Rachael Maskell Portrait

Rachael Maskell

Labour (Co-op) - York Central

19,154 (44.2%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 7th May 2015


Health and Social Care Committee
4th Jul 2022 - 30th May 2024
Ecclesiastical Committee (Joint Committee)
4th Mar 2020 - 30th May 2024
Tobacco and Vapes Bill
24th Apr 2024 - 14th May 2024
Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill
18th Jan 2023 - 25th Jan 2023
Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill
30th Nov 2022 - 7th Dec 2022
Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill
15th Jun 2022 - 20th Oct 2022
Charities Bill [HL]
19th Jan 2022 - 25th Jan 2022
Charities Bill [HL] Second Reading Committee
12th Jan 2022 - 18th Jan 2022
Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Bill
5th Jan 2022 - 12th Jan 2022
Shadow Minister (Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)
10th Apr 2020 - 14th Dec 2021
Shadow Secretary of State for Employment Rights
7th Jan 2020 - 6th Apr 2020
Shadow Minister (Transport)
3rd Jul 2017 - 7th Jan 2020
Ecclesiastical Committee (Joint Committee)
31st Oct 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Ecclesiastical Committee (Joint Committee)
28th Oct 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
27th Jun 2016 - 1st Feb 2017
Shadow Minister (Defence)
18th Sep 2015 - 27th Jun 2016
Health and Social Care Committee
8th Jul 2015 - 26th Oct 2015


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Rachael Maskell has voted in 154 divisions, and 1 time against the majority of their Party.

29 Nov 2024 - Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - View Vote Context
Rachael Maskell voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 147 Labour No votes vs 234 Labour Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 330 Noes - 275
View All Rachael Maskell Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Lucy Powell (Labour (Co-op))
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
(18 debate interactions)
David Lammy (Labour)
Foreign Secretary
(12 debate interactions)
Wes Streeting (Labour)
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
(10 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department of Health and Social Care
(24 debate contributions)
Department for Work and Pensions
(19 debate contributions)
Department for Education
(14 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Rachael Maskell's debates

York Central 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).

Petition Debates Contributed

I believe joining the EU would boost the economy, increase global influence, improve collaboration and provide stability & freedom. I believe that Brexit hasn't brought any tangible benefit and there is no future prospect of any, that the UK has changed its mind and that this should be recognised.


Latest EDMs signed by Rachael Maskell

8th April 2025
Rachael Maskell signed this EDM as a sponsor on Tuesday 22nd April 2025

75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights

Tabled by: Tom Gordon (Liberal Democrat - Harrogate and Knaresborough)
That this House celebrates the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), signed in 1950, which has been a cornerstone of the Council of Europe and continues to evolve to meet modern human rights challenges; recognises and celebrates the Convention’s role in protecting the rights and fundamental …
20 signatures
(Most recent: 22 Apr 2025)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 18
Green Party: 1
7th April 2025
Rachael Maskell signed this EDM on Tuesday 22nd April 2025

International Day of the Midwife

Tabled by: Simon Opher (Labour - Stroud)
That this House recognises the International Day of the Midwife, on 5 May, along with its theme for 2025, ‘Midwives: critical in every crisis’; expresses its support for midwives in the United Kingdom and around the world for the vital contribution they make in providing care and support to women …
46 signatures
(Most recent: 22 Apr 2025)
Signatures by party:
Labour: 22
Liberal Democrat: 9
Plaid Cymru: 4
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
Independent: 2
Green Party: 2
Conservative: 2
Ulster Unionist Party: 1
Social Democratic & Labour Party: 1
Alliance: 1
Scottish National Party: 1
View All Rachael Maskell's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Rachael Maskell, 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.


Rachael Maskell has not been granted any Urgent Questions

Rachael Maskell has not been granted any Adjournment Debates

7 Bills introduced by Rachael Maskell


A Bill to give local authorities the power to require licences for the conversion of domestic properties into short-term and holiday-let accommodation; to give local authorities the power to issue fines and to remove such licences when safety, noise and nuisance conditions have not been met; to make provision about banning the licensing of such properties in defined geographical areas; to give local authorities the power to vary the rates of local taxes in relation to such properties; to give local authorities the power to restrict the number of days per year for which such properties can be let; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 9th December 2022
(Read Debate)

A Bill to provide for a statutory definition of bullying at work; to make provision relating to bullying at work, including to enable claims relating to workplace bullying to be considered by an employment tribunal; to provide for a Respect at Work Code to set minimum standards for positive and respectful work environments; to give powers to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission to investigate workplaces and organisations where there is evidence of a culture of, or multiple incidents of, bullying and to take enforcement action; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 21st October 2024
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 20th June 2025
Order Paper number: 2
(Likely to be Debated)

A Bill to make provision for the licensing of short-term let accommodation; to make provision about the marketing of short-term let accommodation; to make provision about planning permission in respect of short-term let accommodation; to require the Secretary of State to publish guidance about the management of short-term let accommodation; to make provision about small business rates relief for short-term let accommodation; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 16th October 2024
Next Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 20th June 2025
Order Paper number: 1
(Certain to be Debated)

A Bill to provide for a statutory definition of bullying at work; to make provision relating to bullying at work, including to enable claims relating to workplace bullying to be considered by an employment tribunal; to provide for a Respect at Work Code to set minimum standards for positive and respectful work environments; to give powers to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission to investigate workplaces and organisations where there is evidence of a culture of, or multiple incidents of, bullying and to take enforcement action; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 11th December 2023

A Bill to give the Monarch powers to remove titles; to provide that such removals can be done by the Monarch on their own initiative or following a recommendation of a joint committee of Parliament; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 20th June 2022

A Bill to prevent certain non-statutory payments being made by the Government to former Prime Ministers; to abolish the payment of grants to persons ceasing to hold ministerial offices; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 26th October 2022

A Bill to provide for a statutory definition of bullying at work; to make provision relating to bullying at work, including to enable claims relating to workplace bullying to be considered by an employment tribunal; to provide for a Respect at Work Code to set minimum standards for positive and respectful work environments; to give powers to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission to investigate workplaces and organisations where there is evidence of a culture of, or multiple incidents of, bullying and to take enforcement action; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 11th July 2023
(Read Debate)

Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
25th Jul 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to ensure that the design of the Government Hub in York blends with the rest of the city.

I would be happy to meet with the hon. Member for York Central to discuss the proposed Hub in York Central.

The Hub in York Central is expected to open late 2027/early 2028 although this remains subject to final commercial agreements and progress of the wider site infrastructure and Public Realm. The GPA is working in partnership with Homes England, Network Rail and the development partners McLaren and Arlington Real Estate to ensure the masterplan development programme works for all parties.

