Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of zero rating for VAT buildings retrofitted to (a) Passivhaus and (b) AECB standards.
Answered by James Murray - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
This Government is committed to improving the quality and sustainability of our housing stock, through improvements such as low carbon heating, insulation, solar panels, and batteries. This will be vital to making the UK more energy resilient and meeting our 2050 Net Zero commitment.
Installations of qualifying energy-saving materials in residential accommodation and buildings used solely for a charitable purpose benefit from a temporary VAT zero rate until March 2027, after which they will revert to the reduced rate of VAT at five per cent.
VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. VAT is the UK’s second largest tax forecast to raise £171 billion in 2024/25. Taxation is a vital source of revenue that helps to fund vital public services.
One of the key considerations when assessing a new VAT relief is whether the cost saving is likely to be passed on to consumers. Evidence suggests that businesses only partially pass on any savings from lower VAT rates. In some cases, reliefs do not represent good value for money, as savings will not always be passed on to consumers.
The Government has no current plans to formally review the VAT treatment of building works. However, all taxes are kept under review as part of the tax policymaking process. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the overall public finances.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on rewiring existing (a) distribution and (b) transmission grid infrastructure.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The reinforcement of our electricity network is critical to deliver clean, secure power to homes and businesses across the country. This reinforcement includes both new infrastructure, on and offshore, and upgrades to existing lines which are always considered first. Transmission and distribution companies are carrying out significant upgrades to increase the capacity of existing lines on their networks. However, upgrading will not eliminate the need for new lines as it will not be sufficient to provide the necessary network capacity in all areas.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7928 on Electricity: Wales, what estimate he has made of the level of investment needed between 2028 and 2033 in the (a) transmission and (b) distribution grids to help meet net zero targets.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
As the independent regulator, Ofgem assesses network owners’ investment plans with regard to their duties, including to support net zero. Government supports Ofgem’s ambition for acceleration of network build and strategic investment in the next electricity transmission price control, covering the period 2026-31. Ofgem’s current consultation on the framework for the next electricity distribution price control (starting in 2028) identifies the need for significant investment ahead of need, strategic planning, and regulatory changes to prepare the GB distribution networks for net zero.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7928 on Electricity: Wales, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of planned investment in the (a) distribution and (b) transmission grid to meet Net Zero targets.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
As the independent regulator, Ofgem assesses network owners’ investment plans with regard to their duties, including to support net zero. Government supports Ofgem’s ambition for acceleration of network build and strategic investment in the next electricity transmission price control, covering the period 2026-31. Ofgem’s current consultation on the framework for the next electricity distribution price control (starting in 2028) identifies the need for significant investment ahead of need, strategic planning, and regulatory changes to prepare the GB distribution networks for net zero.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps is he taking to increase battery storage capacity in the (a) distribution and (b) transmission grid.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Batteries have a vital role to play in the energy sector, as set out in the National Energy System Operator’s recent advice on achieving clean power by 2030.
The Government is working closely with the National Energy System Operator, Ofgem and industry to facilitate the deployment of battery storage. The Clean Power 2030 Action Plan will provide details on the steps we are taking to increase battery storage capacity connected to the distribution and transmission networks.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how much Local Power plan funding will be allocated between each of the UK nations.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Local Power Plan will be delivered through Great British Energy (GBE). GBE will benefit all four nations, creating jobs and building supply chains across the UK, while respecting the devolution settlements.
GBE’s funding envelope provides a total amount to operate across all UK Nations. GBE will be capitalised with £125 million in 2025‑26 to set up the company and begin delivery on its functions.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will invite representatives of the cruise industry to join the Tourism Industry Council.
Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
DCMS recognises that the cruise sector makes a significant contribution to the UK economy, namely £9.4 billion and supporting 82,000 jobs pre-pandemic. As a new government we are reviewing the composition and terms of reference of the Tourism Industry Council with the aim of securing broad and diverse representation from a variety of industries and delivering clear outcomes for the sector.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 25 July 2024 to Question 1070 on Anglesey Freeport, what progress she has made on the decision on the proposed Anglesey Freeport.
Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
The future of the Freeports Programme will be confirmed after the Spending Review has concluded. We will return to outstanding decisions on individual Freeports, including Anglesey Freeport, at that point.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of a discounted Railcard for (a) workers in the NHS and (b) other key workers.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
Affordability of rail travel is one of our key objectives. However, any concessions made to rail fares policy must balance benefits for certain groups against the impacts on taxpayers. Currently there are no plans for offering a discounted railcard for NHS and other key workers.
Asked by: Llinos Medi (Plaid Cymru - Ynys Môn)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate he has made of the number of properties in Wales that are unable to generate their own electricity due to capacity constraints in the electricity distribution network.
Answered by Michael Shanks - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Department does not hold data on this. For generation of 3.68kW or less a property owner only has to notify the distribution network operator (DNO) post-installation. For larger installations the DNO will assess the impact of the proposed generation on the network, and either allow it to connect immediately or provide a connection date, and any costs.