Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the appeals system for private parking disputes is (a) independent, (b) fair and (c) transparent.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

This government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector. It has recently outlined, in a public consultation, its proposals to better protect and support motorists whilst balancing the legitimate needs of private parking operators.

Specific views are being sought on the level of parking charge caps and on the appeals service.

The consultation closed on 26th September.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of capping (a) private parking charges and (b) penalty fees at a (i) fair and (ii) proportionate level.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

This government is determined to drive up standards in the private parking sector. It has recently outlined, in a public consultation, its proposals to better protect and support motorists whilst balancing the legitimate needs of private parking operators.

Specific views are being sought on the level of parking charge caps and on the appeals service.

The consultation closed on 26th September.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to reduce waiting times for heart health pathways.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The latest data, from July 2025, shows that 61.6% of waits for cardiology services are within 18 weeks, which is a 1.7% improvement on the same month from the previous year. While this shows progress, we know there is more to do to reduce waiting times for heart health pathways. That is why, along with our commitment to returning to the 92% referral-to-treatment standard for elective care by March 2029, the Elective Reform Plan commits to significant elective reform in cardiology.

Cardiology is one of five priority specialties identified for significant elective reform in the Elective Reform Plan. Reforms will include increasing specialist cardiology input earlier in patient care pathways and developing standard and efficient care pathways for common cardiology symptoms. It also includes improving access to cardiac diagnostic tests through implementing more ‘straight-to-test’ pathways, where a general practitioner can refer a patient directly to secondary care for a test. This can reduce unnecessary outpatient appointments and improve waiting times even further for patients across England.

These improvements to common cardiology pathways help standardise patient care, reduce inequalities, and improve access to care, especially in the early stages of heart health pathways for patients across England.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to help improve the availability of free housing-related advice services in Nottingham.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Councils have a statutory duty to provide or secure the provision of advice and information about homelessness and the prevention of homelessness, free of charge. This should form part of each council’s strategy for preventing homelessness. You can read more about this in Chapter 3 of the homelessness code of guidance on gov.uk here.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will place restrictions on the trade of British-manufactured equipment with Israel in circumstances where there is evidence of a risk that such equipment will be used to facilitate the construction of illegal settlements.

Answered by Hamish Falconer - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Hon Member to the answer I gave her on 3 July to Question 62975.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has had recent discussions with the police on taking steps to help ensure that people who incited (a) hatred and (b) violence during the Unite The Kingdom march in London on 13 September 2025 are held to account; and whether she plans to exclude from the UK people who incited (i) hatred and (ii) violence who are not (A) British citizens and (B) resident in the UK.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Home Secretary and Minsters have regular discussions with policing partners on a range of issues.

Decisions on how to police individual protests are for Chief Constables, who are operationally independent and best placed to assess local threat and risk.

The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental part of our society; however, this does not extend to violent behaviour and attacks on police officers.

Where the activity of protestors breaks the law, the police have the powers they need to respond. During the Unite the Kingdom protest, the Metropolitan Police Service arrested 24 people - for a variety of offences including for violent disorder, affray, assaults, and criminal damage - and are seeking to identify others.

It would not be appropriate for Ministers to intervene in those operational decisions, but we continue to work closely with policing to ensure they have the right capabilities and support in place to keep the public safe and uphold the law.

A person who is not a British citizen may be excluded from the UK on the grounds that their presence here would not be conducive to the public good. Exclusion is normally reserved for cases involving national security, extremism, serious crime, war crimes, corruption and unacceptable behaviour such as inciting violence.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to help resolve industrial disputes between universities and the University and Colleges Union.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Higher education (HE) providers are autonomous institutions and, as such, the government does not intervene in industrial disputes or negotiations between employers and trade unions. However, we remain committed to constructive engagement with both the unions and the employer representative body to help address the broader challenges facing the sector.

The government has taken steps to secure the future for our world-leading universities so they can deliver for students, taxpayers, workers and the economy. We made the difficult decision to increase tuition fees in line with inflation for the 2025/26 academic year, and appointed Professor Edward Peck as Chair of the Office for Students (OfS). We will set out our plans for HE reform as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the OfS to deliver the change that the country needs.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking improve the financial position of universities.

Answered by Josh MacAlister - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

Higher education (HE) providers are autonomous institutions and, as such, the government does not intervene in industrial disputes or negotiations between employers and trade unions. However, we remain committed to constructive engagement with both the unions and the employer representative body to help address the broader challenges facing the sector.

The government has taken steps to secure the future for our world-leading universities so they can deliver for students, taxpayers, workers and the economy. We made the difficult decision to increase tuition fees in line with inflation for the 2025/26 academic year, and appointed Professor Edward Peck as Chair of the Office for Students (OfS). We will set out our plans for HE reform as part of the Post-16 Skills White Paper, and will work with the sector and the OfS to deliver the change that the country needs.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to skilled worker visa requirements for prison officers on the level of prison staffing.

Answered by Mike Tapp - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

I refer the Honourable Member to the answer given to Parliamentary Question 76286.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to help improve the availability of (a) free and (b) independent benefits-related advice services in Nottingham.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Department for Work and Pensions signposts customers to the following services in Nottingham, with which it has an active relationship.

• Meadows Advice Centre
• St. Annes Advice - Disability Employment Advisers have a strong relationship with this organisation to support customers with Mental Health conditions.
• Clifton Advice Centre
• Bestwood Advice Centre
• West Bridgford Advice Centre
• Nottinghamshire Deaf Society
• Disability Support - benefit support for those with disabilities
• Nottingham City Council has a benefits team, and specifically one for carers

St Anne’s Advice, Disability Support and Citizens Advice Centre all recently attended a DWP Health and Wellbeing event, to support customers with health conditions, and regularly attend our Disability Employment Adviser Cafes which provide an informal environment in Nottingham where the DWP works in collaboration with partners to support customers.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Loan Charge on the mental health of those affected; and if she will take steps to prevent such harm.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government commissioned an independent review of the loan charge to help bring the matter to a close for those affected whilst ensuring fairness for all taxpayers. The Government will respond by Autumn Budget 2025.

The independent review was led by Ray McCann whose name was suggested by one of the Loan Charge campaigners. The terms of reference made it clear that he would be supported by a team of officials based outside of HM Treasury and HMRC, none of whom had previously worked on this policy area. Mr McCann was responsible for deciding how to conduct the review and will also have the final say on what is included in his report.

HMRC has guidance and training in place for customer advisors on identifying people who need extra support and providing reasonable adjustments to meet their needs. HMRC can offer support to individuals with disguised remuneration liabilities through manageable payment plans and its well-established Extra Support Service.

Where appropriate, HMRC will signpost people to relevant voluntary and community organisations and where needed, to a dedicated Samaritans helpline for specialist emotional support where people can talk though any concerns or worries.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to ensure that the review of the Loan Charge is (a) independent, (b) transparent, (c) robust and (d) free from interference.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government commissioned an independent review of the loan charge to help bring the matter to a close for those affected whilst ensuring fairness for all taxpayers. The Government will respond by Autumn Budget 2025.

The independent review was led by Ray McCann whose name was suggested by one of the Loan Charge campaigners. The terms of reference made it clear that he would be supported by a team of officials based outside of HM Treasury and HMRC, none of whom had previously worked on this policy area. Mr McCann was responsible for deciding how to conduct the review and will also have the final say on what is included in his report.

HMRC has guidance and training in place for customer advisors on identifying people who need extra support and providing reasonable adjustments to meet their needs. HMRC can offer support to individuals with disguised remuneration liabilities through manageable payment plans and its well-established Extra Support Service.

Where appropriate, HMRC will signpost people to relevant voluntary and community organisations and where needed, to a dedicated Samaritans helpline for specialist emotional support where people can talk though any concerns or worries.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changing from a motive or purpose test to an outcome test as outlined in the draft Finance Bill 2025–26 on the volume of charity donations.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The new charity rules in the Finance Bill 2025-26 for legacy giving will ensure a charity uses tax relieved income for its charitable purposes. They will not require charities to spend gifts from wills within a set timeframe.

The new rules will replace the current purpose test with an outcome test. This will better prevent the abuse of tax reliefs through arrangements designed to give financial advantages to donors in return for their donation.

Updated guidance will support charities and donors, giving clarity and reassurance around the rules and making it clear that the honest majority of donors and charities will remain unaffected by these reforms.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposal to require charities to spend gifts from wills within a set timeframe in the draft Finance Bill 2025-26 on legacy giving.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

The new charity rules in the Finance Bill 2025-26 for legacy giving will ensure a charity uses tax relieved income for its charitable purposes. They will not require charities to spend gifts from wills within a set timeframe.

The new rules will replace the current purpose test with an outcome test. This will better prevent the abuse of tax reliefs through arrangements designed to give financial advantages to donors in return for their donation.

Updated guidance will support charities and donors, giving clarity and reassurance around the rules and making it clear that the honest majority of donors and charities will remain unaffected by these reforms.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the reduction in the transition period to 28 days on the ability of refugees to secure accommodation.

Answered by Alex Norris - Minister of State (Home Office)

On 1 September, the 56 days move on pilot implemented in December 2024 was paused for all single adults in receipt of a positive asylum decision, with the exception of individuals who are pregnant, over the age of 65 or have a known/evidenced disability. This action was taken to ensure that the asylum system continues to run efficiently, and to enable us to continue taking action both to reduce the overall number of asylum hotels in different communities, and the number of people staying in them.

We closely monitor the impact of all our policies, including the move on period, on the number and occupancy of asylum hotels, the overall costs of the asylum accommodation estate, the wider effect on local communities, and any pressures placed on local authorities and public amenities. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to identify improvements and make efficiencies in supporting newly recognised refugees move on from asylum accommodation.