In support of the recent successful planning application there has been a significant amount of public consultation. This consultation informed the final design to meet local stakeholder feedback. Including:

Public Consultation 01 (17/11/2022-19/11/2022)

Public Consultation 03 (02/03/2023-04/03/2023)

Public Webinar 01 (22/11/2022)

Public Webinar 02 (08/03/2023)

York Central Design Review Panel (12/12/2022)

For the duration of the design development and leading up to the planning application submission there has been extensive discussions with the planning officers at the City of York Council (CYC) along with the relevant design and technical advisors. This proactive engagement through the pre-application process has included the following meetings:

PreApplication Meeting 01 (08/07/2022) - Massing Discussion

PreApplication Meeting 02 (13/09/2022) - Planning focus

PreApplication Meeting 03 (21/09/2022) - Design Development

PreApplication Meeting 04 (21/10/2022 - Highways and Drainage

PreApplication Meeting 05 (22/11/2022)- Design Development

PreApplication Meeting 06 (07/12/2022) - Heritage Impact

PreApplication Meeting 07 (27/02/2023) - Planning focus

PreApplication Meeting 07 (28/06/2023) - Design and Planning Focus

The above meetings sought to discuss the emerging massing, scale and materiality of the Proposed Development. The team held open conversations regarding design development and heritage impact, and planning officers have been supportive of the proposal. The Proposed Development has been sympathetically designed in line with the York Central Outline Planning Application’s approved parameters and design guidance. The comments and observations of the CYC officers have informed the development of the designs throughout the pre-application process.

The Hub has been designed with York at the forefront of the scheme and has been a

collaborative effort between all partners, including CYC and the York Design Review Panel. In particular, the detailed articulation of the façade design celebrates the railway history of the site and the character of its setting, whilst also considering the views from the station platforms and the city walls. The design has also been endorsed by Heritage England and the York Design Trust.

Key highlights include:

  • Contextual design: Near some of the key historic assets within the City of York such as the City Walls (grade I), the adjacent York Railway Station (grade II*) and the National Rail Museum (grade II). Sustainability and Environmental Considerations: a genuine commitment to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS UK 5* and EPC A.

  • Community Involvement: 2 sessions of public engagement and 2 webinars held.

  • Building Design and Functionality: Innovative, functional well- considered design intended to feel timeless, and dynamic whilst allowing flexible spaces that meet the diverse needs of government departments.

  • Digital Innovation: Façade patterns optimised through rapid climate assessment and development of a new core distances evaluation tool at the feasibility/massing stage.

The Hub will be a multi-occupied building, made up from over 10 different

government departments and agencies, totalling approximately 2,600 FTE. The two

main anchor departments are the Cabinet Office (CO) and DEFRA (Department of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs); both are committed in principle to the

project. CO are expected to recruit in the region of 300 roles into York, some of

which have already been recruited and are based at the existing office at York Kingspool which was part- refurbished in 2024 to ensure a suitable home for Civil Servants prior to the new Government Hub being built. Kingspool already houses circa 1,600 FTE who are all expected to move across to the Hub when ready.

The Hub will also generate a number of roles in facilities management, catering and security.



Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
25th Jul 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many jobs the York Central Government Hub will (a) create in York and (b) transfer into the hub from other sites in York.

I would be happy to meet with the hon. Member for York Central to discuss the proposed Hub in York Central.

The Hub in York Central is expected to open late 2027/early 2028 although this remains subject to final commercial agreements and progress of the wider site infrastructure and Public Realm. The GPA is working in partnership with Homes England, Network Rail and the development partners McLaren and Arlington Real Estate to ensure the masterplan development programme works for all parties.

In support of the recent successful planning application there has been a significant amount of public consultation. This consultation informed the final design to meet local stakeholder feedback. Including:

Public Consultation 01 (17/11/2022-19/11/2022)

Public Consultation 03 (02/03/2023-04/03/2023)

Public Webinar 01 (22/11/2022)

Public Webinar 02 (08/03/2023)

York Central Design Review Panel (12/12/2022)

For the duration of the design development and leading up to the planning application submission there has been extensive discussions with the planning officers at the City of York Council (CYC) along with the relevant design and technical advisors. This proactive engagement through the pre-application process has included the following meetings:

PreApplication Meeting 01 (08/07/2022) - Massing Discussion

PreApplication Meeting 02 (13/09/2022) - Planning focus

PreApplication Meeting 03 (21/09/2022) - Design Development

PreApplication Meeting 04 (21/10/2022 - Highways and Drainage

PreApplication Meeting 05 (22/11/2022)- Design Development

PreApplication Meeting 06 (07/12/2022) - Heritage Impact

PreApplication Meeting 07 (27/02/2023) - Planning focus

PreApplication Meeting 07 (28/06/2023) - Design and Planning Focus

The above meetings sought to discuss the emerging massing, scale and materiality of the Proposed Development. The team held open conversations regarding design development and heritage impact, and planning officers have been supportive of the proposal. The Proposed Development has been sympathetically designed in line with the York Central Outline Planning Application’s approved parameters and design guidance. The comments and observations of the CYC officers have informed the development of the designs throughout the pre-application process.

The Hub has been designed with York at the forefront of the scheme and has been a

collaborative effort between all partners, including CYC and the York Design Review Panel. In particular, the detailed articulation of the façade design celebrates the railway history of the site and the character of its setting, whilst also considering the views from the station platforms and the city walls. The design has also been endorsed by Heritage England and the York Design Trust.

Key highlights include:

  • Contextual design: Near some of the key historic assets within the City of York such as the City Walls (grade I), the adjacent York Railway Station (grade II*) and the National Rail Museum (grade II). Sustainability and Environmental Considerations: a genuine commitment to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS UK 5* and EPC A.

  • Community Involvement: 2 sessions of public engagement and 2 webinars held.

  • Building Design and Functionality: Innovative, functional well- considered design intended to feel timeless, and dynamic whilst allowing flexible spaces that meet the diverse needs of government departments.

  • Digital Innovation: Façade patterns optimised through rapid climate assessment and development of a new core distances evaluation tool at the feasibility/massing stage.

The Hub will be a multi-occupied building, made up from over 10 different

government departments and agencies, totalling approximately 2,600 FTE. The two

main anchor departments are the Cabinet Office (CO) and DEFRA (Department of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs); both are committed in principle to the

project. CO are expected to recruit in the region of 300 roles into York, some of

which have already been recruited and are based at the existing office at York Kingspool which was part- refurbished in 2024 to ensure a suitable home for Civil Servants prior to the new Government Hub being built. Kingspool already houses circa 1,600 FTE who are all expected to move across to the Hub when ready.

