blocked access to their sites for UK users since the Act came into effect.

12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many online platforms the Ofcom online safety small, but risky, taskforce has engaged with to date.

The Government has regular meetings with Ofcom on matters relating to online safety, including on how it will enforce against non-compliant providers.

Ofcom established the Small but Risky (SBR) task force to address the unique risks posed by these services. The task force sits in Ofcom’s Online Safety Group. Ofcom has previously stated that there are 202 full-time equivalent posts in that wider Group. Ofcom published details of the taskforce’s work, including its priorities, in a letter to the Secretary of State on 11 September 2024.

Ofcom started enforcing the Online Safety Act in March. Sections 149 and 150 of the Act require publication of enforcement action. As an independent regulator, Ofcom does not report directly to government but publishes bulletins of all enforcement actions. Ofcom has confirmed that some companies are currently under investigation and some small services with harmful content have voluntarily blocked access to their sites for UK users since the Act came into effect.

12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with Ofcom on which external stakeholders have been consulted by Ofcom's online safety small but risky taskforce.

The Government has regular meetings with Ofcom on matters relating to online safety, including on how it will enforce against non-compliant providers.

Ofcom established the Small but Risky (SBR) task force to address the unique risks posed by these services. The task force sits in Ofcom’s Online Safety Group. Ofcom has previously stated that there are 202 full-time equivalent posts in that wider Group. Ofcom published details of the taskforce’s work, including its priorities, in a letter to the Secretary of State on 11 September 2024.

Ofcom started enforcing the Online Safety Act in March. Sections 149 and 150 of the Act require publication of enforcement action. As an independent regulator, Ofcom does not report directly to government but publishes bulletins of all enforcement actions. Ofcom has confirmed that some companies are currently under investigation and some small services with harmful content have voluntarily blocked access to their sites for UK users since the Act came into effect.

12th May 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many staff are currently deployed as part of Ofcom's online safety small but risky taskforce.

The Government has regular meetings with Ofcom on matters relating to online safety, including on how it will enforce against non-compliant providers.

Ofcom established the Small but Risky (SBR) task force to address the unique risks posed by these services. The task force sits in Ofcom’s Online Safety Group. Ofcom has previously stated that there are 202 full-time equivalent posts in that wider Group. Ofcom published details of the taskforce’s work, including its priorities, in a letter to the Secretary of State on 11 September 2024.

Ofcom started enforcing the Online Safety Act in March. Sections 149 and 150 of the Act require publication of enforcement action. As an independent regulator, Ofcom does not report directly to government but publishes bulletins of all enforcement actions. Ofcom has confirmed that some companies are currently under investigation and some small services with harmful content have voluntarily blocked access to their sites for UK users since the Act came into effect.

1st Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make it his policy to require (a) unused and (b) decommissioned (i) laptops, (ii) mobile phones and (iii) other public sector devices to be donated to device banks.

Digital inclusion is a priority for the Government and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is committed to extending the life of its equipment and devices, to reduce our environmental impact and provide more people with access to devices. Device donation is one of the issues we shall be looking at as we develop our approach on digital inclusion.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
22nd Jul 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when the Minister for Gambling plans to respond to the correspondence of 24 March 2025 from the hon. Member for Hazel Grove, Ref LS04145.

DCMS did not receive the Hon Member’s letter until her office was contacted on 23 July, on receipt of this question. Baroness Twycross replied via return letter, with reference MC2025/07636/GT, on 26 August. We apologise for the delay.

Ian Murray
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has made a recent assessment of the adequacy of funding allocated to local leisure facilities.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring public access to leisure facilities which are vital spaces for people of all ages to stay fit and healthy, and which play an important role within communities.

The ongoing responsibility of providing access to public leisure facilities lies at local authority level. We are committed to supporting Local Government, recognising the significant financial challenges faced by the sector, and that the public leisure sector plays an important role in the delivery of sport, physical activity and leisure.

The Government encourages local authorities to make investments which offer the right opportunities and facilities for the communities they serve, investing in sport and physical activity with a place-based approach, to meet the needs of individual communities.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to support local authorities to (a) maintain and (b) improve community leisure centres.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring public access to leisure facilities which are vital spaces for people of all ages to stay fit and healthy, and which play an important role within communities.

The ongoing responsibility of providing access to public leisure facilities lies at local authority level. We are committed to supporting Local Government, recognising the significant financial challenges faced by the sector, and that the public leisure sector plays an important role in the delivery of sport, physical activity and leisure.

The Government encourages local authorities to make investments which offer the right opportunities and facilities for the communities they serve, investing in sport and physical activity with a place-based approach, to meet the needs of individual communities.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
17th Apr 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to support young people in the music industry in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport.

The government is committed to extending music opportunities for young people across the UK. As part of this, in March, we launched a National Music Education Network to promote arts opportunities to children and young people, support excellent teacher training in the arts, and boost partnerships between schools and arts organisations.

We are providing an additional £3m to expand the Creative Careers Programme (CCP) in 2025/26. Stockport has been identified as a priority area for the CCP, which seeks to boost opportunities and provide information on creative careers and pathways for young people aged 11 - 18 from backgrounds that are under-represented in the creative industries.

The government has announced £2.5m of continued funding to Arts Council England (ACE)’s Supporting Grassroots Music Fund for 2025-26. In Stockport, The Strines Nightingale, which is based in Hazel Grove, has received £26,592 to allow them to expand their live music programming and improve their accessibility and infrastructure.

Through ACE’s investment in National Portfolio organisations and through our Music Education Hub programme, we fund organisations that provide music education and opportunities to young people from every background and in the boroughs across Greater Manchester. Examples include Brighter Sound and Factory International, both of which are based in Manchester city but which have a number of programmes aimed at developing talent in the region.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)
24th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to support grassroots music venues in Greater Manchester.

The government is urging the live music industry to introduce a voluntary levy on tickets for stadium and arena shows, to help safeguard the future of the grassroots music sector. We welcome steps taken by industry to set up a charitable trust to distribute funds from the ticket levy, and commitments made by artists to support grassroots music.

The government has announced £2.5m of continued funding for the Arts Council England’s (ACE) Supporting Grassroots Music Fund (SGMF) for 2025-26. This enables grassroots music venues, recording studios, promoters and festivals to apply for grants of up to £40k to develop new revenue streams, make repairs and improvements, and enhance the live music experience for fans.

Through the SGMF, ACE has provided funding to support various music venues in Manchester, such as Matt and Phreds, who have received funding to upgrade equipment and develop a new website for streaming. The Snug in Atherton received £40k to launch The Early Doors Club, bringing high-quality events to local audiences, and in Stockport, The Strines Nightingale secured £26k to expand live programming and enhance accessibility.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade)