Priti Patel Portrait

Priti Patel

Conservative - Witham

First elected: 6th May 2010


3 APPG memberships (as of 1 Nov 2023)
East of England, Fair Fuel for UK Motorists and UK Hauliers, Motorsport
1 Former APPG membership
Freeports
Home Secretary
24th Jul 2019 - 6th Sep 2022
Committees on Arms Export Controls (formerly Quadripartite Committee)
27th Feb 2018 - 6th Nov 2019
Foreign Affairs Committee
20th Feb 2018 - 6th Nov 2019
Committees on Arms Export Controls
27th Feb 2018 - 6th Nov 2019
Secretary of State for International Development
14th Jul 2016 - 8th Nov 2017
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions) (Cabinet)
8th May 2015 - 14th Jul 2016
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
15th Jul 2014 - 8th May 2015
Members' Expenses Committee
18th Jul 2011 - 30th Mar 2015
Public Administration Committee
5th Dec 2011 - 23rd Jun 2014
Draft Deregulation Bill (Joint Committee)
10th Jul 2013 - 11th Dec 2013


Oral Question
Tuesday 5th December 2023
11:30
Department of Health and Social Care
Topical Question No. 4
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities.
Save to Calendar
Oral Question
Tuesday 5th December 2023
11:30
Department of Health and Social Care
Oral Question No. 8
What funding her Department is providing to help tackle health inequalities in Essex.
Save to Calendar
Division Votes
Tuesday 28th November 2023
Business without Debate
voted Aye - in line with the party majority
One of 277 Conservative Aye votes vs 1 Conservative No votes
Tally: Ayes - 280 Noes - 199
Speeches
Thursday 30th November 2023
Oral Answers to Questions
The Secretary of State will know inside out what the wonderful county of Essex has to offer when it comes …
Written Answers
Monday 4th December 2023
National Grid: Infrastructure
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to (a) page 61 of the …
Early Day Motions
None available
Bills
Wednesday 11th May 2022
National Security Act 2023
Make provision about threats to national security from espionage, sabotage and persons acting for foreign powers; about the extra-territorial application …
MP Financial Interests
Monday 7th August 2023
3. Gifts, benefits and hospitality from UK sources
Name of donor: Silverstone Circuits Ltd
Address of donor: The Jimmy Brown Centre, Silverstone Circuit, Towcester NN12 8TN
Amount of …
Supported Legislation
Wednesday 30th November 2022
Roadworks (Regulation) Bill 2022-23
A Bill to make provision about the regulation of roadworks; and for connected purposes.

Division Voting information

During the current Parliamentary Session, Priti Patel has voted in 396 divisions, and 2 times against the majority of their Party.

22 Mar 2023 - Northern Ireland - View Vote Context
Priti Patel voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 22 Conservative No votes vs 281 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 515 Noes - 29
22 Mar 2023 - CRIMINAL LAW - View Vote Context
Priti Patel voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 14 Conservative No votes vs 282 Conservative Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 290 Noes - 14
View All Priti Patel Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 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)
(57 debate interactions)
Yvette Cooper (Labour)
Shadow Secretary of State for the Home Department
(54 debate interactions)
Nick Thomas-Symonds (Labour)
Shadow Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
(42 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Home Office
(1567 debate contributions)
HM Treasury
(20 debate contributions)
Department of Health and Social Care
(16 debate contributions)
Leader of the House
(13 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
Legislation Debates
Nationality and Borders Act 2022
(7,338 words contributed)
National Security Act 2023
(6,642 words contributed)
Online Safety Act 2023
(4,711 words contributed)
View All Legislation Debates
View all Priti Patel's debates

Witham 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).

Priti Patel has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Priti Patel

Priti Patel has not signed any Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Priti Patel, 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.


Priti Patel has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Priti Patel has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

12 Bills introduced by Priti Patel

Introduced: 11th May 2022

Make provision about threats to national security from espionage, sabotage and persons acting for foreign powers; about the extra-territorial application of Part 2 of the Serious Crime Act 2007; about the award of damages in proceedings relating to national security and the payment of damages at risk of being used for the purposes of terrorism; about the availability of legal aid to persons connected with terrorism; and for connected purposes.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 11th July 2023 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 11th May 2022

A Bill to make provision for new offences relating to public order; to make provision about stop and search powers; to make provision about the exercise of police functions relating to public order; to make provision about proceedings by the Secretary of State relating to protest-related activities; to make provision about serious disruption prevention orders; and for connected purposes.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 2nd May 2023 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 6th July 2021

Make provision about nationality, asylum and immigration; to make provision about victims of slavery or human trafficking; to provide a power for Tribunals to charge participants where their behaviour has wasted the Tribunal’s resources; and for connected purposes.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 28th April 2022 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 19th March 2020

A Bill to make provision about the application of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 where a building contains two or more sets of domestic premises; and to confer power to amend that order in future for the purposes of changing the premises to which it applies.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 29th April 2021 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 3rd March 2020

To make provision in relation to domestic abuse; to make provision for and in connection with the establishment of a Domestic Abuse Commissioner; to prohibit cross-examination in person in family proceedings in certain circumstances; to make provision about certain violent or sexual offences, and offences involving other abusive behaviour, committed outside the United Kingdom; and for connected purposes.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 29th April 2021 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 5th March 2020

A Bill to make provision to end rights to free movement of persons under retained EU law and to repeal other retained EU law relating to immigration; to confer power to modify retained direct EU legislation relating to social security co-ordination; and for connected purposes.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 11th November 2020 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 24th September 2020

A Bill to make provision for, and in connection with, the authorisation of criminal conduct in the course of, or otherwise in connection with, the conduct of covert human intelligence sources.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 1st March 2021 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 1st March 2022

A Bill to Set up a register of overseas entities and their beneficial owners and require overseas entities who own land to register in certain circumstances; to make provision about unexplained wealth orders; and to make provision about sanctions.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 14th March 2022 and was enacted into law.

Introduced: 8th January 2020

To provide for the payment out of money provided by Parliament of expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State or a government department under, or in connection with, the Windrush Compensation Scheme.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 8th June 2020 and was enacted into law.


A Bill to amend the amount of the limit in section 15 of the Commonwealth Development Corporation Act 1999 on the government’s financial assistance.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 23rd February 2017 and was enacted into law.


A Bill to make provision approving for the purposes of section 8 of the European Union Act 2011 certain draft decisions under Article 352 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

This Bill received Royal Assent on 17th December 2015 and was enacted into law.


The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress. A Bill to make provision for a code of practice to be observed by all those working in the criminal justice system setting out the rights of victims of crime and their families; and for connected purposes;

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 14th December 2011

136 Written Questions in the current parliament

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
2 Other Department Questions
9th Nov 2023
the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, if the Church Commissioners will review the decision to demolish the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Birch, Essex.

The Church Commissioners have been closely involved with local and diocesan discussions on the future of St Peter & St Paul, Birch. The Commissioners are responsible for the oversight and management of the relevant legislation and have ensured that the decision-making to allow demolition has followed due process


Whilst the Commissioners have no plans to review the decision, it is now for the Diocese of Chelmsford to take forward the demolition (or not as they may decide).

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
3rd Nov 2022
To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether the Commission has had recent discussions with any party on utilising the space in Portcullis House previously occupied by fig trees; or if the Commission has received any representations by (a) hon. Members and (b) stakeholders on this matter.

The trees in Portcullis House were removed as they had become root bound, and as a result were no longer viable.

House teams are developing plans for the space in the Portcullis House atrium now the trees have been removed. The use of the space has been raised with the Administration Committee and it discussed the matter on 31 October. The Committee will be consulted later this year on the plans as they evolve.

21st Nov 2022
To ask the Attorney General, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Crown Prosecution Service's support of victims of crime.

Improving the experience of victims is a priority for the CPS and is an important part of building public confidence. His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) independently assesses the CPS to help drive improvement and build public confidence in the prosecution process. Last year, in response to findings from HMCPSI about CPS communication with victims, the CPS commissioned independent research to better understand victims’ needs and have since committed to transforming the service they provide to every victim. A long-term victim transformation programme is underway to improve the way the CPS communicates and engages with victims. This includes plans for a new universal service to improve the minimum level of service that all victims receive and an enhanced service offer for victims with the greatest need. As part of this transformation programme, the CPS has also committed to innovate and pilot new ways to strengthen engagement with victims. Building on the work of Operation Soteria to improve the support victims of rape receive, the CPS has extended the number of CPS Areas testing new approaches. Over half of CPS Areas are now testing new activities to improve the way they communicate and engage with rape victims. This includes introducing more contact points, different methods of communications, better information sharing and collaborative working with partners. In addition to the CPS online guide for victims of rape and sexual offences published in December 2021, a new guide specifically for all victims of crime has been prepared and is available on the CPS website. The guides clarify the role of the CPS within the wider Criminal Justice System, explain how the CPS makes decisions in cases, what support is available to victims to help them give their best evidence and what their Rights are under the Victims’ Code.

Michael Tomlinson
Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
21st Nov 2022
To ask the Attorney General, what discussions she has had with the Director of Public Prosecutions on the Crown Prosecution Service making representations on compensation orders in criminal cases for victims of crime.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is committed to delivering justice for victims of crime, and where appropriate this includes obtaining compensation orders. Section 134 of the Sentencing Act 2020 sets out that compensation orders are available to the court when an offender is convicted of an offence. HM Courts and Tribunal Service is responsible for the enforcement of any compensation order made. The CPS has produced publicly available guidance which states that all CPS prosecutors should be ready to assist the court to reach the appropriate decision as to sentence, which includes drawing the court's attention to its obligation to consider compensation, inviting them to make such an order where appropriate and providing information in order to assess an appropriate award. Where a case relates to acquisitive crime, the matter will be dealt with by the Proceeds of Crime Division who will seek a Confiscation Order and, where there are identifiable victims, will also seek a compensation order. £118m out of £530m received in payment of confiscation orders over the last five years have been returned to victims by way of compensation.

Michael Tomlinson
Solicitor General (Attorney General's Office)
15th Dec 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has made a recent assessment of the effectiveness of the Recruiting for vacancies requiring National Security Vetting clearance: code of practice; whether he has made a recent estimate of the (a) number and (b) proportion of vacancies advertised that do not comply with the code of practice; and what recourse applicants have if they are unable to apply for an advertised vacancy which does not comply with the code of practice.

The code of practice is in place to ensure that those who do not already hold National Security Vetting are not at a disadvantage when applying for a role in the Civil Service.

Whilst the Cabinet Office does not currently collect data on the number or proportion of vacancies advertised that do not comply with the code of practice, the government aims to reduce non-compliance.

Candidates unable to apply for an advertised vacancy which does not comply with the National Security Vetting Code of Practice may raise a complaint with the recruiting department in the first instance. If they remain dissatisfied and the vacancy was advertised publicly, they may bring their complaint to the Civil Service Commission on the basis they feel the selection for appointment has not met the requirements of the Civil Service Recruitment Principles. In open competitions anyone who wishes must be allowed to apply.

21st Nov 2022
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many civil servants are entitled to leave for (a) trade union and (b) activities; what assessment he has made of the total value of facilities provided to trade unions; and what estimate he has made of the total cost to the public purse of facility time.

There are 4,427 Trade Union representatives across the civil service. Trade union representatives have a statutory right to reasonable unpaid time off to carry out trade union activities. Facility time in the Civil Service as of the most recently reported annual data cost approximately £10 million.

27th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to (a) page 61 of the Autumn Statement 2023 and (b) the connections action plan, when she plans to publish eligibility criteria for community benefits.

On 22 November, the Government published its community benefits for transmission network infrastructure government response. Within this we confirmed our intention for eligibility for wider community benefits to be agreed on a project-by-project basis. For electricity bill discounts, we will work up further proposals on eligibility, including on proximity, and will provide an update in 2024.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
16th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will publish the number of planning applications for offshore wind farms that (a) have been approved and (b) are under consideration since 2010 broken down by (i) location and (ii) amount of new electricity that will be generated.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero publishes full details, including the capacity, location, and development status of Offshore Wind projects, in the Renewable Energy Planning Database (REPD). Updated following the end of each quarter, an extract from the October 2023 version can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/renewable-energy-planning-database-monthly-extract

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
18th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the press release entitled Communities at the heart of new fund to boost local growth and energy security, published by her Department on 11 August 2023, when she plans to open the community energy fund for applications.

The new £10m Community Energy Fund will enable rural and urban communities across England to access grant funding to develop local renewable energy projects for investment, supporting local growth and enabling places directly to benefit from clean, locally owned energy. The Government is aiming to launch applications to the Community Energy Fund as soon as possible.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate she has made of how much new energy generation from offshore wind farms due to connect to the Norwich substation has (a) consent, (b) an application under consideration and (c) an application pending.

The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) is responsible for ensuring the electricity system is operated safely, reliably and efficiently and for managing the electricity market. The ESO sets out the high-level design for the necessary transmission through independent, evidenced based assessment of generation connection. Ofgem, the regulator has ultimate oversight to ensure regulated monopoly companies are performing their duties as we expect them to.

The Department cannot comment on specific issues regarding a proposed infrastructure project to avoid prejudicing any ultimate planning decision. Information about past, current and pending planning consents for projects can be found on the Planning Inspectorate website at https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate she has made of how much new energy generation from offshore wind farms the transmission network between Norwich and Tilbury can sustain.

The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) is responsible for ensuring the electricity system is operated safely, reliably and efficiently and for managing the electricity market. The ESO sets out the high-level design for the necessary transmission through independent, evidenced based assessment. National Grid Electricity Transmission, as the transmission owner for England and Wales, are responsible for the development of that proposed project. NGET recently published further information on their website related to this matter as part of their latest consultation.

Given the Secretary of State’s role as the decision-taker in the consenting process for nationally significant infrastructure, the Department cannot comment on specific issues regarding a proposed infrastructure project to avoid prejudicing future planning decisions.

Andrew Bowie
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
23rd Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what progress has been made on the Shared Rural Network arrangements to improve (a) outdoor and (b) indoor 4G coverage in (i) Essex and (ii) Witham constituency.

This Government is taking steps to improve both 4G and 5G coverage across the country.

Improvements in 4G coverage have already started to be delivered through the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme, which is targeting areas of the country with partial or no coverage. This agreement will see the government and industry jointly invest over £1 billion to increase outdoor 4G mobile coverage across the UK to 95% by the end of 2025. All four MNOs expect to increase coverage in both Witham and the East of England as they fill partial ‘not spots’ in these areas.

In addition to the SRN, the mobile network operators invest around £2 billion annually in enhancing and improving their networks.

In our Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, published in April this year, we set out the Government’s vision for wireless connectivity and shared a new ambition for nationwide coverage of higher quality standalone 5G in all populated areas by 2030. This provides a long-term ambition to help the private sector invest in 5G networks by supporting competition, driving down deployment costs and driving the take-up of innovative, 5G-enabled tech by the business and the public sector.

The Department provides extensive guidance for local authorities and operators to help facilitate broadband and mobile deployment through the Digital Connectivity Portal. We have also taken steps to make it easier and cheaper for operators to deploy 4G and 5G. This includes reforming the planning system in England. Alongside this, measures within the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022, will support upgrades of sites to 5G.

John Whittingdale
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
23rd Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to improve (a) 4G and (b) 5G coverage in (i) Essex and (ii) Witham constituency.

This Government is taking steps to improve both 4G and 5G coverage across the country.

Improvements in 4G coverage have already started to be delivered through the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme, which is targeting areas of the country with partial or no coverage. This agreement will see the government and industry jointly invest over £1 billion to increase outdoor 4G mobile coverage across the UK to 95% by the end of 2025. All four MNOs expect to increase coverage in both Witham and the East of England as they fill partial ‘not spots’ in these areas.

In addition to the SRN, the mobile network operators invest around £2 billion annually in enhancing and improving their networks.

In our Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, published in April this year, we set out the Government’s vision for wireless connectivity and shared a new ambition for nationwide coverage of higher quality standalone 5G in all populated areas by 2030. This provides a long-term ambition to help the private sector invest in 5G networks by supporting competition, driving down deployment costs and driving the take-up of innovative, 5G-enabled tech by the business and the public sector.

The Department provides extensive guidance for local authorities and operators to help facilitate broadband and mobile deployment through the Digital Connectivity Portal. We have also taken steps to make it easier and cheaper for operators to deploy 4G and 5G. This includes reforming the planning system in England. Alongside this, measures within the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022, will support upgrades of sites to 5G.

John Whittingdale
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what estimate she has made of how many households are affected by the retirement of the public switched telephone Network; and what steps she is taking with telecommunications providers to support vulnerable people so affected.

According to Ofcom’s latest figures, as of August 2023, more than 50% of the UK’s 30 million premises have already been moved from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The remaining phone lines will be moved by the telecoms industry in a phased migration between now and the end of 2025.

Ofcom is responsible for ensuring telecoms providers adhere to their regulatory obligations throughout the migration process, which includes protecting vulnerable consumers. Ofcom has published guidance which states that providers must take steps to identify at-risk consumers who are dependent on their landline and provide them with additional support.

Providers have a range of solutions to ensure vulnerable consumers receive additional support. These options include, for example: free battery back-up units; engineer supported installations; or hybrid landline phones. The Government is working together with Ofcom to ensure customers receive appropriate support and are protected throughout the migration.

My Department meets regularly with Communications Providers to monitor their migration process, and to ensure adequate provisions are in place to protect vulnerable consumers. This includes, but is not limited to, quarterly progress meetings with individual providers, quarterly meetings with all government departments/agencies, and monthly meetings with Ofcom.

John Whittingdale
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
31st Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what support he is providing to businesses in the pharmaceutical sector to (a) expand their premises and (b) manufacture more products.

In 2021, the Government published the Life Sciences Vision, which set out an ambition to create a globally competitive environment for Life Science manufacturing investments. To help meet these ambitions and incentivise globally mobile manufacturing investments in the UK, the Office for Life Sciences launched the £60 million Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF) in March 2022. The LSIMF will provide capital grants for investment in the manufacture of human medicines (drug substance and drug product), medical diagnostics and medical technology products. The fund has received a large number of high-quality applications and we expect to announce the successful grant awards from spring 2023.

Nusrat Ghani
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade) (jointly with the Cabinet Office)
17th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he plans to make a decision on development consent for the East Anglia Green Energy Enablement project.

No planning application has yet been made, so I cannot answer that directly.

We are working flat out to minimise the impacts of network infrastructure on my Rt hon Friend’s constituents, and I pay tribute to her for championing their interests so assiduously.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits providing support for an offshore energy grid rather than the new overhead powerlines and pylons proposed as part of the East Anglia Green Energy Enablement project.

Private network operators, in this case National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET), are responsible for delivering network infrastructure necessary to meet consumer needs. This includes identifying preferred options for the infrastructure, considering a range of factors.

In the case of East Anglia Green, NGET recently published a letter to MPs outlining the total estimated lifetime costs of the onshore route, costing £1,136m, and the equivalent offshore option, costing £7,332m. Given the Secretary of State’s role in the consenting process for nationally significant infrastructure, no assessment has been made by the Department which would prejudice the outcome of the independent planning processes.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
21st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he plans to make available financial support for businesses using heating oil.

The Government is in discussions with electricity suppliers and delivery bodies and will set out the timings for payments as soon as possible.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
3rd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will withdraw the planning consent given to the Rivenhall Incinerator in 2010.

The Government has no plans to withdraw the planning consent given to the Rivenhall incinerator.

Graham Stuart
Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
16th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much funding her Department plans to provide to (a) schools, (b) academy trusts and (c) Essex County Council to support pupils with special educational needs in each of the next three years.

The department provides funding for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to local authorities through their dedicated schools grant (DSG) allocations.

In respect of mainstream schools, local authorities are required by regulations to identify, for each of the mainstream schools in their area, an amount (sometimes referred to as a notional budget) within their overall budget, which helps the school understand what may be required to meet the additional cost of pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN), up to £6,000 a year per pupil.

During the 2023/24 financial year the department has provided local authorities’ DSG allocations totalling £42.9 billion for their mainstream schools. Of this amount, local authorities have identified notional SEN budgets for their schools amounting to a total of £4.9 billion.

Essex County Council has been allocated £1.1 billion for mainstream schools in its area, of which it has identified £160.7 million in total as the amount that schools might need for their pupils with SEN.

When the costs of additional support required for a pupil with SEN exceed £6,000, the local authority should also allocate additional top-up funding to cover the excess costs. This funding comes from the authority’s high needs budget. This may follow a statutory assessment producing an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan, though local authorities have the discretion to provide top-up funding to pupils without an EHC plan.

Local authorities are also allocated high needs funding through their DSG. Of the total high needs budget of over £10.1 billion nationally, the great majority of which is allocated to local authorities in England, Essex County Council has been allocated high needs funding amounting to £227 million in the 2023/24 financial year for securing provision for those with complex needs.

High needs funding is increasing in the 2024/25 financial year to a total of over £10.5 billion, an increase of over 60% from the 2019/20 allocations. We have announced provisional 2024/25 high needs allocations for local authorities, and Essex County Council’s allocation is £240 million, which is an increase of 5% per head, and a cumulative 31% per head over the three years from 2021/22.

Local authorities have not yet determined how much of their DSG will be identified for schools' notional SEN budgets in future years. All allocations of school funding beyond 2024/25 will be subject to decisions by the government that have not yet been taken.

David Johnston
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
16th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many Education, Health and Care Plans have been agreed in each local authority area in each year since 2014; and if she will make an estimate of the number of plans that will be agreed in each local authority area in each of the next five years.

The number of Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans in each Local Authority area is set out in published statistics, which are accessible at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/150da0a4-2fef-4836-8c12-08dbe514ee42.

The department does not make estimates of the number of plans in each Local Authority area for the next five years. However, in the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan, published on 2 March 2023, the department set out its proposals for EHC plans reform, including to develop reformed templates and guidance to deliver a nationally consistent EHC plan process. The department’s proposed reforms aim to improve the system and ensure that children and young people who require an EHC plan get access to the support they need.

David Johnston
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
16th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department are taking to inspect multi academy trusts.

Academy trusts are held to high standards of governance and transparency, as companies, charities, and public sector bodies.

Ofsted inspection takes place at the level of each individual school within a trust, which provides accountability and transparency for parents around the education their child receives. At the trust level, the department has a broader framework of accountability, which both looks at the performance of their schools, and focuses on high standards of governance and financial management, while also recognising that trusts operate on very different models and in different contexts.

In July, the department published a new framework for commissioning multi-academy trusts. The framework provides descriptions of what the department expects of high-quality trusts and sets out the evidence Regional Directors will use when making decisions to place a school with a trust. It represents an ambitious vision for the academies sector, and a driver of high standards.

The department’s regional directors and their teams, together with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), provide robust educational and financial oversight of all academy trusts.

Where non-financial or financial non-compliance or governance failure is identified, Regions Group or the ESFA respectively will intervene, in a way that is proportionate to the risk and preserves education provision. This can include issuing a trust with a notice to improve or, in the most serious cases, termination of the funding agreement.

Damian Hinds
Minister of State (Education)
3rd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has made an assessment of the impact of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme on schools (a) in Witham constituency and (b) Essex.

Schools are eligible for the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, which will run until at least 31 March 2023. This will protect schools from high energy costs and give them greater certainty over their budgets over the winter months. The details of the scheme can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-bill-relief-scheme-help-for-businesses-and-other-non-domestic-customers.

Schools are also being supported by cash increases to the core schools budget, including a £4 billion increase this financial year. Schools in Witham are attracting £61.7 million in total this financial year through the National Funding Formula (NFF), a 3.5% cash increase. This reflects 2.7% more per pupil in their pupil-led funding compared to the 2021/22 financial year. Schools’ actual allocations in the 2022/23 financial year will be based on local authorities’ local funding formulae. On top of this funding through the NFF, schools in Witham are seeing a further £1.8 million through the schools supplementary grant.

Through the dedicated schools grant and the schools supplementary grant for mainstream schools combined, Essex is seeing an extra £68.2 million for schools in the 2022/23 financial year, an increase of 5.8% per pupil, this per pupil funding increase excludes ‘growth’ funding. This takes total funding for the 2022/23 financial year in Essex to over £1.05 billion.

The Department knows that every school’s circumstances are different. Schools in serious financial difficulty should contact their local authority or the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

16th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Leader of the House on parliamentary time for legislation prohibiting the sale of peat in the horticultural retail trade.

It remains our policy that we intend to legislate to restrict, and ultimately ban, the sale of peat and peat containing products when parliamentary time allows.

Rebecca Pow
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
16th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what financial support his Department provides to National Plant Collection holders who have suffered (a) flood and (b) storm damage.

The Government acknowledges the terrible impact Storm Babet and Storm Ciarán have had on householders and businesses and sympathises with those affected. There is no specific funding for National Plant Collection holders however, the Government has triggered the Flood Recovery Framework, to provide funding for affected households and businesses as a result of severe flooding caused by the storms.

In addition, the Government will be activating the Defra Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme for areas affected by Storm Babet. Eligible flood-hit property owners will be able to apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding.

Robbie Moore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
16th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his Department's policy is on providing support to householders who believe that actions taken by the Environment Agency have caused flooding to their properties.

The Environment Agency (EA) take flood risk incredibly seriously and have a long-term plan to upgrade and invest in flood defences across England to benefit local communities. When building flood defences there is a legal requirement that they cannot increase the flood risk of communities either upstream or downstream.

Creating climate resilient places lies at the heart of the EA’s National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England (FCERM Strategy) and Roadmap to 2026. The EA’s role in flood and coastal erosion risk management is outlined here. The EA is also a Category 1 responder set out by The Civil Contingency Act (2004).

The EA are in the third year of the current 6-year £5.2billion Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) investment programme. The funding can be spent on projects that better protect properties in England as well as the development of future projects.

At the end of March 2023, the EA estimated that approximately £1.5 billion of this funding has been invested with over 200 flood risk schemes completed.

Around 60,000 properties have benefited from better protection since the start of the current 6-year programme (between April 2021 to March 2023). This takes the total number of properties protected to 374,000 since 2015.

During Storms Babet and Ciarán around 2,400 properties sadly flooded but defences protected a further 110,000.

Robbie Moore
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the impact of the Packaging Waste (Data Reporting) (England) Regulations 2023 on businesses that already operate closed loop recycling collections.

The Packaging Waste (Data Reporting) (England) Regulations 2023 require producers of packaging to collect, retain and report data on the packaging they supply to others or discard themselves. These regulations place no greater reporting burden on producers that already operate closed loop recycling collections than they do on comparable producers that do not operate closed loop recycling collections. The costs of producer data reporting are assessed in an Impact Assessment published in 2022 alongside the Governments response to the 2021 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) consultation.

We are aware of the concerns of producers that operate closed loop recycling systems and have sought further views on this through a consultation on the proposed EPR Regulations which closed on the 9th of October. We are now reviewing the responses to the consultation, and we intend to publish a high-level summary of responses in spring next year.

Rebecca Pow
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
19th Sep 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support agricultural export businesses in Essex.

In May, the Prime Minister announced a programme of support for UK agricultural exporters including:

  • expansion of our agri-food and drink attaché network who tackle global barriers to exports,
  • an expanded programme of trade missions, support for seafood and dairy exporters, and
  • support to showcase the best of UK produce.
Mark Spencer
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
6th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to protect agricultural land from development that reduces the availability of land for food production.

The National Planning Policy Framework sets out clearly that local planning authorities should consider all the benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land, when making plans or taking decisions on new development proposals. Where significant development of agricultural land is shown to be necessary, planning authorities should seek to use poorer quality land in preference to that of a higher quality. Planning Practice Guidance also sets out a preference for the use of lower quality agricultural land.

In the National Planning Policy Framework consultation, published in December 2022, the government consulted on a change that will ensure that food production on high value farmland is adequately weighted in the planning process. Government will respond to the consultation in due course.

Trudy Harrison
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
14th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which flood alleviation schemes her Department has provided funding to in (a) full and (b) part in the latest period for which data is available; what the total cost is of each scheme; and how much funding (a) her Department and (b) other sources have provided to each scheme.

The Government announced in March 2020 that the amount invested in flood and coastal erosion schemes would be doubled in England to £5.2 billion. This current six-year programme of flood and coastal erosion risk management (FCERM) projects runs from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2027.

At the end of March 2023, the Environment Agency (EA) estimates approximately £1.5 billion of this funding has been invested, with around 60,000 properties better protected from flooding and coastal erosion by over 200 completed schemes.

In the first year of this programme, between April 2021 and March 2022, the EA worked with other risk management authorities (RMAs) to complete around 120 FCERM projects. A list of capital schemes protecting properties, completed between April 2021 and March 2022 is available from Asset Information and Maintenance Programme (data.gov.uk). More details on investment in FCERM work can also be found in the EA’s recently published Flood and coastal erosion risk management report: for 2021/22. This annual report describes the extensive work undertaken by all RMAs to: manage the risks from flooding and coastal erosion; achieve the objectives of the National FCERM Strategy for England; and plan for future flood and coastal erosion risk.

Rebecca Pow
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
14th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of providing compensation to businesses that can demonstrate that they have (a) been unable to trade as normal and (b) had their trading activities severely limited as a result of avian influenza restrictions.

We are aware that the current unprecedented outbreak of Avian Influenza (AI) has created challenges for poultry and egg producers. We are working with the industry to support continued business activities.

In October 2022 we announced new support for the poultry industry to assist farmers and producers with the impacts of AI. This includes a change to the existing AI compensation scheme allowing us to provide swifter payments to help stem any cash flow pressures and give earlier certainty about entitlement to compensation. Any other compensation available to producers would come from the payout of private AI insurance policies and we are working with the industry to support continued access to insurance for those that require it.

We have also introduced market support measures to assist businesses impacted by AI. These included:

  • Allowing seasonal poultry producers to slaughter birds, freeze them and then sell them as defrosted products during the period 28 November to 31 December 2022.
  • Concessions to the labelling of free-range eggs from poultry housed under AI mandatory housing measures for longer than the 16-week period for which an automatic derogation applies.

Following a reduction in the risk levels, the lifting of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone mandatory housing measures on the 18 April 2023 will come as welcome news to producers. This means that from 18 April, eggs laid by birds with access to outside range areas can return to being marketed as ‘free range’ eggs.

We continue to monitor the impacts of Avian Influenza on the poultry and egg sectors.

Mark Spencer
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
14th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many (a) premises were affected by and (b) birds were culled following avian influenza outbreaks in (i) Witham constituency, (ii) Essex and (iii) the UK in the latest period for which data is available.

During the 2022/2023 avian influenza outbreak season starting on 1st October 2022 up to 15th November 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in poultry and captive birds at six premises in Essex, of which three have been in the Witham constituency. During the same period of time, HPAI has been confirmed in poultry and captive birds at 121 premises in the UK (111 cases in England, six cases in Scotland, three cases in Wales and one case in Northern Ireland).

Since 1st October 2022, at premises in Essex where avian influenza has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds, approximately 48,500 birds have died or been humanely culled and disposed by HM Government for avian influenza control purposes. Of those, approximately 7,600 birds have been at infected premises in the Witham constituency. During the same period, approximately 3.4 million birds have died or are being culled and disposed by HM Government for avian influenza control purposes in the UK. This is a small proportion of overall poultry production (approximately 20 million birds slaughtered for human consumption per week).

Mark Spencer
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
14th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much her Department has paid in compensation to claimants with premises affected by avian influenza in each month of 2022.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Cambridge, on 21 November 2022, PQ UIN 87857.

Mark Spencer
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
14th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has provided guidance to premises affected by an avian influenza outbreak on when they can reopen their businesses.

Bespoke guidance on the cleansing and disinfection (C&D) requirements are provided by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) directly to the keeper of flocks affected by avian influenza. A written plan for the work is completed by the keeper and agreed with APHA, setting out in detail how the various actions will be carried out and which approved disinfectants will be used. The full process involves actively cleansing, degreasing, and disinfecting the premises, and then repeating the process one week later. Once 21 days have elapsed since the date APHA have agreed they are satisfied with the secondary C&D work undertaken at the premises, restocking of birds can begin under a licence issued by APHA. How quickly the process is completed, and therefore when business activity can resume is a commercial decision by the keeper.

Mark Spencer
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
14th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the average period of time was that business premises affected by avian influenza outbreaks were required to be closed for in the latest period for which data is available.

Keepers at infected premises where avian influenza has been confirmed in poultry or other captive birds have a choice to either wait 12 months before restocking birds or undertake secondary cleansing and disinfection to enable them to restock earlier. During the current outbreak on average keepers who chose to undertake secondary cleansing and disinfection and restock have been able to complete this process within 184 days. Decisions around whether to undertake secondary cleansing and disinfection, and how quickly the process is completed, and therefore when business activity can resume is a commercial decision by the keeper.

Mark Spencer
Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
1st Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what recent steps she has taken to include the mutual recognition of pharmaceutical products in trade agreement negotiations.

The UK has secured a number of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) on Good Manufacturing Practices for pharmaceutical products in recent years. They comprise standalone MRAs with the US, Australia and New Zealand, with similar commitments contained in our Free Trade Agreements with Japan, Switzerland, Israel and Canada. New Free Trade Agreement negotiations are ongoing with Israel and Canada.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
31st Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps she is taking to support exports of pharmaceutical products produced in the UK.

Pharmaceuticals are one of the UK’s top exports, valued at £20.3 billion in 2021, employing more than 136,000 people with a turnover of £64.2 billion. In line with the Export Strategy’s 12-point plan and as set out in the Board of Trade report on Life Sciences, the Department pursues an ambitious, targeted and strategic approach to promoting exports. This includes addressing market barriers, global defence of free trade, running novel innovation challenges, publishing targeted international sector-specific propositions and delivering focused export campaigns. These initiatives have been and continue to successfully showcase the UK's pharmaceutical national strengths to international audiences.

Nigel Huddleston
Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)
23rd Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessments National Highways have undertaken into the proposals to dual the A120 between Braintree and the A12.

Proposals to dual the A120 between Braintree and the A12 continue to be considered by National Highways as part of the pipeline of schemes being developed for possible inclusion in a future road investment strategy.

Richard Holden
Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
23rd Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to provide resources to support the provision of step-free access between platforms at Marks Tey railway station.

We are currently assessing over 300 nominations for Access for All funding beyond 2024, including a nomination for Marks Tey railway station. If successful, the funding would deliver an obstacle free, accessible route from the station entrance to platforms.

Huw Merriman
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
14th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to help improve the collection of litter from trunk roads.

The Department recognises the importance of addressing the issue of litter on trunk roads, as per the responsibilities laid out in Section 89 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. We work closely with local authorities to resolve local issues as far as is practicable and support them in fulfilling their obligations under the law. This includes regular inspections and audits, as well as feedback from the public and other stakeholders. If any issues are identified, we work with the local authorities to address them, which may involve providing additional resources or training.

The Department takes the issue of litter on trunk roads very seriously. We are committed to working with local authorities to keep our roads free of litter and refuse, creating a cleaner and safer environment for all. Together, we can make significant progress in addressing this issue and creating a better future for our communities.

Richard Holden
Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
14th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his policy is on the frequency with which trunk roads should be cleared of litter.

The Department recognises the importance of addressing the issue of litter on trunk roads, as per the responsibilities laid out in Section 89 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. We work closely with local authorities to resolve local issues as far as is practicable and support them in fulfilling their obligations under the law. This includes regular inspections and audits, as well as feedback from the public and other stakeholders. If any issues are identified, we work with the local authorities to address them, which may involve providing additional resources or training.

The Department takes the issue of litter on trunk roads very seriously. We are committed to working with local authorities to keep our roads free of litter and refuse, creating a cleaner and safer environment for all. Together, we can make significant progress in addressing this issue and creating a better future for our communities.

Richard Holden
Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
14th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what guidance his Department has issued to National Highways to support local authorities in clearing trunk roads of litter.

The Department recognises the importance of addressing the issue of litter on trunk roads, as per the responsibilities laid out in Section 89 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. We work closely with local authorities to resolve local issues as far as is practicable and support them in fulfilling their obligations under the law. This includes regular inspections and audits, as well as feedback from the public and other stakeholders. If any issues are identified, we work with the local authorities to address them, which may involve providing additional resources or training.

The Department takes the issue of litter on trunk roads very seriously. We are committed to working with local authorities to keep our roads free of litter and refuse, creating a cleaner and safer environment for all. Together, we can make significant progress in addressing this issue and creating a better future for our communities.

Richard Holden
Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
14th Apr 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what criteria his Department uses to classify a trunk road as special for the purposes of holding responsibilities to keep the highway clear of litter under Section 89 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990; and whether he plans to designate any trunk roads as special for the purposes of holding responsibilities to keep the highway clear of litter under Section 89 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

A trunk road is classified as special if are restrictions on the types of vehicles which can use them, for example a Motorway. The Government has no plans to alter this definition.

Under Section 86 of the Environmental Protection Act (1990) any transfer of litter clearance responsibility would need to be requested by National Highways after consultations with relevant Local Authorities. It is important to take a proportionate, evidence-based approach which recognises the pressures on Local Authority resources and costs associated with roadside litter clearance. The Government expects National Highways to work collaboratively with Local Authorities to solve local issues and keep roadsides clear of litter and refuse as far as is practicable.

Richard Holden
Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
1st Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone in London on (a) freight and logistics businesses based outside of London, (b) businesses based outside of London and (c) commuters based outside of London who drive into London.

Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London and this includes decisions on road schemes which charge users including the Ultra-Low EmissionZone(ULEZ).

It is for the Mayor to determine the impact on all people and firms that do business in the capital, wherever they are based. This includes the impact on freight and logistics businesses, other businesses, and commuters who need to drive into Greater London as part of his impact assessment on the expansion


ULEZ expansion was not the Government’s decision and the Mayor had no legal obligation to consult local or central Government.

As a scheme that applies in London, this is the Mayor’s decision, and he is accountable for the impact of it.

The Government have been clear that grant funding, via the longer-term funding settlement, cannot be used to cover the estimated £250 million cost of implementation.

The Mayor and TfL must cover the cost of his scheme through alternative sources available to them if they wish to proceed with imposing the ULEZ charge.

Richard Holden
Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
3rd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will include funding to make Marks Tey railway station step free and accessible in the next round of Access for All funding.

We are currently assessing nominations for the next round of Access for All, including Marks Tey station. I expect to make an announcement regarding successful schemes in 2023.

Huw Merriman
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
3rd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when Witham railway station will be upgraded.

No date has been set for the upgrade of Witham station. Greater Anglia, the operator of the station, continues to explore opportunities to progress with the redevelopment, which is subject to wider affordability constraints.

Huw Merriman
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
3rd Nov 2022
A12
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of current proposals for Junction 24 of the A12 Widening Scheme on traffic in Inworth.

National Highways submitted its application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate in August 2022 and the application has been published on the Inspectorate’s website:

https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/eastern/a12On 12-chelmsford-to-a120-widening-scheme/.

National Highways has assessed the potential impact of the current proposal for Junction 24 of the A12 Widening Scheme on traffic in Inworth. This is set out in the Environmental Statement, Appendix 3.3, Junction 24, Inworth Road and Community Bypass Technical Report on the Inspectorate’s website.

An independent examining authority will carry out an examination of the proposal, including public hearings, and in due course will make a recommendation on whether to grant development consent order. It would not be appropriate to comment further while this application is under consideration.

Richard Holden
Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
3rd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he plans to announce the schemes to be funded as part of the Third Road Investment Strategy.

Schemes to be taken forward as part of the third Road Investment Strategy (2025-2030) are expected to be announced in 2024.

Richard Holden
Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)
27th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Autumn Statement 2023, what funding will be provided to each local authority in the 2024-25 financial year for the Household Support Fund; and what his planned timetable is for (a) informing local authorities of their allocations and (b) providing guidance on the use of that funding.

I refer the Rt hon. Member to the answer given to PQ3412.

Mims Davies
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
31st Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to paragraph 5.12 of the Autumn Statement, published on 17 November 2022, when he plans to issue the (a) allocations to local authorities from and (b) guidance on the Household Support Fund; and if he will issue guidance on the use of these allocations by local authorities to support victims of domestic abuse and violence.

As outlined in the Autumn Statement, the Government is providing an additional £1 billion of funding, including Barnett impact, to enable the extension of the Household Support Fund in England in the next financial year.

This is on top of what we have already provided since October 2021, bringing total funding to £2.5 billion.

In England, this will be delivered through an extension to the Household Support Fund backed by £842 million, running from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, which will help those most in need with the cost of essentials.

The guidance, details and individual Local Authority allocations for this forthcoming extension will be announced in due course before the scheme begins on 1 April 2023.

Mims Davies
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Work and Pensions)
16th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the preparedness of the NHS in Essex for winter 2023-24; and how much additional funding his Department plans to provide to NHS services in Essex for winter 2023-24.

No such assessment has been made, as local winter resilience plans and resourcing are an operational matter for the National Health Service. National Health Service winter planning at a national level started earlier this year than in previous years. The urgent and emergency care recovery plan was published in January 2023 and included £1 billion of dedicated funding. In April we distributed £600 million discharge funding to local authorities and the NHS to support increased capacity in community care and social care to enable earlier discharges from hospital and avoid unnecessary admissions. In July 2023, NHS England wrote to integrated care boards, trusts and primary care networks to set out a national approach to 2023/24 winter planning and the key steps to be taken across all parts of the system to meet the challenges expected from winter pressures.

Helen Whately
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
16th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his Department's press release entitled '£200 million to boost NHS resilience and care this winter', published 14 September 2023, if he will provide additional resources to local authorities to support hospital discharge and reablement services.

This Government is investing an additional £600 million this year, and £1 billion next year through the Discharge Fund. This funding will enable the National Health Service and local authorities to reduce discharge delays, including by commissioning additional packages of care and support for rehabilitation and reablement.

In September, alongside the £200 million to boost resilience in the NHS, we announced a £40 million fund, targeted at local authorities in the most challenged NHS systems. This fund will strengthen urgent and emergency care resilience and performance this winter by preventing avoidable admissions or by reducing discharge delays.

Helen Whately
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to prevent the unlawful sale of prescription medicines through online platforms.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is the regulator within the United Kingdom for human medicines and is responsible for enforcing the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. The MHRA has identified the illegal sale and supply of human medicines as a global challenge. This includes the sale of prescription drugs from unregulated sources. Criminal gangs, often based overseas, advertise medicines through websites resembling those of legitimate pharmacies, while others exploit online marketplaces or sell social media platforms.

The MHRA has a dedicated Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU) that works with partners across government and policing to prevent and disrupt this illegal trade and to bring to justice those involved. The CEU monitors online channels for evidence of illegal activity and takes proportionate regulatory action. This includes using the full range of the agency’s powers to investigate and prosecute offenders where necessary and appropriate. The unit also works to remove illegally trading websites and remove criminal profits from offenders. Through its #Fakemeds communications campaign the MHRA also provides quick and easy tools to help the public avoid buying illegally traded medicines when they shop online.

16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the level of availability of prescription drugs from unregulated sources.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is the regulator within the United Kingdom for human medicines and is responsible for enforcing the Human Medicines Regulations 2012. The MHRA has identified the illegal sale and supply of human medicines as a global challenge. This includes the sale of prescription drugs from unregulated sources. Criminal gangs, often based overseas, advertise medicines through websites resembling those of legitimate pharmacies, while others exploit online marketplaces or sell social media platforms.

The MHRA has a dedicated Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU) that works with partners across government and policing to prevent and disrupt this illegal trade and to bring to justice those involved. The CEU monitors online channels for evidence of illegal activity and takes proportionate regulatory action. This includes using the full range of the agency’s powers to investigate and prosecute offenders where necessary and appropriate. The unit also works to remove illegally trading websites and remove criminal profits from offenders. Through its #Fakemeds communications campaign the MHRA also provides quick and easy tools to help the public avoid buying illegally traded medicines when they shop online.

16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what (a) guidance his Department issues and (b) processes are in place to help prevent patient addiction to prescription medicines.

In March 2023, NHS England published ‘Optimising personalised care for adults prescribed medicines associated with dependence or withdrawal symptoms: framework for action’. It aims to further reduce inappropriate prescribing of high-strength painkillers and other addiction-causing medicines, like opioids and benzodiazepines, where they may no longer be the most clinically appropriate treatment for patients, and in some cases can become harmful without intervention.

NHS England provides support to integrated care boards and primary care as the Framework is implemented, through: national medicines optimisation opportunities for the National Health Service in 2023/24, which include opportunities for reducing opioid use in chronic non-cancer pain, and addressing inappropriate antidepressant prescribing; the Medicines Safety Improvement Programme, in partnership with the Patient Safety Collaboratives across England, is supporting other NHS teams to work with patients to reduce long term opioid use; annual investment of £2.3 billion until 2024 in mental health services and NHS Talking Therapies; a national programme to ensure social prescribing is an option for patients, as well as funding for social prescribers through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme; support for delivering Structured Medication Reviews (SMR), including those on medicines associated with dependence and withdrawal symptoms; academic Health Science Network (AHSN) training on delivering SMRs; AHSN patient facing materials; and guidance published by NHS England on Structured Medication Review and Medicines Optimisation.

16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an estimate of the number of people who had an addiction to a prescription drug in each of the last five years.

The information requested is not held. There are primary care codes (SNOMED CT) that can be used by primary care teams to record the physical and mental symptoms associated with dependence and withdrawal from prescribed drugs, although there are challenges in linking symptom and diagnostic data with prescribed medicines use.

However, in March 2023, NHS England published ‘Optimising personalised care for adults prescribed medicines associated with dependence or withdrawal symptoms: framework for action’. The framework sets out the scale of and change to prescribing of five medicines associated with dependence over time. Other sources of data such as Openprescribing also enable variation and comparisons in prescribing to be reviewed at different system levels, such as integrated care board, primary care network or practice level.

6th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of (a) the continued impact of covid-19 on people at higher risk of ill health through contracting covid-19 and (b) the risks such people continue to face from covid-19; and what steps he is taking to support those people.

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement on 30 March 2023, in 2023/24 the Government will maintain a range of capabilities to protect those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Given the continued effectiveness of vaccines and improved treatments, for most people there is a much lower risk of severe illness compared to earlier in the pandemic.

Appropriate levels of testing will remain to support diagnosis for clinical care and treatment and to protect very high-risk individuals and settings. Those who are at highest risk and immunocompromised are part of the group who are eligible for COVID-19 treatments in the community enabling them easy access to anti-viral treatments. High risk individuals are also part of the priority cohort in line for booster vaccines. The Government will continue to consider the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation on future vaccine selection and booster programmes for those at greatest risk. The Government will also maintain essential COVID-19 surveillance activities in the community, primary and secondary care, and in high-risk settings.

Maria Caulfield
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Minister for Women)
6th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will review the adequacy of processes to expedite new preventative treatments for covid-19 in order to support people who are at higher risk of ill health through contracting that disease.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent, expert body responsible for developing authoritative, evidence-based recommendations for the National Health Service on whether new medicines represent a clinically and cost-effective use of resources. NICE is responsible for the processes it uses in developing its recommendations.

New medicines for COVID-19 that are referred to NICE will be evaluated through NICE’s technology appraisal process. NICE aims to publish guidance within 90 days of marketing authorisation being issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency wherever possible and works with stakeholders to align its appraisal timelines with the regulatory process.

NICE is developing a new review process to update its recommendations on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of COVID-19 treatments so they can be made available more quickly to patients if they show promise against new variants and are found to be cost-effective. NICE recently ran a four week public consultation on proposals for the new rapid update process, which will apply to recommendations NICE has already published on COVID-19 treatments.

19th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of whether the terms of reference for the independent inquiry into the deaths of mental health inpatients in Essex between 2000 and 2020 are achievable in the context of the inquiry’s non-statutory status.

I refer the Rt. Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 25 January 2023 to Question 122453.

19th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he is taking steps to ensure that current and former staff provide evidence to the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry into the deaths of mental health inpatients in Essex between 2000 and 2020.

I refer the Rt. Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 25 January 2023 to Question 122453.

19th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the level of evidence from current and former staff being provided to the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry into the deaths of mental health inpatients in Essex between 2000 and 2020.

I refer the Rt. Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 25 January 2023 to Question 122453.

19th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made a recent assessment of the way in which the duty of candour is operating in respect of staff providing evidence to the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry into the deaths of mental health inpatients in Essex between 2000 and 2020.

I refer the Rt. Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 25 January 2023 to Question 122453.

13th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of whether the terms of reference for the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry into the deaths of mental health inpatients in Essex between 2000 and 2020 can be met with the inquiry’s status as a non-statutory inquiry.

This is an independent inquiry, which is ongoing. No assessment has been made of the level of evidence provided by current or former staff. The Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust has assured the Department of the trust’s support for the inquiry and the trust CEO will provide confirmation to Ministers of additional steps to support greater staff participation in the Inquiry.

The Department is also working closely with the inquiry, the trust and NHS England to look at what more can be done to encourage staff to engage with the Inquiry. Ministers will continue to give careful consideration to the progress of the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry, and whether or not it should remain on a non-statutory footing.

13th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help encourage current and former staff to provide evidence to the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry into the deaths of mental health inpatients in Essex between 2000 and 2020.

This is an independent inquiry, which is ongoing. No assessment has been made of the level of evidence provided by current or former staff. The Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust has assured the Department of the trust’s support for the inquiry and the trust CEO will provide confirmation to Ministers of additional steps to support greater staff participation in the Inquiry.

The Department is also working closely with the inquiry, the trust and NHS England to look at what more can be done to encourage staff to engage with the Inquiry. Ministers will continue to give careful consideration to the progress of the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry, and whether or not it should remain on a non-statutory footing.

13th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the level of evidence provided by current and former staff to the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry into the deaths of mental health inpatients in Essex between 2000 and 2020.

This is an independent inquiry, which is ongoing. No assessment has been made of the level of evidence provided by current or former staff. The Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust has assured the Department of the trust’s support for the inquiry and the trust CEO will provide confirmation to Ministers of additional steps to support greater staff participation in the Inquiry.

The Department is also working closely with the inquiry, the trust and NHS England to look at what more can be done to encourage staff to engage with the Inquiry. Ministers will continue to give careful consideration to the progress of the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry, and whether or not it should remain on a non-statutory footing.

15th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an estimate of the investment needed in additional GP capacity in (a) the Witham constituency; and (b) Essex over the next (i) five and (ii) ten years.

‘A five-year framework for GP contract reform to implement The NHS Long Term Plan’ was agreed with the British Medical Association and provides clarity on funding for practices until 2023/24. This was updated in 2020 to invest and an additional £1.5 billion to create a further 50 million general practice appointments by 2024 through increasing and diversifying the workforce.

The current framework ends in April 2024 and future funding for general practice, including to support capacity, will be considered in due course.

15th Dec 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to place on a statutory footing the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry into the deaths of mental health inpatients in Essex between 2000 and 2020.

We will consider the progress of the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry and whether it should remain on a non-statutory footing.

3rd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of basing a community diagnostic centre in Witham.

Future locations for community diagnostic centres (CDCs) are currently under review. NHS England is working with integrated care systems, diagnostic networks and primary care services to assess and determine the location and configuration of services for future CDCs, based on the needs of the local population. This review will consider a number of sites in Mid and South Essex.

Helen Whately
Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
3rd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the availability of face-to-face GP appointments in (a) Witham constituency, (b) in Essex and (c) nationwide.

The information requested is not collected at constituency or county level. In England, 68.1% of appointments were conducted face-to-face in September 2022, excluding COVID-19 vaccinations.

3rd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate he has made of the number of the patients per GP in each (a) primary care network and (b) Integrated Care System.

Data on the number of patients per full time equivalent general practitioner in each Primary Care Network and integrated care board is available at the following link:

https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/general-and-personal-medical-services/30-september-2022

18th Oct 2023
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of retaining the business rates multiplier at the current level for the 2024-25 financial year.

The Government has taken action to hold the tax rate steady over the last three years, protecting businesses from inflationary pressures at a cost of £14.5 billion to the Exchequer.

Most recently, the Government froze the business rates multiplier for a third consecutive year in 2023-24, a tax cut worth £9.3 billion to business over the next 5 years. This will support all ratepayers, large and small, with the revaluation in 2023, meaning bills are 6 per cent lower, before any reliefs or supplements are applied, than without the freeze.

Decisions on the level of the multiplier for 2024-25 will be made in due course.

Victoria Atkins
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
18th Oct 2023
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of providing further business rate reliefs to support (a) small businesses, (b) other businesses, (c) high streets and town centres and (d) local authorities.

At Autumn Statement 2022, the Government announced a package of changes and tax cuts worth £13.6 billion over the next five years, including:

  • a freeze to the business rates multiplier for 2023-24, a tax cut worth £9.3 billion over the next 5 years, meaning all bills are 6% lower than without the freeze;
  • an increased 75% relief for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) properties, up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business for 2023-24. This is a tax cut worth over £2 billion for around 230,000 RHL businesses, to support the high street and protect small shops.
  • an Exchequer funded Transitional Relief scheme worth £1.6 billion to protect an estimated 700,000 ratepayers facing bill increases due to increases in rateable value. The Government has announced that it will permanently scrap ‘downwards caps’ which had restricted falling bills in previous schemes. This will benefit around 300,000 ratepayers who will see their full bill decrease from April 2023.
  • providing over £500 million of support over the next three years with a new Supporting Small Business scheme. This will cap bill increases to £50 per month (£600 per year) for businesses losing some or all of their Small Business or Rural Rate Relief due to the revaluation.

Decisions on future business rates support will be made in due course.

Victoria Atkins
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the statement on Net zero by the Prime Minister on 20 September 2023, whether he plans to amend air passenger duty rates.

Air Passenger Duty (APD) is the Government’s principal tax on the aviation sector, since tickets are VAT free and aviation fuel incurs no duty. Its primary objective is to ensure that airlines make a fair contribution to the public finances.

As with all taxes, the Government keeps the rates of APD under review and any changes are announced by the Chancellor at fiscal events.

Gareth Davies
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress he has made on implementation of OECD Pillar 2 on corporation tax; and if he will make an assessment of the potential economic impact of that implementation.

The government has legislated for the Pillar 2 Multinational top-up tax (MTT) and Domestic top-up tax (DTT) for implementation from 31 December 2023.

An updated Tax Impact and Information Note and costing were published at Spring Budget 2023. An update on the latest revenue forecast from the OBR and a status update on international implementation will be provided at Autumn Statement 2023.

Victoria Atkins
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the income from VAT on defibrillator sales in the last five years; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of making defibrillator sales VAT exempt.

Businesses are not required to provide figures at a product level within their VAT returns, as this would impose an excessive administrative burden. Therefore, HM Revenue and Customs does not hold information on VAT revenue from specific products or services, including VAT on defibrillators.

The Government currently provides various VAT reliefs to aid the purchase of defibrillators and other first aid equipment. For example, when an AED is purchased with funds provided by a charity or by voluntary contributions, and then donated to an eligible body (such as an NHS body or a charitable care institution), this purchase can then be zero rated, meaning no VAT is charged. Otherwise, they attract the standard rate of VAT.

The Department of Health and Social Care are examining whether there are ways to further expand public access to defibrillators. The Government keeps all taxes under constant review.

Victoria Atkins
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
23rd Jan 2023
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what consideration he has given to increasing the (a) mileage rate and (b) 10,000 mile threshold of the Mileage Allowance Payments available to businesses; and what assessment he has made of the potential benefit to (i) businesses; (ii) employees; and (iii) the self-employed of increasing mileage allowance payments.

Approved Mileage Allowance Payments (AMAPs) are used by employers to reimburse an employee’s expenses for business mileage in their private vehicle.

The government sets the AMAP rates to minimise administrative burdens.

Employees can claim up to 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles and the 25p per mile for subsequent miles. The mileage thresholds reflect that the AMAP rates are designed to cover both a proportion of fixed costs, such as insurance and VED, as well as ongoing costs such as fuel.

Employers are not required to use the AMAPs rates. Instead, they can agree to reimburse a different amount that better reflects their employees’ circumstances. If an employee is paid less than the AMAP rate, they can claim Mileage Allowance Relief (MAR) on the shortfall. However, where payments exceed the relevant AMAP rate, there may be a tax and National Insurance charge on the difference.

Self-employed people can choose to use the simplified mileage rate, or they can claim tax relief using capital allowances and actual expenses.

As with all taxes, the Government keeps the AMAP rate under review and any changes are considered and announced at fiscal events.

James Cartlidge
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
23rd Jan 2023
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what additional funding will be required by (a) his Department and (b) the OECD to ensure monitoring and compliance with the proposed Pillar 2 rules of BEPS 2.0.

At Autumn Statement 2022, the Government set out that Pillar 2 will raise £2.3 billion a year by 2027-28.

An estimate of HMRC operational costs to implement Pillar 2 was published in a tax information and impact note in July 2022. This can be accessed on GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/introduction-of-the-new-multinational-top-up-tax/multinational-top-up-tax-uk-adoption-of-organisation-for-economic-co-operation-and-development-pillar-2

The Government will publish an updated tax information and impact note at the Spring Budget.
Victoria Atkins
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
23rd Jan 2023
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether a disputes resolution mechanism agreed as part of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s BEPS 2.0 Pillar 2 proposals would be binding upon UK courts.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is publicly consulting on tax certainty in the pillar 2 rules, covering dispute prevention and dispute resolution mechanisms, until 3 February 2023. This includes options for legal instruments to implement the dispute resolution process.

The public consultation can be accessed online at https://www.oecd.org/tax/beps/oecd-invites-comments-on-compliance-and-tax-certainty-aspects-of-global-minimum-tax.htm.

Victoria Atkins
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
23rd Jan 2023
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will publish the most recent version of the agreement on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting framework.

The UK is a member of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)/Group of Twenty (G20) Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), which is collaborating on 15 actions to address tax avoidance.

The OECD sets out the 15 BEPS actions at https://www.oecd.org/tax/beps/beps-actions/.

The recent focus of developments in international tax has been the Two-Pillar Solution to address the tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy.

The OECD published the two-pillar agreement in 2021, so far signed by 138 countries including the UK, which can be accessed at https://www.oecd.org/tax/beps/statement-on-a-two-pillar-solution-to-address-the-tax-challenges-arising-from-the-digitalisation-of-the-economy-october-2021.htm.

Victoria Atkins
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
23rd Jan 2023
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make it his policy to hold a formal public consultation before bringing forward legislative proposals to implement the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s base Erosion and Profit Shifting framework.

As part of the tax policy making process, the Government routinely holds public consultations on tax policy ahead of implementation.

Since international agreement on the BEPS project in 2015, the Government has consulted ahead of the introduction of new rules in accordance with the BEPS actions. This includes on hybrid mismatch rules, the tax deductibility on corporate interest expense and country by country reporting.

The Government has recently demonstrated its commitment to consultation. In 2022, the Government consulted on the implementation of Pillar 2 in the UK and published a response in July 2022 which can be accessed on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/oecd-pillar-2-consultation-on-implementation.

In July 2022, the Government also led a technical consultation on Income Inclusion Rule draft legislation published on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/introduction-of-the-new-multinational-top-up-tax.

Following consultation, the Government confirmed at Autumn Statement 2022 that it will implement the OECD Pillar 2 rules for accounting periods beginning on or after 31 December 2023.

Victoria Atkins
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the net financial costs to public services in Essex of the Wethersfield asylum seeker accommodation site.

The Home Office is carefully considering the impact on local services including the NHS, police, fire services and social care and we are working with local partners to develop bespoke plans that take account of potential issues including local public safety, local health services, local environmental issues, impact on local services and any risks associated with each site. Financial support is being provided to Braintree District Council, and primary healthcare is available onsite to ensure there is no impact on local GPs. The government provides £3,500 to local authorities for new and occupied dispersal beds. This £3,500 funding for local authorities is being provided to Braintree District Council for the site at Wethersfield.

Robert Jenrick
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration)
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many asylum seekers who were accommodated at MDP Wethersfield moved into alternative accommodation as a result of a modern day slavery claim being made.

We are using a phased approach, increasing the number of asylum seekers accommodated at the site over time with the practicalities of managing the site under constant review. The site can accommodate 1700 individuals when fully operational. From 13 April 2022, all local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales are currently considered a dispersal area and will need to take part in asylum dispersal. This is to ensure a fair and equitable accommodation spread of asylum seekers across the UK. We have agreed targets for every local authority and region in the UK to deliver by the end of 2023. Scotland is currently not meeting its dispersal accommodation target.

Robert Jenrick
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration)
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many asylum seekers have been (a) transferred to and (b) housed at the asylum accommodation centre at MDP Wethersfield site since it opened.

We are using a phased approach, increasing the number of asylum seekers accommodated at the site over time with the practicalities of managing the site under constant review. The site can accommodate 1700 individuals when fully operational. From 13 April 2022, all local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales are currently considered a dispersal area and will need to take part in asylum dispersal. This is to ensure a fair and equitable accommodation spread of asylum seekers across the UK. We have agreed targets for every local authority and region in the UK to deliver by the end of 2023. Scotland is currently not meeting its dispersal accommodation target.

Robert Jenrick
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration)
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, of how asylum seekers who have left MDP Wethersfield site the location is unknown.

Those living at the Wethersfield site are be able to come and go. The process for leaving the site is the same as the rest of our asylum accommodation.

Robert Jenrick
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration)
16th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 4 July 2023 to Question 191112 on Asylum: MOD Wethersfield, when she plans to announce the planning process which will be followed for the MOD Wethersfield site for asylum accommodation.

The Home Office currently has planning permission for Wethersfield under Class Q Permitted Development rights which is valid for 12 months. If a decision is made to seek planning permission for use of the site as asylum accommodation beyond this period, it will be communicated in due course.

Robert Jenrick
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she will be able to provide details of the (a) capital costs and (b) ongoing annual revenue costs of each of the asylum accommodation centres announced on 29 March 2023.

There is an urgent need to reduce reliance on hotels to accommodate asylum seekers, to reduce cost to taxpayer and to better manage community impacts.

As per standard practice, audited costs for large accommodation sites will be published through the Home Office annual report and accounts.

Robert Jenrick
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Statement made by the Minister for Immigration on 29 March 2023, Official Report, column 1017, what recent progress her Department has made on establishing sites at which asylum seekers will be accommodated; and what recent estimate she has made of the cost to the public purse of each of these sites.

There is an urgent need to reduce reliance on hotels to accommodate asylum seekers, to reduce cost to taxpayer and to better manage community impacts.

As per standard practice, audited costs for large accommodation sites will be published through the Home Office annual report and accounts.

Robert Jenrick
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration)
11th Jul 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will place in the Library the dispersal plans for each of the asylum accommodation centres announced on 29 March 2023; and if she will provide details on which local authorities asylum seekers at those sites will be dispersed to.

For each of the sites announced on 29 March 2023, the Home Office will deploy the established dispersal processes for moving service users out of the site, based on need and the current operational capacity across the accommodation estate.

Robert Jenrick
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration)
26th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans she has for undertaking age verification checks for asylum seekers to be accommodated at the MOD Wethersfield site; and if she will publish details of the age verification process.

There is already an established procedure in place at Western Jet Foil for performing age assessment on all new arrivals as part of screening.

The initial age decision, based on physical appearance and demeanour, is conducted as soon as practicable. It serves as a first step to ensure individuals are routed into the correct process and avoids unnecessarily subjecting individuals who are clearly adults or clearly children to a comprehensive Merton-compliant age assessment. The threshold is set deliberately high in recognition of the difficulty in assessing an individual’s age based on physical appearance and demeanour.

If doubt remains about whether the claimant is an adult or a child, they are referred for further consideration of their age and treated as a child for immigration purposes until further assessment of their age has been completed. We have placed specific mitigations for large sites which sets the threshold deliberately higher than for other contingency accommodation to ensure the impact on the local community is as minimal as possible

Robert Jenrick
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration)
26th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to paragraph 1(b) of Class Q on development by the Crown relating to an emergency in Part 19 of Schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, what steps she plans to take to ensure that use of the MOD Wethersfield site for asylum accommodation complies with the requirements in that paragraph.

The Home Secretary will take steps to ensure that at the end of the 12 month period, the use of the land for asylum accommodation will cease. It will either be restored to its original condition or planning permission will be alternatively obtained to regularise the development.

Robert Jenrick
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration)
26th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to provide (a) local authorities, (b) police and (c) NHS services in Essex details of the funding they will receive in connection with the use of the MOD Wethersfield site for asylum accommodation in the (i) financial year 2023-24 and (ii) next five financial years; and whether she plans to publish details of the funding allocations.

The Home Office has committed substantial funding to help minimise the impact on local communities and services. This includes 24/7 security to reduce the need for police patrols, on-site catering, healthcare and transport provision for those housed on site. Discussions regarding the specific funding arrangements for local authorities and the NHS are ongoing, and a grant policy for police forces impacted by new large sites, including Wethersfield, has been published. The government currently provides £3,500 to local authorities for new and occupied dispersal beds. This £3,500 funding for local authorities will be extended to the sites at Wethersfield.

Ministers have also committed to a health funding package for large sites this financial year. This will cover initial set-up costs for Wethersfield against defined parameters and a tariff will be applied for each occupied bed at the end of the financial year as agreed following consultation with health stakeholders.

Robert Jenrick
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration)
7th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether additional funding will be provided to (a) local authorities, (b) the NHS and (c) the police in connection with the operation of the Wethersfield asylum site.

The Home Office has committed substantial funding to help minimise the impact on local communities and services. This includes 24/7 security, on-site catering, basic healthcare and transport provision for those accomodated on site. Discussions regarding the specific funding arrangements for local authorities and the NHS are ongoing, and a grant policy for police forces impacted by new large sites, including Wethersfield, has been published. The government currently provides £3,500 to local authorities for new and occupied dispersal beds. This £3,500 funding for local authorities will be extended to the sites at Wethersfield.

Robert Jenrick
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration)
6th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on what date she expects the Wethersfield asylum site to (a) start receiving asylum seekers and (b) cease to be used as asylum accommodation.

The current accommodation system is unsustainable and hugely unfair to taxpayers. We recently set out to the House our plans for a fairer asylum accommodation system. It is not appropriate during a cost of living crisis, that the Home Office should be spending around £6m a day housing asylum seekers in hotels.

For these sites, we will use a phased approach, increasing the number of asylum seekers accommodated at the site over time. We will continue to work closely with key local stakeholders to address their concerns and minimise any potential impacts on the local area. We are nearing go-live date and will continue to provide more details.

Robert Jenrick
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration)
6th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the Wethersfield site being used as asylum accommodation on local services.

The site at Wethersfield is designed to be as self-sufficient as possible, in order to minimise the impact on local communities and services. This includes 24/7 security, on-site catering, basic healthcare and transport provision for those housed on site. The safety and security of the local communities, those resident on the sites and the sites themselves are of the utmost importance. The final funding arrangements will be communicated shortly.

Robert Jenrick
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration)
6th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the annual cost to the public purse of (a) setting up and (b) running the Wethersfield asylum site.

Cost information is prospective and commercially sensitive, and as such is not available to be released.

Robert Jenrick
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration)
6th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what detailed (a) health and (b) security checks and screening processes will be in place before persons are located to the Wethersfield site.

Those arriving in small boats are first taken to facilities in Dover where searches and medical checks are undertaken.

Full border security checks are later completed at Manston before anyone leaves the site. We capture biometric data which is checked and compared against relevant Home Office systems and police databases, including international databases, so we can establish whether the person is a threat to public safety. If they fail, nobody proceeds further.

At Manston, all asylum seekers are offered diphtheria vaccines and antibiotics upon arrival. The Home Office provides 24/7 health facilities at Manston, including trained medical staff and a doctor for all those on site. All asylum seekers undergo a health check upon arrival and, if needed, people are taken to hospital for further care.

A specialist and experienced security provider will be working on site 24/7, with provisions such as mobile CCTV units. We have worked closely with local police forces and MoD teams to ensure appropriate security arrangements are in place.

The Home Office has committed substantial funding to help minimise the impact on local communities and services. This includes 24/7 security, on-site catering, basic healthcare and transport provision for those accommodated on site. The government currently provides £3,500 to local authorities for new and occupied dispersal beds. This £3,500 funding for local authorities will be extended to the sites at Wethersfield. The safety and security of the local communities, the staff and those accommodated on the site are of the utmost importance.

Robert Jenrick
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration)
22nd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress she has made on the introduction of asylum reception centres proposed in the New Plan for Immigration.

Government is steadfastly committed to tackling illegal migration and stopping dangerous small boat crossings. The broken asylum system is costing UK taxpayers over £1.5 billion a year. We continue to develop proposals for asylum accommodation centres which will help reduce our reliance on the use of hotels.

Robert Jenrick
Minister of State (Home Office) (Immigration)
22nd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what progress the Government has made on the introduction of the Protect Duty; and if she will make a statement.

The first duty of the Government is to protect the public, and we are committed to improving the security of public places, to ensure the public can go about their lives freely and with confidence.

The commitment made to the ‘Protect Duty’ in the Queen’s Speech and the 2019 manifesto remains, and we are working hard to bring forward this important piece of legislation as soon as possible.

Tom Tugendhat
Minister of State (Home Office) (Security)
20th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps Veterans UK is taking to support veterans into employment.

Within Veterans UK our Veterans Welfare and Defence Transition Services can facilitate access to the most appropriate sources of assistance for Veterans seeking employment support which may include active referrals to the MOD’s Career Transition Partnership, the Department of Work and Pensions or an appropriate charity provider.

The Career Transition Partnership, which has helped over 300,000 Service leavers make their move into civilian life, provides up to four years of resettlement and employment support to Service personnel, both pre and post discharge.

Andrew Murrison
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
6th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what action he is taking to help support leaseholders to contest charges levied by property management companies.

We are committed to better protecting and empowering leaseholders by giving them more information on the things for which their charges pay. We will legislate to ensure service charges are transparent and communicated effectively, removing barriers to challenge when things go wrong. This will help leaseholders more effectively challenge their landlord if they consider their fees are unreasonable. We are due to bring forward further leasehold reforms later in this Parliament.

6th Jun 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the performance standards of HM Land Registry in providing the service for the registration of land for the first time.

Applications to register land for the first time account for approximately 0.3% of all applications HM Land Registry (HMLR) receives and are one of its most complex application types. HMLR publishes information on GOV.UK about its latest processing times here.

Currently, half of first registration applications are completed in just over 13 months, and almost all are completed in just over 14 months. A small number can take longer, depending on the application details. Any application that is urgent can be expedited free of charge and 95% of these are completed within 10 days.

Improving speed of service is the top priority for HMLR and it is addressing this urgently through a combination of recruitment, training, and automation. It also has specialist teams focussing on the oldest complex cases with a specific goal to reduce the processing times for these applications


Further to the Prime Minister’s written statement of 23 May 2023 (HCWS803) sponsorship of HM Land Registry and its associated bodies has moved to DLUHC. This will aid the delivery of DLUHC’s key policy objectives including improving the home buying and selling process and delivering the land transparency provisions in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.

24th Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will undertake a review of (a) paragraph 202 of the National Planning Policy Framework and (b) associated guidance on planning applications for the replacement of existing windows with uPVC windows in dwellings that are heritage assets due to their being (i) listed buildings and (ii) located in a conservation area; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring decision-makers to consider the impact of the replacement of windows on the (A) environment, (B) carbon footprint of the dwelling, (C) health of the dwelling’s occupants and (D) prevention of mould.

In the Government's British Energy Security Strategy, published earlier this year, we committed to reviewing the practical planning barriers that households can face when installing energy efficiency measures, including in conservation areas and listed buildings. Work on the review is currently underway and I have asked officials to look at a range of issues, including uPVC, to help inform work on this.

Lucy Frazer
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
3rd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) the covid-19 pandemic and (b) global inflation on the delivery of housing sites in England; and whether he has made an assessment of the impact of those factors on the five-year housing supply position of local authorities.

Despite the pandemic, housebuilders were able to deliver over 216,000 homes in England in 2020/21. Nonetheless, the Government made changes to two housing delivery tests, to mitigate disruption caused to housing delivery.

The Government recognises rising materials prices have created a challenging environment for many construction businesses, including in housebuilding, and especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. We continue to work closely with firms in the sector through the Construction Leadership Council Product Availability Group, to monitor product, material availability and mitigate the impact of price increases.

We have committed to publishing our vision for the new National Planning Policy Framework which includes our position on planning for housing.

We have set out our intention to remove the requirement for authorities to maintain a five-year housing land supply, where their plan is up to date. This will curb perceived 'speculative development', so long as plans are kept up to date.

Lucy Frazer
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
3rd Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, if he will undertake a review of his Department's policy on the five year supply of deliverable housing sites to ensure that it takes account of economic factors affecting housebuilding; and if he will provide local planning authorities with more flexibility in the National Planning Policy Framework to protect sites from development where there is an absence of a five year supply of deliverable housing sites.

Despite the pandemic, housebuilders were able to deliver over 216,000 homes in England in 2020/21. Nonetheless, the Government made changes to two housing delivery tests, to mitigate disruption caused to housing delivery.

The Government recognises rising materials prices have created a challenging environment for many construction businesses, including in housebuilding, and especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. We continue to work closely with firms in the sector through the Construction Leadership Council Product Availability Group, to monitor product, material availability and mitigate the impact of price increases.

We have committed to publishing our vision for the new National Planning Policy Framework which includes our position on planning for housing.

We have set out our intention to remove the requirement for authorities to maintain a five-year housing land supply, where their plan is up to date. This will curb perceived 'speculative development', so long as plans are kept up to date.

Lucy Frazer
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
16th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what service standards guidance the probate service has for answering telephone enquiries; and whether he is taking steps to improve the information provided to applicants who contact the probate service by telephone.

The probate service received record levels of applications during 2022 and this has continued to grow with higher levels of receipts during January to June 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Whilst HMCTS has increased resources to meet the higher demand the training and upskilling of those new and existing staff has led to applications taking longer in the short term.

HMCTS are focused on increasing outputs to reduce overall timeliness on all types of applications and the average mean length of time taken for a grant of probate, following receipt of the documents required, is 13 weeks during April to June 2023.

Average waiting times for probate grants are routinely published on gov.uk via Family Court Statistics Quarterly and currently cover the period up to June 2023.

The number of FTEs working in the probate service in each of the last five years is as follows:

March 2019 = 152

March 2020 = 153

March 2021 = 250

March 2022 = 246

March 2023 = 296

We aim to answer telephone enquiries to the probate service within an average of 12 minutes. However, 2022 performance had fallen short of this goal but has since improved in 2023 by 60% to 12 minutes 15 seconds.

To improve telephone response times and the overall experience for applicants, HMCTS have undertaken additional staff training to ensure probate call agents can provide more accurate and helpful information.

To further enhance the information provided during calls, we are expanding our probate contact centre scripts and FAQs to address common queries in a clear and compassionate way.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
16th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many full time equivalent staff worked in the probate service in each of the last five years.

The probate service received record levels of applications during 2022 and this has continued to grow with higher levels of receipts during January to June 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Whilst HMCTS has increased resources to meet the higher demand the training and upskilling of those new and existing staff has led to applications taking longer in the short term.

HMCTS are focused on increasing outputs to reduce overall timeliness on all types of applications and the average mean length of time taken for a grant of probate, following receipt of the documents required, is 13 weeks during April to June 2023.

Average waiting times for probate grants are routinely published on gov.uk via Family Court Statistics Quarterly and currently cover the period up to June 2023.

The number of FTEs working in the probate service in each of the last five years is as follows:

March 2019 = 152

March 2020 = 153

March 2021 = 250

March 2022 = 246

March 2023 = 296

We aim to answer telephone enquiries to the probate service within an average of 12 minutes. However, 2022 performance had fallen short of this goal but has since improved in 2023 by 60% to 12 minutes 15 seconds.

To improve telephone response times and the overall experience for applicants, HMCTS have undertaken additional staff training to ensure probate call agents can provide more accurate and helpful information.

To further enhance the information provided during calls, we are expanding our probate contact centre scripts and FAQs to address common queries in a clear and compassionate way.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
16th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the time taken by the probate service to process applications; and what the average time is to process an application for the latest period in which data is available.

The probate service received record levels of applications during 2022 and this has continued to grow with higher levels of receipts during January to June 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Whilst HMCTS has increased resources to meet the higher demand the training and upskilling of those new and existing staff has led to applications taking longer in the short term.

HMCTS are focused on increasing outputs to reduce overall timeliness on all types of applications and the average mean length of time taken for a grant of probate, following receipt of the documents required, is 13 weeks during April to June 2023.

Average waiting times for probate grants are routinely published on gov.uk via Family Court Statistics Quarterly and currently cover the period up to June 2023.

The number of FTEs working in the probate service in each of the last five years is as follows:

March 2019 = 152

March 2020 = 153

March 2021 = 250

March 2022 = 246

March 2023 = 296

We aim to answer telephone enquiries to the probate service within an average of 12 minutes. However, 2022 performance had fallen short of this goal but has since improved in 2023 by 60% to 12 minutes 15 seconds.

To improve telephone response times and the overall experience for applicants, HMCTS have undertaken additional staff training to ensure probate call agents can provide more accurate and helpful information.

To further enhance the information provided during calls, we are expanding our probate contact centre scripts and FAQs to address common queries in a clear and compassionate way.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
16th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many times errors by the probate service caused delays to the processing of applications in each of the last five years.

The attached table shows the number of complaints about the performance of the probate service in each of the last five years.

HMCTS has significantly increased staffing levels in Probate over the past year to help process applications faster. The training and upskilling of those new and existing staff have led to applications taking longer in the short term.

HMCTS have streamlined internal processes to cut down on administrative delay and reduce processing times. We are continuing to invest in improving digital systems and online filing capabilities so users can track progress more easily.

HMCTS does not collate the management information on how many errors by the probate service caused delays to the processing of applications.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
16th Nov 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many complaints he has received about the performance of the probate service in each of the last five years.

The attached table shows the number of complaints about the performance of the probate service in each of the last five years.

HMCTS has significantly increased staffing levels in Probate over the past year to help process applications faster. The training and upskilling of those new and existing staff have led to applications taking longer in the short term.

HMCTS have streamlined internal processes to cut down on administrative delay and reduce processing times. We are continuing to invest in improving digital systems and online filing capabilities so users can track progress more easily.

HMCTS does not collate the management information on how many errors by the probate service caused delays to the processing of applications.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
23rd Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many FTEs worked in the probate service in each of the last five years.

It has not proved possible to respond to the right hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
23rd Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many times errors by the probate service caused delays to the processing of applications in each of the last five years.

It has not proved possible to respond to the right hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
23rd Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many complaints he has received about the performance of the probate service in each of the last five years.

It has not proved possible to respond to the right hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
23rd Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the time taken by the probate service to process applications; and what the average time is to process an application for the latest period in which data is available.

It has not proved possible to respond to the right hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
18th Oct 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference his oral statement of 16 October 2023 on Prison Capacity, Official Report, columns 59-60, what steps his Department plans to take monitor the reoffending rates of offenders who (a) are released early from custodial sentences and (b) receive non-custodial sentences.

This Government is driving down reoffending by investing in a wide range of rehabilitative interventions to help prison leavers secure accommodation, employment, and substance misuse treatment on release. The overall proven reoffending rate for England and Wales was 24.4% in 2020/21, down from 31.6% in 2010/11.

The Ministry of Justice will continue to publish quarterly proven reoffending rates, including breakdowns by non-custodial sentences. For those moved onto licence conditions before their automatic release point, robust licence conditions will apply in every case, with offenders supervised by probation officers. Breach of these licence conditions can result in recall.

Damian Hinds
Minister of State (Education)
20th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many compensation orders issued in each of the last five years were (a) paid in full, (b) partly paid and (c) unpaid by the offender; and what the total value was in each case.

The information requested could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
20th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many offenders sentenced in each of the last five years have (a) one conviction, (b) two convictions and (c) three or more convictions for a (i) knife related crime, (ii) firearms related crime, (iii) rape and (iv) sexual offences.

For parts (i) and (ii), details on whether an offence was firearms related or knife related may be held on court record but to examine individual court records would be of disproportionate cost.

The below table shows the number of offenders sentenced for any offence type in each of the years 2001 to 2021(1,2), with a) one prior conviction b) two prior convictions c) three or more convictions(2) for previous sexual offences(3) and previous rape(4) offences

Year

Number of offenders

Previous sexual offence convictions

Previous rape offence convictions

1 previous

2 previous

3 or more previous

1 previous

2 previous

3 or more previous

2021

6078

871

379

1171

28

4

2020

5515

779

367

1012

18

3

2019

6677

913

431

1253

28

1

2018

6837

912

464

1309

34

6

2017

7230

1020

490

1359

40

3

2016

7337

1024

497

1336

33

2

2015

7330

948

505

1260

24

3

2014

7153

1000

446

1247

38

4

2013

6952

936

476

1162

45

1

2012

6957

935

479

1142

32

2

2011

7041

960

455

1130

34

3

2010

6999

979

458

1190

29

3

2009

7017

939

472

1193

34

2

2008

6768

1000

517

1177

32

1

2007

6755

1069

519

1134

40

3

2006

6552

1088

525

1124

38

2

2005

6581

1036

522

1056

31

0

2004

6672

1094

565

1091

40

0

2003

6848

1026

530

1083

34

0

2002

6826

992

478

1085

33

1

2001

6667

930

456

1024

30

0

Source: MoJ's extract of the Police National Computer

1) Offenders are counted once in each of the years in which they received a conviction, where the offender was sentenced in multiple years, they will appear more than once in the table

2) Figures for the years 2020 and 2021 will be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

3) Previous convictions are counted based on the number of occasions on which offenders have previously received a conviction for any offences recorded on the Police National Computer, including some offences committed outside of England and Wales. Where there were multiple offences on the same occasion, only the primary offence as recorded on the Police National Computer would be counted.

4) Previous sexual offences will include previous rape offences, therefore the individuals counted in the previous rape convictions column, will also appear in the previous sexual offence columns.

Rape offences include attempted rape.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
20th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many convictions were held by the 30 recorded offenders with the most convictions as of 20 March 2023; and if he will list the offences those individuals have received convictions for.

We do not hold the data requested.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
20th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many offenders have (a) 50 to 100 and (b) 100 or more convictions; and how many were (i) serving a custodial sentence, (ii) on an electronic tag and (iii) in the community as of 20 March 2023.

We do not hold the data requested.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
20th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what estimate his Department has made of the (a) highest, (b) lowest and (c) average value of compensation orders issues in the last five years by offence type in the (i) Magistrates' and (ii) Crown Courts.

The Ministry of Justice has published information on the number and amount of compensation orders issued in courts on a principal and all-disposal basis, by offence type, in the Outcomes by Offence data tool: June 2022.

This information, split by court type, is available in the Magistrates' court data tool: 2021 and the Crown Court data tool: 2021. This information for the calendar year of 2022 is due for publication in May.

Please see the accompanying tables for:

  • Total value of compensation orders issued;
  • The number of defendants issued with a compensation order, by principal sentence outcome and by offence group;
  • The 20 largest compensation orders issued in each of the last 5 years, and the offence this was given as a sentence outcome for; and
  • Minimum and maximum value of compensation orders issued, by court type.

Compensation is presented in these tables on an all-disposal basis; this is where compensation is recorded in the four most severe disposals. Data in these tables relate to the years ending June 2018 to June 2022 in England and Wales.

Figures on total compensation and amount paid, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, are held on HMCTS data systems and presented in Table A2 in Criminal Court Statistics Quarterly: June 2022 publication. These will differ from the court outcomes figures, which record where the compensation was in the four most serious sentences delivered by the court for the defendant.

Figures on the amount of compensation orders issued is published in the HMCTS trust statements for 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021-22.

Courts may impose a compensation order on an offender requiring them to make financial reparation to the victim for any personal injury, loss or damage resulting from the offence. Compensation may be ordered for such amount as the court considers appropriate having regard to any evidence including any representations made by the offender or prosecutor. There is no limit on the value of a single compensation order handed down to an adult offender. However, in determining whether to make a compensation order, and the amount to be paid under such an order, the court must take into account the financial circumstances of the offender. Courts are required to strike a balance between seeking reparation and not imposing debts that are unrealistic or unenforceable.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
20th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many compensation orders were issued for each offence type by (a) magistrate's courts and (b) crown courts in each of the last five years.

The Ministry of Justice has published information on the number and amount of compensation orders issued in courts on a principal and all-disposal basis, by offence type, in the Outcomes by Offence data tool: June 2022.

This information, split by court type, is available in the Magistrates' court data tool: 2021 and the Crown Court data tool: 2021. This information for the calendar year of 2022 is due for publication in May.

Please see the accompanying tables for:

  • Total value of compensation orders issued;
  • The number of defendants issued with a compensation order, by principal sentence outcome and by offence group;
  • The 20 largest compensation orders issued in each of the last 5 years, and the offence this was given as a sentence outcome for; and
  • Minimum and maximum value of compensation orders issued, by court type.

Compensation is presented in these tables on an all-disposal basis; this is where compensation is recorded in the four most severe disposals. Data in these tables relate to the years ending June 2018 to June 2022 in England and Wales.

Figures on total compensation and amount paid, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, are held on HMCTS data systems and presented in Table A2 in Criminal Court Statistics Quarterly: June 2022 publication. These will differ from the court outcomes figures, which record where the compensation was in the four most serious sentences delivered by the court for the defendant.

Figures on the amount of compensation orders issued is published in the HMCTS trust statements for 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021-22.

Courts may impose a compensation order on an offender requiring them to make financial reparation to the victim for any personal injury, loss or damage resulting from the offence. Compensation may be ordered for such amount as the court considers appropriate having regard to any evidence including any representations made by the offender or prosecutor. There is no limit on the value of a single compensation order handed down to an adult offender. However, in determining whether to make a compensation order, and the amount to be paid under such an order, the court must take into account the financial circumstances of the offender. Courts are required to strike a balance between seeking reparation and not imposing debts that are unrealistic or unenforceable.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
20th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the amount was of each of the 20 highest compensation orders issued against offenders in each of the last five years; and to which offence each compensation order was related.

The Ministry of Justice has published information on the number and amount of compensation orders issued in courts on a principal and all-disposal basis, by offence type, in the Outcomes by Offence data tool: June 2022.

This information, split by court type, is available in the Magistrates' court data tool: 2021 and the Crown Court data tool: 2021. This information for the calendar year of 2022 is due for publication in May.

Please see the accompanying tables for:

  • Total value of compensation orders issued;
  • The number of defendants issued with a compensation order, by principal sentence outcome and by offence group;
  • The 20 largest compensation orders issued in each of the last 5 years, and the offence this was given as a sentence outcome for; and
  • Minimum and maximum value of compensation orders issued, by court type.

Compensation is presented in these tables on an all-disposal basis; this is where compensation is recorded in the four most severe disposals. Data in these tables relate to the years ending June 2018 to June 2022 in England and Wales.

Figures on total compensation and amount paid, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, are held on HMCTS data systems and presented in Table A2 in Criminal Court Statistics Quarterly: June 2022 publication. These will differ from the court outcomes figures, which record where the compensation was in the four most serious sentences delivered by the court for the defendant.

Figures on the amount of compensation orders issued is published in the HMCTS trust statements for 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021-22.

Courts may impose a compensation order on an offender requiring them to make financial reparation to the victim for any personal injury, loss or damage resulting from the offence. Compensation may be ordered for such amount as the court considers appropriate having regard to any evidence including any representations made by the offender or prosecutor. There is no limit on the value of a single compensation order handed down to an adult offender. However, in determining whether to make a compensation order, and the amount to be paid under such an order, the court must take into account the financial circumstances of the offender. Courts are required to strike a balance between seeking reparation and not imposing debts that are unrealistic or unenforceable.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
20th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many compensation orders were issued for each (a) offence and (b) sentence type in each of the last five years; and what the total value compensation orders was for each offence type.

The Ministry of Justice has published information on the number and amount of compensation orders issued in courts on a principal and all-disposal basis, by offence type, in the Outcomes by Offence data tool: June 2022.

This information, split by court type, is available in the Magistrates' court data tool: 2021 and the Crown Court data tool: 2021. This information for the calendar year of 2022 is due for publication in May.

Please see the accompanying tables for:

  • Total value of compensation orders issued;
  • The number of defendants issued with a compensation order, by principal sentence outcome and by offence group;
  • The 20 largest compensation orders issued in each of the last 5 years, and the offence this was given as a sentence outcome for; and
  • Minimum and maximum value of compensation orders issued, by court type.

Compensation is presented in these tables on an all-disposal basis; this is where compensation is recorded in the four most severe disposals. Data in these tables relate to the years ending June 2018 to June 2022 in England and Wales.

Figures on total compensation and amount paid, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, are held on HMCTS data systems and presented in Table A2 in Criminal Court Statistics Quarterly: June 2022 publication. These will differ from the court outcomes figures, which record where the compensation was in the four most serious sentences delivered by the court for the defendant.

Figures on the amount of compensation orders issued is published in the HMCTS trust statements for 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021-22.

Courts may impose a compensation order on an offender requiring them to make financial reparation to the victim for any personal injury, loss or damage resulting from the offence. Compensation may be ordered for such amount as the court considers appropriate having regard to any evidence including any representations made by the offender or prosecutor. There is no limit on the value of a single compensation order handed down to an adult offender. However, in determining whether to make a compensation order, and the amount to be paid under such an order, the court must take into account the financial circumstances of the offender. Courts are required to strike a balance between seeking reparation and not imposing debts that are unrealistic or unenforceable.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
20th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many compensation orders were issued in each of the last five years; and what the total value of those compensation orders was.

The Ministry of Justice has published information on the number and amount of compensation orders issued in courts on a principal and all-disposal basis, by offence type, in the Outcomes by Offence data tool: June 2022.

This information, split by court type, is available in the Magistrates' court data tool: 2021 and the Crown Court data tool: 2021. This information for the calendar year of 2022 is due for publication in May.

Please see the accompanying tables for:

  • Total value of compensation orders issued;
  • The number of defendants issued with a compensation order, by principal sentence outcome and by offence group;
  • The 20 largest compensation orders issued in each of the last 5 years, and the offence this was given as a sentence outcome for; and
  • Minimum and maximum value of compensation orders issued, by court type.

Compensation is presented in these tables on an all-disposal basis; this is where compensation is recorded in the four most severe disposals. Data in these tables relate to the years ending June 2018 to June 2022 in England and Wales.

Figures on total compensation and amount paid, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, are held on HMCTS data systems and presented in Table A2 in Criminal Court Statistics Quarterly: June 2022 publication. These will differ from the court outcomes figures, which record where the compensation was in the four most serious sentences delivered by the court for the defendant.

Figures on the amount of compensation orders issued is published in the HMCTS trust statements for 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021-22.

Courts may impose a compensation order on an offender requiring them to make financial reparation to the victim for any personal injury, loss or damage resulting from the offence. Compensation may be ordered for such amount as the court considers appropriate having regard to any evidence including any representations made by the offender or prosecutor. There is no limit on the value of a single compensation order handed down to an adult offender. However, in determining whether to make a compensation order, and the amount to be paid under such an order, the court must take into account the financial circumstances of the offender. Courts are required to strike a balance between seeking reparation and not imposing debts that are unrealistic or unenforceable.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
19th Jan 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans he has to introduce an independent public advocate to support bereaved families.

The Government is committed to supporting bereaved families after public disasters, including their participation in any inquests and inquiries. Proposals to introduce an Independent Public Advocate were the subject of a public consultation in 2018 and we are carefully considering the best way forward in light of the responses received and recent work.

Mike Freer
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
21st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the (a) total value of compensation orders issued by the courts and (b) average compensation order issued by each offence type was in each year since 2015; and what the ten largest compensation orders issued by the courts were in that period.

The Ministry of Justice has published information on total compensation and amount paid, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, which can be found in Table A2 in Criminal Court Statistics Quarterly: June 2022 publication.

Information on the average value of compensation orders, on an all-disposal basis, by offence type, in England and Wales, for year ending December 2015 up to year ending December 2017 is available in the Outcomes by Offence data tool: December 2020 (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 6.04 MB)

and for year ending June 2018 up to year ending June 2022 is available in the Outcomes by Offence data tool: June 2022 (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 83.2 MB).

The ten largest compensation orders issued by the courts between 2015 and June 2022 are listed in the attached spreadsheet.

Courts may impose a compensation order on an offender requiring them to make financial reparation to the victim for any personal injury, loss or damage resulting from the offence. Compensation may be ordered for such amount as the court considers appropriate having regard to any evidence including any representations made by the offender or prosecutor. There is no limit on the value of a single compensation order handed down to an adult offender. However, in determining whether to make a compensation order, and the amount to be paid under such an order, the court must take into account the financial circumstances of the offender.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
21st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will publish the number of compensation orders that have been issued by the courts in each year since 2015 by offence type.

The Ministry of Justice has published information on the number of compensation orders, on a principal and all-disposal basis, by offence type, in England and Wales. For figures for year ending December 2015 up to year ending December 2017 the information is available in Outcomes by Offence data tool: December 2020 (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 6.04 MB) and for figures between year ending June 2018 up to year ending June 2022 the information is available in the Outcomes by Offence data tool: June 2022 (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 83.2 MB). For number of compensation orders issued, on a principal disposal basis (most severe disposal offender received) see the ‘Sentencing Outcomes’ worksheet and for an all-disposal basis see the ‘Compensation’ worksheet.

Courts may impose a compensation order on an offender requiring them to make financial reparation to the victim for any personal injury, loss or damage resulting from the offence. Compensation may be ordered for such amount as the court considers appropriate having regard to any evidence including any representations made by the offender or prosecutor. There is no limit on the value of a single compensation order handed down to an adult offender. However, in determining whether to make a compensation order, and the amount to be paid under such an order, the court must take into account the financial circumstances of the offender.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
21st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

The government-funded Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 (the Scheme) exists to compensate for serious physical or psychological injury attributable to being a direct victim of a crime of violence. It provides an important avenue of redress for such victims and is part of the wider package of general and specialist support available to victims of crime.

In our Victims Strategy published in September 2018, we announced a review of the Scheme. The review examined whether the Scheme remains fit for purpose, reflects the changing nature of violent crime and effectively support victims in their recovery. In 2020, we held a public consultation on proposals to make claiming compensation simpler and more accessible for victims of violent crime. This was followed by a supplementary consultation in summer 2022 on whether the unspent convictions eligibility rule should be revised. Our conclusions will be shared in due course.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
21st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what interim arrangements her Department has put in place to support victims in the absence of a Victims Commissioner.

The campaign to appoint a Victims’ Commissioner concluded in July without an appointment being made. A new campaign is currently underway and we expect to identify a new Victims’ Commissioner in early 2023.

Both officials and ministers meet regularly with the sector (for example, via the Victim and Witness Sector Engagement Group) to ensure that the voices of victims and witnesses continue to be heard.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)
21st Nov 2022
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when the next Victims Commissioner will be appointed; and for what reasons the recruitment process for that role has been delayed.

The campaign to appoint a Victims’ Commissioner concluded in July without an appointment being made. A new campaign is currently underway and we expect to identify a new Victims’ Commissioner in early 2023.

Both officials and ministers meet regularly with the sector (for example, via the Victim and Witness Sector Engagement Group) to ensure that the voices of victims and witnesses continue to be heard.

Edward Argar
Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)