The Hub will also generate a number of roles in facilities management, catering and security.



Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
25th Jul 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what consultation process is he undertaking concerning the proposed Government Hub for York Central.

I would be happy to meet with the hon. Member for York Central to discuss the proposed Hub in York Central.

The Hub in York Central is expected to open late 2027/early 2028 although this remains subject to final commercial agreements and progress of the wider site infrastructure and Public Realm. The GPA is working in partnership with Homes England, Network Rail and the development partners McLaren and Arlington Real Estate to ensure the masterplan development programme works for all parties.

In support of the recent successful planning application there has been a significant amount of public consultation. This consultation informed the final design to meet local stakeholder feedback. Including:

Public Consultation 01 (17/11/2022-19/11/2022)

Public Consultation 03 (02/03/2023-04/03/2023)

Public Webinar 01 (22/11/2022)

Public Webinar 02 (08/03/2023)

York Central Design Review Panel (12/12/2022)

For the duration of the design development and leading up to the planning application submission there has been extensive discussions with the planning officers at the City of York Council (CYC) along with the relevant design and technical advisors. This proactive engagement through the pre-application process has included the following meetings:

PreApplication Meeting 01 (08/07/2022) - Massing Discussion

PreApplication Meeting 02 (13/09/2022) - Planning focus

PreApplication Meeting 03 (21/09/2022) - Design Development

PreApplication Meeting 04 (21/10/2022 - Highways and Drainage

PreApplication Meeting 05 (22/11/2022)- Design Development

PreApplication Meeting 06 (07/12/2022) - Heritage Impact

PreApplication Meeting 07 (27/02/2023) - Planning focus

PreApplication Meeting 07 (28/06/2023) - Design and Planning Focus

The above meetings sought to discuss the emerging massing, scale and materiality of the Proposed Development. The team held open conversations regarding design development and heritage impact, and planning officers have been supportive of the proposal. The Proposed Development has been sympathetically designed in line with the York Central Outline Planning Application’s approved parameters and design guidance. The comments and observations of the CYC officers have informed the development of the designs throughout the pre-application process.

The Hub has been designed with York at the forefront of the scheme and has been a

collaborative effort between all partners, including CYC and the York Design Review Panel. In particular, the detailed articulation of the façade design celebrates the railway history of the site and the character of its setting, whilst also considering the views from the station platforms and the city walls. The design has also been endorsed by Heritage England and the York Design Trust.

Key highlights include:

  • Contextual design: Near some of the key historic assets within the City of York such as the City Walls (grade I), the adjacent York Railway Station (grade II*) and the National Rail Museum (grade II). Sustainability and Environmental Considerations: a genuine commitment to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS UK 5* and EPC A.

  • Community Involvement: 2 sessions of public engagement and 2 webinars held.

  • Building Design and Functionality: Innovative, functional well- considered design intended to feel timeless, and dynamic whilst allowing flexible spaces that meet the diverse needs of government departments.

  • Digital Innovation: Façade patterns optimised through rapid climate assessment and development of a new core distances evaluation tool at the feasibility/massing stage.

The Hub will be a multi-occupied building, made up from over 10 different

government departments and agencies, totalling approximately 2,600 FTE. The two

main anchor departments are the Cabinet Office (CO) and DEFRA (Department of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs); both are committed in principle to the

project. CO are expected to recruit in the region of 300 roles into York, some of

which have already been recruited and are based at the existing office at York Kingspool which was part- refurbished in 2024 to ensure a suitable home for Civil Servants prior to the new Government Hub being built. Kingspool already houses circa 1,600 FTE who are all expected to move across to the Hub when ready.

The Hub will also generate a number of roles in facilities management, catering and security.



Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
25th Jul 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his timescale is for the Government Hub in York Central.

I would be happy to meet with the hon. Member for York Central to discuss the proposed Hub in York Central.

The Hub in York Central is expected to open late 2027/early 2028 although this remains subject to final commercial agreements and progress of the wider site infrastructure and Public Realm. The GPA is working in partnership with Homes England, Network Rail and the development partners McLaren and Arlington Real Estate to ensure the masterplan development programme works for all parties.

In support of the recent successful planning application there has been a significant amount of public consultation. This consultation informed the final design to meet local stakeholder feedback. Including:

Public Consultation 01 (17/11/2022-19/11/2022)

Public Consultation 03 (02/03/2023-04/03/2023)

Public Webinar 01 (22/11/2022)

Public Webinar 02 (08/03/2023)

York Central Design Review Panel (12/12/2022)

For the duration of the design development and leading up to the planning application submission there has been extensive discussions with the planning officers at the City of York Council (CYC) along with the relevant design and technical advisors. This proactive engagement through the pre-application process has included the following meetings:

PreApplication Meeting 01 (08/07/2022) - Massing Discussion

PreApplication Meeting 02 (13/09/2022) - Planning focus

PreApplication Meeting 03 (21/09/2022) - Design Development

PreApplication Meeting 04 (21/10/2022 - Highways and Drainage

PreApplication Meeting 05 (22/11/2022)- Design Development

PreApplication Meeting 06 (07/12/2022) - Heritage Impact

PreApplication Meeting 07 (27/02/2023) - Planning focus

PreApplication Meeting 07 (28/06/2023) - Design and Planning Focus

The above meetings sought to discuss the emerging massing, scale and materiality of the Proposed Development. The team held open conversations regarding design development and heritage impact, and planning officers have been supportive of the proposal. The Proposed Development has been sympathetically designed in line with the York Central Outline Planning Application’s approved parameters and design guidance. The comments and observations of the CYC officers have informed the development of the designs throughout the pre-application process.

The Hub has been designed with York at the forefront of the scheme and has been a

collaborative effort between all partners, including CYC and the York Design Review Panel. In particular, the detailed articulation of the façade design celebrates the railway history of the site and the character of its setting, whilst also considering the views from the station platforms and the city walls. The design has also been endorsed by Heritage England and the York Design Trust.

Key highlights include:

  • Contextual design: Near some of the key historic assets within the City of York such as the City Walls (grade I), the adjacent York Railway Station (grade II*) and the National Rail Museum (grade II). Sustainability and Environmental Considerations: a genuine commitment to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS UK 5* and EPC A.

  • Community Involvement: 2 sessions of public engagement and 2 webinars held.

  • Building Design and Functionality: Innovative, functional well- considered design intended to feel timeless, and dynamic whilst allowing flexible spaces that meet the diverse needs of government departments.