The independent evaluation of the pilot is due to conclude imminently, and evaluation outcomes will be used to inform longer term policy proposals and will be shared with parliament.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to prevent property owners providing false information when applying for Temporary Exemption Notices.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

A Temporary Exemption Notice (TEN) may be served by a local authority where a person having control of or managing a licensable property (under HMO or selective licensing) notifies the local authority of their intention to take steps so that the property no longer requires a licence.

It is for local authorities to determine if, on the basis of the information provided, they are satisfied that the applicant is taking genuine steps to ensure that the property no longer requires a licence before granting the notice.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the prevalence of property owners (a) misusing and (b) providing false information to obtain Temporary Exemption Notices.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

No assessment has been made of the prevalence of property owners misusing and/or providing false information to obtain Temporary Exemption Notices.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the obstacles working class people face to working in the film and television sectors.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

A creative career should never be the preserve of a privileged few. The sector’s skilled and dynamic workforce is one of its key strengths, but more work still needs to be done so that, regardless of their background, people feel that a creative career is an option for them.

Making creative careers accessible for everyone is a key priority for the Government. That is why we are supporting creative apprenticeships and providing funding for partners including Screenskills and the BFI Film Academy to open pathways for young people, in particular those from underrepresented backgrounds.

The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) is working with industry to deliver a UK-wide £9 million Creative Careers Service, which aims to build awareness of creative careers and provide specialist advice with a particular focus on priority areas where children face the greatest barriers to accessing creative opportunities.

In film and TV specifically, we announced in the Creative Industries Sector Plan that we will be investing £75 million in the UK’s film and TV industry over the next three years. This includes support for the next generation of filmmakers.

The Government is pleased to see industry initiatives to monitor and improve diversity in the creative industries such as Project Diamond and the TV Access Project. However, there clearly remains work to do and we want to see stronger efforts from industry to improve socio-economic diversity and representation in the creative industries.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to improve socio-economic diversity and representation in the creative industries.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

A creative career should never be the preserve of a privileged few. The sector’s skilled and dynamic workforce is one of its key strengths, but more work still needs to be done so that, regardless of their background, people feel that a creative career is an option for them.

Making creative careers accessible for everyone is a key priority for the Government. That is why we are supporting creative apprenticeships and providing funding for partners including Screenskills and the BFI Film Academy to open pathways for young people, in particular those from underrepresented backgrounds.

The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) is working with industry to deliver a UK-wide £9 million Creative Careers Service, which aims to build awareness of creative careers and provide specialist advice with a particular focus on priority areas where children face the greatest barriers to accessing creative opportunities.

In film and TV specifically, we announced in the Creative Industries Sector Plan that we will be investing £75 million in the UK’s film and TV industry over the next three years. This includes support for the next generation of filmmakers.

The Government is pleased to see industry initiatives to monitor and improve diversity in the creative industries such as Project Diamond and the TV Access Project. However, there clearly remains work to do and we want to see stronger efforts from industry to improve socio-economic diversity and representation in the creative industries.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Universal Credit taper in incentivising part-time work.

Answered by Stephen Timms - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The taper rate aims to make customers financially better off in work by ensuring that their Universal Credit award is reduced by less than their earned income.

Universal Credit has a single taper rate of 55% and some customers will also benefit from a work allowance which is the amount someone can earn before their Universal Credit award starts to reduce.

Once a customer is earning more than their work allowance (if applicable), their Universal Credit starts to be reduced at a consistent rate.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his department is taking to increase access to specialist wheelchairs for children in Nottingham East constituency.

Answered by Zubir Ahmed - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for the provision and commissioning of local wheelchair services, and responsibility for providing disabled children’s equipment would typically fall to the National Health Service and local authorities.

NHS England supports ICBs to commission effective, efficient, and personalised wheelchair services. Since July 2015, NHS England has collected quarterly data from clinical commissioning groups, now ICBs, on wheelchair provision, including waiting times, with the aim of supporting improvements where required. Further information can be found at the following link:

www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/national-wheelchair

NHS England is taking steps to reduce regional variation in the quality and provision of NHS wheelchairs, and to support ICBs to reduce delays in people receiving intervention and equipment. This includes publishing a Wheelchair Quality Framework on 9 April 2025 which sets out quality standards and statutory requirements for ICBs, such as offering personal wheelchair budgets. The framework is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/wheelchair-quality-framework/

The Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB is actively working to ensure equitable access to specialist wheelchair services across the region, including Nottingham City and South Nottinghamshire. This is being pursued through:

• the procurement of a unified long-term wheelchair service for Mid-Nottinghamshire and Bassetlaw and aligning service specifications and reporting with Nottingham University Hospitals, the provider for South Nottinghamshire and Nottingham City; and
• a plan to introduce Key Performance Indicators, which will include monthly reporting to monitor access, equipment, and service delivery timescales for children and adults across different localities. This work is planned to start in Nottingham University Hospitals in the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year.

Anniversary of the Darfur genocide

Kashmir Black Day and self-determination

Freezing of Local Housing Allowance

Tower Hamlets counter-demonstration on 25 October 2025

Non-indexed pre-1997 pensions

Conduct of Prince Andrew

Indefinite leave to remain and settlement