  • Digital Innovation: Façade patterns optimised through rapid climate assessment and development of a new core distances evaluation tool at the feasibility/massing stage.

The Hub will be a multi-occupied building, made up from over 10 different

government departments and agencies, totalling approximately 2,600 FTE. The two

main anchor departments are the Cabinet Office (CO) and DEFRA (Department of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs); both are committed in principle to the

project. CO are expected to recruit in the region of 300 roles into York, some of

which have already been recruited and are based at the existing office at York Kingspool which was part- refurbished in 2024 to ensure a suitable home for Civil Servants prior to the new Government Hub being built. Kingspool already houses circa 1,600 FTE who are all expected to move across to the Hub when ready.

The Hub will also generate a number of roles in facilities management, catering and security.



Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
25th Jul 2024
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will meet the hon. Member for York Central to discuss the proposed Government Hub in York Central.

I would be happy to meet with the hon. Member for York Central to discuss the proposed Hub in York Central.

The Hub in York Central is expected to open late 2027/early 2028 although this remains subject to final commercial agreements and progress of the wider site infrastructure and Public Realm. The GPA is working in partnership with Homes England, Network Rail and the development partners McLaren and Arlington Real Estate to ensure the masterplan development programme works for all parties.

In support of the recent successful planning application there has been a significant amount of public consultation. This consultation informed the final design to meet local stakeholder feedback. Including:

Public Consultation 01 (17/11/2022-19/11/2022)

Public Consultation 03 (02/03/2023-04/03/2023)

Public Webinar 01 (22/11/2022)

Public Webinar 02 (08/03/2023)

York Central Design Review Panel (12/12/2022)

For the duration of the design development and leading up to the planning application submission there has been extensive discussions with the planning officers at the City of York Council (CYC) along with the relevant design and technical advisors. This proactive engagement through the pre-application process has included the following meetings:

PreApplication Meeting 01 (08/07/2022) - Massing Discussion

PreApplication Meeting 02 (13/09/2022) - Planning focus

PreApplication Meeting 03 (21/09/2022) - Design Development

PreApplication Meeting 04 (21/10/2022 - Highways and Drainage

PreApplication Meeting 05 (22/11/2022)- Design Development

PreApplication Meeting 06 (07/12/2022) - Heritage Impact

PreApplication Meeting 07 (27/02/2023) - Planning focus

PreApplication Meeting 07 (28/06/2023) - Design and Planning Focus

The above meetings sought to discuss the emerging massing, scale and materiality of the Proposed Development. The team held open conversations regarding design development and heritage impact, and planning officers have been supportive of the proposal. The Proposed Development has been sympathetically designed in line with the York Central Outline Planning Application’s approved parameters and design guidance. The comments and observations of the CYC officers have informed the development of the designs throughout the pre-application process.

The Hub has been designed with York at the forefront of the scheme and has been a

collaborative effort between all partners, including CYC and the York Design Review Panel. In particular, the detailed articulation of the façade design celebrates the railway history of the site and the character of its setting, whilst also considering the views from the station platforms and the city walls. The design has also been endorsed by Heritage England and the York Design Trust.

Key highlights include:

  • Contextual design: Near some of the key historic assets within the City of York such as the City Walls (grade I), the adjacent York Railway Station (grade II*) and the National Rail Museum (grade II). Sustainability and Environmental Considerations: a genuine commitment to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS UK 5* and EPC A.

  • Community Involvement: 2 sessions of public engagement and 2 webinars held.

  • Building Design and Functionality: Innovative, functional well- considered design intended to feel timeless, and dynamic whilst allowing flexible spaces that meet the diverse needs of government departments.

  • Digital Innovation: Façade patterns optimised through rapid climate assessment and development of a new core distances evaluation tool at the feasibility/massing stage.

The Hub will be a multi-occupied building, made up from over 10 different

government departments and agencies, totalling approximately 2,600 FTE. The two

main anchor departments are the Cabinet Office (CO) and DEFRA (Department of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs); both are committed in principle to the

project. CO are expected to recruit in the region of 300 roles into York, some of

which have already been recruited and are based at the existing office at York Kingspool which was part- refurbished in 2024 to ensure a suitable home for Civil Servants prior to the new Government Hub being built. Kingspool already houses circa 1,600 FTE who are all expected to move across to the Hub when ready.

The Hub will also generate a number of roles in facilities management, catering and security.



Georgia Gould
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
22nd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to ensure that the release of Jimmy Lai is a prerequisite to any trade agreement with China.

This Government has no plans to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement with China. This Government will stand firm on issues relating to human rights. My Right Honourable friend the Foreign Secretary raised the case of Jimmy Lai during his recent visit to China from 18-20 October.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
6th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether it is possible to introduce restrictions under the Open General export licensing regime to prevent export of arms to countries deemed at risk of using them for purposes that would violate international humanitarian law without disrupting export to approved recipients.

Open General Licences (OGLs) are pre-published licences that permit the export of specified items to specified destinations, following an online registration. These licences do not have any approved named recipients, however what they permit and to which destinations must be consistent with the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria (SELC). If this assessment changes for either, then the OGL is amended, typically by removing the destination of concern. Removal of a destination from an OGL does not prevent an exporter from applying for a Standard Individual Export Licence – which would be assessed on its own merits against the SELC.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
6th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what capacity his Department has for monitoring the end-user destination of arms exported under the Open General license regime; and what assessment he has made of the compatibility of those licenses with the end-use monitoring obligations of the Export Control Joint Unit.

The scope and terms of Open General Licences (OGLs) are chosen so they are consistent with the SELC. OGLs are typically offered for low risk destinations and low risk items. If our assessment of the risks relating to an OGL changes, then the OGL is amended or revoked. We would expect exporters to apply for a Standard Individual Export Licence where OGLs are not available and we would then be able to make a detailed assessment taking into account the specifics of the application before deciding whether or not to issue a licence.

The UK’s approach is designed to enable a rigorous risk assessment to be carried out before a licence is issued to consider whether goods might be used in a way which is inconsistent with the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria (SELC). The UK does not carry out end-use verification checks overseas after a licence is issued.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
23rd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of including measures to enable targets of bullying at work to take cases to an employment tribunal in the proposed Employment Rights Bill.

This Government is committed to delivering the Plan to Make Work Pay in full and updating Britain's employment protections, so they are fit for our modern economy and the future of work. This includes commitments to support the wellbeing of workers, including their long term physical and mental health, and to ensure employers create and maintain workplaces and working conditions free from harassment. Ministers are identifying the most appropriate delivery mechanisms for the commitments in the Plan, including an Employment Rights Bill that will be introduced to Parliament within 100 days of taking office.

Justin Madders
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
18th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to assess impact of international humanitarian law on arms exports.

The Foreign Secretary met with President Netanyahu in Israel on 14 July and pushed for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the upholding of international law, and a rapid increase of aid into Gaza. When it comes to arms exports, this Government will uphold our international legal obligations, ensuring that international law is fully factored into decisions on arms exports in line with the UK’s Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. The Government will now review the advice available and come to a considered decision. The Government will update Parliament as appropriate once this decision has been made.

Douglas Alexander
Minister of State (Cabinet Office)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will hold discussions with energy producers on the potential merits of using profits to create an energy social tariff.

The Government is committed to supporting those who are struggling to pay their energy bills, including the most vulnerable households. We are continuing to deliver the Warm Home Discount which provides a £150 rebate off energy bills for eligible low-income households. Last month I met with energy suppliers to urge them to do everything they can to support consumers struggling to pay their bills, and to sign up to an ambitious set of commitments to take proactive steps to stop further households from getting into debt.

Tax is a matter for HM Treasury.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, how he determines schedules for insulating homes of pensioners.

Current Government energy efficiency schemes are targeted at low-income consumers and those in the least energy efficient households. Eligibility requirements can be found on gov.uk, www.gov.uk/government/collections/find-energy-grants-for-you-home-help-to-heat.

Through the Warm Homes Plan, we will invest an extra £6.6 billion over the next five years in clean heat and energy efficiency, upgrading five million homes through solutions like low carbon heating and improved insulation. We will set out the full details of our Warm Homes Plan, and the approach to Net Zero Buildings more broadly, after the completion of the Spending Review Process.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
5th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he (a) is having and (b) plans to have discussions with local authorities on steps that can be taken to ensure older people are able to (i) heat their homes and (ii) access other warm spaces.

The Government is committed to supporting those who are struggling to pay their energy bills, including the most vulnerable households. We are continuing to deliver the Warm Home Discount which provides a £150 rebate off energy bills for eligible low-income households.

Last month I met with energy suppliers to urge them to do everything they can to support consumers struggling to pay their bills, and to sign up to an ambitious set of commitments to take proactive steps to stop further households from getting into debt.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make it his policy to ensure that energy companies have a legal responsibility to ensure that homes belonging to people in receipt of the State Pension are (a) warm and (b) damp-free.

Government is supporting households through our Warm Homes Plan, including energy efficiency schemes such as ECO4 and GBIS, which are legal obligations placed on energy suppliers to deliver energy efficiency measures to eligible households, making homes warmer and cheaper to heat.

Whilst State Pension is not an eligible benefit, households may still qualify where a member of the household receives a means-tested benefit, or through the Flexible Eligibility element of both schemes.

I intend to meet regularly with energy suppliers to outline my expectations for the standard of service that should be provided, including supporting vulnerable consumers and those struggling to pay their bills.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to enable people on a prepayment meter to move onto an energy contract.

It is a commercial matter for energy suppliers and their customers to determine which payment method customers should use. Any consumer who wishes to change their payment method or amend their contract should speak to their supplier. It is worth noting that some consumers may choose to have a prepayment meter as it can help them to budget their energy more effectively.

Last year, Ofgem introduced stringent rules for the installation of involuntary prepayment meters, to improve protections for vulnerable consumers. The Government will continue to work with Ofgem to ensure that suppliers only install involuntary prepayment meters as a last resort.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he plans to take to help ensure that people (a) who use a prepayment meter and (b) in fuel poverty are able to heat their homes in Winter 2024-2025.

The Government is committed to supporting households with the cost of energy this winter, and we are continuing to deliver the Warm Home Discount which provides a £150 rebate off energy bills for eligible low-income households.

The setting of prices for customers on a prepayment meter or on a fixed contract is a commercial matter for energy suppliers. The Ofgem price cap for the period 1 October 2024 to 31 December was published in August, and the price cap level for prepayment meter customers is £1,669 compared to the level set for direct debit customers which is £1,717 for an average household.

I have also outlined our expectation to energy suppliers that they should do everything they can to support customers who are struggling with their bills, especially vulnerable consumers. Last month I met with energy suppliers and encouraged them to sign up to the Voluntary Debt Commitment for this winter, and I will work closely with them in the weeks ahead to ensure vulnerable consumers are supported through this winter.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to establish a Fuel Poverty Strategy to end fuel poverty.

The fuel poverty strategy, Sustainable Warmth, was published in 2021 and lays out a plan for how to meet the fuel poverty target.

Given that in 2023 an estimated3.17m households remained in fuel poverty in England, we are conducting a review of the 2021 fuel poverty strategy.

The review, and conclusions with respect to developing an updated fuel poverty strategy, will be published shortly.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to prioritise his Department's housing retrofit programme to target (a) older and (b) disabled people.

The Government's current energy efficiency schemes are targeted at consumers with low incomes and those in the least efficient households in the UK.

Through the Warm Homes Plan, we will invest an extra £6.6 billion over the next five years in clean heat and energy efficiency, upgrading five million homes through solutions like low carbon heating and improved insulation. We will set out the full details of our Warm Homes Plan, and the approach to Net Zero Buildings more broadly, after the completion of the Spending Review Process.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he is taking to support people who cannot afford their energy bills in winter 2024-25.

The Government is continuing to deliver the Warm Home Discount which provides an annual £150 rebate off energy bills for eligible low-income households. We are also extending the Household Support Fund to help struggling households with bills and essential costs this winter.

We expect energy suppliers to do everything they can to support customers who are struggling with bills, especially vulnerable households. This includes providing extra support to customers in debt, or those at risk of falling into debt, by committing to proactive steps to support consumers.

Miatta Fahnbulleh
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
23rd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment has he made of the feasibility of replacing Russian crude oil imported through a third country with renewable and sustainable energy production.

All importers of oil and oil products into the UK must provide proof of origin to demonstrate that goods are not of Russian origin to enforcement authorities. The Government is committed to ensuring that third countries are not used by Russia to evade sanctions and will continue to keep sanctions under review.

The UK will continue to have reliable supplies of fuels from a diverse range of suppliers while we transition to Net-Zero.

Michael Shanks
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
10th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to fund the scale up of research in the life sciences sector.

We are actively supporting the life sciences sector to ensure that businesses investing in research can access the capital they need to scale up in the UK.

Through initiatives like the £400 million VPAG investment programme, we will expand the UK's capacity for commercial clinical trials and manufacturing, enabling research to have the impact that it deserves.

In addition, UKRI's £118m fund will create five new research hubs across the country, from Glasgow to Bristol, to develop new health technologies in partnership with the life sciences sector.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
19th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what plans he has to meet with representatives from BioYorkshire.

I welcome the representations from the University of York setting out the opportunities from BioYorkshire. Science and Technology is key for creating growth and prosperity across the UK. DSIT and UKRI continue to support BioYorkshire to explore opportunities for innovation-led growth in this cluster.

Feryal Clark
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
27th Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the number of teams promoted to from National League into the English Football League.

I recognise the strength of feeling within the National League regarding promotion arrangements to the EFL and understand the desire for greater opportunities for clubs to progress through the football pyramid. The competitiveness and sustainability of the league system are important considerations, and the Government appreciates the views of all stakeholders on this issue.

While promotion and relegation structures are ultimately a matter for the leagues themselves, we remain engaged with the football authorities on broader discussions about the future of the game.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
8th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to help ensure the financial sustainability of charities.

This government recognises the vital role that charities have played in providing, often life-saving work in our society in increasingly difficult circumstances.

DCMS is supporting charities with their financial sustainability in a number of ways. DCMS delivers a number of grant programmes which help voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs), including charities. For example, the £25.5m VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme is supporting frontline organisations across England to improve their energy efficiency and sustainability, through independent energy assessments and capital grants. This funding runs until March 2025.

Support for charities is available through social investment which provides access to grants, repayable finance and a blend of the two. This government is continuing to look at how dormant assets can be used to support the availability of finance to facilitate VCSEs becoming more entrepreneurial and financially resilient. An estimated £350 million will flow into the Dormant Assets Scheme between 2024-28, with details on how this money will be allocated to be provided in due course.

Support is also available through the Contract Readiness Programme, a £900,000 package of support enabling VCSEs in England to better compete for government contracts. The programme provides fully funded training for VCSEs interested in bidding for public contracts. This aims to create more opportunities for VCSEs to secure contracts, helping to diversify their income and increase their sustainability. Since launch, over 850 VCSEs have benefitted from the programme. This programme will run until March 2025.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
8th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will have discussions with representatives of charities on the funding of organisations that provide clubs for the elderly.

This government recognises the vital role that charities play up and down the country, providing crucial support to different groups across society, including the elderly.

DCMS is supporting charities with their financial sustainability in a number of ways including delivering grants, growing the social investment market and supporting their ability to bid for contracts.

Since I was appointed to my role I have not yet had discussions with representatives for clubs for the elderly. However this new government is keen to reset the relationship with civil society, and I would welcome the opportunity to engage and discuss with them.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
8th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether she (a) has had and (b) plans to have discussions with representatives of clubs for the elderly that are closing in autumn 2024 on their (i) financial situation and (ii) role in providing warm spaces for the elderly.

This government recognises the vital role that charities play up and down the country, providing crucial support to different groups across society, including the elderly.

DCMS is supporting charities with their financial sustainability in a number of ways including delivering grants, growing the social investment market and supporting their ability to bid for contracts.

Since I was appointed to my role I have not yet had discussions with representatives for clubs for the elderly. However this new government is keen to reset the relationship with civil society, and I would welcome the opportunity to engage and discuss with them.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
7th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what progress she has made in establishing a network of youth hubs; and what steps she is taking to support existing youth provision to work with youth hubs.

This Government is committed to giving all young people the chance to reach their full potential and we recognise the importance of early intervention to ensure young people can live safe and healthy lives.

Fundamental to this is the delivery of the Young Futures Programme which will work to identify young people most at risk of being drawn into crime and other poor outcomes and create a network of Young Futures Hubs in communities across the country. We will work closely across government, with external partners and young people, to design and develop the proposals for Young Futures Hubs, in a cohesive and integrated way, ensuring they meet young people’s needs and build on existing provision and expertise. We will share more information in due course.

More broadly, this government recognises the vital role that youth services and activities play in improving young people’s life chances and wellbeing. As set out in section 507B of the Education Act 1996, local authorities have a statutory duty to secure, so far as is reasonably practicable, sufficient provision of educational and recreational leisure-time activities for young people in their area. This is funded through the Local Government Settlement which amounts to over £60 billion this year.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
25th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the Minister for the Cabinet Office and the Secretary of State for the Home Department on (a) tours in European Union countries by UK musicians and (b) tours in the UK by musicians and artists from European Union countries.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is committed to working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Home Office, Cabinet Office and other relevant Whitehall departments to address key issues for our outstanding world-class musicians and performing artists on areas such as visas and the movement of goods.

We seek to reset the relationship with our European friends, neighbours and allies. We recognise that strengthening the relationship will take time, but this Government is ambitious and wants to move forward as fast as possible, in line with our clear manifesto priorities in relation to the creative and cultural sectors.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
23rd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of the introduction of a tourism tax.

We have no plans to introduce a tourism tax.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
23rd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will take steps to introduce a licensing scheme for short term holiday lets.

Short-term lets are an integral part of the UK’s visitor accommodation offer. The government is clear that they bring a range of benefits to local and national economies.

The government also recognises that communities in tourism destinations, particularly coastal and rural communities, must be able to benefit from thriving tourism but ensure the spirit of their community is preserved when holiday season ends.

Parliament legislated for a registration scheme for short-term lets in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. The government is continuing to explore the introduction of such a scheme, which is now a statutory requirement.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
23rd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete being present on heritage buildings that serve as (a) museums and (b) galleries; and if she will take steps to support their restoration.

Individual building owners are responsible for health and safety, including responding to safety alerts such as reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). DCMS is in regular contact with museum and gallery sector bodies, who have consulted their members and report that RAAC is not a widespread issue.

The department funds the Museum Estate and Development Fund through Arts Council England. The Fund makes substantial grants of up to £5 million to support infrastructure works and repairs, and RAAC mitigation works are eligible. DCMS Arm’s Length Bodies also provide a variety of Capital funds, resilience grant schemes, and expert buildings advice to the museums sector.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
23rd Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she plans to take to help support locations that are on the tentative list for designation as a world heritage site.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is actively engaging with all the sites on the UK's Tentative List, which includes regular check-in meetings and the provision of specific guidance on both UK Government and UNESCO processes for nominations.

Chris Bryant
Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
31st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the availability of information on future funding for the adoption and special guardianship support fund on (a) therapy providers (b) levels of redundancies of therapists that specialise in supporting (i) adopted children and (ii) children in special guardianship and (iii) their families.

Following an announcement on 1 April, the department is delighted to announce that £50 million has been allocated to the adoption and special guardianship support fund (ASGSF) for the 2025/26 financial year.

No applications to the ASGSF made before 31 March 2025 have been rejected because no announcement had been made. Any applications which requested funding from April 2025 have either been returned for possible re-submission or held on the system.

Transitional funding arrangements for 2025/26 were communicated to all local authorities and regional adoption agencies on 11 April 2024 and reiterated on 25 October 2024. This meant that we could accept applications which started in the 2024/25 financial year and continued into the 2025/26 financial year. However, they could not begin in the 2025/26 financial year.

The department very much values the work of providers of therapy and recognises that this has been a challenging period. We hope the announcement will help providers, families and children prepare for the year ahead. We will provide additional details for the 2025/26 financial year shortly.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
31st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance her Department issued to local authorities on the rules for applications to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund to be carried over into the 2025 financial year.

Following an announcement on 1 April, the department is delighted to announce that £50 million has been allocated to the adoption and special guardianship support fund (ASGSF) for the 2025/26 financial year.

No applications to the ASGSF made before 31 March 2025 have been rejected because no announcement had been made. Any applications which requested funding from April 2025 have either been returned for possible re-submission or held on the system.

Transitional funding arrangements for 2025/26 were communicated to all local authorities and regional adoption agencies on 11 April 2024 and reiterated on 25 October 2024. This meant that we could accept applications which started in the 2024/25 financial year and continued into the 2025/26 financial year. However, they could not begin in the 2025/26 financial year.

The department very much values the work of providers of therapy and recognises that this has been a challenging period. We hope the announcement will help providers, families and children prepare for the year ahead. We will provide additional details for the 2025/26 financial year shortly.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
31st Mar 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many applications made to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund before March 31st 2025 were rejected on the basis that no future funding announcement had been made.

Following an announcement on 1 April, the department is delighted to announce that £50 million has been allocated to the adoption and special guardianship support fund (ASGSF) for the 2025/26 financial year.

No applications to the ASGSF made before 31 March 2025 have been rejected because no announcement had been made. Any applications which requested funding from April 2025 have either been returned for possible re-submission or held on the system.

Transitional funding arrangements for 2025/26 were communicated to all local authorities and regional adoption agencies on 11 April 2024 and reiterated on 25 October 2024. This meant that we could accept applications which started in the 2024/25 financial year and continued into the 2025/26 financial year. However, they could not begin in the 2025/26 financial year.

The department very much values the work of providers of therapy and recognises that this has been a challenging period. We hope the announcement will help providers, families and children prepare for the year ahead. We will provide additional details for the 2025/26 financial year shortly.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
26th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment has she made of the contribution of the Holidays and Activities Fund (a) nationally and (b) in York.

Since 2022, the department has invested over £200 million each year in free holiday club places for children from low-income families, through the holiday activities and food (HAF) programme, with all 153 local authorities in England delivering during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.

The HAF programme supports disadvantaged children and their families with enriching activities, providing them with healthy food, helping them to learn new things and improving socialisation.

Since 2022, the HAF programme has provided 15.6 million HAF days to children and young people in this country. Across the 2023/24 academic year, almost five million HAF days were provided during winter, Easter, and summer delivery.

Over summer 2024, local authorities reported that over 628,000 children and young people attended the HAF programme. Of these participating children, over 511,000 were funded directly by the HAF programme and over 433,000 were receiving benefits-related free school meals (FSM). The reports showed that over 9,700 clubs, events or organised activities operated across the country over the summer.

Over Easter 2024, local authorities reported that over 377,000 children attended the programme, of which over 324,000 were funded directly by the HAF programme and over 276,000 were receiving benefits-related FSM.

Based on reporting data published on York local authority’s website, over 4,700 children attended the programme during HAF delivery periods in 2023. New data that will include numbers for Easter, summer and Christmas 2024 should be published by the local authority later this year.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
26th Feb 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to provide continuity of the Holdiay and Activities Fund after 31 March 2025.

The government announced over £200 million funding for the holiday activities and food (HAF) programme for 2025/26, as part of the 2024 spending review and set out in the Autumn Budget 2024. The future of the HAF programme beyond 31 March 2026 is subject to the next governmental spending review, which is due to take place later this year.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
23rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of making the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund permanent.

The department will shortly be finalising business planning decisions on how its budget will be allocated for the next financial year. All decisions regarding the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) are being made as part of these discussions. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.

ASGSF therapy applications are generally permitted to extend up to 12 months, allowing children and families to receive continuing therapy across financial years.

All future funding decisions will be considered as part of the next Spending Review.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
23rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to support families that are seeking therapeutic support via the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund beyond financial year 2025-26.

The department will shortly be finalising business planning decisions on how its budget will be allocated for the next financial year. All decisions regarding the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) are being made as part of these discussions. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.

ASGSF therapy applications are generally permitted to extend up to 12 months, allowing children and families to receive continuing therapy across financial years.

All future funding decisions will be considered as part of the next Spending Review.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
23rd Jan 2025
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what her planned timetable is for announcing funding for the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund for financial year 2025-26.

The department will shortly be finalising business planning decisions on how its budget will be allocated for the next financial year. All decisions regarding the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) are being made as part of these discussions. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.

ASGSF therapy applications are generally permitted to extend up to 12 months, allowing children and families to receive continuing therapy across financial years.

All future funding decisions will be considered as part of the next Spending Review.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
16th Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to legislate for (a) a ban on the physical chastisement of children and (b) penalties for people who do so.

This government does not condone violence or abuse of children. There are laws in place to protect children against this.

Crown Prosecution Service guidance is clear that only the mildest form of physical punishment can be used to justify discipline. Where a defence is unsuccessful, the usual sentencing powers for charges of assault and/or battery would be available for courts to consider.

The department is looking closely at changes in Wales and Scotland but has no plans to legislate at this stage.

We recognise that parents have different views and approaches to disciplining their children and that we need to consider all those voices, including those that might be disproportionally affected by the removal of the defence, as well as the voice of the child and trusted stakeholders in making any decisions.

The government encourages the use of evidence-based parenting programmes. Many such programmes address the issue of managing children’s behaviour and promote positive parenting. This does not include the use of physical punishment. Family support might be available at Family Hubs to help parents with positive parenting and discipline and details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/find-family-hub-local-area.

Stephen Morgan
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
9th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the therapeutic modalities available within the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund.

Funding for Children’s Social Care, which includes the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF), is being considered as part of the current spending review.

The department has been making a range of changes to improve the timeliness of the ASGSF application process. For example, we will be streamlining the online application process to reduce administration for local authorities and regional adoption agencies (RAAs), and have already changed systems to ensure that application outcomes are delivered more swiftly. We have also introduced a direct communication link with therapy providers to give early updates on any changes and advice on submitting applications.

These changes should help to reduce delays within local authorities and RAAs before applications are received. The additional support to providers, with better sharing of information about the ASGSF, should also help families to receive support more quickly.

One of the main aims of the ASGSF is to support families whose adoption or special guardianship order is at risk of breakdown, with children being at risk of being returned to care, without the specialist therapy linked to trauma and attachment we fund. For this reason, all funding for the ASGSF can be considered crisis funding, and efforts are made to get that support to those in need as soon as possible. The adequacy of the therapies available within the ASGSF is currently being assessed from multiple angles. The National Institute for Health Research is currently conducting a randomised control trial into Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP). This research is currently in the third and final phase and will give robust evidence into the effectiveness of DDP. Moreover, the collection of data from Outcomes Measurement Tools for ASGSF-funded therapies began in December 2023. This data will give an overall picture of the impact and adequacy of ASGSF-funded therapies.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
9th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of ringfenced crisis funding within the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund to enable families facing an urgent crisis to access therapeutic interventions more quickly.

Funding for Children’s Social Care, which includes the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF), is being considered as part of the current spending review.

The department has been making a range of changes to improve the timeliness of the ASGSF application process. For example, we will be streamlining the online application process to reduce administration for local authorities and regional adoption agencies (RAAs), and have already changed systems to ensure that application outcomes are delivered more swiftly. We have also introduced a direct communication link with therapy providers to give early updates on any changes and advice on submitting applications.

These changes should help to reduce delays within local authorities and RAAs before applications are received. The additional support to providers, with better sharing of information about the ASGSF, should also help families to receive support more quickly.

One of the main aims of the ASGSF is to support families whose adoption or special guardianship order is at risk of breakdown, with children being at risk of being returned to care, without the specialist therapy linked to trauma and attachment we fund. For this reason, all funding for the ASGSF can be considered crisis funding, and efforts are made to get that support to those in need as soon as possible. The adequacy of the therapies available within the ASGSF is currently being assessed from multiple angles. The National Institute for Health Research is currently conducting a randomised control trial into Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP). This research is currently in the third and final phase and will give robust evidence into the effectiveness of DDP. Moreover, the collection of data from Outcomes Measurement Tools for ASGSF-funded therapies began in December 2023. This data will give an overall picture of the impact and adequacy of ASGSF-funded therapies.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
9th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of adequacy of the time it takes families to receive therapeutic support through the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund.

Funding for Children’s Social Care, which includes the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF), is being considered as part of the current spending review.

The department has been making a range of changes to improve the timeliness of the ASGSF application process. For example, we will be streamlining the online application process to reduce administration for local authorities and regional adoption agencies (RAAs), and have already changed systems to ensure that application outcomes are delivered more swiftly. We have also introduced a direct communication link with therapy providers to give early updates on any changes and advice on submitting applications.

These changes should help to reduce delays within local authorities and RAAs before applications are received. The additional support to providers, with better sharing of information about the ASGSF, should also help families to receive support more quickly.

One of the main aims of the ASGSF is to support families whose adoption or special guardianship order is at risk of breakdown, with children being at risk of being returned to care, without the specialist therapy linked to trauma and attachment we fund. For this reason, all funding for the ASGSF can be considered crisis funding, and efforts are made to get that support to those in need as soon as possible. The adequacy of the therapies available within the ASGSF is currently being assessed from multiple angles. The National Institute for Health Research is currently conducting a randomised control trial into Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP). This research is currently in the third and final phase and will give robust evidence into the effectiveness of DDP. Moreover, the collection of data from Outcomes Measurement Tools for ASGSF-funded therapies began in December 2023. This data will give an overall picture of the impact and adequacy of ASGSF-funded therapies.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
9th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to reduce delays in families accessing therapeutic support through the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund.

Funding for Children’s Social Care, which includes the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF), is being considered as part of the current spending review.

The department has been making a range of changes to improve the timeliness of the ASGSF application process. For example, we will be streamlining the online application process to reduce administration for local authorities and regional adoption agencies (RAAs), and have already changed systems to ensure that application outcomes are delivered more swiftly. We have also introduced a direct communication link with therapy providers to give early updates on any changes and advice on submitting applications.

These changes should help to reduce delays within local authorities and RAAs before applications are received. The additional support to providers, with better sharing of information about the ASGSF, should also help families to receive support more quickly.

One of the main aims of the ASGSF is to support families whose adoption or special guardianship order is at risk of breakdown, with children being at risk of being returned to care, without the specialist therapy linked to trauma and attachment we fund. For this reason, all funding for the ASGSF can be considered crisis funding, and efforts are made to get that support to those in need as soon as possible. The adequacy of the therapies available within the ASGSF is currently being assessed from multiple angles. The National Institute for Health Research is currently conducting a randomised control trial into Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP). This research is currently in the third and final phase and will give robust evidence into the effectiveness of DDP. Moreover, the collection of data from Outcomes Measurement Tools for ASGSF-funded therapies began in December 2023. This data will give an overall picture of the impact and adequacy of ASGSF-funded therapies.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)
9th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of potential merits of the recommendation in the report entitled the Adoption Barometer, published by Adoption UK in May 2024, that the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund be made permanent.

Funding for Children’s Social Care, which includes the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF), is being considered as part of the current spending review.

The department has been making a range of changes to improve the timeliness of the ASGSF application process. For example, we will be streamlining the online application process to reduce administration for local authorities and regional adoption agencies (RAAs), and have already changed systems to ensure that application outcomes are delivered more swiftly. We have also introduced a direct communication link with therapy providers to give early updates on any changes and advice on submitting applications.

These changes should help to reduce delays within local authorities and RAAs before applications are received. The additional support to providers, with better sharing of information about the ASGSF, should also help families to receive support more quickly.

One of the main aims of the ASGSF is to support families whose adoption or special guardianship order is at risk of breakdown, with children being at risk of being returned to care, without the specialist therapy linked to trauma and attachment we fund. For this reason, all funding for the ASGSF can be considered crisis funding, and efforts are made to get that support to those in need as soon as possible. The adequacy of the therapies available within the ASGSF is currently being assessed from multiple angles. The National Institute for Health Research is currently conducting a randomised control trial into Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP). This research is currently in the third and final phase and will give robust evidence into the effectiveness of DDP. Moreover, the collection of data from Outcomes Measurement Tools for ASGSF-funded therapies began in December 2023. This data will give an overall picture of the impact and adequacy of ASGSF-funded therapies.

Janet Daby
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)